BROADWAY Golf Club’s men turned out to support club captain Bernard Donoghue and president Chris Wright in their annual captain versus president match.
It was a cool cloudy start as the klaxon signalled the commencement of the betterball matchplay contest but, with the course playing well, the wins were there to be made.
There were some extremely strong pairings with Broadway’s club professionals Tim Thornley and Russ Berry teaming up with the captain and president to head up the field.
All matches were hard-fought but the presidents team were victors with a nail-biting 10.5-9.5 win.
Once all teams were in, the traditional presentation of the men’s Winter League awards was to take place. The outcome over the seven rounds had been exceptionally close and, as each week had passed, the quest for the esteemed trophies was getting closer.
Mick Sandalls and Paul Walker fought hard throughout the challenge, clinching victory for the second year running with an impressive 265 points. Justin Loram and Ian Weatherhead battled hard too, also bringing in 265, but losing out on countback. Easing into third place were Rob Lord and Nigel Bird with 261.
THE WEATHER continued to be a feature during the week as ladies prepared once again to take on the elements. This time there were gale-force winds to contend with, making conditions tough for the first Medal round of the season.
The England Golf Medal was played alongside the Silver Salver Trophy, presented to the club in 1958 by past lady member Madge Roberts. Unperturbed by the weather, Silver Division’s Liz Smith did extremely well to bring in 76 nett to seal an excellent first place.
Jenny Buchan also scored 76 nett but finished second on countback ahead of Debbie Donoghue who went on to achieve a deserved third with 79.
In Bronze Division, Andi Stedman took top spot with 80 nett ahead of Esther Pettitt, who was second on countback and Brenda Corfield third with 83.
By the weekend, the sun had made a very welcome appearance as the Saturday ladies came out to compete for the same prized salver and it was Linda Carruthers who won with an impressive 75 nett as she also came in with a superb lowest gross of 79.
Vicky Watkins matched the nett score but was second on countback, leaving Pat Green third with 81. The ladies returning the top 16 scores now qualify for the knockout rounds to compete for the coveted salver during the season.
THE FOLLOWING day, Broadway’s mixed teams were out competing for the prestigious Rummer Cup. The weather was much-improved and, despite a cool breeze, there were definite signs of summer in the air as the 22 pairs competed in the foursomes strokeplay competition.
Presented by a visiting Dutch couple in 1969, the Rummer Cup was so-called because of its shape – that of a drinking cup as featured in a painting by the renowned Dutch artist Frans Hals.
With the course providing some superb conditions for play, teams thoroughly enjoyed their matches and there were some first-rate scores returned.
Jenny and Rod Brindley demonstrated top form by bringing in a superb 73.5 nett to crown them trophy winners.
Runners-up Les and Annabelle Carter earned an admirable second place with 73.5 on countback, ahead of vice-captain Andy Basford and partner Christine Saunders who took a commendable third with 76.