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National Scratch Competition/International Qualifier - Trentham Golf Club 2003 Trentham golf club was again the popular venue for the National scratch championship, and despite heat – wave conditions throughout the rest of the country, this corner of the midlands was hit by thunder and lightning so bad that the organisers at one point feared the event may have to be abandoned. Those players, who had already begun their morning rounds, were, in the interests of safety, requested to return to the clubhouse, with Ian Sinclair in particular reluctant to prove the theory that lightning doesn’t strike twice, having been caught once before! After approximately an hours delay with no injuries other than a number of double bogies, play resumed under blue skies that were to remain till the end of an absorbing day. The aim for those players with aspirations of success in this year’s championship was a daunting one – shoot a lower score than 6 time champion Paul Sutton and last years winner David Hough. Both began as favourites for the event, and with the other member of their three ball being Rory Smith, a regular England team member, it did look likely that the winner would come from their group. By lunchtime the odds were in favour of David Hough as he recorded a sparkling 2 under 70, Paul had shot a 76 and Rory a 78, with the only other possible challengers being Dave Hudspith – 73, Tony Clements – 74, John Southward – 76, and Tony Inman – 77. Other than these, the rest of the field struggled on what was becoming a very hot and sticky day, with some familiar names in danger of missing out on selection for next years International teams. In early summer Trentham had once again been used for British Open qualifying, and the professionals then had found it particularly difficult, so with that in mind it was perhaps not surprising that the scores in general were higher than most expected. Some players’ morning scores had left them with too much to do in the afternoon for them to qualify for the teams, others though, such as Phil Bird, Shaun Owen, Mick Macshane and Steve Wooldridge, re-discovered their games in time to improve their scores by up to 6 shots and secure their places. As regards the Championship, the three stroke lead held by David Hough proved to be enough; in fact he increased this to win by 5 from Paul Sutton who equalled David’s morning round of 70. Third place went to Tony Clements on his debut in the event. The organisers were delighted to see so many new faces appear in this the premier golfing event for prison staff, and even more so that a considerable number such as Tony qualified to represent England next year. The morning delay for bad weather meant a swift and somewhat abbreviated
presentation took place in order for the players to travel home,
in so doing some thanks were overlooked. To retired governor Bill
Ritson for once again presenting the prizes, Steve Kay for persuading
the P.S.S.A. to help fund the day, Mick Macshane for acquiring the
marvellous prizes, and Paul Sutton’s partner Laura, for great
work in starting and scoring.
The 24 players who qualified to compete against Scotland & N.Ireland: -
England v Northern Ireland - May 2003 In May 2003, the England 2nd team travelled to Northern Ireland’s causeway coast attempting to retain the “Jim Armstrong” trophy. This was the 10th playing of the match and the players were to be treated to Royal Portrush as a venue. The first day’s play took place over Portrush`s sister course “the valley links”, built over the same towering duneland as the “Dunluce”, and considered by many to be at least it’s equal. A beautiful day saw good spirited golf from both sides, with the balance only slightly tipped towards the home side 4 – 3. The evening of the first day was highlighted by a team talk from Captain Syd Wilson. It seemed to do the trick for him at least, as he came home with a 2 up win. Despite the Irish retrieving a point through organiser Paul `lucky bounce` Barry and Neil Donaldson, four straight wins from England meant an 8½ to 5½ lead to take into the final day’s play. The third day saw a return to the “valley” with England only requiring 6 points from a possible 14, and Ireland facing an uphill struggle that soon became a virtual impossibility as the first 5 matches went in favour of England. When Kev Vardy came home with an outstanding 6 and 5 victory, England’s win was confirmed, with the eventual margin of success being 18½ to 9½. A few words of thanks: to Syd Wilson for his captaincy on this his retirement from the International scene, he will be missed; to the families of Paul Sirrell, Bryan Davies and Simon Lewis for “allowing” them to travel on only 3 days notice; to Paul Barry, Rory Sanaghan and the Irish team for their incredible hospitality; and last but by no means least, to the P.S.S.A. without whose support we would not be able to compete in these matches. Steve Kay
Left to right: K. Vardy, M. Macshane, P. Sirrell, S. Kay, S. Lewis, M. Briggs, R. Partridge, J. Roberts (man of the match), B. Davies, M. Gibson, S. Wilson, P. Cowell, C. Sheppard. Missing from photo: D. Potter England v Scotland International 2003 Kingsnowe Golf Club - Edinburgh May 22 / 23 The English team arrived in Scotland for this years match in high spirits following 2002’s victory and the feeling that this was one of our strongest teams in many years. Unfortunately no-one told the Scots, and as their team filtered into the clubhouse for the first mornings play, the English teams’ optimism slowly began to fade. Along with Walker cup squad players were county players and club champions. Nevertheless captain Dave Potter picked what we thought were strong fourball pairings, with new England no. 1 David Hough partnering Dave Hudspith against Scotland no.s 1 and 2 Craig Mc.Nicholl and David Abernethy. In an enthralling match, the Scots levelled at the 16th hole and played out a half which was on balance a fair result. Unfortunately by the time this first match had reached the 18th, Scotland had already recorded two victories “out in the country” by the margin of 6 and 5, and although Andy Boddice and Paul Raynes were unlucky to lose down the last, the only victory for England this first morning came thanks to Rory Smith and Phil Bird by the same one hole margin. With the score at lunch standing at 4½ to 1½ in Scotland’s favour, it was essential that England had a strong showing in the afternoon singles, unfortunately despite excellent wins by Tony Inman, Dave Hudspith, Ron Bradley, Rory Smith, Dave Potter (deputising for Paul Sutton), a halved game by Tom Dobbins meant that the first days play finished Scotland 11, England 7. On day 2 the wind picked up, and with the promise of showers in the air the players began the fourballs in no doubt that only the very best golf in poor conditions would be good enough to prevail. Again though it was the Scots that were quickest out of the blocks, winning the first two games, and with only the pairings of Paul Sutton and Rory Smith, and Dave Hudspith and Tony Inman winning games for England, the match was virtually over with Scotland requiring only 3½ points from the 12 singles games to retain the “Scrimgeour cup”. Indeed the afternoon was almost an anti-climax with Scotland tying up the match relatively early and running out worthy winners by the score of 23 to 13. It should be said that the standard of play from both sides in such difficult conditions was incredibly high. Fourballs going around in a combined level par would have received a “sound thrashing”, as three and four under par were winning and occasionally losing. Despite this fierce competition and everyone’s burning desire to win, the matches as always were played in a very sporting and convivial atmosphere, with old friendships re-kindled and new ones forged. The “Jock Bryden trophy” awarded to the English player making the greatest contribution during the match, was this year won by Dave Hudspith who remained unbeaten throughout the week, a very creditable performance against such a strong and talented Scottish team. Our thanks to Charlie Kivlin and the Scottish team for their hospitality,
the P.S.S.A. sport and leisure for their continued financial support,
and “Glenmuir” for their assistance in providing the
English team with their outfits.
The valiant though vanquished English team. Inaugural Martin Narey Trophy National Golf Handicap Championship April 28th saw the first playing of the annual national handicap event, held at Lutterworth Golf Club, Leicestershire, with competitors playing for the trophy kindly donated by outgoing director general – Mr. Martin Narey. A field of 54 golfers from prisons and departments nationwide competed in a 10 hole warm-up stableford event, followed by 18 holes of strokeplay. Unfortunately the weather did not appreciate the occasion, and the morning rounds were hit with dreadful conditions of strong winds and driving rain, which made the 20 points of P. Dickinson (Lindholme), seems the obvious winner. However both T. Baker (North Sea Camp) and P. Telfer (Deerbolt) amazed everyone by coming home with 21 points, and after a countback, it was Paul who took the honours. With the weather easing over lunch, the competitors sense of optimism returned and talk of “ripping the course to shreds” echoed throughout the clubhouse, unfortunately the majority could not transfer talk to deed, and it took some time before the first under par score of 69 came in from M. Thistlewaite (Liverpool). This was shortly followed by a trio of 67s from I. Rand (Deerbolt), S. Blakeney (Leeds) and P. Croft (Onley), but with a superb 66 and a smile as wide as the Mersey, John Mc.Neill from Liverpool became the inaugural winner of the Martin Narey trophy and the title of National Handicap Champion. It was a marvellous day enjoyed by everyone despite the weather, and special thanks should be mentioned to the following: Martin Narey for his patronage of the event, Lutterworth Golf Club, Steve Kay and Mick Macshane for their industry and organisation, and finally but most importantly the P.S.S.A. Sport and Leisure, without whose financial assistance we would have found it virtually impossible to hold. As a postscript, the National Golf Association would like to say
that the more staff that sign up to the P.S.S.A., the more funding
becomes available, and therefore more events of this magnitude and
importance can be arranged for the benefit of all golfers.
John Mc.Neill, winner of the “Martin Narey” trophy. National Championship / International Qualifier
The National Championship / International Qualifier was held this year at Trentham Golf Club, Stoke-on-Trent on Monday August 5th. Regional qualifying for the British Open had been held here earlier in the year, so a stiff test was anticipated, and after heavy overnight rain, the competitors faced a course playing to it’s full length of 6600 yards. As the players prepared to tee off, an untypical hot August sun broke through to help dry a course that had drained remarkably well and continue our good fortune with the weather that we have carried for some years. The morning rounds passed with little drama or surprise, all ‘the usual suspects’ being in contention after steady, though unspectacular openings. A couple of notable exceptions were regular team members Mick Macshane (Durham) and Dave Potter (Wealstun) who played themselves out of contention with what was for them very poor rounds. At lunch there were 5 players within 4 shots of the lead including first time entrant David Hough (Ranby), past winner Paul Sutton (Stafford) and ‘veteran’ Cliff Sheppard (Guys Marsh). Cliff’s challenge would falter during the afternoon but Paul improved on his morning score by 2 shots to lie as leader in the clubhouse. He would remain leader for some time as he had teed off first being reigning champion, and although other players improved their scores to secure places in next years international teams, only David Hough remained on the course with a realistic chance of winning. He would do this in style, coming home with a one under par score of 71 to secure his debut victory of the ‘Bill Ritsun Cup’. It was a superb performance from David who had played professionally before joining the service and is another notable addition to the winners of this Championship. In addition to the main prizes on offer, others were available for nearest the pins on par threes. The first of these was won by Paul Cowell (Lindholme) who aced the 125 yard 4th. It cost him a lot more than the litre of whiskey he won due to the tradition of buying everyone a celebratory drink. Special thanks to some people that may have been overlooked on the day but nevertheless, whose help was greatly appreciated; Dave McNicholas (Stafford) who acted as starter and scorer, Paul Sutton for helping to arrange the venue, cards and scoring and Steve Kay and Mick Macshane for their invaluable assistance in this our first year in charge. When the dust had settled and all the scores compiled, these were the qualifiers for next year’s international matches: -
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| ENGLAND V SCOTLAND This years match was played at host club Easingwold and although England were not able to count on ex-English amateur champion Harry Ashby, the Scots also had their selection problems with Walker Cup squad player Craig McNichol unable to compete through injury. Their side, as always, however, was packed with quality players with numerous county caps and club champions among their number. This did not deter a dogged English team who coped better with the heavy rains of the first morning fourballs to go into lunch with a healthy 4 to 2 lead. With the rains becoming heavier throughout lunch, fears were growing that the afternoon singles matches would be a washout, but, as if by divine intervention, the clouds broke and the sun shone, unfortunately God must be Scottish, because as the English had mastered the poor weather, the Scots embraced the sunshine to overturn the English advantage from the morning to complete the first days play at all square, 9 points each. The second day began with bright blue skies that would continue throughout the day to provide superb conditions. This time the English took advantage to once again open up a 2 point lead, but on this occasion the Scots could not find a response with the English tying up the afternoon singles matches 7 to 5 to complete a memorable 20 points to 16 victory. The scoring at times was remarkable, with par being ordinary, and birdies the norm. Eagles were in fact required to win holes on occasion. The presentation was made afterwards – overseen by our old friend Bill Ritson, who has supported this event since it’s inception in 1974. He made mention of the sterling work done by both captains, in particular John Roberts of England who had suffered a bereavement prior to the match, and had to travel to a family funeral on the Friday before returning for the presentation. A small comfort perhaps when he received the old trophy from Scottish Captain Bruce Galloway. Presentations were also made to Dave Cattener, the Scottish player of the week and Tony Inman of England, who on his debut remarkably won all his four games. No one could speak highly enough of Easingwold Golf Club, in particular their secretary for his support and co-operation and their caterer for the superb meals provided. The English team comprised of: - Paul Sutton (Stafford), Dave Hudspith
(Frankland), Steve Wooldridge (Deerbolt), Jed Friday (Swaleside),
Andy Boddice (Swinfen Hall), Ron Bradley-Hewitt (Wakefield), Tony
Inman (Ranby) & Ian Sinclair (Thorn Cross) |
| ENGLAND V N.
IRELAND Players qualifying for this years match represented prisons from as far north as Frankland in Co. Durham to Cookham Wood in Kent. The qualifying criteria for this match, is those players finishing from 14 to 25 in the National Championship / Qualifier which was held last year at The Hallamshire Golf Club ~ Sheffield. The first day’s play took place at Tyneside Golf Club and produced some outstanding doubles play, in particular from Roger Partridge and Jack Davies who took on and destroyed the Irish ‘star’ player and his partner by 9 and 7. At the close of play the English led by a whopping 5½ points to a ½. Day 2 took the players to Slaley Hall in Northumberland, host to The Great North Open on the European Tour. With the course set up for tour players and the conditions less than conducive for good scoring, everyone had to knuckle down as best as they could, and perhaps surprisingly, the English team adapted to the conditions best to take a seemingly unassailable 9½ to 2½ lead into the final day’s play at Whickham Golf Club. Needing only 3 wins form the final day’s 12 singles matches the English, perhaps taking the situation too lightly, won only one of the first 5, this being Steve Kay taking the scalp off Irish Captain Neil Donaldson. Although this left the home team requiring only 2 more wins the match with Full Sutton’s Alan Walsh bringing home the bacon, or perhaps the sheep! The English could then relax and bask in their first victory since 1997. The ‘Jim Armstrong Challenge Trophy’ was presented to English Captain Steve Kay by his Northern Irish counterpart and secretary of the N.I.P.S.S.A. Neil Donaldson, who very graciously thanked the home team for their hospitality and continued friendship. English team: back row from left to right: - Both captains and teams would like to thank the P.S.S.A. and the
C.S.S.C. sports and leisure for their continued support. Without
this, hundreds of golfers throughout the country would miss out
on competing in events staged both regionally and nationally. |
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Photos
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England Team that played N. Ireland |
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