championship HIGH HANDICAP
28 May 2025
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 there is still some way to go before we reach our target of 64, in line with other AGA Championship events. This year, we had 42 participants, until a fewdropped out at thelast minute.
The competition consisted of 36 holes off the respective tees, yellow for the men and red for the women. Flights were sent out in groups of three at 8-minute intervals to ensure the pace of play remained on track. It must be mentioned that, given some of the handicaps on and thus familiar to some competitors. The course, based on chalk, drains well and, with little water on the course, is a popular choice as a host venue. The work to move the driving range and reshape the first tee was nearing completion, but we were a couple of weeks too early to be able to use the new layout. However, we lookforward to doing so next year.
Sgt Alex Kelly RLC
For many, this was their first formal AGA competition, and their first over 36 holes in one day, so both the mental and physical elements of fatigue came as a surprise to some. Not least was the experience of having their names called out on the first tee, which was surrounded by the new AGA hoarding boards. While the course was a little forgiving in places, it’s not the longest course the AGA uses. The rough was not as high as in recent years, but the greens
were quickening. All in all, the course offered 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 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.
This year, we were blessed with good weather. The sun shone through as we arrived to set up and did not failusallday, such that we even managed an outdoor prize-giving.
With handicaps ranging from 18 at the lowest to 36 at the highest, some of the
the recent rain, there was ample reward for those who could stay on the fairway. With a bit of give on the greens, they could be attacked by those confident enough to try. After the first round, the clubhouse leader was Mr Trevor Gregg, a stalwart of this event for many years, on 43pts. Just three behind, on 40pts, was Capt Freya Bowen RE, competing in her first competition. One back from her was Sgt Alex Kelly RLC on 39pts, followed by a long stream of players all in the 30s. It would be interesting to see if the levels of consistency could be maintained throughout theafternoon round.
The sun continued to shine throughout the afternoon, resulting in some of the best playing conditions seen at this event
Heath GC at the beginning of August, where they could pit their wits against some of our more established players over three rounds this year. As one door closes,anotheropens.
Round two concluded with a great score of 44pts by WO2 Matthew Stamp REME, playing off 25. This was followed by Spr Sam Maybury RE and LCpl Jack Brady RLC, both with 40pts, then WO2 Sean Geoghegan Inf and another consistent round fromBowen on 39pts.
From the morning high-flyers, only Bowen and Kelly were able to maintain the pressure to stay at the top of the leaderboard. Kelly and WO1 Carl Blackburn RLC played two very steady and consistent rounds of 39+38 and 38+38 respectively. Gregg dropped off the pace sharply in round two (as a result of his charity day the day before said). Last year’s winner, Capt James Flood RE, was not able to retain his crown, partly due to attending a recent skills course and having made changes to his swing – he hopes that will pay dividendsfornext year’s event!
Our sincere thanks go to Maria McKenzie, the Sales & Marketing Manager, and the staff and members of TVGC for allowing us to hold this Championship on their course and for presenting the course in such excellent condition. Going forward, they have kindly agreed to host this event for the next five years, with dates to follow. 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 eternally grateful to Thales, the headline sponsor for 2025, and to our new sponsor for 2025, PozitiveEnergy.
The 2026 High Handicap Championship will once again be held at TVGC on Wed 27 May 26. AGA members are reminded that this is a mixed competition open to all, with the field limited to approximately 42 players. All those interested, regardless
High Handicap Champion
WO2 Matthew Stamp
Fourth Place WO1 Carl Blackburn RLC 76pts Fifth Place Spr Sam Maybury RE 75pts
