The Saturday Medal was played on 1st April.
What a start to the summer season with the full course open and straight into a medal competition. Really good scoring was achieved in Division One, Vice-Captain, Shane Phelps, in top form with three birdies in his total of 78–72, beating John Russell into second place on countback with a score of 81–72, with John Ward third in the clubhouse with 87–73. In Division Two, Paul Goodridge parred nine holes in his round of 83–68, followed in second by Nigel Kingman, on 91–71 and Charlie Holmes in the money in third with a 90–72.
The Sunday Stableford took place on the 2nd April.
An excellent round from Dave Harvey in Division One, with 39 points, including one birdie and ten pars beating into second place Dave Jones, on 38 points and Steve Coles, a close third on 37 points. In Division Two, Nick Russell topped the charts with 34 points, beating Jon Cox on countback into second with Shaun Carter in third on 32 points. The second early season away trip saw the Avalon team head to Burnham in lovely conditions hoping to kick start their season.
Captain Thomas again had the full 12 players and after a hearty brunch, battle commenced.
Lee Bruton was paired with Head Greenkeeper, Andy Grabham, who was making his first appearance for the team. In a quality game, the home pair proved to be the stronger in a faultless performance, winning 4&2. Next were Jamie Rawlings and Charlie Wigmore, who struggled with the pacey greens, finally losing 3&2. In form Alex Bendall was paired with the experienced links golfer, Paul Gregory, in a topsy turvy battle and three down with holes running out, they managed a hard fought half. George Hobbs and Mark Crook made the most of the calm conditions closing out a very impressive 6&5 victory. The last pair of Mark Adams and Nick Poore were also involved in a close game, but at two down with three to play, they found their A game winning the last three holes for a one-up victory.
The reserve match saw Phil Heyslop battle back from three down to gain a half with Paul Thomas.
A great result for the team and 8.5 points gained.
Seniors
Yellow Ball competition – who suggested that little beauty then? Some thought to just make it up as they went along. Others thought it fun to let the card checkers fill in the gaps! Even Mystic Meg would have failed miserably. We got there in the end though – I think? Ah well, that’s Seniors’ golf, all good fun even if you can’t remember why!
Results: Bill Sims, Mike Hedges, Kevin Gould, 130pts, Phil Thompson, Bev Woodland, Boyd Francis, 129pts, Brian Brown, Shaun Carter, Mike Rawlings, 124pts, Leo Seddon, Pete Maule, Bill Waddington, 124pts, Mike Woodward, Jeff Kelly, Alan Taylor, 122pts.
Nearest the Pins: fifth, Graham Bradley, eighth, Leo Seddon, fourteenth, Philip Michael, fifteenth, Malcolm Brooks.
Friendly Match Result: lost away to Stockwood Vale, 5.5, 1.5.
Ladies
After a Winter of fun competitions, the first EWGA medal of the year was welcomed by the 37 Ladies on Thursday Ladies Morning on 6th April. This was the first opportunity this year for the ladies to improve their handicaps, and the promising newcomer, Carol King, wasted no time in reducing hers. Lally Gibson, also in good form recently, and Heather Woodland reduced their handicaps with excellent rounds. The greens had very recently undergone necessary hollow tining, which made putting a little difficult, but good golf was evidently played on a glorious Spring day. The Medal is divided into two categories, Silver and Bronze. Silver players play off 20 or under and Bronze above. Lady Captain Pauline Young took the Silver prize with a Nett 74, followed by Jane Waller in second place with a Nett 76 on countback and third was Terri O’Shea, also with a Nett 76. In the Bronze division, Carol King was first with a Nett 70, in second place was Heather Woodland with a Nett 71 on countback and third Lally Gibson also with Nett 71.
On Monday morning, 3rd April, the Ladies’ Friendly team were treated not only to lovely bright sunshine, but a full course to play our first Friendly match of the year against Orchardleigh. Despite being aware of the hollow tining on the back nine holes and a temporary green on the 18th hole, Farrington Park managed to win 4&1, with some nail biting finishes. Some of the players were overheard reporting they had putted better on the sandy top dressed greens. Maybe that was our secret weapon. Orchardleigh are looking forward to improving on this score when we return to their course next year.
The nine lady competitors in Saturday’s first qualifying Stableford of the new season on a full length course could not have asked for better weather. Summer had arrived in Spring! To complement the fine weather, the winners achieved very good scores. Jo Carter scoring 41 points in her round to take top spot, three points ahead of Jacqui Gregory, with a score of 38 points. Margaret Seery was third with 35 points.