Played off a handicap allowance of 85% as a Four Ball Betterball Stableford, the competition attracted fourteen pairs of experienced golfers and with past champions in the field, the result was guaranteed to be a close affair.

The weather forecast had been dire, heavy rain all day but instead, although the sky was overcast, no rain arrived until after the competition finished.

There were two Nearest the Pin competitions instead of the usual one Pin for the men and one for the ladies, everyone had a chance at getting their ball close to both Pins. This time, the ladies were victorious, Hayley Bullock was nearest on the par 3 fifth and Jane Ball repeated the feat on the par 3 fifteenth. In the main competition some incredible scoring was taking place. Last year’s winners, John Ward and Rosi Brown scored 44 points, but they were beaten into fifth place by Steve and Pauline Brixey on countback. Dave and Sue Forshaw scored 46 points and must have thought they had the trophy in their grasp as the early clubhouse leaders but out on the course two teams were playing even better. Alan Fussell and Jackie Willcox parred six holes and had a birdie at the par 5 ninth for a terrific front 9 score of 27 points. Their back 9 was nearly as good and they finished with 47 points to take second place.

The winners had shown their class before in 2019 and 2020 and were playing superb golf together again this time. Twelve pars and a birdie at the signature par 4 twelth hole set an amazing and unbeatable score of 48 points, giving the Paul Harwood Trophy to Rob Thain and Lin Papadopoullos (pictured) for the third time in four years.

Jane Ball