Spring/ Summer Competition Results
Once again there is a full list of competitions for members to enjoy this summer. As well as the traditional monthly medals and stablefords members can compete in the Rabbit Cup, Hickory Championship, Texas Scramble, Singles Match Play, the Ash Valley Open, Captain/Club Day, Family day, Club Championship and the Ash Valley Masters to name but a few. The popular Summer Eclectic will provide some interest throughout the summer and members will have the chance to challenge the Professional and Captain to a match as part of the Clubs efforts to raise funds for the Air Ambulance Charity. All in all it promises to be a wonderful year.
The New Season began with the Captain’s Drive-In Medal. On a clear and blustery morning competitors set off with the hope that the new season always brings. Kevin Tomkins continued his good form with an easy four stroke victory. In the following Thursday’s Midweek Medal Roger Woods emerged the victor by a five shot margin. Next everyone’s attention turned towards the final of the Better Ball Match Play Trophy which would be contested by Vice-Captain James O’Sullivan and his partner John Procter against John Dixon and Brian Stenson. The early exchanges were best described as “cagey” with nothing much to separate either pair. It looked like the match would go all the way, and so it did with Dixon and Stenson holding a 1-up advantage on the 18th tee. As the players approached the green O’Sullivan and Procter still had hopes of taking the match into extra holes. That was until John Dixon inflicted the killer blow by chipping in for a four and a 2-up victory. Upon reflection it was probably the right result but it’s amazing just how often your opponent will hole out from off the green when playing match play.
John Dixon, boosted by his victory the previous week, played well enough in the first round of the Stableford Cup but this time had to make do with runners-up spot thanks to some steady play by eventual winner Brian Purton. In the April Midweek Stableford Alan Smith narrowly edged Steve Monks into second place after both players tied on the same score. The Rabbit Cup, always played on the last Saturday in April, once again proved popular with members off a handicap of 20 or more. At the close of play two players were tied at the top of the leader board. After a vigorous checking of each players card the trophy was awarded to Ian Clibbon with Dave White being the unlucky runner-up.
May began with the Midweek Medal in which Brian Stenson won after a count-back with Club Captain Graham Jackson. John Dixon showed everyone that he would be a real force this year by winning the Monthly Medal by three shots against a strong field A few days later James O’Sullivan knocked Malcolm Rosborough into second spot by a single point in the Midweek Stableford. Finishing second by just a point can be extremely frustrating but in consecutive competitions it must be maddening. This was the fate that Rosborough had to endure after Karl Brown stole victory away from him in the second round of this year’s Stableford Cup. The Irishman’s disappointment didn’t last for long however and with his usual good cheer he was the first at the bar buying a round!
As part of the ongoing efforts to raise funds for the Air Ambulance the Club held this year’s Hickory Championship on the Little Links course for the first time. Our thanks must go to Mr David Rose of Hickory Golf Days UK for kindly donating all the hickory equipment and for his help in making the day a great success. The first prize of a handmade replica putter was donated by Club member Roger Woods and Clubhouse Manager Toby Newman toiled day and night to produce a stunning trophy for which everyone was truly grateful. A full report of the days events is available on the website.
The second month of the season came to a close with the much loved Texas Scramble competition. The three man team event always creates a lot of interest and much fun was had by all that took part. Club Captain Graham presented Vice-Captain James and his team with the runners-up prizes before awarding himself and playing partners, John Dixon and Brian Stenson, with the winner’s trophy.
As June approaches there is still much to play for and get excited about. Don’t forget to enter the Singles Match Play qualifier at the start of the month and also the Ash Valley Open at the end. Keep working hard on your games and good luck to you all.
