Hillman Trophy

Unfortunately our Hillman Trophy team failed in our quest for glory at the hands of Wexham Park by 5 games to 2. Home advantage is more often than not decisive in these games and Saturday's game was no exception. Nigel Huszarick and Ian Folwell both won matches but the rest of us, like Sir Alex's braves, were put to the sword by an unrelenting opposition. Not much you can do when your opponent shoots one under par for the round off ten handicap! Handicapping issues are obviously universal. Nonetheless, we will regroup and try again next year. Thanks to all who gave of their time to play and represent the club with dignity, and to those who showed an interest in our performance.
Jon Miller.

This week's roll up was won by Jeremy Twaits in a curtailed event due to the course not being fully open to members. Due to club competitions the next roll up will be at the end of JUNE.

Scratch Team vs Weybrook Park

Another disappointing 7-0 defeat at the hands of a very talented Weybrook Park team at Sonning yesterday.
Most of our players are not performing to their ability with Ian and Max losing 4 down, Curtis and Conor 9 down and the last match saw Tony and Lloyd three putt the last 2 greens to lose 1 down.

Chris Moore.

Seniors Pro-Am

Ten teams took part in the Seniors Pro-Am on Wednesday. The best 2 nett scores out of 3 counted with the men playing from slightly modified white tees and amateurs playing off 3/4 handicap. The NRGC pro's (Nick Mitchell, Steve Mitchell, Dan Seymour, Nigel Hart and Tim Butler) were joined by Matt Briggs and Mike Williams from the Seniors Tour, Richard Campbell from West Berks, Scott Nightingale and Lloyd Childs. Unfortunately, John Hoskison could not take part due to injury.

There were some really good scores on the day and the winning team of Nick Mitchell, Tom Wallin, Judy Willson and Raymond Bilton scored a superb 124. Runners-up were Scott Nightingale, Derrick Perrin, Jim Green and Brian Bailey who just edged out Matt Briggs, Sam Whiting, Liz Evans and Jan Hinks on count-back after both scored 129.
Nearest the pin on the 14th went to Derrick Perrin, while Jim Green and Linda Vale took the men's and ladies longest drive prizes on the 18th.

For the professionals, West Berkshire's Richard Campbell won with a gross 66 one shot ahead of Dan Seymour. Third place went to Nigel Hart with a gross 68.

Thursday Evening League - Week 3

In strong gusty winds and occasional squally showers, week 3 of TEL was completed yesterday. The conditions were not condusive to good scoring, but there were still some players who managed good scores. Max Nicholls returned 21 points for the Puurre team, but top individual score was John McCartney from Easily Second with 22 points. The winning team on the night was Easily Second, followed by Puurre with Rec Soc in third. League leaders are Captain's Eleven and Easily Second both tied on 30 points, but there are still plenty of weeks left.
Full details - click here.

May 9-Hole Stableford

The second of this year's experimental 9-hole Stableford qualifiers was played this evening using the front nine holes.
This month's clear winner was the only lady entrant Cilla Osgood with a very creditable 23 points. The runners-up spot was decided on countback with John Graham just edging Brian Matthews after both carded 18 points each.
Full result - click here.

Scratch Team vs Sandmartins

Another very close contest at Reading against the League leaders (Sandmartins) who have yet to lose any individual game. At one stage we were up in two games but a few vital mistakes and a chip in late on meant that we lost all three. Tony and Lloyd 1dn, Charlie and Conor 2dn and Ian and George 3dn ... very disappointing!!

Chris Moore.

NRGC vs Hennerton

The men's match away at Hennerton was narrowly lost by three and a half matches to two and a half. Despite vice captain Jon Miller and Jeremy Twaits leading the way with an emphatic 7 and 5 win, the rest of the team failed to master the windy conditions (we're just not used to wind are we?) and only Carl McCartney and Dean Butler managed to secure a full point, with Ian Folwell and Bob Stevenson getting a half thanks to Bob's last green putt.
Thanks to last minute replacements Jim Purvis and Jake Chambers for supporting us in what everyone seemed to agree was a very enjoyable day out. Next match is at home to Theale on Sunday June 19th and the selection list will go up soon.
Jon Miller.

There will be a men's roll up on Sunday 29th - hopefully now that our recent run of club matches are over we'll be fully supported! However, due to club competitions, there will not be any tees booked on the following two weeks.

Juniors vs Hartley Wintney

The juniors travelled to Hartley Wintney today to play a very experienced team of all single figure players. Our team put up a great show and were unlucky to lose 3 1/2 to 2 1/2.

Max Nicholls lost on the last green after being 4 down, Danny Glover was 3 down and fought back to win on the last and Luke Bannister grabbed a half by winning the last. Our 2 young guns, Dan Green and George Baker, battled bravely with Dan losing 3/2 but George gaining his second victory 3/2. The only major disappointment was the out of form Jack Unsworth who suffered a heavy defeat.

Again my appreciation and thanks to Fay Unsworth, John Hoskison and Tony Glover for your support. There is fantastic promise for the future.
Full result - click here.

Chris Moore.

Bader Cup

Yet more great weather for the Bader Cup which was played today. This is a national mixed greensomes Stableford event played off half combined handicap from the white and red tees with the winners earning a place at the regional finals.

Since this event has been played, the scoring has always been very good and today was no different ... in fact even better!! The winners this year were Russell Bowers and Jan Hinks with a superb score of 47 points. Two points behind were runners-up Jeremy Twaits and Cilla Osgood. 43 points was only good enough for third place and the pairing of Jim Purvis and Maria Tillett just pipped Andrew Buchanan and Lesley Cratchley on count-back.

Full result - click here.

May Weekday Stableford

Twelve players (8 men and 4 ladies) played in the May Weekday Stableford this week. It turned out to be a double for Dave Warwick who added to last months win with another this month scoring 39 points. The runners-up spot was decided on count-back with Louise Knight just edging out Roy Whiting and Lloyd Childs after all three had returned 38 points.

Full result - click here.

Seniors vs Ampfield

The Seniors Team led by Seniors Captain Tom Wallin, secured their first away win of the season in style at Ampfield Golf Club last Thursday. They won 3 1/2 to 2 1/2, with victories going to Rob Seaton/Alan Pearce; Brian Bailey/Gerry Eatwell; Malcolm Bonner/Bob Stevenson. Tom and Chris Moore halved their match. According to all reports Ampfield "do not lose their home matches", which made the win even more special.

Thursday Evening League - Week 2

On a perfect evening for golf and the course in superb condition, the scoring this evening was, as expected, excellent. The Captain's Eleven once again took the honours for the second week running to set the early pace. Second were Rec Soc closely followed by Easily Second.

With no less than 31 players scoring 18 points or better, the individual prize was won this week by John Swallow with a fantastic 27 points (a new TEL record).

Full details - click here.

Clubhouse Newsletter

CLUBHOUSE NEWSLETTER

JUNE - JULY 2011 ~ Issue 12

Click here to view

Juniors vs Weybrook Park

Another good performance for the juniors registering their second home win of the season with a 4 1/2 to 1 1/2 defeat of Weybrook Park. I believe that the policy of working with the younger players is beginning to show promise for the future. Also the great support from John Hoskison giving a clinic and advice before the match helps to give confidence to the team.
Full result - click here.

Chris Moore.

NRGC vs Donnington Valley

Unfortunately, the men lost our club match at Donnington Valley today by 5 matches to 1. Our sole victory came from Jimmy Green and Mark Richardson by 3&2. However, a couple of matches were only lost by a single hole so with a bit of luck things might have been a little closer. Well done to Aubrey Phillips and Jake Chambers playing in their first club match and acquitting themselves very well by all accounts. Next week we travel to Hennerton where we hope to do better.

Sorry no roll up report this week, numbers were obviously affected by the match so thank you to those who did play and kept it going . Hopefully we'll be back with a bang in two weeks time , the 29th.

Jon Miller.

Thursday Evening League

The ever popular Thursday Evening League competition started last Thursday with ten teams of eight players competing for the prizes over the next fourteen weeks. The first evening saw a good field of 73 players tee it up in this 9-hole Stableford event out of a possible 80. On weeks 2-13 four players from each team will compete and each player must play at least four times.

The weather on the first evening was bright and sunny but with a stiff breeze testing the players. But, as usual, the scoring was very competitive. Dan Seymour carded an excellent 21 points off scratch, but it was not enough to beat young Dan Green with a very impressive 22 points to claim the evening's individual prize. The Captain's Eleven team led the way on the opening evening, with Easily Second in second place and Allsorts in third.

Full details - click here.

Seniors May Medal

The May seniors medal was played today in mild, overcast weather but with not too much wind for a change! Twenty-eight men and six ladies competed for the prizes with the course once again in great condition.

In the men's competition it was good to see Ray Tillen (14hcp) on top with a score of nett 68, Ray's first medal win for 2 1/2 years. Runner-up was luckless Harry Jackson (17hcp) with a nett 69 which included a two-stroke penalty for teeing up on one hole from the yellows! Third place was decided by count-back with Jim Green (8hcp) just beating Brian Faithfull (13hcp) after both carded nett 70. As well as scoring the lowest gross of the day (78), Jim also scooped the two's pool by holing two's on both 2nd and 6th holes.
Full details - click here.

In the ladies section, Liz Evans (33hcp) was the clear winner with a nett 67. Runner-up was Sam Whiting (13hcp) with the ladies lowest gross of 83. Third place went to Jan Hinks (33hcp) with a nett 75.
Full details - click here.

May Medal

Unfortunately, we are unable to re-schedule the May Medal which was cancelled at the weekend, so all stamp money will be refunded. Please see treasurer Maria Tillet for reimbursement.

Well done Jim!!

After many close calls in recent months, Jim Green Snr has at last achieved his life-long ambition of shooting his age!! Seventy-two year old Jim has shot a few 73's this past year, but this time went two better and scored a 71 beating his age by one shot. Well done Jim - you can retire happy now after joining this very exclusive club!!!

Juniors vs Oak Park

I am delighted to report that we finally recorded a positive result with a 5-1 win against Oak Park, who had previously won their opening 2 matches. The policy of building for the future is now starting to show as the young players are soaking up like sponges the words of wisdom in respect of the art of match play.
I cannot thank John Hoskison enough for giving up his time and spending an hour before every match to look at techniques and talk to the players. Also a big thanks to Tony Glover and John for joining me in the organiser matches and generally giving great morale support to all.
The team walked to the first tee together and are playing for each other and it is pleasing that we are now building a good team spirit with the players all mixing in and waiting by the 18th to show their support to each other. Also afterwards looking smart wearing jacket and club tie.

Full result - click here.

Chris Moore.

Hillman Trophy

Our Hillman trophy team won the first round match against a skillful Fernhill AGC by 4 games to 3. Despite the downpours of Friday and Saturday night our head greenkeeper, Richard, is to be thoroughly congratulated on presenting the course in excellent condition for our visitors, and indeed our own team consisting of Jimmy Green, Paul Seymour, Carl McCartney, Mark Allen, Ian Folwell, Mark Richardson and Nigel Huszarick.
Many thanks to Fiona for catering, your breakfasts were well received by our visitors. And many thanks to all those who offered advice on future team selection!

Jon Miller.

Men's Roll Up - 8th May

Due to involvement with the Hillman trophy match, we lost a number of our regulars but all the same another good turn out. A closely fought contest saw Jeremy Twaits emerge triumphant with 38 points over Bob Stevenson's 35 . Jeremy accepted with good faith and humour that he'll receive one less shot next time out. The three man team event was narrowly won by Jeremy and his playing partners Chris Adlem and Jim Green snr, who incidently recorded a score less than his age this week. Well done Jim and congratulations on your ninetieth birthday!!! Seriously, Jim claims to be 72 so his 71 is a great score by any standards.

Jon Miller.

Seniors vs Bradfield

The Seniors had their first win of the current season yesterday when they entertained Bradfield Golf Club at NRGC, taking the match 4-2. Winning pairings were, Tom Wallin (Capt) and Steve Thompson; Brian Faithfull and Malcolm Passey; John Christopher and Barry Heath. The pairings of Les Eden and Richard Hook and Roy Whiting and Al Drennan both halved their matches. Nearest the pin on the 14th went to home player Brian Faithfull, whilst Bradfield's John Perry took nearest the pin on the 16th. All enjoyed the good weather, good company, good condition of the course and good food, provided once again by Fiona and her team.

Pro's Summer Sizzler

SATURDAY 2nd JULY 2011

Starts with coffee and a bacon roll 07:30
followed by18-HOLE DALLAS SCRAMBLE

08:15 tee-off – Shotgun start
PRIZES FOR THE TOP THREE TEAMS

At the end of play,
come to the Clubhouse for a glass of beer or Pimms

£10.00 members £18.00 non-members

For entry form - click here

NRGC vs Deanwood

In particularly windy conditions, the men's team held off the challenge of our friends from Deanwood to regain the shield. Well we would have ... had their captain, Julian, thought to bring it with him!!
One good thing about the wind is that some of us can now claim personal best performances in the big hitting stakes. Hitting the first with a drive and nine iron was just a dream before this weekend.
Well done to my partner Brian Matthews who scared the life out of our opponents by driving to the 150yd marker on the first, and clinching the putt to seal victory, all in his first club match.
Well done to all the winning pairings, Mark Allen and Russell Bowers, Jimmy Green and Dave Warwick, Dean Butler and John Butcher and Jim Purvis and Roy Whiting, completing a 5-0 victory.
A splendid meal was provided by our ever reliable catering staff - Fiona,Rachel and all ... many thanks to them.
On a sadder note Mark Allen won nearest the pin on the 11th and relieved me of another bottle of wine.
Jon Miller.

Men's Roll Up - 1st May

Although clashing with a men's match, the men's roll up was well attended this week. I'm relying on info gleaned from Nigel for the report, so I hope it is accurate!?!
The individual prize was won by Bob Stevenson with 40 points, with Nigel and Brian Grace close behind with 37' s - brilliant scoring given the extremely windy conditions. So windy that Nigel drove the 17th and nearly went in the pond on the 12th with a 4 iron (I said that this report came courtesy of Nigel!). Well done Bob, who also scooped a share of the 'pairs' competition with Kenny Amor, so completing a successful morning.
There will be roll ups every Sunday even if some of us are involved in club fixtures, so I thank those who help organise in my absence in advance. Obviously thanks to Nigel for this weekend.

Jon Miller.

Thursday Evening League

Yes - it's that time of the year again !!!

All eight players from each of the teams are eligible to play on the first Thursday (12th May). We will use four starting tees for the first week (1st, 4th, 10th & 13th) and the first tee time is 17:15. Weeks 2-13 will commence at 17:20 from the 1st and 10th tees.
Click here for the week 1 draw.

Juniors vs Bishopswood

After spending 8 hours with the Scratch team at Sandmartins, the weekend didn't get any better as I travelled with the juniors to Bishopswood where our, with the exception of Curtis, inexperienced team received a convincing 6-0 defeat.
BUT there were two redeeming features 1) George Baker halved his reserve match and 2) I had fantastic assistance from PARENTS providing lifts and moral support.
All I need now is the "full backing" of the committee, like the proverbial football manager receives from his board just prior to the dreaded chop !!!!!
Full result - click here.

Chris Moore.

Scratch Team v Reading

The season continues to frustrate with our third defeat, this time 5 - 2 at the hands of Reading at Sandmartins. Curtis and Conor lost by 4 holes, Lloyd and Joe 5 down but Jimmy and Max lost the first three holes but stuck to the task to finally achieve a very creditable 3 hole victory. We now have a three week break before going to Reading to take on Sandmartins.
Having had a time to reflect it is clear that although we can compete tee to green, our players who come from very slow flat greens are unable to adjust to quick greens with big borrows. A poor putt at the Racecourse that may finish a couple of feet away, finishes 8 to 10 feet away on other courses. Time and experience will educate all.

Chris Moore.