Burnham pairing finish runners-up in West of England Foursomes

DAVID Gover and Nigel Wilson from The Kendleshire Golf Club in Bristol, won the prestigious West of England Winter Foursomes at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club.

Hopes of a home victory for the local pairing of Troy Crandon and Andy Fisher were blown away in atrocious conditions with strong winds and driving rain, which prevailed from the ninth hole onwards in the morning round of the 36-hole final.

The local pair found themselves two down at lunch. A lost ball at the first hole in the afternoon increased the deficit. The visitors who received seven shots from their opponents used them wisely and gave little hope of a comeback, eventually shaking hands on the 10th green.

The plate final which was played over 18 holes also took place and was won by Stanley Cook, who is a country member from Copt Heath Golf Club in the midlands and his partner Tim Freeman, who beat home professional David Haines and his brother Stephen 3&2.

Will Gard scored 38 points to win Division 1 of the Saturday Stableford by three points from Peter Yensen and Will Crandon, who both scored 35. Division 2 was won by Mike Applegate with 36 points.

Scores

AT WESTON Golf Club’s annual meeting, captain Roy Schubert reported a successful year for the club, both on and off the course.

The current seniors’ captain John Morgan, was presented with the clubman of the year award for his commitment to all aspects of club life. John is a great ambassador for the club and always around to help in any way he can.

The ladies’ Stableford and first millenium qualifier of the year was won by Zena Balcombe with a three point lead scoring 39 points. In second place with 36 was Wendy Homer and Terri Blackhurst third with 35.

The ladies Bristol & District Alliance teams got together for a pre-season supper and games evening. A and B team captains Glenda Latham and Zena Balcombe tested their players competitive spirit with indoor bowls and putting competitions.

A wet start that turned into a reasonable winters’ day greeted the Weston seniors contesting a Stableford using only five clubs. This tricky format certainly suited Robin Webb, who won easily with 41 points. Closest to Robin on 38 points was the trio of David Reynolds, Michael Dyer and Gerald Taylor, who were only separable on countback.

THE seniors and juniors both held Stableford competitions at Worlebury, with the youngsters having the better weather.

This, however, was not reflected in the scoring, with the juniors showing signs of rustiness. Mikey Nicholls won the competition with 37 points and also took the nearest the pin prize on the 12th.

Runner-up was Dominic Williams on 36 points with junior captain, Charlie Camper, taking third place on countback with 34.

While the more experienced juniors were on the course, seven members (three girls and four boys) from the junior academy had a one-hour practice session, followed by a chip and putt-off and a three-hole Texas scramble competition.

Reece Landen won the chip and putt-off after holing 30ft putts twice in a row. There is little doubt he will have his handicap this year.

The girls then took on the boys in the Texas scramble. Although they were only two over, the girls were just beaten by one shot. Neave Southcombe kept the girls in the game with a superb par on the second and a couple of excellent rescue woods, but it was not to be.

A great time was had by all with each player showing plenty of promise. It is great to see big improvements from the youngsters and thanks must go to the teaching pros, Gary Marks and Iain Rankine, for their work throughout this winter and to Sarah Burnell for setting up the format last year.

It is hoped to run academy sessions alongside junior competitions throughout the golfing season, with the aim of bringing tomorrow’s members on to full junior status.

By comparison, the seniors had to contend with a cold day with heavy, wintry rain, and this was certainly reflected in the scores, particularly in Division 2, with the higher handicapped players finding it a struggle.

Thirty-four points, returned by four players, was good enough to win the division, with countback settling the places. Patrick Balchin came first followed by Bob Saddler and Rod Gribble, with Ron Stevens edged out of the prizes.

Scoring was better in Division 1, with Danny O’Connor the outstanding performer of the day. His excellent 41 points put him head and shoulders above his fellow competitors. Gerry Miles was runner-up, pipping Alan Woolford on countback, both playing very well and scoring 38 points.

NEWLY-installed captain-elect Andy Thomas and his partner for the day Steve Mason took the top spot in Brean Golf Club’s Mike Teal Trophy with a 42-point betterball score.

They held a two-point advantage from Dave Hunter and Simon Baunton to take the silverware. Hunter and Baunton held off Graham Foy and Dan Broom on a countback over the back nine to take the runners-up position.

Big winners on the day though were the trio who scored a two as it was a rollover from last week. Neil Barker, Stuart Wills and Jason Kidley all netted over £30 each for their birdies on the par threes.

Barrie Yearsley followed up his Stableford win of last week by claiming the top spot in this week’s seniors’ February medal. His nett 68 completed the double for the month, as it gave him a one-shot advantage over new seniors’ captain Bob Hurrell.

Hurrell showed that taking office has had no effect on his own golf with his nett 69 as he beat Colin Roberts into third place with his 71.

Tony Higgins had the leading score in a Winter League qualifier with 40 points. A small field risked the forecast rain which as predicted arrived mid-morning, making the back nine a somewhat soggy affair.

Higgins won by two from Simon Baunton, who recorded his second runners-up spot of the weekend, with Tony Romeo in third on 37.