The 2024 AGA Stableford Championship returned to Whittington Heath Golf Club for the 39th time, having missed only once due to the course's reconstruction in 2021. It was wonderful to be back in familiar surroundings, among friendly and welcoming members and staff, and to see how well the course regeneration was progressing. As always, the course was in excellent condition, something we’vecometoexpectovertheyears.
Following months of indifferent weather, with much wind and rain,it was arelief to experience a period of stable, warm, dry weather. On arrival, we were met with lush green fairways, fairly fast greens, and substantial rough. The forecast for the three days looked promising, providing an opportunity for those able to focus and apply themselves to post some good scores.
First up was the annual match between past Captains and members of Whittington Heath GC and the AGA officials, along with a select few AGA members and sponsors. The teams were
Sig Lou Malone R Sigs
evenly matched in terms of handicaps, setting the stage for a closely contested match, which did not disappoint. Scores fluctuated throughout the afternoon, right up to the last match. With two matches won before the 16th and the remainder decided on the 17th or 18th, it went down to the wire. I am pleased to announce that the AGA, for the first time in a while, emerged victorious with a 4–2 win. This left Whittington Heath with the Wooden Spoon, awarded annually to the losing team.Thematch was followed bya dinner, where old friendships were renewedforanotheryear.
Round one started better than forecast, with little wind, slight cloud, and warm conditions ideal for two days of golf. The greens had been cut and rolled early in the morning, so they were fairly quick, and the course setup from the yellows made for a challenging yet competitive competition. As the day progressed and the sun broke through, it created further goodscoringopportunities.
to higher handicap players to compete strongly, but as always, holding your nerve and playing your game gives everyone a chance. This year, we had a mixed field of 74 players, setting off in groups of three to ensure a good pace of play.
The clubhouse leader after the first 18 holes was Pte Jason Browring AGC (10), with an impressive score of 43pts. Close behind in second place was Maj Sean Stevenson RLC (3), a stalwart of this competition, with 42pts, followed by Capt James Flood RE (22) who posted 41pts. It was a real mix of handicaps at the top. Slightly further back, with 37pts, were Sgt Ramesh Rai R Sigs, WO1 Michael (Charlie) Brown AGC, Maj Robin White Inf, and WO2 Sean Geoghegan Inf. Just one point behind them, on 36pts, was a group of seven players, followed by another eleven on 35pts. In fact, the top 31 players all managed to score 34pts or more, keepingthecompetitiontight.
As the afternoon sun shone through, the competition settled into a rhythm, with most of the top half of the leaderboard maintaining consistently high scores. 24 players scored 34pts or higher. Unsurprisingly, few of the top 10 from round one were able to maintain their consistency, leading to a congested leaderboard by the end of the day. Sig Lou Malone R Sigs (23) posted 42pts, Cpl George Dickinson REME (8) scored 40pts, and Mark Field (20) and Matt Dale (3) both finished with 39pts, followed by two playerson38ptsandthreeon37pts.
At the close of day one, the overnight leaders were Stevenson (3) on 80pts, Malone (23) on 78pts, and Flood (22) on 76pts. A further two points back, on 74pts, were Dickinson (8), Brown (9), and Browring(10).Thetop13playersall scored 71pts or better, setting the stage for anothercompetitiveday.
Day two began overcast but warm, with a slight breeze that had not been present on day one. The course, immaculate as always,wasreadyforanotherdayofhighlevelcompetition.
Scoring remained high and consistent in round three, with new names climbing the leaderboard. Lt Col Stuart Ferguson RLC (23) and Maj Runner Grewal REME (20) led the round with 42pts each, followed by Cpl Lloyd Thomas Inf (20)
with 40pts,and Malone(23)in fourth with 39pts, continuing his consistent performance. Stevenson (3) remained the clubhouse leader with a solid 38pts, alongside LCpl Alfie Haines AMS (9), Sgt Aidi Bennett R Sigs (6) and Maj Mark WinstanleyAMS(14).
As the leaderboard took shape, it became clear that the winner would likely come from one of the top five: Stevenson with 118pts, Malone with 117pts, Ferguson with 113pts, Flood with 112pts, or Dickinson with111pts.
The final round saw tired legs, sore feet, and mentally fatigued players beginning to drift from the leading pack as the course setup and increasing wind took their toll. Despite this, the number of players breaking 30pts remained high, with more than half the field in that category. The top 16 all scored 34pts or more, with Dale again topping the board with 39pts, alongside the consistent Thomas and Ferguson, also on 39pts. Two players followed with 38pts: WO1 Sean Hoynes REME (23) and SSgt Chris Rosie RE (7). There was noticeable movement at the top of the leaderboard, with Malone slipping out of contention after scoring33pts.
In the final groups, the competition remained tight until the last few holes, when pressure and fatigue caught up with the higher-handicap players, allowing the more experienced low handicap players to prevail. Any ball that drifted off the second cut of rough was either lost for the day or left for Keith or Steve to find as they 'spotted' flights throughout.
Pte Jason Browring AGC with the Taylor/Bartley Trophy for best round of the competition
As the sun set over the tree-lined fairways, Stevenson, with four consistent rounds,emergedas theworthywinnerby one point with 153pts. Stevenson also claimed the Scratch title with 141pts and the Harrison's Shield trophy in the Senior category for over-45s. The overall top 10 positionswere:
Communications Specialist Ltd for their continued support. We also extend our gratitude to Whittington Heath’s Club President, Mike Wilson, Club Captain Andrew Bryan, Club Manager Oli Baines, Emma and her office team, the restaurant and kitchen staff, Ben the Pro in the club shop, and Adam and the greenkeeping team for presenting such an excellent, challenging course. The AGA is deeply indebted to everyone at Whittington Heath for their continued warmth and friendship. We look forward toseeingyouallagainin2025.
Stableford Champion 24
Maj Sean Stevenson RLC holding his three trophies (Courage Cup, Harrison's Shield, and Handicap Cup)
RESULTS
Stableford Champion
Scratch Champion
Senior Winner (Over 45)
Best Round of the Competition
Maj Sean Stevenson RLC
Maj Sean Stevenson RLC
Maj Sean Stevenson RLC
Pte Jason Browring AGC
