Farrington Park’s star golfer, Josh Hilleard, captured the French amateur title in brilliant fashion, charging eighteen places up the leaderboard in the final round then winning the championship in a play-off.

Hilleard, an England international, was one-over par after 54 holes and eight off the lead, when he shot seven-under 64 in the fourth round at Chantilly.

It included a stunning run of four consecutive birdies and an eagle, which started on the fourth and it catapulted him into a tie with Pierre Pineau, of France, who also charged to the top with a closing 66. Well done Josh from everyone at Farrington Park.

Men

The Saturday Stableford was played on 20th May. With the summer starting to make the fairways a lot faster, some competitive golf was achieved in both divisions, with Chris Young winning Division One with an outstanding score of 41 points, followed closely in second by John Russell, on 40 points and Andy Bayley, third, on 37 points. In Division Two, it was a tie at the top with two players on 40 points, with Gordon MacKay winning on countback from Haydn Wyatt, with Andy Casling a close third on 39 points.

The Sunday Stableford was played on 21st May, with the better weather of the weekend, it was a good day for Jack Broadway on 38 points, winning Division One, with Paul Matthews second on 37 points, beating Andy Coles into third on countback. In Division Two, Lee Matthews took control with 38 points, with Steve Brixey in second on 36 points, beating Nick Russell into third on countback.

Seniors

With the temperature hotter than Chef Ramsay’s hottest kitchen, Farrington Park seniors were roasted, baked and sautéed in the heat of the May Day sun. On the menu was the Wally Sage Trophy, played for every year in memory of the big man himself. He would have been proud of the efforts to win this prestigious trophy. Winners this year were ex-captain, Bob McKeegan-Brown, Don ‘I only use three clubs’ Perry and long serving member, Adrian Miller. All three players contributing to an impressive winning score of 93 points.

Bob McKeegan-Brown, Don Perry, Adrian Miller, 93pts, John Butler, Steve Ball, Rob Porter, 90pts, Rob Chappell, Peter Barnes, Eddie Cheasley, 90pts, Roger Cockhill, Richard Dancey, Tony Quinn, 89pts.

The Seniors’ Rosebowl Team got off to winning ways with a fine victory against Vivary Park at Wells. The next round will be a tougher affair with a trip to Tall Pines against what is sure to be a strong Burnham and Berrow team. Bring it on!

Ladies

The second Saturday medal competition of the season took place on 6th May. Seven ladies tackled the course with Pauline Brixey securing first place with a nett 71, in-form Jo Carter was second with a nett 73 and Margaret Seery was third, with a nett 79. 25 ladies entered the Qualifying Stableford on Ladies’ Thursday morning, 18th May. Linda Rogers carded a decent score of 37 points, followed in second place by Carol King, with 36 points and third, was Jackie Walker, with 35 points. Jackie followed this result by having a very good round during the Saturday Stableford competition on 20th May. Despite a strong wind, threatening rain showers and flags on various holes placed in tricky places, Jackie mastered the course by scoring 40 points to take first place. Margaret Seery was second with 34 points, one point ahead of third placed, Clare Salter.

The Barlow Cup Qualifier, a Qualifying Stableford competition, was held on Ladies’ Thursday morning on 25th May. The player with the best Stableford score in the Bronze Division is eligible to play for the Barlow Cup as part of the Somerset County Bronze Open competition, which is held this year at Clevedon Golf Club. A large field of 41 ladies took advantage of the very warm late Spring day, which saw some excellent scores being submitted. Pat Roscow came in with an amazing 43 points and will be Farrington Park’s representative in the Barlow Cup. In second place, also with an excellent score, was Clare Salter, with 41 points. Third was Tracey Watts, with 38 points, followed by four ladies on 37 points, Mary Hobbs, Jacqui Gregory, Lally Gibson and Carol Jones.