03 October 2024 Mill Ride Golf Club
The annual AGA Quill and Club Tournament returned this year to Mill Ride Golf Club in Ascot. Organised by the AGA committee, the event marks the season’s close for all current and past organisers of AGA events at Army, Corps,andRegionallevels.
We were delighted to welcome two special guests: Mr Pete Hoddinott from L3 Harris, whose company is a valued sponsor of UKAF golf, and Mr Matt Royle from CACI, whose support is greatly appreciated by Royal Signalsgolf.
After nearly a month of relentless rain, the weather forecast for Wed 3 Oct 24, looked unpromising a week beforehand. In fact, we seriously considered cancelling the event, with daily discussions held with Mill Ride Golf Club. However, I am pleased to report that the weather on the day was far better than expected, especially for early October. Although the ground was "a little damp" underfoot and the greens were certainly holding, the course was in excellent condition, and everyone enjoyed 18 holes without the need for waterproofs a welcomechange!
A good range of handicaps entered, and when converting WHS indices to Playing Handicaps, they ranged from +5 to 18. Game on!
To encourage player integration, it was decided that all participants would play from the blue tees, the only measured course for both genders. The blue tees are 168 yards longerthanthe redteesand181yardsshorter than the yellow tees, offering a balanced challenge.
Only Fiona Gray (WHS Index 6.0) managed to break par on the front 9, scoring a commendable 19 points. Four others Brian
Campbell (10.0), Steve Hickey (6.0), Chris Vaughan (6.9), and our Vice Chair, Bob Gamble (16.6) were not far behind. At this stage, the competition was tight, with only fourpointsseparatingthetop18.
This year saw the return of the 2s competition, adding an extra element of excitement. With everyone participating, the prize pots were substantial. Five players scored twos, each earning £9. Fiona Gray seemeddestinedtoreclaim herentryfee,not only taking the best front 9 prize but also scoring one of the twos, putting £29 in her pocketalready.
Could Fiona hold on to her lead? The four players immediately behind her faltered on the back9, withfewmanagingtobettertheir front 9 scores. Noteworthy performances came from Ben Dawson (2.5) and Chris Kelly (0.5), both of whom improved on their front 9 scores by one to finish on 33 points. However, Fiona Gray did not waver. In fact, she bettered her front 9 by one, finishing with a final score of 39 points, securing the best front/back 9, a two, the coveted Quill & Club trophy,andthetitleof2024Champion.
As always, the event was played in great spirits, and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all, concluding with a lovely meal. To all the players who travelled from far and wide, thank you for your support throughout this year and in previous years. Without you, ArmyGolfwouldnotbetheforcethatitis.
Looking ahead, 2025 may bring a change to tradition, as we are considering combining this event with the AGA End of Season Tournament & Dinner watch this space!
RESULTS
Winner FionaGray 39tps
Runner-Up BenDawson 33ptsOCB
Third ChrisKelly 33pts
Guest / Sponsor Winner PeteHoddinott
Nearest the Pin (8th hole)
Nearest the Pin (16th hole)
Ben Ware
ChrisBartley
Most Golf MattRoyle