It is fair to say that course conditions were challenging but we were all pleased to be out competing on a golf course after the appalling weather throughout Q1. After a wonderful breakfast we even saw some sunshine as well as seven birdies between us all which is a fantastic achievement with the going being so soft.
A halfway booster from the friendly pro Nigel on the 8th tee seems to have energised most teams into improving their back nine scores (despite four temporaries) and we saw some big numbers on the final reckoning.
In third place with 40 points were Team A Class (Tom, Jo & David A), followed by Team E=MC² (Tony, Ian & Peter W) on 42 points. Congratulations to Team B Movie (Andy, Gill & Steve G) who scored a massive 44 points off of a 15 handicap, shooting the back nine at an impressive one over gross 35. I am reliably informed that they played “quite strategically” which makes a change from “dovetailing”. Well done, everyone, and many thanks to our sponsors for the day Helen & Peter Wickens.
We reconvened back at The Farmhouse with 17 sitting down for a tasty Chicken Paprika dinner and a small glass of wine.
Bill would like to thank everyone for their contribution in supporting the raffle. £90 was collected and well done to Gill for picking her husbands ticket. 🤔
Many thanks to all those that attended Chris
Results
First Place: Team B Movie, starring Andy Addison, Gill Brack & Steve Gibbons
NTP 1: David Agate NTP 2: Chris Miller NTP 3: Steve Gibbons Raffle: Paul Brack
A strong turnout for our first Stableford competition on the rotation. I think it was a relief for many to be out on a track without the persistent rain that we’ve been experiencing. Any mention of strong winds, dog walkers or drainage ditches melted away against the warm and sunny weather of a favourable April afternoon in Sussex.
Despite the heatwave it was a tough day for notching up points and this was reflected in the scores, but congratulations and kudos to Paul Brack for storming the course and winning the day. Paul tops the Road to Dorking 2024!
Many thanks to our sponsor Darrell Stacey who unfortunately couldn’t make the day, and we wish him a speedy recovery. A warm welcome also to our newest member Dale.
NP on 6th – Malcolm Holmes
NP on 9th – Chris Miller
NP on 16th – Chris Miller
NP2 on 4th not won (added to first prize)
Longest putt on 18th – Peter Selsby
Many thanks to all those that attended Chris
Results
First Place: Paul Brack Second Place: Steve Gibbons Third Place: Tom Matthews
After a fabulous breakfast in the clubhouse everyone was keen to get out into the blazing sunshine and get swinging. Horsham is a tight course in places and was in great shape despite some recent heavy rain that reduced the run a little, but Winter rules were still in place to assist.
Many front nines were improved upon on over the back half, but rumours abound that the lost ball count may have been quite high between us all. Predictions of a high score winning came true with Peter Wickens romping home with a fantastic 40 points.
Many thanks to Bill Ballard for sponsoring the day with some beautifully crafted prizes, and for taking care of the raffle - we raised £80. Congratulations to Derek Wells who won the 2-ball voucher for the course.
We enjoyed a tasty chicken curry followed by some cheese and biscuits at the Farmhouse in the evening.
Many thanks to all those that attended Chris
Results
First Place: Peter Wickens Second Place: Andy Addison Third Place: Steve Gibbons
NTP 1: Steve Gibbons NTP 2: Nick (Birthday Boy) Harris NTP 3: Steve Findon
After double bacon rolls and coffee we headed out to the first tee which I think is an iconic golf hole where the scorecards show that only one player recorded a gross par. With some intermittent sunshine and a brisk wind, the course continued its defence with only one name scribbled on each of the NP markers. The course was in great condition, leaving target golf at receptive greens (so I am told), although only 5 cards recorded scores in the 30s. It was wonderful to hear the laughter across the course as we all enjoyed the day.
Back to the only player to par the first, Peter Wickens came home with a fantastic 39 points netting down to 36 from carrying a 3 shot Placing Penalty for winning Horsham, an impressive victory to see him record back-to-back wins. Tom just edged out Andy on countback to claim second place.
Many thanks to David Sheppard for sponsoring the day with boxes of fine wines for the winners to choose from. Congratulations to Andy Addison who won the 4-ball voucher for the course and is currently leading the Road To Dorking.
Many, many chickens and a small amount of Ribera Del Duero were consumed at the Farmhouse in the evening.
I hope to see you for Captain’s Day at Westerham on Friday 26th July. Chris
Results
First Place: Peter Wickens Second Place: Tom Matthews Third Place: Andy Addison
NTP 1: Ian Skingley NTP 2: Stuart Paton NTP 3: Tom Matthews
Perfect golfing weather and a sensational turnout for Captain’s Day saw 29 players experience a Westerham track that earlier this year had undergone development which has greatly improved what was already a fabulous course. Despite being short it was still quite the walk and the lost ball count may well have been quite high, especially in the lake on the 18th
We had four guests play and congratulations go to Tony Pidgeon for topping the guest table with 43 points. Hitting the greens on the par 3s proved quite tricky so the four winners below certainly earned their prizes, specifically Nick Harris for hitting the 13th green which was next to impossible.
Congratulations to Bill Ballard for an epic 38 points to win the day and well done to Peter Long for winning the 4-ball voucher in the raffle.
Thank you all so much for making it such a great event. Chris
Results
First Place: Bill Ballard Second Place: Derek Wells Third Place: Steve Gibbons
Longest Drive: Steve Gibbons NTP 1: Jo Selsby NTP 2: Bill Ballard NTP 3: Paul Holden NTP 4: Nick Harris NTP 5: Steve Findon
An auspicious start to the competition saw a Spitfire fly past us overhead as we gathered on the first tee, with the rumble of its Merlin engine stirring inspiration in many of us.
Perfect golfing weather throughout the day and drinks on the terrace by the 18th green, it doesn’t get much better. The course plays quite long and the greens were in great shape, but apparently the trees claimed many of our players’ golf balls.
Many thanks to our sponsors of the day Peter & Jo Selsby and congratulations go to Tony Scott, the winner of the guest prize.
Thank you all for coming and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Chris
Results
First Place: Chris Miller Second Place: Dale Williams Third Place: Malcolm Holmes
NTP 1: Chris Miller NTP 2: Steve Gibbons NTP 3: Paul Harling NTP 4: Malcolm Holmes
The recent poor weather took a short sabbatical and we had a dry day’s golfing at our most prestigious course of the year. A great turnout with 28 golfers that saw a record six ladies playing the day. Scores averaged 27 on this wonderful but clearly challenging track, with one of our members even playing with half a set of clubs! Recent maintenance on the greens had slowed them up but clearly this wasn’t a problem for a handful of contenders who found scores in the 30s. Well played Nigel for winning the day with a fantastic 38 points.
Many thanks to our sponsor of the day Nick Harris for his generous crystal rewards, and congratulations go to Martin Beaman, the winner of the guest prize.
Thank you all for making the Tavistock Cup a great day, and for sharing some great photos which we are hoping to add to the website soon.
I must also thank Tracy & her team at The Farmhouse who always make us feel welcome and look after us with great food and wine.
Many thanks to all those that attended Chris
Results
First Place: Nigel Brooke-Harte Second Place: Geoff Harris Third Place: Andy Addison
Longest Drive: Ben Beaumont NTP 1: Chris Miller NTP 2: Ben Beaumont NTP 3: Tony McClean
A break in the Surrey monsoon season brought us a warm, sunny day to play a track which for me represents fantastic value whilst being a challenging course. Whilst it was a little damp at the start, the sunshine helped a little as we played. Despite an average score of 28, half the field recorded scores in the 30s. No mean feat when you’re essentially playing off of Black Forest Gateau for the front nine.
Congratulations to Helen for winning the day with 35 points. Many thanks to our sponsor Ian Skingley for his lavish offerings of wine.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible for a full English breakfast and the final scoring event of the season at The Dyke on 31st October where the Road To Dorking will be won. Don’t forget that finishing 10th in the table means 2025 membership fees will be paid for you.
Many thanks to all those that attended Chris
Results
First Place: Helen Wickens Second Place: Andy Addison Third Place: Peter Wickens
Longest Drive: David Agate NTP 1: Peter Wickens NTP 2: Tony McClean NTP 3: Graham Baxter Raffle: Ian Skingley
