Wiltshire Golf
WILTSHIRE GOLF 2018 MENS INDIVIDUAL STROKEPLAY AND TEAM SHIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The venue for this year’s championship, sponsored by Courage’s Brewery, was the delightful downland links at High Post. Course Manager Tom Freeman and his team had prepared the course to be a stiff but fair test of everyone’s game. Over 80 Wiltshire category 1 golfers had entered but, the field was eventually cut to the maximum of 72 by balloting out handicaps over 5.1.
The weather was set fair with cloudless skies, warm sun and calm winds dominating the forecast for the day. Play began at 7.40am with a two tee start from the 1st and 12th holes. The course was in absolutely magnificent condition and a joy to play on and at the end of round 1 the leader was Michael Cox (Broome Manor) with an excellent 68 closely followed on 69 by Max Drayton (Wrag Barn) and defending champion Tom Law (Broome Manor). Ex-county captain Mike White (West Wilts) was a stroke further back on level par 70 with Max Writon (Wrag Barn), Joel Frost (South Cerney) and the evergreen ex-county secretary and current senior county player David Lewis (Marlborough) all returning 71’s.
In all some 20 golfers were within 5 strokes of the leader so all to play for in the second round.
Following a splendid BBQ lunch provided by club chef Stuart Budgell (pictured below with wife Dazz and Sara Walsh) play recommenced at 12.40pm.
Unfortunately some of our leaders flagged in the afternoon with Michael Cox signing for a 77, Max Drayton a 76 and a tired David Lewis adding 10 shots to his morning efforts. Others however, were charging up the leader board with Jack Bright (Wrag Barn) improved his mornings effort by 12 shots with a 68 and eventually finishing 21st. James Cooper (Cumberwell) improved with a 69 to finish fourth and Freddie Titcombe, Paul Sandry, Tom Ruddle (all Broome Manor) and Army golfer Lewis Phillips (Tidworth) all scored level par 70’s. The best was yet to come as the more experienced, lower handicappers golfers came in. Tom Stagg (Salisbury & SW) shot an excellent 66 to finish third on 142 but, with a best of the day 5 under par 65 (one shot off the course record), another Broome Manor golfer Paul McMullen shot into the runner’s up spot at level par 140. Not to be denied though, with another solid 69 Tom Law eased into first place with a total of 138 and thereby retained his title. Special congratulations must go to Tom Law because to win one championship is difficult enough so two in a row is a rare feat. Tom will go to Woodhall Spa GC on 15/16 Sept to represent Wiltshire Golf in the England Golf “Champion of Champions” an event previously won by Ben Amor (Marlborough) before he turned professional.
(Pictured below: Wiltshire Golf Vice President Carol Main presenting Tom Law with his trophy)
With our County President unavailable on the day, recently elected Vice-President Carol Main (Chippenham) was on hand to present the prizes on his behalf. Other prize winners were:
Runner up Paul McMullen 140
Third Tom Stagg 142
Fourth James Cooper 142
Fifth Lewis Phillips 142
(Swift Cup) Michael Cox 68
Best nett am David Lewis 66
Best nett pm Jack Bright 65
(Pictured below: Tom Law with High Post captain and referee Don Donaldson).
TEAM SHIELD
With three in the top seven it was clear that Broome Manor were the winners (well it was to everyone but the scorers!) and had retained their grip on the team shield ahead of Runners-Up Cumberwell and they will represent Wiltshire in the England Golf Inter-Club finals at Huddersfield GC on 22/23 Sept and we wish them well.
Prize winners:
Winners Broome Manor (Tom Law, Tom Ruddle and Michael Cox) 426
Runners-up Cumberwell (Ali James, James Cooper and Joe Retford) 436
(Pictured below: Two tired secretaries! Scott Talbert and David Lewis!)
In his post championship speech Operation Director Scott Talbert profusely thanked Alan Feltham (Secretary) and Don Donaldson (Club Captain) for facilitating our event so professionally. The club provided 23 volunteers who registered players, took their scorecards, entered their scores, started them off on both rounds and provided ball spotters, all day, on some of the more difficult driving holes. Thanks also go to Tracey Marten (Bar Manager) and her staff who ensured the liquids flowed efficiently.
This had been the best supported Championship by any club in Wiltshire for many a long year and Wiltshire Golf has been privileged to have been permitted to take over High Post GC for the day, thank you High Post and please may we come back soon!
Next year’s championship will be held at Bowood G & CC on Sunday May 19th, see you there.
Jerry Gegg