Rawlinson Relishes Masters Victory!
After some much needed rain the course was slowly returning to its normal shade of green. Members and visitors alike were enjoying the softer conditions and even though some distance had been lost on the drive it was becoming easier to control the ball, especially around the greens. Alan Smith took full advantage of this fact and carded a smooth 69 to win the Midweek Medal with Bill Griffiths coming home in second. There was some excellent scoring in the Monthly Medal too. Mark Forster and Michael O’Conner both played steady and returned 69’s. Alan Smith, obviously in form went three shots better with a wonderful 66 but it was Bill Benton who triumphed thanks to a seasons best 65.
There was a rest from the rigors of individual completion the following week as members gathered for the Pairs Nett Aggregate competition. John Procter and Dave White put in a fine performance to pip Bob Rawlinson and Bill Benton in this tough but enjoyable format. The following day members had the chance to invite a non-golfer to the Club and enjoy the annual Family Day in memory of Keith Bassett the father of our Head Greenkeeper Michael. Keith was a popular face at the Club for many years. The non-golfers were given the responsibility of putting and much fun was had during the eighteen holes. Karl Brown and his wife Caroline, who joined the Club last year as Clubhouse Manager, emerged the winners. According to Caroline her excellent putting made all the difference! The day, thanks to Michael’s efforts managed to raise over £600 for the local hospice.
We are getting close to the end of the summer season and therefore closer to crowning our champions for 2018. One fiercely contested crown is the season long Stableford Cup. The best four returns from six make up the final standings and in the penultimate round Peter Philips, who has enjoyed a wonderful season, romped home with 40 points to claim another victory. The win puts him clear at the top of the table and odds on to claim this major honour. Dino Grazioli played well but fell just two points shy on the day.
One event that always attracts a good field is the Ash Valley Masters. It’s fair to say that all those entered were given a shock as conditions were overcast and breezy as everyone gathered. Past Masters Champion Malcolm Rosborough led the way in the clubhouse with a respectable 73 a score that was matched by Gerry Smith midway through the afternoon. It looked likely that the winner would be determined on count back, until that is, Bob Rawlinson put everyone out of their misery by posting a fine 70 to claim his first major Club honour. Bob who joined the Club only this year has become a popular figure and his golf is respected by all those he’s played with. Therefore it was no surprise to see him chalk up a notable victory.
Alan Smith holds a slender lead in the Summer Eclectic with a number of players within just a couple of shots of his leading score (57). Peter Philips has the lead in both the Stableford Cup and Handicap Championship. Whilst Karl Brown stands alone at the top of the Club Championship table. Both players are also clear at the top of the Summer Order of Merit standings, Karl leads by just a few points with much still to play for in September.
Well played to all those who won honours this month and thank you to all who made the competitions a great success.
