High Handicap Championship 2024

HIGH HANDICAP

championship

22 May 2024 Test Valley Golf Club

As

the

most

competitions,

junior the

of

High

the

AGA

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 a little supervision, all flights kept moving, and play flowed smoothly, with all groups

LCpl Ben Lee

completing 18 holes in about 4 hours.

The course, based on chalk, drains well Once again, we were hosted by Test

Valley

Golf

Club

(TVGC),

a

and, with little water on the course, is a

venue popular choice as a host venue. I must say

periodically used by the southeast region

that the water on the course had dried

and thus familiar to some competitors.

up, except for the large pond by the 15th (home to the carp), which was full as expected.

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 Lt Col (Retd) Tena McMachan

briefed and introduced on the tee. For

some, this added an extra layer of stress

summer, the slightly slower greens gave

to the first shot of the day, as evidenced

confidence to those who could find them

by the variety of shots that sprayed the

to attack them. This was evident from the

first fairway. However, all managed to get

morning round scores. The clubhouse

past the red tee box, which added to the

leader was WO2 Gary McCallum (20) on

experience.

42 points, closely followed by Capt James Flood (20) on 41 points (Flood scored 45

The AGA failed in its quest for good

points in his first round last year, playing

weather as the drizzling rain started the

off 26, so his handicap is moving in a

moment we pulled into the car park and

downward direction). In third place was

remained throughout the day, with the

Sgt Matthew Myers (24) on 40 points,

sun only breaking through as the flags

followed by several players on 37 and 36

and banners were taken down at the end

points respectively. The weather was

of the day. This in no way dampened the

definitely having an effect, as the scoring

enthusiasm of those entered, and the

throughout the field was much lower

smiles

day,

than last year by several points. It would

regardless of the standard of play or the

be interesting to see if the levels of

scores recorded.

consistency

remained

in

place

all

could

be

maintained

throughout the afternoon round.

With handicaps ranging from 17 at the

lowest to 28 at the highest, some of the

With the rain continuing to fall, albeit not

scoring was impressive. There was plenty

too heavily, the standard of play across

of good ball striking, and while the runout

the board continued, with only a few

may have been less than in the height of

scoring well, but the majority struggling

WO2 Marcus Murcott

Sgt Matthew Myers

to put together a good run of holes to

year on year. Special thanks must go to

catch the morning leaders. There were

the AGA officials Diane Walters and Jana

not likely to be many handicap changes

Daniell for administering and running the

from today’s event, not downward in any

event in their usual professional and

case. Notwithstanding, there was always

tireless manner both at the event and

the

Whittington

back in the office. Finally, the AGA is

Heath GC at the beginning of August for

eternally grateful to Thales as the AGA

them to pit their wits against some of our

headline sponsor for 2024.

Stableford

event

at

more established players. As one door closes, another opens.

The 2025 High Handicap Championship will take place at Test Valley GC on Wed

Round 2 concluded with LCpl Ben Lee

28 May 25. This is a mixed competition

(22) improving on his morning round to

open to all members of the AGA, with the

card an impressive 44 points. Next was Lt

field limited to approximately 42 players;

Col Stephen Day (16), also improving on

regardless of handicap. Entries will be

his morning score with 41 points, followed

available via the website in spring 2025.

in third place with 39 points by Mr Andy

Any queries should be directed to the

Barnes (20) and LCpl Alex Spencer (22).

AGA Office at aga@armygolf.co.uk.

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

High Handicap Champion - Capt James Flood

Championship on their course and for

RESULTS

presenting the course in such excellent Champion

Capt James Flood RE 79 pts

condition. Going forward, TVGC has kindly Runner-Up

LCpl Ben Lee INF 77 pts

agreed to host this event for the next 5 Third Place

Sgt Matthew Myers RA 77 pts OCB

years, with dates to follow, and to work Fourth Place

WO2 Gary McCallum AGC 76 pts

with us to increase the field of players Fifth Place

Lt Col Stephen Day RLC 75 pts