championship HIGH HANDICAP
22 May 2024 Test Valley Golf Club
As the most junior of the AGA competitions, the High Handicap Championship has been run by the AGA since 2022. In the subsequent years, it has steadily grown to just under 40 entrants, although this is still some way below its target of 64, in line with other AGA Championship events. This year, we almost reached 40 participants until a few dropped out at the last minute. Nonetheless, a field of one lady and 34 men played 36 holes off the yellow and red tees. Flights were sent out in groups of three at 8-minute intervals to ensure the pace of play remained on track. With
LCpl Ben Lee
The Championship was played over two rounds in one day, and for many, this was their first formal AGA competition and their first over 36 holes, so both the mental and physical elements of fatigue came as a surprise to some. While the course was a little forgiving in places, it’s not the longest course the AGA uses. The rough was fairly high and dense in places, and the greens were quickening. It achieved all we set out for - a fair but stern test of golf. The tee boxes were set up as they would be for all Championship events, with AGA, sponsor, and event banners flying. The players were formally briefed and introduced on the tee. For Lt Col
(Retd) Tena McMachan
some, this added an extra layer of stress to the first shot of the day, as evidenced by the variety of shots that sprayed the first fairway. However, all managed to get past the red tee box, which added to the experience.
The AGA failed in its quest for good weather as the drizzling rain started the moment we pulled into the car park and remained throughout the day, with the sun only breaking through as the flags and banners were taken down at the end of the day. This in no way dampened the enthusiasm of those entered, and the smiles remained in place all day, regardless of the standard of play or the scores recorded.
summer, the slightly slower greens gave confidence to those who could find them to attack them. This was evident from the morning round scores. The clubhouse leader was WO2 Gary McCallum (20) on 42 points, closely followed by Capt James Flood (20) on 41 points (Flood scored 45 points in his first round last year, playing off 26, so his handicap is moving in a downward direction). In third place was Sgt Matthew Myers (24) on 40 points, followed by several players on 37 and 36 points respectively. The weather was definitely having an effect, as the scoring throughout the field was much lower than last year by several points. It would be interesting to see if the levels of
WO2 Marcus Murcott
Sgt Matthew Myers
to put together a good run of holes to catch the morning leaders. There were not likely to be many handicap changes from today’s event, not downward in any case. Notwithstanding, there was always the Stableford event at Whittington Heath GC at the beginning of August for them to pit their wits against some of our more established players. As one door closes, another opens.
Round 2 concluded with LCpl Ben Lee (22) improving on his morning round to card an impressive 44 points. Next was Lt Col Stephen Day (16), also improving on his morning score with 41 points, followed in third place with 39 points by Mr Andy Barnes (20) and LCpl Alex Spencer (22).
Three of the morning’s top five made it into the prizes at the close of play, with Stephen Day and Ben Lee climbing the field into the top 5 with two excellent rounds of golf. As always, there can only be one winner, and James Flood, who finished in 4th place last year, returned to take the spoils in 2024, piecing together two excellent rounds of consistent golf with 41 and 38 points. Assuming his golf will only get better, he may be able to return next year to defend his title.
Our sincere thanks go to Maria McKenzie, the Events Organiser, and the staff and members of Test Valley Golf Club for allowing the AGA to hold this Championship on their course and for presenting the course in such excellent condition. Going forward, TVGC has kindly agreed to host this event for the next 5 years, with dates to follow, and to work with us to increase the field of players
year on year. Special thanks must go to the AGA officials Diane Walters and Jana Daniell for administering and running the event in their usual professional and tireless manner both at the event and back in the office. Finally, the AGA is
Fifth Place Lt Col Stephen Day RLC 75 pts
High Handicap Champion - Capt James Flood