The 2023 AGA Stableford Championship returned to its spiritual home of Whittington Heath Golf Club for the 38th time, missing only once during that time due to the new course construction in 2021. It was wonderful to return to familiar surroundings amongst friendly and welcoming members and staff. The course was progressing well following the redevelopment associated with HS2 and it must be said, the course was again in excellent condition, something we have come to expect.
Stu Campbell AMS) they tried in vain to hold their own, but on this occasion, fortune did not favour the brave and they went down 5&4. The result left the AGA winning the Wooden Spoon, which is awarded annually to the losing team. At the end of the day the only winner was the golf. The match was followed by a dinner where old friendships were
With a field of 59, including last year’s Champion, Capt Mukunda Rajali Inf, sporting his new handicap of 17 (down s 22). Round 1 started better than forecast, although the wind had picked up and was gusting across the
Sgt Aidi Bennett R Signals
Sgt Mike Cupper RA
with the lowest handicaps, so this event provides an opportunity for the middle to higher handicap players to have a good run for the trophies. Any idea that the lowest handicap players will automatically fare better is a myth well dispelledearlyinthefirstround.
Clubhouse leader Cpl Steven Farnworth Inf (1) posted a solid 33 pts, which looked tidy for the first hour. But as the field completed round one, 33 pts was never going to cut it, although there was only 8 pts separating the top 10 players. Stand out score saw LCpl Buluhang Rai RLC (13) leading the way on 41 pts, Sgt Robert
Cooper REME (18) and Lt Col Suart Campbell AMS (5) on 37 pts, followed by Capt Paul Simpson REME (7), Maj Scott Dunn Inf (10), WO1 Michael ‘Charlie’ Brown AGC (9) and LCpl Ben Slaven R Sigs (28) all on 36 pts. There were 35 players scoring 30 pts or better in round 1.
The wind settled down and with the sun shining throughout the afternoon, the competition settled into some rhythm, which ensured the scoring remained consistently high for the top half of the leaderboard with, once again, over 30 players scoring higher than 30 pts. Interestingly very few of the top 10 of the first round were able to hold their consistency and so the leaderboard was starting to become congested as the day progressed. This would ensure the focus
SSgt Pasang Sherpa RLC Mr Ian BosleyAdrian Grinonneau Inf (16) all on 71 pts. Such close scoring meant day two was set up for some stiff competition.
The forecast for day two was set for torrential rain with the potential for thunder and lightning. To our surprise we were met with strong winds and sunshine. The overnight rain had softened the greens so they could be confidently attacked, but to even things up the grounds staff took revenge with some brutal pin positions which did take its toll later in the day. So, with the course looking immaculate, something we had come to expect at Whittington Heath, day two got under way.
Scoring on the third round once again remained high, although with more new names appearing further up the leaderboard. LCpl Benjamin Lee Inf (26) lead the way with an impressive round of 39 pts, right behind on 38 pts was Capt Stephen Johnson AMS (10), with Maj Alastair Wills AGC (13) one back on 37 pts. Browring remained in the overall running on 36 pts joined by WO2 Gary ‘Geordie’ Fernandez RAPTC (13) and Maj Robin White Inf (16) all on 36 pts. Once again, there were over 30 scoring 30 pts of more. WO2 Claire Ham AGC was the leading female competitor remaining in the top third.
The leaderboard was starting to take shape going into the final round where realistically the winner could have come from any of the top 10 players:
• LCpl Buluhang Rai RLC (13) = 107 pts
• Lt Col Stuart Campbell AMS (5) = 105 pts
• Pte Jason Browring AGC (10) and Cpl
• Lee Williams AGC (12) = 104 pts
• Sgt Mike Cupper RA (24) and Capt Steve Pammen AMS (19) = 103 pts
• Maj Robin White Inf (16), SSgt David Whitwham RLC (27) and Lt Col Adrian Grinonneau Inf (16) = 102 pts
• Capt Paul Simpson REME (7) and WO1
Charlie Brown AGC (9) = 101 pts
took its toll. The number of players breaking 30 pts was down to 28. That said, the scores remained consistently high with 39 pts again topping the board with the reigning champion Rajali finding his game to hold on the best score of round 4. Three others followed one back, Brown, Mr Ian Bosley (10) and Maj Gina Smith REME (13), finding her game at last, with an impressive 38 pts. One back were four others, resulting in some movement at the top of the leaderboard. Unfortunately, some fell away. Noticeably Campbell struggled to 24 pts. After turning up on the wrong tee, Browring proceeded to double across to the correct tee and lost his first ball off the tee. He then bogeyed the next two holes to put an end to his championship push. Hero of the day was Grinonneau, who after being stung by a bee and with a swollen hand, still managed to out drive his playing partners straight down the middle.
Of the final groups contesting for the lead, there were lost balls within the first three holes. The balls having only to drift off the second cut of rough to be lost for another day; either that or left for Keith or Steve to find as they ‘spotted’ flights throughout the day.
WO1 Ian Barnes RLC
So, as the day drew to a close with the expecteddarkcloudslooming evercloser and with some to the front runners falling away, LCpl Buluhang Rai RLC, with four consistent rounds, came in as the winner by 3 pts on 142 pts.
Our thanks go to Thales, our headline and Stableford Championship sponsor, Army Sport and Communications Specialist Ltd for their continued support. To the Club President, Kelvin Edwards, and Captain of Whittington Heath GC, Ian Hilary. To Oli Baines, the Club Manager, and Emma in
Stableford Champion
Scratch Champion
Senior Winner (Over 45)
Best Round of the Competition
RESULTS
LCpl Buluhang Rai RLC 142 pts
Cpl Steven Farnworth Inf 120 scratch points
WO1 Charlie Brown AGC 139 pts
LCpl Buluhang Rai RLC 41 pts (round 1)
Courage
L to R: Taylor/Bartley Trophy & Handicap Cup Winner - LCpl Buluhang Rai RLC Harrison's Shield Winner - WO1 Charlie Brown AGC Cup Winner - Cpl Steven Farnworth Inf