ARMY GOLF ASSOCIATION
WWW.ARMYGOLF.CO.UK
HIGH HANDICAP CHAMPIOSHIP 27 MAY 26 TEST VALLEY GC
As the newest addition to the list of AGA
grass-covered earth mounds to separate
sponsored
some of the fairways.
events,
the
High
Handicap
Championship is now in its fifth year at Test Valley Golf Club. The competition has steadily
For many players, this was their first formal
grown, attracting a field of 43 players this
AGA
year, many of whom were taking part in their
disappointing to reduce the Championship
first major AGA competition. While this
to
remains some way short of our target field of
undoubtedly the right one in the interests of
64, in line with the other AGA Championship
player welfare. That said, it did nothing to
events, participation continues to grow year
diminish the occasion. Having their names
on year.
announced on the first tee, surrounded by
competition, a
single
and
round,
although the
it
decision
was was
AGA branding and sponsor banners, provided Under
normal
circumstances,
the
an experience many competitors had never
competition consists of 36 holes played from
enjoyed
the respective Championship tees, yellow for
forgiving in places and not the longest used
the men and red for the women. However,
by the AGA, the rough was lower than in
with the UK experiencing unprecedented
recent years and the greens were beginning
high
nationwide
to
forecast
Championship course set-up, it provided
temperatures
heatwave,
and
during
a
temperatures
to
before.
quicken. what
While
the
Combined was
required,
course
with a
fair
was
the
exceed 32°C, the decision was made to
exactly
but
reduce this year’s Championship to an 18-
demanding test of golf. As expected, the
hole event. This ultimately proved to be the
opening tee shots reflected a mixture of
correct decision and was welcomed by all the
nerves and excitement, with balls heading in
players. Groups of three teed off at eight-
a variety of directions. Thankfully, every player
minute intervals to help maintain the pace of
managed to get past the red tee markers and
play. With a little supervision, every group
their Championship was underway.
kept moving, and all players completed their rounds in around four hours. If only all our
With handicaps ranging from 17 to 47.1, some
events followed the same pattern!
of the scoring was particularly impressive. There
was
plenty
of
solid
ball-striking
Once again, we were hosted by Test Valley
throughout the field, although the prolonged
Golf Club (TVGC), a venue regularly used by
dry conditions had left the fairways firm and
the South East region and therefore familiar
beginning to turn yellow. Those finding the
to a number of competitors. Built on chalk,
middle of the fairway enjoyed significantly
the course drains exceptionally well and, with
more run than usual, while holding approach
very few water hazards, continues to be a
shots on the increasingly firm greens proved
popular venue for the Championship. Work
far more challenging.
on relocating the driving range was nearing completion, while the reshaping of the first
With only 18 holes deciding this year's
tee had already been finished. The next
Championship,
phase of the club's development appears to
producing one strong round rather than
involve
demonstrating consistency over multiple
the
construction
of
several
success
depended
on
days. Scoring was therefore encouraging,
principle to continue hosting the event for
with 21 players recording 30pts or more. The
the next five years, with future dates to be
top 10, all playing off handicaps between 15
confirmed. Special thanks must also go to
and 28, scored at least 36pts, while the
the officials, Diane Walters and Nick Hood, for
leading four all returned 40 or 41pts.
administering and running the event in such a professional and tireless manner, both at
The final top five saw Lt Col Pete Starkey
the Championship itself and behind the
RAMS finish in fifth place on 39pts. Cpl Ryan
scenes in the office. Finally, the AGA remains
Winson R Sigs and WO2 John Hogan Inf
extremely grateful to its sponsors, Censys, PE,
shared third place on 40pts, while Sgt Ben
Holts Bank and ABLO, for their continued
Howell RAMS finished Runner-Up. The 2026
support.
High Handicap Champion was WO2 Daniel Grenier RAPTC, who claimed the title on
The 2027 AGA High Handicap Championship
countback after both players finished on
will once again be held at Test Valley Golf
41pts.
Club on Wed 26 May 27. AGA members are reminded that this is a mixed competition
Our sincere thanks go to Maria McKenzie,
open
to
all,
with
the
Sales & Marketing Manager, together with
approximately 42 players. Anyone interested
the staff and members of Test Valley Golf
in taking part, regardless of handicap, is
Club, for once again allowing the AGA to
encouraged to enter. Entry forms will be
stage this Championship and for presenting
available via the website in early 2027. Any
the course in such excellent condition. We
queries should be directed to the AGA Office
are delighted that the club has agreed in
at aga@armygolf.co.uk.
High Handicap Champion - WO2 Daniel Grenier RAPTC RESULTS Champion
WO2 Daniel Grenier RAPTC, 41pts OCB
Runner-Up
Sgt Ben Howell RAMS, 41pts
Third Place
Cpl Ryan Winson R Sigs, 40pts OCB
Fourth Place
WO2 John Hogan Inf, 40pts
Fifth Place
Lt Col Pete Starkey RAMS, 39pts
field
limited
to