Report on Golfer of the Year 2011
Report of the Golfer of the Year 2011
The Golfer of the Year event for 2011 was held at Royal Birkdale and Hesketh Golf Clubs on 6th & &th October.
Winds gusting up to 82 m.p.h. made play at Royal Birkdale interesting to say the least! The wind was blowing steadily at about 30-40 m.p.h. all day and was supplemented in late afternoon by a hailstorm the like of which none of us had seen before! Despite this weather 54 out of the 59 competitors made it to the 18th, although the last group finished in complete darkness – such dedication!
The scores reflected the conditions and the overnight leader was Roger Parfitt with a gross score of 86 (handicap 5) and Chris Adams produced the best net score of 81 (handicap 11). 18 players returned a NR card, which was a reflection on the very difficult conditions.
The second round at Hesketh G C was played in relatively calm conditions with the wind only blowing 10-20 m.p.h. Also the sun was shining and we had no rain. The better conditions were reflected in the scoring and David North came in with a gross 76 (handicap 3). The best net score for the day was achieved by Paul Lund who returned a net 72 (handicap7).
Nearest the pin prizes were won by Clive Collier (2), Thomas Stanley & Martin Dunton. The team Stableford Competition was won by David North, Chris Coverdale, Paul Lund & Martin Dunton with a score of 207 points. Runners up were Denys Jones, Gareth Duddridge, Mike Starkey & Mandy Webber with 195 points. The guest prize was won by Kieran O’Reilly with a gross 198 for the 36 holes. He enjoyed the event so much he has decided to join the Society!
The Riding Cup is presented to the player with the best Net Scopre over 36 holes. In 3rd place was Gareth Duddridge 161, 2nd was Chris Adams 160 & the winner was Paul Lund 156.
The Sir Brian Pitman Cup is awarded for the best Gross Score over 36 holes. In 3rd place was Roger Parfitt 173, 2nd was Allan Mackenzie 171 and the winner was David North 167. David North now holds the Society ‘Grand Slam’ as he also is the holder of the Beaumont Pease Cup, which is played for at Woodhall Spa in May each year.
Despite the weather everyone felt the event was a success and all wished to return to play Royal Birkdale in more gentle conditions......perhaps we can return there in a couple of years or so?