Midsomer Norton golfer, Tom Maggs, made a winning return to Farrington Park, as leader of the team that won the annual Farrington Park Pro-Am.

It was his first victory since he turned professional in September and, although he shot six-over-par 78 himself, his four birdies were of great help to his team of Lee Francis, Scott Gulliford and Barry Young. They took first prize by carding seventeen-under-par 127 on a sultry Sunday over the magnificently-presented course that earned high praise from the 24 professionals taking part. They beat Welshman, James Maxwell's team on countback, while Filton professional, Daryl Kelley's group of Farrington members, Davy Allardice, Ali Shanks and Chris Shanks, was one shot behind in third place.

Alex Todd, a 21-year-old first year trainee at the host club, completed an impressive week by finishing sixth on 71. This followed his 22nd place in the West Region Order of Merit Tournament at Cumberwell Park on Wednesday, that attracted players of the quality of Ryder Cup winner, Phillip Price, four-time European Tour winner, Stephen Dodd, and a host of past and present European Tour players. Home professional, Jon Cowgill, and Chris Coles, yet another ex-Farrington and Writhlington player who joined Saltford as an assistant professional a month ago, carded 75.

The major competition of the Farrington Park Men's calendar was played recently in varying weather conditions, making it a true test of golf for the competitors. The first day's weather was benign, no wind and sunny, which showed in the good scores carded after the first round.

Liam Copp started in the first group of players and threw down the gauntlet to the rest of the field with an outstanding score of gross 75. Ali Shanks was not far behind with a gross 79, until Ben Josham completed his round with a gross score of 76. Men's Club Captain, Kevin Brimble, set an example to the remaining players with a good gross eighty, this was matched by Jack Cook, who also led the net score competition with a net 69.

So, everything was all set for an exciting day on the Sunday, with weather conditions changing overnight, players were greeted on the first tee by a brisk wind and the threat of rain. This proved to make it difficult to score well consistently. However, some players mastered the less than favourable conditions, with Paul Gregory enjoying an excellent round of gross 77, matched by Ben Josham to follow his good form of the previous day. Chris Shanks had the round of the day with a gross 74, closely followed by Mark Adams (gross 75) and George Hobbs (gross 76).

The club welcomed former Farrington Park Owner and Founder, golf professional Peter Thompson, to present the Championship Cup. Peter made a brief speech, saying how his vision of a golf centre which catered for players of all ages and abilities, together with excellent facilities, had been realised after he laid the foundations nearly 25 years ago. Ben Josham took first place in the nett competition, with a total of 141 net (70 and 71). Chris Shanks secured second place in the gross competition, with an excellent gross score of 153 (79 and 74). Then Peter Thompson presented the Championship Trophy to the new Club Champion, Liam Copp, a worthy winner, whose gross total score of 152 (75 and 77) was an excellent display of consistent golf over two days. Well done, Liam!

Farrington Park Ladies

38 Ladies braved Thursday's sweltering temperatures and played in our Monthly Medal. The CSS was 72.

Jackie Walker came first in the Silver Division, with 82 gross, 70 nett, followed by Lena Warren, with 85 gross, 73 nett. Lin Papadopolous came third, with 92 gross, 75 nett. Liz Thomas came first in the Bronze Division, with 95 gross, 71 nett, followed by Hazel Guthrie, with 102 gross, 72 nett. Sharman Bradshaw came third, with 100 gross, 73 nett.

Two of Farrington Park's Ladies, Aimee Sawyer and Michaela Chivers, took part in the South West Championship, along with players from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire, at Mendip Golf Club from Friday, 18th to Sunday, 20th July. Friday consisted of a 36-hole qualifying round, after which the top sixteen went on to play in the first flight knockout matchplay rounds, with the winner being awarded the South West Championship and Huleatt Salver and the next best sixteen went on to compete in the second flight matchplay knockout round, with the winner being awarded the Winner's Salver. Michaela Chivers qualified for the first flight and Aimee Sawyer qualified for the second flight.

Michaela was unfortunately knocked out on Saturday morning. Aimee won both matches on Saturday and progressed to Sunday morning for the semi-finals, where she was successful, winning 3&2 against Molly Haslam, taking her to the finals. Aimee met Wiltshire's Sarah Gee in the final and came out the winner, a tremendous achievement. Well done to Aimee for winning the South West Championship's 2014 Second Flight Winner's Salver.

Farrington Park Seniors

On a glorious summer day, eighty of Farrington Park's finest senior golfers set forth in search of the Captain's Tantalus. A fun format mixing Stableford, Bowmaker, Tennessee Waltz and Multiplier kept the pressure on the four man teams, with constant referral to the information sheet!

Team scoring was a closely run affair and the early starters of Rob Thain, Mike Hedges, Jim Farmer and Tony Clement amassed a splendid total of 119 points. This held good until the final Four Ball team of Bob Earney, Terry Beacham, Geoff Moore and Terry Thatcher came in with a magnificent total of 124 points. Their prize of two bottles of fine wine each and a Four Ball voucher for Orchardleigh was warmly applauded by their fellow competitors.

The Captain's Tantalus, awarded to the best individual score, was won by Bob Earney, with a fine total of 48 Stableford points and he was also presented with a bottle of vintage brandy. Runner-up was Rob Thain, with 44 points, and he was presented with a bottle of eight-year old malt whisky.

Jon Cowgill