It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that my great friend Mike Willson or "Double L" as he was known lost his valiant fight against cancer and passed away this evening peacefully at home with his dear wife Judy and other members of family by his side.
With all the books balanced, the grand audit complete, jigsaws done, I'm sure he would wish us to raise a gin & tonic in a toast to a lovely man.
John Taylor.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Seniors Stableford
I know it's beginning to sound like an old record, but yet again it was cold and windy out on the course today. We'll all be pleased when that draught from Siberia is replaced by some warmer westerlies.
Today's competition for the seniors was a yellow-ball Stableford ... or, as it turned out, an orange-ball Stableford. Teams of three players who take turns to play the dreaded coloured ball and earn double points for the team plus the best of the other two to count. The coloured ball can be a blessing, or in some cases, a curse as you feel under pressure to score well with it on your turn and particularly NOT to put it out of bounds or in a pond somewhere!!!
Eleven teams competed for today's prizes. The winning team with a super score of 122pts were Malcolm Passey, Harry Jackson & Jan Hinks. Runners-up were Paul Tebbutt, Les Eden & Ofer Ben-David on 116pts followed by Allan Trotman, Bob Evans & Linda Vale on 110pts.
Birthday boy John Clarke donated some bottles of wine for the fourth place team who were himself(!), Brian Faithfull & Sam Whiting.
Today's competition for the seniors was a yellow-ball Stableford ... or, as it turned out, an orange-ball Stableford. Teams of three players who take turns to play the dreaded coloured ball and earn double points for the team plus the best of the other two to count. The coloured ball can be a blessing, or in some cases, a curse as you feel under pressure to score well with it on your turn and particularly NOT to put it out of bounds or in a pond somewhere!!!
Eleven teams competed for today's prizes. The winning team with a super score of 122pts were Malcolm Passey, Harry Jackson & Jan Hinks. Runners-up were Paul Tebbutt, Les Eden & Ofer Ben-David on 116pts followed by Allan Trotman, Bob Evans & Linda Vale on 110pts.
Birthday boy John Clarke donated some bottles of wine for the fourth place team who were himself(!), Brian Faithfull & Sam Whiting.
Monday, 25 February 2013
Junior February Medal
The first medal of the year for the juniors was played yesterday as January's medal was cancelled due to bad weather. Only a small field of five players, but some excellent scores returned in the continuing wintry conditions.
The winner with an excellent net 66 was Dan Green who earned a one-shot drop in his handicap for this effort. Runner-up, and with the lowest gross of the day was Jack Unsworth who just pipped Andrew Mead on count-back after both scored net 69. Full result - click here.
The 2013 Junior Masters is now under way with these scores taken into account. Current standings - click here.
The winner with an excellent net 66 was Dan Green who earned a one-shot drop in his handicap for this effort. Runner-up, and with the lowest gross of the day was Jack Unsworth who just pipped Andrew Mead on count-back after both scored net 69. Full result - click here.
The 2013 Junior Masters is now under way with these scores taken into account. Current standings - click here.
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Astres Foursomes
A smaller field than usual for the Astres Foursomes this year which was played today in yet more wintry conditions. A biting wind coupled with occasional snow flurries made it a stern test for all, but some very good Stableford scores were returned in this sometimes fickle format by the thirteen teams competing for the prizes.
The winners by a single point were the team of Paul Tebbutt & Stuart Briginshaw on 41pts. Stuart's first "major" competition win, so at last he gets his name on the honours boards!!! Runners-up were the junior team of Josh Wallin & Jack Unsworth followed by Paul Hickey & Christine Cooper on 39pts. Full result - click here.
This is the second competition of the year counting towards the individual Order of Merit. No surprise that Josh and Jack are joint leaders at present closely followed by Stuart Briginshaw, John Day and Paul Tebbutt. Early days!!! Current standings - click here.
The winners by a single point were the team of Paul Tebbutt & Stuart Briginshaw on 41pts. Stuart's first "major" competition win, so at last he gets his name on the honours boards!!! Runners-up were the junior team of Josh Wallin & Jack Unsworth followed by Paul Hickey & Christine Cooper on 39pts. Full result - click here.
This is the second competition of the year counting towards the individual Order of Merit. No surprise that Josh and Jack are joint leaders at present closely followed by Stuart Briginshaw, John Day and Paul Tebbutt. Early days!!! Current standings - click here.
Macmillan Quiz
An enormously successful and enjoyable evening at the clubhouse last night as we staged the Macmillan Quiz Night. This is a huge event with hundreds of others clubs simultaneously taking part in a nationwide quiz. Our own event was very well attended with approximately 130 participants in 22 teams taking part for this very worthwhile cause. In all, over £800 was raised for the Macmillan charity - a fantastic effort!!!
The quiz was won by the usual suspects under the team guise of "More Fantasy Golf". Runners-up, just 2 1/2 points behind were the "5 1/2 Brains" team closely followed by "Reading Rovers" one point further back.
Massive thanks go to Mike Smith and his team behind the bar and in the kitchen for supplying food and beverages, and of course to Chris Moore and his team of organisers and helpers for administering the quiz.
Finally, many thanks to all who took part to make this such a successful event.
For some pictures of the event - click here.
The quiz was won by the usual suspects under the team guise of "More Fantasy Golf". Runners-up, just 2 1/2 points behind were the "5 1/2 Brains" team closely followed by "Reading Rovers" one point further back.
Massive thanks go to Mike Smith and his team behind the bar and in the kitchen for supplying food and beverages, and of course to Chris Moore and his team of organisers and helpers for administering the quiz.
Finally, many thanks to all who took part to make this such a successful event.
For some pictures of the event - click here.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Seniors - 20th-Feb
After a couple of days of almost spring-like weather it was back to the chilly stuff for the Seniors today!!! There were two events played today.
The first was the annual, friendly Seniors vs Juniors match. Five pairings from each of the Seniors and Juniors played an eighteen-hole four-ball match-play competition. Historically this is normally won by the Junior side but today, the Seniors just came out on top by 3 matches to 2. Many thanks to John Day and Jack Unsworth for organising and co-ordinating this very enjoyable event.
The twenty Seniors not involved in today's match, played a non-qualifying Stableford competition. The winner with 38pts was Jim Green. Runner-up was Rod Spring on 37pts followed by Paul Tebbutt in third place one point further back. Full details - click here.
The first was the annual, friendly Seniors vs Juniors match. Five pairings from each of the Seniors and Juniors played an eighteen-hole four-ball match-play competition. Historically this is normally won by the Junior side but today, the Seniors just came out on top by 3 matches to 2. Many thanks to John Day and Jack Unsworth for organising and co-ordinating this very enjoyable event.
The twenty Seniors not involved in today's match, played a non-qualifying Stableford competition. The winner with 38pts was Jim Green. Runner-up was Rod Spring on 37pts followed by Paul Tebbutt in third place one point further back. Full details - click here.
Sunday, 17 February 2013
January Four-ball
The January Four-ball was finally played today having been postponed from last month due to bad weather. It was a foggy and very chilly start to the day, but the sun finally broke through after a couple of hours. This was the first competition of the year played from the white tees, and with 3/4 handicap and the course still playing long, scoring was not easy. However, there were some excellent Stableford scores returned.
The winners, having just missed out last year with a runners-up spot were John Baron & John Day with an impressive 41pts. The next three teams all scored 39pts, but the team of Chris Moore & John Butcher grabbed second place on count-back from the junior team of Josh Wallin & Jack Unsworth and the senior team of Jim Green & Raymond Bilton.
Full result - click here.
This is the first counting competition of this years individual order of merit which was dominated by Fay and Jack Unsworth last year.
For the latest standings click here.
The winners, having just missed out last year with a runners-up spot were John Baron & John Day with an impressive 41pts. The next three teams all scored 39pts, but the team of Chris Moore & John Butcher grabbed second place on count-back from the junior team of Josh Wallin & Jack Unsworth and the senior team of Jim Green & Raymond Bilton.
Full result - click here.
This is the first counting competition of this years individual order of merit which was dominated by Fay and Jack Unsworth last year.
For the latest standings click here.
February Weekday Stableford
A few more entries for this month's weekday Stableford ... probably due to the very nice weather we had on Thursday and Friday last week!!! Ten men and 4 ladies competed for this month's prizes.
The clear winner with a fantastic score of 47pts was Christine Cooper who earned a massive 5 stroke reduction to her handicap. Runner-up was regular visitor and ex-member Keith Morley from Donnington Valley who just pipped Mark Richardson on count-back after both returned 41pts. One point further back was 4th placed Jon Miller. Full result - click here.
The clear winner with a fantastic score of 47pts was Christine Cooper who earned a massive 5 stroke reduction to her handicap. Runner-up was regular visitor and ex-member Keith Morley from Donnington Valley who just pipped Mark Richardson on count-back after both returned 41pts. One point further back was 4th placed Jon Miller. Full result - click here.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Macmillan Quiz
There's still time to enter a team for this year's Macmillan Charity Quiz. The quiz takes place on Friday 22nd Feb at the clubhouse starting at 7:30pm. Teams of up to 6 players can be entered.
The cost is £7.50 per person which includes a hot meal during the evening. Come along and support this very worthwhile cause.
Register behind the bar at the clubhouse or contact Chris Moore on 07973 705094
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Seniors Bowmaker
Another bitterly cold day on the course but the seniors were out there again in force to defy the conditions. Luckily the snow didn't arrive until later in the day when most were safely in the clubhouse. Today's competition was a Bowmaker Stableford with teams of three (for most anyway) with the best two Stableford scores to count on each hole. Twelve teams competed for the prizes.
The winners today with an excellent score of 81pts were the team of Al Drennan, Ted Fitzsimons & "Doris" (Doris was playing as it was only a two-man team, which made their score even more remarkable). Just one point behind with another great score were runners-up Derrick Perrin, Richard Cross & Jan Hinks. Third place went to Sam Whiting, Jeremy Proud & Ofer Ben-David on 78pts.
Full result - click here.
Two birthdays to report this week - Rod Spring and Bob Stevenson who both donated bottles of wine for a free draw at the end of play. The lucky winners were Jim Green, Barry Heath, Tommy Lees, Allan Trotman, Richard Hook and Colin Cox.
The winners today with an excellent score of 81pts were the team of Al Drennan, Ted Fitzsimons & "Doris" (Doris was playing as it was only a two-man team, which made their score even more remarkable). Just one point behind with another great score were runners-up Derrick Perrin, Richard Cross & Jan Hinks. Third place went to Sam Whiting, Jeremy Proud & Ofer Ben-David on 78pts.
Full result - click here.
Two birthdays to report this week - Rod Spring and Bob Stevenson who both donated bottles of wine for a free draw at the end of play. The lucky winners were Jim Green, Barry Heath, Tommy Lees, Allan Trotman, Richard Hook and Colin Cox.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Seniors February Medal
Still pretty chilly at the racecourse again for the seniors, but at least the strong wind is drying up the course nicely. Twenty-eight men and three ladies braved the elements to compete in today's medal competition. As there were less than five ladies, the medal was played as a mixed gender competition.
Scoring was not easy today with only four players playing to par or better.
The winner with an excellent score of 67 was Geoff Denner closely followed by runner-up was Richard Hook with an equally good 68. Third place was decided on count-back with Jan Hinks just edging out Stephen Vale after both returned 71. Full result - click here.
There were four 2's today ... Richard Hook (11th), Brian Faithfull (2nd) and two from Geoff Denner (6th & 11th). To celebrate birthdays, bottles of wine were provided by Jim Green for 3 nearest-the-pin's and by Paul Tebbutt given to the owners of four randomly selected scorecards.
Scoring was not easy today with only four players playing to par or better.
The winner with an excellent score of 67 was Geoff Denner closely followed by runner-up was Richard Hook with an equally good 68. Third place was decided on count-back with Jan Hinks just edging out Stephen Vale after both returned 71. Full result - click here.
There were four 2's today ... Richard Hook (11th), Brian Faithfull (2nd) and two from Geoff Denner (6th & 11th). To celebrate birthdays, bottles of wine were provided by Jim Green for 3 nearest-the-pin's and by Paul Tebbutt given to the owners of four randomly selected scorecards.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Nick Gains Senior Tour Card
Nick Mitchell, finished tied 17th in the European Senior Tour School Qualifying at The Pinta Golf Resort in Portugal. The top 14 players and ties gained a European Senior Tour card for 2013, but due to 4 players being under 50 years of age, the card went down to 18th place, giving Nick a category 10 card for 2013.
Nick qualified at stage 1 at Silves golf club, with rounds of 73+71 in appalling weather, and followed that with his rounds at Pinta golf club of 70+74+72+69.
He also played in the Algarvian Seniors championship at Pinheros Altos golf club where numerous current tour players competed including the Senior PGA champion and went on to finish 17th.
The schedule for the 2013 Seniors European Tour will be released in two weeks time, where Nick is hoping to get into a few events on the Seniors Tour coupled with some regional events and some events on the senior-golf-circuit.
Nick qualified at stage 1 at Silves golf club, with rounds of 73+71 in appalling weather, and followed that with his rounds at Pinta golf club of 70+74+72+69.
He also played in the Algarvian Seniors championship at Pinheros Altos golf club where numerous current tour players competed including the Senior PGA champion and went on to finish 17th.
The schedule for the 2013 Seniors European Tour will be released in two weeks time, where Nick is hoping to get into a few events on the Seniors Tour coupled with some regional events and some events on the senior-golf-circuit.
Saturday, 2 February 2013
February Medal
The twenty-nine players who turned out today were rewarded with some welcome sunshine, albeit accompanied by a chilly wind. As there were less than 30 players, the competition was reduced to two divisions, and because there were less than 6 ladies, it was played as a mixed gender event (so ladies received two extra strokes for result purposes). This was the final Stableford medal of the winter, so next month we are back to Strokeplay. It was also nice to get back to playing qualifiers again now that the course SSS is official.
Division 1 (14hcp or less)
The top division was headed by new member Steve Simm who just beat Richard Mead after both returned 35pts. Dean Butler grabbed third spot with 34pts. Full result - click here.
Division 2 (15 - 36)
The second division winner was Paul Tebbutt with 39pts. One point further back was runner-up Stuart Briginshaw followed by John Cooper on 36pts who just pipped Jason Allum on count-back. Best ladies score today came from Sian Soanes with 35pts. Full result - click here.
Two's
Just a single two recorded today by Club Captain Jeremy Twaits at the 2nd. Unfortunately, he did not enter the two's pool - so, it's a roll-over next month!!!
Winter Medal Aggregate
This was the final medal counting towards the Winter Medal Aggregate competition. This is the best 3 Stableford scores from the four winter medals Nov - Feb. Despite an indifferent round today, Rowland Barnfield managed to hang on to his lead from last month to win the competition. Rowland's prize is free entry to the following competitions ... March, April, May and June Medals, Carole Scott Cup, April Fool Texas Scramble, John Ives Trophy and the Summer Singles KO. Final standings - click here.
Division 1 (14hcp or less)
The top division was headed by new member Steve Simm who just beat Richard Mead after both returned 35pts. Dean Butler grabbed third spot with 34pts. Full result - click here.
Division 2 (15 - 36)
The second division winner was Paul Tebbutt with 39pts. One point further back was runner-up Stuart Briginshaw followed by John Cooper on 36pts who just pipped Jason Allum on count-back. Best ladies score today came from Sian Soanes with 35pts. Full result - click here.
Two's
Just a single two recorded today by Club Captain Jeremy Twaits at the 2nd. Unfortunately, he did not enter the two's pool - so, it's a roll-over next month!!!
Winter Medal Aggregate
This was the final medal counting towards the Winter Medal Aggregate competition. This is the best 3 Stableford scores from the four winter medals Nov - Feb. Despite an indifferent round today, Rowland Barnfield managed to hang on to his lead from last month to win the competition. Rowland's prize is free entry to the following competitions ... March, April, May and June Medals, Carole Scott Cup, April Fool Texas Scramble, John Ives Trophy and the Summer Singles KO. Final standings - click here.
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