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Through the Green 2021

Page 1

2021

www.armygolf.co.uk GOLF

THROUGH THE

GREEN The Off icial Journal of The Army Golf Association


4

19 th Hole

5

Chair’s Foreword

6

2022 Major Events

8

Matchplay & Inter Corps Championships

18

Stableford Championship

22

Quill & Club Tournament

24

Captain’s Report

28

Lady Captain’s Report

32

Regional Reports

The 19th Hole with the Editor

2021

was a little challenging thanks to the ever changing Covid rules and new variants popping up. Despite our best efforts,

the Strokeplay, High Handicap and Inter Unit Championships all had to be

cancelled, but we managed to put on the rest of the major events. Thank you to all our Regional and Corps Secretaries who, on top of their busy day jobs, worked so hard to organise around 60 Corps and 20 Regional events in 2021. We really appreciate all their efforts! I must mention Pte (now LCpl) Niki Sutton who won two of our Major Championships (Ladies Matchplay and Stableford), and was also awarded the Army Ladies Player of the Year. Congratulations Niki on a very successful year! In September the Ladies Team won the Inter Service Championship for the fourth consecutive year and now look forward to the 2022 Championships at Enville GC, where they will attempt to retain

their title. Sadly, our Mens Team was beaten into second place by the RAF, who have now won the last two Championships. Our website is now updated regularly so whether you need admin instructions, contact details or just want to peruse the fixtures list, please scan the QR code on the right. If there is something that you still cannot find, contact us via email on aga@armygolf.co.uk. As always if you would like something publicised, please let us know. The very best of luck to all of you in 2022 when hopefully we are all more optimistic about the WHS! 4


CHAIR’S FOREWORD

I

can’t believe that this is the

came away victorious in the

end of my fourth year as

Inter

Chairman of the AGA, and

(Stableford competition), the Int

the second season that we

Corps

Corps

REME

won

the

Shield

Singapore

have had to deal with the

Trophy (Plate competition) and

frustration of Covid. The ever

Infantry A are once again Inter

changing rules and constraints

Corps Champions, claiming the

the virus placed on us this year

Royal Irish Rangers Bowl for the

has required agility of mind and

fourth year in succession. A

patience. Keeping our members

superb event which as always

safe, whilst concurrently being

was played in the very best of

(SPS) who once again saved her

ready

spirit.

best golf for when it really

for

a

return

to

competition was our aim, and

mattered and won all of her

on the whole, we have been

With

successful.

constraining

been

Having

deployed

personally

overseas

restrictions travel

and

still

matches contributing 4 points

our

to the team tally. In addition,

to

ability to put on larger events, it

Pte

Belgium I have not been able to

was becoming more difficult to

Player of the Year having had a

attend the events regularly and

commit to our programme. By

truly outstanding season and

instead have had to rely on

August the team had to work

had the honour of sinking the

Steve and Diane to give me

very

the

winning putt to retain the Inter

running

Stableford

at

Service title. Unfortunately, the

competitions have played out. I

Belton Park GC. Pte Sutton

Mens Team could not quite

am hoping that next year will

dominated

competition

emulate the Ladies and lost out

allow for greater freedoms to

with Maj Nikki Jordan AMS and

to the RAF in a hard fought

see you all on the course and

Capt John Donaldson IG taking

match.

see the action live. That said, I

the runner-up and third places

disappointing, it is very clear

am delighted to be able to look

respectively.

that we still have an incredibly

updates

on

how

hard

to

put

on

Championship the

back at a shortened season that

Sutton

won

the

Whilst

Ladies

hugely

talented squad with strength in

has delivered sporting success,

By September the team was in

depth – lots more to come from

development, camaraderie, and

a

them in 2022.

enjoyment.

protect and execute the much

much

better

anticipated

position

Service

I would like to thank all the

In July we were able to run the

Championships held at Saunton

Corps, and Regional Secretaries

Matchplay

Corps

GC. Whilst we had not had the

for their continued support and

Championships at Saunton GC,

type of preparation that we

hard work in the face of these

which saw us play out our 98th

have enjoyed in previous years,

challenging times. They remain

Army Championship, 11th Army

it was the same for everyone

instrumental in our ability to

Ladies Championship and 47th

and we attacked it with the

organise and execute events

Inter

enthusiasm

with little notice, which will be

and

Corps

Inter

Championship,

Inter

to

and

passion

we

having missed a year in 2020

have come to expect from both

important

in

owing to Covid. LCpl David Blick

Army teams. The Ladies put

from

two

PARA and Pte Niki Sutton AGC

their preparation into

seasons

(SPS) were the eventual Mens

and took the Ladies trophy for

season must see a concerted

and

and

the fourth consecutive year, and

effort on all our parts to attract

Matchplay

particular mention should go to

and develop the players for

Champions. The Gunner A team

Sgt Kim Glynn-Galbraith AGC

possible

Ladies

crowned

winners

Army

action

the

bouncing very

we have had.

future

Army

back

difficult Next

Team 5


CHAIR’S FOREWORD selection and my thanks goes to

grateful, as without it we would

and pragmatic eye. I take this

them for their commitment and

not be able to deliver the events

opportunity

hard work.

and success that we do.

them for all their hard work and

Unsurprisingly, this has been

As ever, we owe a huge debt of

very grateful, particularly for our

difficult

gratitude to the brilliant AGA

now very professional website

financial sponsorship required

team

and SM platforms for which

for a full season. Indeed, the

could not hope to do half the

Jana

support

again

to

thank

dedication; we are genuinely year

to

being

secure

within

ASCB,

and

we

is

solely

responsible.

by

things we do without Steve,

Finally, have a superb ‘out of

Thales our Headline Sponsor

Diane and Jana. The team have

season’ and get practising for

and the Army Sport Control

kept this ship sailing in the right

2022 – I hope to see you there.

Board over this period has been

direction,

invaluable.

detail is attended to with a keen

We

provided

the

remain

very

ensuring

that

the

Brig Mark Pullan MBE

2022 MAJOR EVENTS 16 - 18 May 22

AGA Open Strokeplay Championship

Little Aston GC

25 May 22

High Handicap Championship

Test Valley GC

6 - 8 Jun 22

Inter Unit Championship

Army GC

3 - 6 Jul 22

Army Matchplay Championship

Saunton GC

4 - 6 Jul 22

Army Ladies Matchplay Championship

Saunton GC

7 - 8 Jul 22

Inter Corps Championship

Saunton GC

1 - 3 Aug 22

AGA Open Stableford Championship

Whittington Heath GC

6 - 7 Sep 22

Inter Regional Championship

Worksop GC

18 - 22 Sep 22

Inter Service Championships (RAF lead)

Enville GC

5 Oct 22

Quill & Club Tournament

Army GC

All Major, Regional and Corps fixtures can be found on our website. 6


MATCHPLAY & INTER CORPS CHAMPIO

MATCHPLAY & INTER CORPS

CHAMPIONSHIPS The Army Championships is the blue riband event in the Army Golf

fashion straight driving was a

calendar and has a permanent base at Saunton Golf Club (SGC).

necessity as was good course

A

management; fter

missing

ball

sales

2020

Female and the Inter Corps

were up once again with the

due to Covid, the

Championship over the final

spotters profiting handsomely

2021

two

from all the lost balls.

event

took

place from 4 to 9 Jul;

days.

Army

inception

(ASCB)

that

the

This

event

was

generously sponsored by the

the only other time since its

Sport

Control

Charitable

Board

Fund;

the

98TH INDIVIDUAL MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Championships have not taken

AGA is indebted both to the

place was during the war years.

ASCB and to Thales as headline

With this being the first event in

The Championships comprise

sponsor of the AGA once again.

the AGA calendar to go ahead in

the

individual

Matchplay

Championships, both Male and

8

golf

2021 there was a clamber to The

Championships

enter

and

the

event

was

weeks

in

commenced on a chilly overcast

oversubscribed

day with rain drifting in off the

advance of the closing date. The

sea, a challenging start for those

introduction

having

East

Handicap

Course was, as ever, in very good

surprising

condition

rough

individual handicaps level out

waiting for those who strayed

under the new structure. With

off the fairways. In true links

numbers being reduced slightly

to

qualify. with

The

thick

of

System

the

World

saw

some

exclusions

as


ONSHIPS because of Covid restrictions a field of 93 arrived on Sunday 4 Jul to commence the qualifying round.

An

additional

10

travelling reserves were invited to attend. The field once again saw many of the best golfers the Army has to offer and was testament to the high levels of golf being played up and down the country on a regular basis. 58 players were drawn to take part in the qualifying round in order to find 29 players to join the

35,

who

qualified

had

based

already

on

their

handicap; the line was drawn at 2.6 which was incredibly low. After a wet and windy start to the day, water

and with creating

standing additional

challenges on top of the nerves

Sgt Josh Macinnes - 1st Hole in One

and tension, associated with Matchplay

the

Day one, the start of the main

reward was a match against the

weather improved as the day

competition,

competition commenced with

reigning Champion, Musgrove,

progressed. This enabled some

better weather for those out on

who had a relatively easy 7&6

close-run

a

the early tees. First out saw last

win in his match.

number going down the 19th.

year’s losing semi-finalist and

Having said all that, there were

winner of this competition on

WO1 Dave Sanby and Maj Jonny

no

numerous occasions, Cpl Ben

Howse also eased into the next

Churchill, up against the 61st

round

seed

wins.

matches

surprise

results

with

in

the

qualifying round.

WO2

Ian

Mahan.

This

with

comfortable

8&7

The four seeds for the main

match got off to a tricky start

Championship were two semi-

with a lost ball on the first and

The second round was played in

finalists from 2019, Cpl Ben

the two players walking straight

ever deteriorating weather as

Churchill and LCpl David Blick,

to

and the winner and runner up

match

from 2019, Maj Jack Musgrove

winning 2&1.

and

Fus

remaining

Lewis

Phillips.

entrants

the

second; ended

a

close-run

the wind and rain moved in

with

Churchill

from

the

coast.

A

case

of

survival, good admin and strong

The

mental fortitude would win the

were

Lt Col Stuart Campbell and SSgt

day. It was at this stage that we

seeded in handicap order, with

Adam Hayward needed an extra

started to see some shocks on

the draw pitching no. 1 seed

hole to secure passage to the

the

playing no. 64, 2 playing 63 etc.

next

Liam

became the first of the top

All was set for an excellent

Burrows had to go down the

seeds to fall, losing to Hayward

Championship.

20th

2&1. Next up was last year’s

round to

and

progress.

Cpl

Hayward’s

score

board;

Musgrove

9


MATCHPLAY & INTER CORPS CHAMPIO runner-up, Phillips, going out to our previous Captain, Maj Bob Pace, again 2&1. Other

notable

performances

saw 2Lt Harry Owen beat WO2 Kerry

Roberts

4&3,

and

the

winner from 2018, Gdsm Jordan Slater, winning 5&3 over Capt Kenny Wilson. With light fading and the rain continuing to fall there

were

some

close-run

matches requiring extra holes; Lt Col Mick Cowie and Blick held

LCpl Cameron Weir

firm to win through on the 19th and 20th respectively.

back from 3 down. Other results

Denton Trophy, held for the first

saw Spr Graeme Torrie, new to

round losers from the main

Day two and thankfully the rain

the competition, win through

Championship, there were no

had

the

for a quarter final match against

clear favourites given the high

wind had picked up and was

Owen. Slater beat Burrows 5&3,

standard. All was set for another

now gusting across the course;

previous runner up SSgt Gaz

tight and enthralling event with

this and the treacherous rough

Gurung beat Hayward 3&2, and

consistency and an ability to

made for a tough day. This was

Pace beat M Cowie 4&2.

stay on the fairway being key to

subsided,

although

proved to be the case with

success. The semi-final saw Maj

some of the top players falling

So, with several of the top Army

Mark

by the wayside in the morning

players in the quarter final it

against WO2 Kevin Ramage,

round. Gdsm Jonny Stevenson

was

who

and LCpl Lewis McColm versus

was beaten 3&2 by Blick, and

might make a charge for the

Capt Robbie Lewis. Both semi-

Capt Neil Williams knocked out

trophy. More on this later!

finals were close encounters,

difficult

to

gauge

WO1 Dave Sanby on the last despite

Sanby’s

valiant

fight

Nowosielski

lining

up

Nowosielski managing to hold In the Plate competition, the

his nerve to win 1Up; Lewis however

had

a

slightly

less

stressful match winning 3&2. Neither player had enjoyed an easy route to the final with most

of their matches going to the last. This continued and despite a

slight

back

injury

for

Nowosielski he managed a 2Up win to become the 2021 Army Plate Champion. The 29 players who did not qualify

for

Championship

the on

main Sunday

morning plus the 9 travelling 10


ONSHIPS reserves (who are unable to qualify

for

the

Reserve

Matchplay), took part in the Reserve Championship Qualifier for the Keith Seddon Trophy, a scratch Stableford affair on Mon 5 Jul 21 played on the West Course.

This

decides

the

seeding for the Matchplay event taking place the following day. Gross scores from the Stableford

the

were low but that was not

outperformed

unexpected

given

the

traveling

reserves

37pts by LCpl Cameron Weir,

qualifiers,

Sgt Josh Macinnes posted 34pts

indicative perhaps of the WHS

and WO2 Ian Mahan following

worsening weather conditions.

still

closely with 33pts.

Capt David Thomas won on

matches were tight and won by

30pts, with Cpl James Watson

the odd hole. The semi-final saw

The

and Cpl Clinton Prime following

Capt

competition

in close second and third on

against

28pts OCB.

Caspin Sandry versus

“finding

Paul

its

feet”.

Simpson

Thomas

line

and

All

up LCpl

Prime.

Wednesday for

Stableford the

Bartley/

Taylor Trophy was contested by 91

players.

Scoring

this

competition

Sgt Josh Macinnes scored his

the final and eventually won

given the strong gusting wind

first, but not his only, Hole in

2Up. Sandry on the other hand

with 11 players scoring 36pts or

One on the Par 3, 16th; but more

managed a convincing 6&5 win

better. The final results were, in

about this in the Inter Corps

over Prime. So, the final was

third place, with 39pts OCB

report.

between Thomas and Sandry.

from SSgt Aidi Bennett, was Maj

Both players played some very

Danny Saunders, runner-up on

Although the travelling reserves

good

40pts was Sgt Simon Bennett,

were unable to qualify, they

conditions,

were eligible for the prizes. It

eventually ran out the winner

impressive 42pts and playing off

should be noted that several of

and took the match to win the

a handicap of 10 was Capt Phil

2021 Keith Seddon Trophy.

Lovell.

The two subsidiary Stableford

Returning

events

Championship

golf

on

Wednesday

in but

challenging Thomas

Tuesday

and

(played

off

and

the

was

in

Thomas had the harder route to

impressive

winner

to

quarterfinals,

with

an

the

main

and

the

the

afternoon

handicap), for those knocked

round saw the weather settle

out of the Matchplay events,

and the rain subside, although a

took place on the West Course

strong westerly wind created

off the white tees. On Tuesday,

additional

the difficulty of the conditions

players. As the course dried and

with driving wind and rain and

greens firmed up, the afternoon

standing water on the course

was set for some good golf and

kept

the

tough matches. Torrie was a

majority scoring below 31pts.

surprise winner against long-

The highest posted score was

standing

scores

fairly

low,

problems

Army

for

player

the

and 11


MATCHPLAY & INTER CORPS CHAMPIO former

champion,

winning

2Up.

Churchill,

Slater

and

Gurung, two previous finalists, battled it out and Gurung ran out the eventual winner 1Up. Pace went out to SSgt Paul Dickinson 3&1 and Blick beat Williams 4&3. To the semi-final, and Torrie versus Gurung and Dickinson versus Blick. Neither match was close

owing

to

the

high

standard of play from the two

SSgt Gaz Gurung RE and LCpl David Blick PARA

pervious finalists who turned on the gas with a string of birdies

no emotion irrespective of the

‘chip on’ left a 35-foot putt with

mid

the

outcome of his shot. He gave

4 feet of break – he nailed it to

longest off the tee, Gurung was

nothing away to his opponent

put the pressure back on his

able to play consistent irons and

and played steady but accurate

opponent but Blick’s nerve held

approach shots resulting in one

golf. Gurung on the other hand

firm and he holed out to half

putts.

played

with

and

the hole and win the match 3&2.

tee to

deliberate style of play, ground

Two top players playing great

a

out a solid round. With nothing

golf which bodes well for the

Gurung/Blick final, winning 6&4

between the two on the front 9,

Inter

and 6&5 respectively.

Blick turned up the heat at the

later in the year.

round.

Blick

Whilst

not

too

impressive golf from green

which

resulted

in

his

methodical

Service

Championships

turn scoring a number of birdies The final was set with local lad

in quick succession. Gurung had

The standard of play was once

and previous winner Blick, an ex

to force the match through the

again of the highest order with

Saunton member, playing off +4

back nine and the pressure

some

and previous finalist Gurung

showed on the par 5, 15th, when

performances. Considering the

playing off Scratch. It was to be

some

weather

a very close-run affair and a

selection resulted in a loss of the

bright sunshine and a gentle

match of contrasting styles of

hole. On the 16th, Blick, in the

breeze, this year was the polar

play. Blick, the quicker player

second cut hit an 8-iron to 12

opposite with strong winds and

and longer off the tee, showed

feet, Gurung hitting the bank to

driving rain.

indecision

of

club

excellent

individual

conditions

in

2019;

roll off the green to the right. A

RESULTS

David Blick and Gaz Gurung

12

Army Champion

LCpl David Blick PARA

Runner-Up

SSgt Gaz Gurung RE

Plate Winner

Maj Mark Nowosielski R SIGS

Reserve Winner

Capt David Thomas Int Corps

Tuesday Stableford Winner

LCpl Cameron Weir RLC

Wednesday Stableford Winner

Capt Phillip Lovell RLC

Most Improved Player

SSgt Gaz Gurung RE


ONSHIPS 11TH ARMY LADIES MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP The 11th Army Ladies Matchplay Championship took place on 6 and 7 Jul on the East Course in very

difficult

weather

conditions. The wind by the afternoon round was keeping the

flags

horizontal

with

driving

rain.

intermittent

Pte Niki Sutton AGC (SPS) and Maj Gina Smith REME

Despite the harsh conditions, we saw a field of 12 players take

morning off at the practice

Trophy:

to

ground.

Stileman and Fidell. With early

the

tee,

with

Unfortunately,

4

the

byes. 2019

McChlery,

Van

Zyl,

starts, a drop in the wind and

Champion, Maj Kate Law, was

Notable

not able to defend her title

morning round saw, Sgt Kim

took

because of work commitments.

Glynn-Galbraith

first

against Van Zyl and Stileman

timer Maj Helen McChlery 6&5,

against Fidell. Both matches

There were two seeds: Lt Col

Maj

were

Alex O’Brien (1) (2019 runner-up)

beating SSgt Mel Van Zyl 2&1 in

neither player able to take a

and Pte Niki Sutton (2), the

a very tight match, LCpl Emma

foothold

latter

Dann

Lizzie

Eventually they were concluded

Zoe

on the last two holes with

playing

in

the

Championship for the first time.

results

Gina

from beating

Smith

beating

Stileman

3&1

narrowly

Maj

and

the

SSgt

with the rain abating the four to

close

Burrell-Knipe beating Maj Karen

McChlery

With only 12 golfers playing in

Fidell 5&4 all winning through

Fidell 2Up.

the first round there were an

to the Quarter Final.

additional two players over the

the

Back

field.

run in

affairs the

winning

to

McChlery

with

match.

1Up

the

and

main

two seeded players to receive a

On Wed 7 Jul, the four losers in

Championship, and the Quarter

bye, Sgt Becky Mercer and Maj

round one went into the Plate

Final saw a mix of scores. Glynn-

Sue

competition

Galbraith

Lambert

who

had

a

for

the

Bowles

beat

Lambert

2&1,

Niki Sutton teeing off

13


MATCHPLAY & INTER CORPS CHAMPIO Smith

beat

1 seed,

an enthralling mix of young, raw

will be the one to beat in the

O’Brien 3&1, the No 2 seed,

talent versus the experience of a

coming years.

Sutton, won through against

4-time Champion. The match

Dann

4&3

the No

Burrell-Knipe

did not disappoint, but with

On a slightly different note,

eased through with a 5&3 win

and

Sutton taking an early lead and

Thales,

over Mercer. The semi-final saw

then

golf

sponsor, generously provided a

Glynn-Galbraith

Smith

throughout, she was able to

Wedge in a free prize draw for

and Sutton versus Burrell-Knipe.

keep her opponent at arm’s

the Matchplay Championships.

versus

playing

solid

the

AGA’s

headline

length. Then at the turn she

The first correctly completed

Neither match appeared to be

stepped up the pressure with

draw sheet out of the hat was

an easy win for the two finalists,

some

accurate

Glynn-Galbraith.

as both were close run matches,

some

clinical

until the final stages with Glynn-

putting easing to a 3Up lead.

Galbraith

just

pipping

driving

and

long-range Congratulations go to all players

close

for not only the standard of play

friend and rival Smith on the last

The writing was on the wall now

but

winning 1Up. In the other semi-

and she sealed victory on the

sportsmanship

final

Par 4 16th. It looks like Sutton

throughout.

Sutton

applied

the

pressure on the back 9 to come

With conditions settling, the sun was breaking through scattered

cloud

and

with

the

wind

abating, the final was set to be

level

of

displayed

Army Ladies Champion

Pte Niki Sutton AGC (SPS)

Runner Up

Sgt Kim Glynn-Galbraith AGC (SPS)

Bowles Trophy Winner

Maj Helen McChlery AGC (SPS)

Saunton Bowl Winner

LCpl Emma Dann CAMUS

Most Improved Player

Maj Gina Smith REME

Sgt Kim Glynn-Galbraith AGC (SPS)

14

the

RESULTS

through with a 3&2 victory to see her into the final.

also

Maj Helen (Wendy) McChlery AGC (SPS)


ONSHIPS 47TH INTER CORPS CHAMPIONSHIP The draw for the Inter Corps Championship,

generously

sponsored by the Army Sport Control Board, was made on Wed 7 Jul, after the Matchplay finals had concluded. With the AGM

having

been

cancelled

owing to Covid restrictions, the draw

was

Facebook.

streamed This

interested

INT CORPS Top row, left to right - David Thomas, Ben Stephens, Lewis McColm, Andrew Mitchell, Paul Robson (did not play due to injury) Bottom row, left to right - Stewart Mitchell, Ben Ware, Jacob Timson

live

on

enabled

all

one to be carefully navigated. It

In the Plate (Singapore Trophy)

the

was going to be a stern test.

for the first-round losers, Int

opportunity to see the draw

parties

There were only two female

Corps beat RA B 4 - 1, REME A

being conducted as numbers in

golfers

their

beat AMS 4½ - ½, R SIGS B beat

the clubhouse were limited. 18

respective Corps, one was the

RE B 3 - 2 and REME B beat

teams entered comprising 11 “A”

new Ladies Champion, Pte Niki

RAPTC 3 - 2.

Teams (CAMUS and the AAC did

Sutton representing the AGC

not enter a team) and 5 “B”

and the other Maj Karen Fidell

In the REME Shield, for day one

teams; more on the 2021 ballot

representing the AMS.

losers, each team is required to

representing

later in the report. The Inf and RE

Teams,

and

In round one there were wins

with all 5 scores counting. RA A

from

for R SIGS A, RLC B and Inf A, all

appeared

the 2019 Championship, were

3½ - 1½, and RA A winning

paper with the current Army

the 1 and 2 seeds with the

slightly more convincingly 4 - 1.

Captain and several top Army

remainder being drawn out of

The bottom half of the draw saw

players making up the numbers.

the hat. The draw was fairly

wins for RE A 4½ - ½, RAC in a

On a tight course with moisture

evenly matched with Infantry A,

close match winning 3 - 2, RLC A

in the greens it would play into

RA A, R SIGS A and REME A in

and AGC A both winning 3½ -

the hands of the top players

the top half and RE A and RLC A

1½. It was clear that the two

who could kill the ball dead with

and the AGC A in the bottom.

seeded teams were going to be

their

Yet again, no two Corps teams

the teams to beat.

expected, RA A scored 153pts to

runners-up

as

winners

play 18 holes scratch Stableford,

respectively

were drawn together, although

the

strongest

approach

play.

on

As

win the REME Shield by 10pts

this year fielding half the Army

In the second round the two

from RLC A. Third place went to

Team players, the Inf B team

seeded teams had convincing

RAC

was balloted out during the

wins with Inf A beating RA A

individual scores for the round

draw and would have to play in

and RE A beating RAC, both 4 -

went to the Army Captain, Maj

the

Corps

1, leaving R SIGS A beating RLC

Jack Musgrove RA A on 35pts,

match versus the AGC B team,

B 3½ - 1½, and AGC A beating

although

the other team balloted out.

RLC A 3 - 2.

followed by Maj Sean Stevenson

subsidiary

Inter

with

134pts.

he

was

The

top

closely

RLC A with 34pts. Thereafter As

usual,

the

Championship

The semi-final line-up would see

Capt Kenny Wilson RLC A on

moved completely to the West

R SIGS A vs Inf A and RE A vs

32pts and then 4 others on 31

Course, a slightly shorter course

AGC A. Could there be a repeat

pts.

by 244 yards than the East but

of the 2017, 2018 & 2019 final? 15


MATCHPLAY & INTER CORPS CHAMPIO Back to the main Championship

players to play off down the first,

The

for the Irish Rangers Bowl and

Cpl Ben Churchill, the 7-time

decided and they set off in the

in the first semi-final, R SIGS A

Army

Champion,

afternoon

faced Inf A in what proved to be

Danny

Saunders

former

conditions considerably better

a relative walk in the park for

Captain, were the chosen two.

than they had been for most of

the

The

the week. In fact, the wind

Infantry

winning

quite

first

playoff

hole

was

unnoticeable

runners-up were up against a

So, a shock win for some saw

Plate final, the first of the two

good AGC A team with some

AGC A reach the final against Inf

matches, the Int Corps got off to

top

A.

a quick start to take a 2 match

an breeze.

almost In

Army

current

Ladies

Back to the Plate semi-finalists

needed a strong recovery and

Champion. That said, the RE A

and this saw Int Corps vs REME

took the next match, but could

team was made up of four Army

A and R SIGS B vs REME B. The

not sustain the pressure and

players, of which one was the

two semi-finals were in contrast

lost

current Matchplay Runner-up

with each other. One was a

therefore the overall match 3½ -

and another the Army Vice

close run affair that went down

1½.

Captain so this was never going

to the last match and saw the

to be easy to call. This proved to

Int Corps come out on top 3 – 2

In the main final, it was always

be a close match that eventually

and the other saw R SIGS B take

going to be a tough ask for the

needed a play off to decide the

no prisoners beating REME B

AGC as the Inf Team consisted

winner with the scores at 2½ -

5 - 0.

of 4 Army players, including the

and

2½. The teams selected the two

lead winning both 4&2. R SIGS B

the

fourth

match

and

current Matchplay and Open

INFANTRY A Left to right - Jonny Stevenson, Lewis Phillips, Neil Williams, Jordan Slater, Matt Bruce-Smith, David Blick

16

the

previous

Captain

a

to

weather

took the match on the second.

including

dropped

the

now

other match, RE A, last year’s

players

Saunders

with

were

squared

figure

then

a

Maj

finals

convincingly 4½ - ½. In the

single

and

and

two


ONSHIPS Champions. Inf A got off to a fast

16th on the West course. Not

Remarkable and unheard of at

start with LCpl David Blick and

content with scoring his first

Saunton. Josh will receive a

Gdsm Jordan Slater winning the

hole

the

complimentary, special edition

first two matches 6&5 and 4&3

Matchplay, Sgt Josh Macinnes

BOSS watch from Club Systems.

respectively.

Danny

managed to score a second on

Saunders beat Fus Lewis Phillips

Fri 9 Jul on the same hole. With

All photos from the Matchplay &

5&4 to pull one back, but Capt

the pin at the back of the green

Inter Corps Championships can

Neil Williams hit back hard with

on Monday he hit a 7-iron and

be found on our website under

a 7&6 win to take the final for

on Friday with the pin at the

respective competition pages.

the fourth consecutive time.

front

Once

again,

Maj

Inf

A

were

in

one

he

during

hit

an

a

8-iron.

RESULTS

formidable team and will no doubt take some beating next

Inter Corps Champions

Infantry A

year.

Runners-Up

AGC A

Plate Winners

Int Corps

Runners Up

R Sigs B

Stableford Winners

RA A

Subsidiary Competition

Infantry B

The final note must go to those who scored holes in one; there were two. LCpl Glen Watt and Sgt Josh Macinnes on the Par 3

PROJAM GOLF COURSES

17


STABLEFORD CHAMPIONSHIP

STABLEFORD CHAMPIONSHIP The 2021 AGA Stableford Championship took place at the new (to

The usual full field was slightly

us) venue of Belton Park Golf Club on Wed 28 and Thu 29 Jul 21.

diminished this year with only

T

45 starters because of a clash he change of venue

that

resulted

from

accommodate a variety of 18-

Championships. Sadly, this was

Whittington Heath GC

hole competitions. The course is

unavoidable due to a late date

not

configured

to

with

the

RA

and

with vast herds of deer roaming

upon

return to golf as restrictions

unnoticed for much of the time.

restrictions.

eased

Covid

Only

is

to

disperse as players approach

With the country having just

return to Whittington Heath in

their ball following a wayward

recovered

2022.

shot. The design provides ample

unprecedented heatwave the

opportunity to take risk for the

weather conditions changed at

Belton Park is situated on the

reward of a lower score but has

the start of the week seeing

outskirts of East Grantham and

the

unseasonably

lies

The

within

the intent

the

occasionally

ability

to

do

penalise

us

by

change

RLC

scenic and pleasing on the eye

of

location

and

to

out

able

be

accommodate us following the

pandemic.

18

being

can

the

forced

pandemic

they

and

from

bad

an

weather

spacious

punish when things don’t go to

leading to the Championships.

parkland of the historic Belton

plan. There are strong links with

The course however was in

House, now a National Trust

the RLC given its proximity to

excellent condition with lush

estate. Founded in 1890 the

PWoG Barracks and several RLC

fairways and receptive greens.

Parkland course consists of 27

Championships along with a

Off the fairway was not the

attractive and challenging holes

number of AGA Regional events.

place to be as with all the good


weather rough

and

was

then

rain

the

treacherous.

The

course was set up to be a great test of golf and those able to stay on the short stuff would reap the benefits. Four ladies helped make up the field of 45, including the newly crowned

Ladies

Capt Bruce Saunderson RA, winner of the Thales wedge draw, demonstrating his bunker extraction technique

Matchplay

Champion Pte Niki Sutton AGC (SPS). Round one and the day

was well worth the shot; either

lowest

started overcast with a few short

way staying on the fairways was

automatically fair better is a

sharp showers to add a level of

a must.

myth well dispelled early in the

difficulty challenging

to

an

course.

already As

the

handicap

players

will

first round. The competition format ballots

morning progressed however,

out

those

with

the

lowest

Maj Nikki Jordan AMS posted an

the sun broke through making

handicaps,

for a pleasant afternoon. The

so

this

event

early lead with a superb 44 pts

provides an opportunity for the

off her 18 Handicap. After round

course offered opportunities for

middle

handicap

one, the clubhouse leaders were

the more adventurous where

players to have a good run for

Jordan 44 pts, then Mr Ian

the reward of a birdie of two

the trophies. Any idea that the

Bosley (17) on 41 pts, WO1 David

to

higher

Smith REME (11) on 40 pts and

Sutton (4) & Maj Helen (Wendy) McChlery AGC (SPS) (17) both on 39 pts. These were followed by a further 28 players on 30 pts or better. The second round of day one started

in

glorious

sunshine,

although the wind had picked up

to

create

different

challenges. While the course continued to dry, allowing drives

to

run

longer,

the

greens

remained receptive and true. This proved to be rewarding for those brave enough to take the opportunities that the course design offered and for those able

to

navigate

their

way

around the course avoiding the traps

and

problematic Maj Nikki Jordan AMS during round 1

the

increasingly

rough.

Scoring

remained consistently high for 19


STABLEFORD CHAMPIONSHIP the top half of the leader board

their heels though were SSgt

posted a commendable 36 pts,

with

posting

Adrian Bennett R Signals (7) on

but thereafter a whole host

higher than 30 pts, but as the

71 pts, Smith on 70 pts, Cpl

posted 34 pts, including the

afternoon

overnight leader Sutton.

many

players

the

James Watson AGC (SPS) (8) on

increasingly

69 pts and Place, Mr Frank Finch

ominous and overcast as the

(11) and Sgt Daz Linfitt AGC

The

predicted bad weather of rain

(SPS) (6) all on 68 pts. Still much

taking shape going into the

and thunderstorms moved in. It

to play for.

final round.

weather

progressed became

was touch and go as to whether

leaderboard

was

Realistically four

players had a chance but what

the final few flights would finish

Day

the

claxon

commenced in good sunshine

sounded. Fortunately, the final

with a stiffening breeze. The

few flights were able to pick up

overnight rain had softened the

Sutton

114 pts

their pace and managed to

course so the early starters had

Donaldson

112 pts

close off their round minutes

the advantage of attacking the

Jordan

108 pts

before the course was closed by

greens

Bennett

105 pts

thunder and lightning.

shots,

day

before

the

slowly

two,

round

with but

their

with

three

approach

the

order the prizes was still very much in the balance:

breeze

becoming stronger by the hour

The final round saw lots of tired

Scoring remained steady with

the course would soon dry out

legs

27 players scoring 30 pts or

and present challenges for the

players starting to drift from the

better and 8 players carding an

later players.

leading pack as the course set-

impressive 36 pts or more. Of

up

and

and

mentally

prevailing

fatigued

weather

the early leaders from round

The ground staff had changed

conditions took its toll. That said,

one, only Sutton was able to

the pin positions overnight and

the vast majority of players were

maintain

presented

a

in

able to post scores of between

condition,

20 and 30 which was credible

an

something that has become a

given the toughness of the

excellent 41 pts. The closing

familiar trait at Belton Park,

course.

pack saw Mr Simon Place (15),

stripped fairways and aprons,

Capt John Donaldson IG (14) and

clearly

Sgt Gavin Turner RA (19) post

boundaries of hazards and well

scores of 38 pts. Next up were

raked bunkers; we were so lucky

Capt Rod Farnworth Int Corps

to have found this hidden gem

(16), WO1 Glen Stones RLC (12)

of a course.

consistency morning

high

level

bettering round

of her

with

the

course

immaculate

(daily)

painted

and Mr James Addy (25) all

posting an impressive 37 pts

Scoring

thus making the result far from

proved to be difficult with the

a “done deal”.

average score dipping from the two

on

the

third

previous

round

rounds;

Results after two rounds then:

concentration at this stage was

Sutton

closely

a must. Donaldson and Bosley

followed by Jordan, in her first

posted the best two scores of

Army event, on 78 pts, then

the round each with 38 pts.

back in third on 74 pts was

Closely followed by Ash Ingham

Donaldson with McChlery and

with 37 pts, making a surge for

Stones both on 72 pts. Hot on

the

20

on

80

pts,

top

10.

Phillip

Edwards

John Cooke and Pte Niki Sutton


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. After a hard final round in bright sunlight and strong winds the competition drew to a close. Scores were again down as an average with only three notably commendable scores above 36 pts. WO2 Steven Ball AGC (SPS) (28) posted a good 39 pts, but Sutton held her nerve and form to post a solid 37 pts alongside Maj Ben Stephens Int Corps (11). McChlery scored well again in her

first

Stableford

Championship with 35 pts. So, after a long and difficult four rounds of golf Pte Niki Sutton AGC (SPS) came in a clear

Left to right - Maj Nikki Jordan, Capt John Donaldson, Pte Niki Sutton

winner by 10 pts from Maj Nikki

Our thanks go to the Chair and

restaurant staff for their kind

Jordan AMS and Capt John

Captain of Belton Park GC, John

hospitality. To Sarah Walton the

Donaldson IG who both scored

Cooke and Andy Macgowan. To

Club Professional and Josh her

141 pts, with Jordan winning

Karen Armstrong in her second

assistant and finally to Spike

OCB. Full aggregate scores and

week in the hot seat as the Club

and the team of green keeping

photos are available on our

Manager

for

staff for presenting an excellent,

website

helping to arrange the event, to

challenging course. The AGA is

Lorraine

indebted to all at Belton Park for

under

Quill

&

Club

Tournament.

and

her

Winfield

team

and

the

RESULTS

stepping in to assist us in our time

of

need

when

Covid

Stableford Champion

Pte Niki Sutton 151 pts

Runner-Up

Maj Nikki Jordan 141 pts OCB

cancellation. We hope to return

3rd

Capt John Donaldson 141 pts

in 2023 and 2025 with the

4th

SSgt Adrian Bennett 138 pts

Strokeplay Championship and

5th

WO2 Steven Ball 137 pts

Senior Winner (Senior’s Shield)

Capt John Donaldson 141 pts

Scratch Winner (Courage Cup)

Pte Niki Sutton 132 pts

threatened

to

force

another

look forward to forging new and lasting relationships with such a welcoming

and

friendly

golf

club. 21


QUILL & CLUB TOURNAMENT

QUILL & CLUB TOURNAMENT

The annual AGA Quill and Club event is organised by the AGA committee as the season’s close for all the current and past organisers of AGA events at Army, Corps and Regional level.

T

his year it was hosted for the first time at

with the RBL. All things said, we had a field of 14;

Mill Ride GC, near Ascot, and took place

13 men and 1 lady and it was good to see Col

on Thu 7 Oct 21, following the Annual

(Retd)

Mark

Snape

representing

the

AGA

General Committee Meeting (AGCM).

Headline Sponsor, Thales. We played the usual

The event was once again most generously

format of 18 holes Stableford played off full

sponsored by Mr Geoff Hill, Astute, and we remain

handicap from the yellow/red tees. It must be said

grateful for his continuing support, although

that the course was in excellent condition given

unfortunately Geoff was unable to attend this

the particularly wet weather we had experienced

year.

prior to the event. The greens ran steady and true which is all we could ask for.

Given

the

turbulent

past

18

months,

our

expectations of a large turnout were not as high

The weather followed a similar pattern to most of

as in 2019, when we said farewell to the previous

the year’s competitions: unsettled, overcast with a

Secretary, Lt Col (Retd) Martyn Allen. Numbers

little rain, but still relatively warm. With not having

this year were running in line with previous years,

what we would normally call a hot summer, the

until the last few days which saw a couple of 11th

fairways were lush and with a gentle breeze there

hour ‘call offs’. The Chair was again unable to

was little to affect play other than one’s ability to

travel from Belgium, owing to Covid restrictions,

stay straight off the tee; any unwanted ball

and the new Vice Chair was tied to his day job

location was definitely self-generated. In fairness

22


to all players, there were some very steady scores, just over half scoring 30+. The course stood firm and proved a good test for everyone and with several risk and reward holes favouring the brave. It kept all players honest, although there were some impressive scores posted by a few of the brave. Only four players posted 18+ on the front 9, with

SSgt

Marcus

Murcott

and

Capt

Mark

Nowosielski hitting 20, compared to the back 9, where only 2 shot 18+ with SSgt Matt Priston and Mark Nowosielski shooting 20 and 21 respectively. Results in the overall competition proved fairly close with only 4 points separating the top three. Thereafter we had 3 players tied in fourth place. So, in third place with 37 pts was Marcus Murcott on his debut Q&C event, then in second place with an excellent score of 40 pts was Gina Smith, and taking the spoils and retaining the trophy for the second year running, with an outstanding 41 pts was Mark Nowosielski. It should be noted that no guest prizes were

presented but Mark Snape from Thales, posted a very credible score of 33 pts off his +2 handicap.

Maj Mark Nowosielski and Mark Snape

As usual a great time was had by all and this

RESULTS

event was a fitting close to the AGA season. We are indebted to Mill Ride GC, who hosted the

Winner

Maj Mark Nowosielski 41 pts

event impeccably. Next year we have a new

Runner-Up

Maj Gina Smith 40 pts

venue, the Army GC and the competition will take

Third Place

Sgt Marcus Murcott 37 pts

Sponsor Winner

Mark Snape 33 pts

place on Wed 5 Oct 22.

23


CAPTAIN’S

REPORT By Maj Jack Musgrove RA

After all Army Mens Team fixtures were cancelled in 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic, our golfers were all excited about the return of Army representative golf in 2021. The extended break was made worse knowing that in our last competitive fixture we had failed to retain the Inter Service Championship. The Army had finished as narrow runners-up to the RAF following a points countback at Enville Golf Club in September 2019. The

2019

Inter

Service

restrictions, it was not until July

a

Championship also ended up

2021 that Army Golf got back

Liverpool GC. As always, the Civil

being Lt Col Bob Pace's final

under way with the return of the

Service put out a very strong

fixture as Army Captain. Despite

Army

at

side, mostly consisting of plus

the final match of his tenure not

Saunton GC. After a superbly

handicap golfers. The Army also

going to plan, it does not take

contested 4 days of golf in

fielded a superb side. Personally,

away from the unprecedented

mixed weather conditions, Cpl

I was delighted to be able to

success we experienced as a

Dave Blick won the final against

give

team under his captaincy. I am

SSgt

to

debut as an Army player. He is a

sure I speak for all the golfers

become the Army Champion for

tremendously talented golfer; I

who played under Bob when I

a second time. Having been

am hopeful he will become a

say we are enormously thankful

witness to the final match, I can

mainstay of the team in the

for his tireless work as our

report the standard of golf was

years to come. Following the

Captain. Personally, I took over

superb with Cpl Blick playing

morning

the reins knowing that Army

the final 9 holes in 4-under par

the match was tied 2.5 - 2.5, with

Golf was in a fantastic place and

to secure the win and prevail in

Cpl Richie Over and LCpl Jonny

that I had much to live up to. I

the strongest ever field of Army

Stevenson putting in a notable

was very pleased to announce

Championship players.

performance and running out

Championships

Gaz

Gurung

3&2

that Cpl Richie Over would be

stunning

Spr

day

Graeme

foursomes

at

Royal

Torrie

his

sessions,

comfortable 4&3 winners. It was

the team's new Vice-Captain

After a break of almost 23

a case of it being all to play for

and

that

would

WO1

remain

Dave

Sanby

months, it was eventually time

during the afternoon singles

our

Team

for the Army to compete as a

matches. The Army could not

team again. In August our long-

have got off to a better start on

standing fixture against the Civil

the links in the afternoon, Cpl

Service Golf Society was held on

Dave Blick, SSgt Chris Bradley

Manager. As 24

a

result

of

ongoing


Top row, left to right - Chris Bradley, Danny Saunders, Neil Williams, Adam Hayward, Ben Churchill, Kerry Roberts Bottom row, left to right - Gaz Gurung, Dave Sanby, Jordan Slater, Jack Musgrove, Richie Over, Jonny Stevenson

and

Gdsm

winning matches.

the

Jordan top

However,

3

Slater singles

the

superb

venue

and

their

Knoll

Bowl

continued support to Army Golf.

foursomes

is

an

excellent

competition

and

Civil

We will return to Hoylake in

once again the Army Team gave

Service had other ideas and the

June 2022 for our next match

a

match, eventually all hinged on

against the Civil Service.

themselves. Gdsm Slater did

the final singles match. In a

fantastic

account

of

fantastically to lead the team to

closely fought game, LCpl Jonny

Next on the agenda in late

the final unfortunately losing 2-1

Stevenson prevailed 3&1 to win

August was the Brent Knoll

to the RAF and finishing as

the overall match for the Army

Bowl, held by Burnham and

overall

8-7. All in all, this fixture was the

Berrow GC later in the year than

mention

perfect return to competition

usual

national

should go to WO2 Kerry Roberts

for the Army Team. We are

restrictions. The Army Team was

and SSgt Gaz Gurung who won

hugely

Captained

all 4 of their foursomes matches,

grateful

to

Royal

Liverpool GC for proving such a

because by

of Gdsm

Jordan

Slater at the event. The Brent

which

runners-up.

as

from

A

this

anyone

special fixture

who

has

played in the event will know is truly outstanding. The final Army Team fixture before the 2021 Inter Service Championship was a return to

the Royal Liverpool GC over the August Bank Holiday weekend. I was afforded the privilege of being part of 2 mixed pairs to compete in the Hoylake Scratch Open Mixed Foursomes, one of the

world's

amateur

premier

events.

The

mixed Army

pairings more than held their own against top mixed amateur Spr Graeme Torrie and Fus Lewis Phillips

pairs. I hope this fixture will 25


remain in the Army's calendar in the future as it presents an

excellent

opportunity

to

compete in a mixed event and develop links between the Mens and Ladies Teams. In September, the Inter Service Championship

was

held

at

Saunton GC. Despite a few key players not being available due to

deployments

and

career

courses, the team was in an excellent place to compete for the title and had performed well during their preparation. After the RAF had narrowly beat the RN on Tuesday, we faced the RN in our first match. It is fair to say that the morning foursomes session versus the RN did not go to plan! We found ourselves 4-1 down at lunch, with only Cpl Richie Over and LCpl Jonny Stevenson able to secure an

Left to right - Kerry Roberts, Matt Bruce-Smith, Gaz Gurung

Army win. A momentous effort was required in the afternoon

still out on the course. 4 more

final match with the scores at

singles

our

singles wins were required to

7-7. Enter, Cpl Ben Churchill.

hopes alive. SSgt Chris Bradley,

see us win the overall match.

Gdsm Jordan Slater and I won

WO1 Dave Sanby, Maj Danny

Rested in the morning session,

the first 3 singles matches to

Saunders and SSgt Gaz Gurung

Ben was 1-down on the 15th tee

turn the tide of the match and

delivered their points and the

in the deciding match. A saviour

tie the score 4-4 with 6 matches

match eventually hinged on the

for the Army Team so many

session

to

keep

times

over

his

career,

we

needed Ben to call upon his quality and experience to find something.

Once

again,

he

came up with the goods for the team and secured his point with

an incredible comeback. After a very challenging day, we found ourselves winning the match 8-7 and setting up a familiar shoot-out with the RAF on the following day. Our match against the RAF started with a predictably cagey foursomes session. Both teams Cpl Richie Over RE

26

fought hard for their points and


challenging weather conditions. To start preparation from 2022

early, the final fixture of 2021 was a UK Training Camp in Scotland for 12 golfers from the squad. This was all superbly arranged by SSgt Chris Bradley and consisted of 5 days of golf based out of Carnoustie Golf Links. This event provided a fantastic

opportunity

for the

squad to practice on some of Scotland best links including Carnoustie, Panmure, Monifieth and Dumbarnie. I couldn’t have wished for a better way to cap the season than this Training Camp. Our next tour will more than likely be further afield, but visiting Scotland was a firm reminder of just how lucky we all are to have these types of venues within the UK. I hope that, like me, you are all looking forward to the 2022 season. From an Army Team

Maj Gen Shaun Burley (Director ASCB) awarding the DASCB Coin to WO1 Dave Sanby for his services to Army Golf

perspective,

we

will

be

welcoming back the squad with the match score was tied at 2.5-

Ferndown

Kerry

a superb fixture list including

2.5

Danny

Roberts led the team to a very

some new challenges. There are

Saunders/WO1 Dave Sanby and

respectable second place finish.

also

Cpl

After

Over

prospects from across the Army

at Ben

lunch.

Maj

Churchill/Cpl

Richie

this

GC.

Cpl the

WO2

Richie team

at

several

very

promising

Over winning for the Army. The

captained

the

that I am sure will break into our

whole week had come down to

annual Cornish Piskey event at

team this year. I hope to see you

the final 10 singles matches.

Newquay GC. Again, the Army

all at AGA events over the

Sadly, it was not our day and the

gave an excellent account of

course

RAF ran out deserved winners

themselves, this time in very

golfing!

of

the

year.

Happy

with several matches swinging

in their favour in the last few holes. I cannot praise the team highly enough for their effort and attitude throughout the week. We will come back even stronger in 2022 at Enville GC! Immediately Services

after

the

Championship,

Inter the

Army Team took part in the Graham

Butler

Trophy

at

Top row, left to right - Jonny Stevenson, Kerry Roberts, Gaz Gurung Bottom row, left to right - Matt Bruce-Smith, Jordan Slater, Clinton Prime

27


LADY CAPTAIN’S

REPORT By SSgt Zoe (BK) Burrell -Knipe RLC

The Army Ladies Team was excited to get back out onto the course having not played any competitive golf for almost 2 years and was extremely pleased to get together again in a sporting environment. After winning the Inter Service Championship in 2019 we were keen to hit the ground running. As the new Lady Captain, I

on Sgt Kim Glynn-Galbraith AGC

Army golf, winning the Bowles

would

this

(SPS) (formerly Woodward), in

Trophy (Plate), after a fiercely

opportunity on behalf of all the

what turned out to be a nail-

contested final against Lt Col

players and Committee to thank

biting match. Glynn-Galbraith

Karen Fidell AMS. Both players

the

was 1 down going down the 18th

showed great spirit throughout,

Dawn Buckley AGC (SPS) for her

but

hole

but McChlery just pulled ahead

efforts,

her

superbly to take the match to

and took the match on the 16th,

tenure as Lady Captain but for

extra holes, eventually winning

3&2. LCpl Emma Dann CAMUS,

the many previous years of

on the 19th green. A superb

always there or thereabouts,

support to Army Ladies Golf.

display by Smith earned her the

stayed steady as usual to take

award of Most Improved Player

the Saunton Bowl (Stableford).

like

to

outgoing not

The

take

Captain,

only

Army

WO1

during

she

played

the

Matchplay

of the Championship. To the

Championship in July 2021 held

final where Glynn-Galbraith, a

Pte Nikki Sutton carried on her

at Saunton GC was the first

four-time

the

run of fine form by playing

major AGA event held after the

Championship took on Sutton, a

some outstanding golf for the

Covid restrictions were lifted.

relative newcomer to the Army

AGC

The

set

Championship.

golf

was

extremely

up

winner

and

the

lowest

the

Inter

Corps

Unfortunately

handicapped

the

there were no other females

experiencing all 4 seasons of

squad. Glynn-Galbraith fought

representing their Corps this

weather

of

hard and both players showed

year due to player availability,

competition. The first semi-final

their class as they battled it out.

which is a shame, but hopefully

was hotly contested with Pte

Sutton came out on top taking

next

Nikki Sutton AGC (SPS) leading

the match 3&2 after sinking a

stronger than ever.

in her match against me, 1 up at

stunning birdie putt on the 16th.

the

turn.

days

Unfortunately,

in

in

competitive despite the players most

player

of

she

This remiss

not

to

year’s

Championship

will

AGA was

be

back

Stableford

It

took the match 4&3. The second

mention Maj Helen McChlery

Belton Park in early August and

match saw

Gina Smith

AGC (SPS) who put in a fine

was attended by several female

REME in her first semi-final take

performance on her return to

golfers which was great to see.

28

be

we

proved too strong though and Maj

would

year

held

at


Top row, left to right - Sue Lambert, Becky Mercer, Kate Eastman, Kim Glynn-Galbraith Bottom row, left to right - Alex O’Brien, Emma Dann, Zoe Burrell-Knipe, Niki Sutton, Gina Smith

All the women who played more

and the Courage Cup with 132

performed

than

scratch points (average 33pts

thoroughly

per

opportunity which we hope will

held

newcomer

their

own,

Nikki

with

round),

an

AMS coming in second overall

performance

by

with

Ladies Champion.

141pts

Maj

OCB

Jordan

over

four

outstanding the

Army

admirably

whilst

enjoying

the

be a mainstay in our events’ list for years to come. If nothing

rounds and also scooping the

else, it has solidified the link

Taylor-Bartley Trophy for best

Late August saw Sutton and Lt

between the Mens and Ladies

round of the competition with

Col Alex O’Brien RLC compete

Teams.

44pts;

her

alongside Maj Jack Musgrove

handicap isn’t what it was. Once

RA and Cpl Richie Over RE in

September saw us return to

again though Pte Niki Sutton

the prestigious Hoylake Scratch

Saunton for the Inter Service

AGC

needless

(SPS)

stole

to

say

show

Open Mixed Foursomes. This

Championships

winning the handicap element

the

was the first time our teams

defending champions from the

of the competition with 151pts

have entered an official mixed

3 previous years, expectations

(average 37.75pts per round)

event

were

together

and

they

high

Owing

in

to

career

and

the

as

build-up.

deployments courses,

and

player

availability was waning but over the last few years we have

worked hard to build a strong squad and even with Cpl Abi Kennedy, Cpl Kirsty Kennedy and

LCpl

previous

Bethan

team

1,

2

Parker, and

3

unavailable, we were still able to field a strong team going into the competition. As lead service, the first day of the competition Left to right - Lizzy Stileman, Karen Fidell, Zoe Burrell-Knipe, Gina Smith, Niki Sutton, Emma Dann, Becky Mercer, Mel Van Zyl

was

spent

practising

and

watching a fiercely competitive 29


one more point from either Sutton or

O’Brien and with

O’Brien 1 down going down the 17th and Sutton playing against a +2 handicap the atmosphere was intense. True to form our Army Champion pulled it out of the bag winning her match 2&1 on the 17th. At this point, the spectators

knew

we

had

retained the trophy, but we needed O’Brien to pull it back and secure at least a half in her match. With nerves of steel, she went one better and won her match on the 18th, 1Up against

Sgt Kim Glynn-Galbraith AGC (SPS)

an RAF stalwart and very steady

match between the RAF and

All to play for going into the

player, Cpl Sam Mudd. It meant

the RN; both of whom had

afternoon singles then and the

that we had won the Inter

strengthened their teams with

nerves were evident. The first

Services with an outright win of

some very good young players.

two matches to finish went in

7-5 against the RAF and 2 points

The RAF eventually took the

the Army’s favour with me and

against the RAF’s 1 and Navy’s 0.

match 6½ to 5½, setting up for

LCpl

I couldn’t be prouder of my

us to play the RN on the

winning

Wednesday,

their

respectively so it was game on.

competitive golf for nearly two

strong performance we were

The RAF though are not a team

years and then going out and

taking nothing for granted.

to give up and after 6 it was 3-3.

playing

This meant the Army needed

against both the Navy and RAF

and

after

Emma 4&3

Dann and

CAMUS 1Up

team,

having

the

not

way

they

The morning started with the foursomes and, as seems to be the norm, we walked in at lunch 2-2 after 4 very closely contested matches. The singles matches in the afternoon saw all our players digging in to grind out an overall 7-5 win. The score meant a

draw

with

the

RAF

the

following day would enable us to retain the trophy since we

had beaten the Navy by a bigger margin. However, none of the players ever considered that concept and all accepted an outright win was the only acceptable outcome. We went into the match with the RAF knowing it was ours to lose

and

we

finished

the

foursomes, surprise, surprise 2-2. 30

played

SSgt Zoe Burrell-Knipe RLC and the Saunton Lady Captain

did,


while not only dealing with

a scratch match against the

those who are already playing

horrendous

British

that we don’t know about. We

weather

Police

at

Wyboston

throughout but also with some

Lakes in October. Once again

are

big

player availability was an issue

development

and

existing players to improve their

players

missing,

was

unbelievable.

the

admirably.

team

performed

Unfortunately,

the

also

game

and

concentrating of

new

building

on

on and the

Initially, because of the lack of

Police as always fielded a very

excellent team spirit within the

fixtures due to Covid restrictions

strong

the

squad. I hope as we move

it was unlikely that the Player of

match 7-5, not a bad result for a

further into 2022, we will see the

the Year would be awarded.

depleted side.

end of all Covid restrictions

team

and

took

However, and without wanting

allowing us to complete a full

to turn this into a Pte Niki

Going forward into the 2022

calendar for the first time since

Sutton

season

to

2019 and for our overseas tour to

bio,

her

outstanding

I

am

contribution to Army Ladies Golf

announce

the

Ladies

finally go ahead. The Far East,

this year and her performances

Committee is in place with Lt

specifically Thailand, is looking

in all competitions

it

Col Alex O’Brien RLC as the Vice

favourite but more from the

impossible for her not to be

Captain, Maj Kate Eastman AMS

Vice Captain on that as we

awarded

as Assistant Team Manager to

progress through the season. I

Congratulations and well done

our

Diane

for one am looking forward to

Niki on not only winning the

Walters, and Maj Gina Smith

welcoming back all our players

Army

AGA

REME as Development Officer

this season and hoping that

Stableford Championships but

with Sgt Kim Glynn-Galbraith

everyone is available to get

for being the Army Ladies Player

AGC (SPS) as her assistant. Our

involved while welcoming some

of the Year in your first full

main effort for the coming year

new players into the fold. All the

season with the team.

is the expansion of Army Ladies

best everyone for the coming

Golf, to get more women in the

season.

made

the

Matchplay

trophy.

and

The final fixture of the year was

stalwart

pleased new

Manager

Army playing and identifying

Left to right - Sue Lambert, Alex O’Brien, Gina Smith, Kate Eastman, Zoe Burrell-Knipe, Kim Glynn-Galbraith, Emma Dann, Niki Sutton, Becky Mercer

31


REGIONAL REPORTS

REGIONAL

REPORTS AGA SCOTLAND By Capt George Watson In what has been an incredibly difficult year, it

RESULTS

was great to get the Scottish AGA membership back onto the fairways playing competitive golf. In April, we were due to play at Dumbarnie Links

Div 1 Winner

Keith Huston 70 pts OCB

Runner Up

Chris Paterson 70 pts

but Covid forced us to postpone the event and move it to Oct as our Autumn Meeting. The first event of the year was therefore the

Div 2 Champion

Ken Scott 71 pts

Runner Up

Si Mehaffey 71 pts

Summer Meeting, which again was held at Kinross GC in July. We were blessed with great

Div 3

weather and the 2 courses were immaculate. 72

Winner

Alex Liddell 70 pts

golfers were in attendance for the 2 rounds and

Runner up

Ross Manson 67 pts

the scores were really close. We played in 3 divisions with the combined Stableford scores in

Nearest the Pin

AM

PM

each division winning and the Scottish Champion

Montgomery

Tony Duncan

Dave Grant

was the player with the highest overall combined

Bruce

Alex Liddell

Chris Paterson

score. The following were the successful players on the day, with Capt Ken Scott the Scottish

Longest Drive

Champion after an outstanding birdie on the 36th

Montgomery

Neal Allardyce

hole and win on a countback from WO2 Si

Bruce

Rodger Malcolm Neal Allardyce

Mehaffey. 32

AM

PM Alan Kelly


difficult, breezy conditions the standard of play by the 96 members and guests was fantastic and

thankfully the last 4 ball managed to get in just in time before darkness descended. RESULTS Div 1 Winner

Alan Kelly 38 pts

Runner Up

Ken Scott 37 pts

Div 2

SSgt Rodger Malcolm handing over the Scottish Champion trophy to Capt Ken Scott

Winner

Colin Beattie 41 pts

Runner Up

Pete Logan 39 pts

Div 3 September

was

a

really

busy

month

with

numerous events. We played the annual match

Winner

Mr Ferguson 40 pts

Runner Up

Chris Streen 37 pts

against the Royal Navy at Buchanan Castle GC near Loch Lomond, a tough parkland course that

Nearest the Pin

had stood up well to the heavy rain prior to and

Ian Hutton

during the event. Covid took its toll on the event with numerous drop outs and we played with

Longest Drive

reduced number from the 48 players previously

Derek Gaw

competing, but still managed to enjoy the day even if the Royal Navy team were victorious on

The large numbers of players attending during

the day.

the meetings made it too difficult to have a prize

giving with early starters finishing sometimes At the same time we then sent a strong team

before the last flight had started. So this year we

under the control/guidance of SSgt Brian Innes to

decided to have 1 final event, with a shotgun start

the Inter Regionals at Worksop. But the less said

playing a Texas scramble. This meant we could

about the competition the better, as we were sent

finish at the same time and present the prizes

homewards to think again as the Scottish

from the yearly meetings after the round. We held

contingent could not cope apparently with the

the event at St Michael’s near Leuchars in Fife, the

extreme heat at Worksop. We will be better

perfect way to finish the season and we will

prepared next year.

continue with this set-up from now on.

Also in September we hosted the touring RLC

I am sure we all agree that it was just great to get

development team with 2 rounds at Kinross in a

back onto the courses throughout the regions,

really hard fought encounter, with the AGA team

playing competitive golf and I just want to thank

emerging

all the Scotland members,

victorious

after

some

glorious

the Royal Navy

leadership by the Scotland Secretary, who played

Northern Society and the RAF Kinloss Society for

for the RLC team and lost both matches to ensure

their continued support throughout the year.

a famous win for the AGA.

Looking forward, in 2022 we will be going back to Turnberry for our Spring Meet and hopefully

In October we played our Autumn Meeting at the

Gleneagles or one of the courses at St Andrews for

recently opened Dumbarnie Links. The course is

the Autumn Meeting so if you want to attend any

only opened 2 years ago and is already one of the

of the meetings in Scotland, simply get in touch

top courses in Scotland. So if you get the chance

and if numbers allow, it would be great to host

to play it, don’t miss it; it truly is outstanding. In

members from the other regions. 33


REGIONAL REPORTS

AGA WALES By WO2 Mal Burn SUMMER MEETING

AUTUMN MEETING

After the 20 torrid Covid months, this year’s first

The second event of the year took place at

event in Wales took place at Neath GC on 7 Jul 21.

Ashburnham GC on 22 Sep 21. What an absolute

Even

very

pleasure to play this course. The bacon roll on

unpredictable over the last couple of weeks, it was

arrival was great, the course was in a superb

great to get a dry round of golf on a most

condition but more importantly the company was

stunning and beautiful course. The course had

fantastic. Shame that the golf was not up to

some difficult and testing holes but, best of all,

standard! On a serious note, it was great to hold

offered

views

an AGA Wales event at Ashburnham for the

overlooking 7 counties. The event was a full

second year running. This is a testing course, with

handicap Stableford competition from the yellow

some horrible holes that need precision from the

tees over 18 holes. After a hearty full breakfast,

tee and a managed second shot into tight greens

catching up with old friends and their stories from

for a commendable score. The facilities are always

the past year, it was great to get out and have a

good but the course seems to be the best in

hack. The green staff had worked very hard

South Wales, tight cut fairways and true running

presenting lush fairways and good greens, the

greens with spectacular views no matter where

winning scores showing this. Credit must go to

you are on the course. A great turnout took

Neath GC for hosting this event and giving us

advantage of the sunny conditions and the light

such an outstanding welcome. The event was well

winds. Above all the scores were good, despite my

turned

members.

golf taking a turn for the worst, or else all the

Congratulations to Noddy Norris, who despite

golfers seem to be in their prime for the season.

never winning a prize in 20 years, wiped the field,

Great scores were had by all but Rick O’Shea took

with a great score of 40 points.

the glory by 1 point. Well done.

RESULTS

RESULTS

though

very

out

the

weather

scenic

with

and

past

had

been

picturesque

and

new

Champion

Noddy Norris 40 pts

Champion

Rick O’Shea 41 pts

Runner-Up

Andy McGuffie 38 pts

Runner-Up

Rob James 40 pts

3rd Place

Geordie Fernandez 36 pts

3rd Place

Clive Cole 38 pts

4th Place

Shady Kent 35 pts Nearest the Pin

Nearest the Pin

13th hole - Samantha Crawshaw

2nd hole - Shady Kent

16th hole - Rab Dundas

5th hole - Noddy Norris 14th hole - Jim Kirkpatrick

Twos Mal Burn

Twos

Samantha Crawshaw

Shady Kent

Mike Denton

Jim Kirkpatrick 34


I want personally to thank all those golfers who

most of my time is spent on the mobile phone or

have attended each of the golf events and

laptop organising these events. My passion for

supported AGA (Wales). During the past 12

golf has never waned and although my patience

months we have seen a larger number of new

is often tested, I am always gratified to see golfers

golfers but not as many of the old faces. Covid did

smiling and enjoying the banter when these

make it hard for everyone to turn up due to

events take place – I am a firm believer that golf is

uncertainties

As

great for mental health. Keep smiling fellow

Chairman, Secretary and golfer, I must take this

golfers, stay safe and I hope to see you all next

opportunity to thank my wife, who is also an AGA

year. Happy golfing!

from

this

horrible

virus.

Member, for putting up with me when it seems

AGA EASTERN By Capt Chris Tate I am sure everyone will agree that getting back out on the fairways has come as a bit of respite from the rigours of the pandemic, and although the C-19 protocol made it slightly more difficult to get off the ground, all in all the ERG has had a reasonable year. The region managed to hold 3 events during the year:

Left to right - Mr P Taylor, Pte T Shaw, Mr R Lloyd, WO2 C Morton, WO1 S Henderson, WO1 J Butler

EVENT ONE EVENT TWO A slightly slower start to the ERG golfing year, which took place at the Cambridgeshire GC,

Swaffham GC was a repeat venue for ERG having

Barhill.

normal

played the last 36 hole Championship there in

numbers, which I can only put down to the C-19

2020. It was agreed across the board that the

situation, the available players contested the

greens were easier this time around. Again,

‘Bogey’ cup, which has been played since 1957. A

although numbers were down on previous years,

challenging

it was another great day had by nearly all!

Although

there

course

was

weren’t

the

presented

in

great

condition, which only meant two players beat it!

Mr J Owen and Capt B Saunderson

Most golf

R Stratton 56 pts

Ash Ingham

1

18 AM Div 2

R-Up

A Greenwood 35 pts

Pete Clarke

1

18 AM Div 1

R-Up

A Cromwell 36 pts

Shane Deakin

0

18 AM Div 2

1st

D McGee 39 pts

Chris Tate

-1

18 AM Div 1

1st

F Finch 38 pts

Scouse Lloyd

-1

18 PM Div 2

R-Up

J Craddock 34 pts

Tom Clarke

-2

18 PM Div 1

R-Up

M Seely 31 pts

Nige Saunders

-2

18 PM Div 2

1st

G Stones 36 pts

Colin Jenkins

-2

18 PM Div 1

1st

C Jenkins 35 pts

Phillip Haig

-2

36 Hole Div 2

R-Up

J Butler 67 pts

Allen Lee

-2

36 Hole Div 1

R-Up

T Shaw 74 pts OCB

36 Hole Div 2

1st

R Lloyd 71 pts

36 Hole Div 1

1st

S Henderson 76 pts

36 Hole Scratch

R-Up

C Tate 55 pts

36 Hole Scratch

1st

C Morton 56 pts 35


REGIONAL REPORTS EVENT THREE After the success of last year’s event at Stoke Rochford

GC,

we

returned

to

accept

the

challenging course and enjoy picturesque views of Stoke Rochford Hall. The scores were all very close up until the last flight when the winner carded an outstanding 8 better. Most Golf

Tim Shaw

NP

3

Glen Stones

NP

7

Paul Taylor

NP

12

Bruce Saunderson

LD

16

Colin Jenkins

NP

17

Steve Anderson

18 Ind Div 2

3rd

Glen Stones 33 pts

18 Ind Div 1

3rd

Joe Crossley 32 pts

18 Ind Div 2

R-Up

Mick Watkins 33 pts

AGA committee at Worksop GC, and most

18 Ind Div 1

R-Up

Robbie Reynolds 34 pts

definitely the flagship event of our golfing season.

18 Ind Div 2

1st

John Butler 35 pts

The OOM worked out reasonably well this year

18 Ind Div 1

1st

Chris Tate 35 pts

Ind Champion

1st

Paul Spencer 44 pts

Left to right - Mr P Taylor, WO2 M Seely, Mr R Seely, Maj D McGee, WO2 C Morton, WO1 S Henderson

INTER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP The ERG was fortunate in entering two teams into the Inter Regional event superbly hosted by the

and produced a different team to compete for the honours. Owing to availability issues reserves just

outside of the natural selection process were called in. In the end we were not quite good enough to bring home any silverware, but the teams had a great day. SUMMARY Although hampered somewhat, the ERG had a reasonable year’s golf. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that ventured out on to the fairways and a special thank you to Paul Taylor for organising some trophies for ERG. If you

are reading this you must have a small interest in golf, so spread the word. ERG is classless and open to all ranks, and we need more talent or individuals to develop for the future of ERG and AGA golf, so please advertise as widely as possible. More information can be obtained from the Eastern Region Secretary on: Email: christopher.tate850@mod.gov.uk Mil: 94650 5120 | Civ: 01284 718470 Mr C Gelder

36

Mobile: 07784 891174


AGA SOUTH EAST By WO2 Jamie Lucas It has been unbelievable how restrictions on

SUMMER CHAMPHIONSHIPS 20

movement because of Covid have impacted upon the world and the game of golf.

The Summer Championships took place on 22 Jul 20 at Old Thorns GC and proved to be a stiff test

After a very difficult 18 months it is fantastic to see

for the 57 players we got onto the course. It was a

players out on the course again. The problem

hot day and the opening tee shot provided quite

since the restrictions were eased has been finding

a challenge. With tee times running behind, those

venues to hold events. With funding at a

at the back of the grid were beginning to feel the

minimum and courses needing to make money,

pressure of eyes on them as the club had booked

the cost of green fees has increased hugely. There

other groups flights right behind our competition.

have also been problems with clubs pulling

Some of the players took over 5 hrs to get around,

competitions as their members clamour to get

but everyone had a good day.

their own events completed, whilst attempting to draw in other business.

RESULTS

SPRING MEETING 20

Gross 1st

Mehendra Phagami 78 pts

Amazingly this was played on 20 Mar 20 at the

2nd

Krishna Gurung 82 pts OCB

Surrey National GC, only a few days before the

3rd

Glenn Watt 82 pts OCB

country was locked down for the first time, and I believe that this was the final competition before

Nett

the world went pear-shaped. The weather wasn’t

1st

Ian Lester 69 pts

amazing, and everyone was social distancing. We

2nd

Prakash Gurung 71 pts

did, however, manage to get 38 players out on the

3rd

Marcus Murcott 77 pts

course, with a requirement to be a bit of a mountain goat to get around it. It was a tough

Stableford

test with there not being a single two all day.

1st

Jase Moore 34 pts

2nd

Al Cameron 33 pts

RESULTS

3rd

Matt Priston 32 pts OCB

Gross

Twos

1st

Prakash Gauchan 82 pts OCB

Martin Paterson

2nd

Chin Thapa 82 pts OCB

Steve Gibson

3rd

Al Ahern 86 pts

Jase Moore Kieran Cullen

Nett

Damien Teal

1st

Si Jones 67 pts

2nd

John Donaldson 69 pts

3rd

Prakash Gurung 74 pts

AUTUMN MEETING 20 Teetering on the edge of another lockdown, we

Stableford

were lucky to get out again on 30 Sep 20 at the

1st

Joe Mutch 38 pts

Army GC. 28 players managed to get out onto the

2nd

Giri Gurung 37 pts

course, which was in good condition, despite

3rd

Dipakaj Ghale 35 pts

heavy overnight rain. Some very good golf was 37


REGIONAL REPORTS played on a course well known by many. The

This was a Stableford competition, split into low

results were as follows:

and high handicaps.

RESULTS

RESULTS

Gross

Low Handicap

1st

Paul McNichol 77 pts

1st

James Watson 36 pts

2nd

Richard Sheather 83 pts

2nd

Paul Simpson 34 pts OCB

3rd

Gary Howarth 84 pts

3rd

Richard Parry 34 pts OCB

Nett

High Handicap

1st

Paul Simpson 70 pts

1st

Dewi Williams 36 pts

2nd

Rudra Khadka 72 pts

2nd

Stuart McAteer 35 pts

3rd

Ian Houghton 73 pts

3rd

Ian Lester 33 pts OCB

Stableford

Twos

1st

Gary McCallum 39 pts

Ian Hougton

2nd

Dave Harris 35 pts

Richard Parry

3rd

Geoff Weighell 34 pts

Andy Bird

SPRING MEETING 21

Nearest the Pin Richard Parry

Sherfield Oaks GC, as always, is a great club to

Tom Dempster

play at. There is something for everyone, space on some holes and tight drives on others. We

A special mention must go to Pat Macfeeley who

managed to get 33 players out on the course, on a

scored a grand total of 9 points but kept going.

dry spring day on 19 May 21 at Sherfield Oaks GC.

Paul Shanahan, Tom Dempster, Cameron Weir, Tony Parkinson, Kirk Ross

38


Steve Johnson, Kev Wilkinson & Bill Roach

AUTUMN MEETING 21 This event took place on 13 Oct 21 at Oxford GC.

1st Stableford

Al Cameron

2nd Stableford

Marcus Murcott

3rd Stableford

Ian Whitehead

This course is a great find. After a few days of heavy rain, the course had held up well and

Nearest the Pin

provided a good test for all. 29 made it to the start

4th

John Donaldson

line, a bit short of the 40 hoped for but other

8th

Marcus Murcott

commitments and Covid had an impact on

12th

Jamie Lucas

availability. As the summer championships were

15th

Steve Worth

cancelled this competition was used to identify

17th

Lizzy Stileman

the Summer Champion. Longest Drive RESULTS

9th

Low Handicap

Daz Mee

Twos

Champion

Cameron Weir

John Donaldson

2nd Gross

Daz Mee

Netra Rai

3rd Gross

Paul Caveill INTER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

1st Nett

Adam Herbert

2nd Nett

Daz Smee

After a 1-year gap because of Covid, The Inter

3rd Nett

John Donaldson

Regional Championship took place at Worksop GC. Surprisingly with so little golf having been

1st Stableford

Netra Rai

available over the last 18 months, I would have

2nd Stableford

Jamie Lucas

thought it would have been easier to get a team

3rd Stableford

Daz Hill

together, but just 24 hrs before the event I was till scratching around trying to fill the team. I big

High Handicap

shout out must go to the 6 that put their hands

1st Gross

Martin Dodds

up. Ably led by Cameron Weir they ventured

2nd Gross

Matt Priston

north. Tough playing conditions, with strangely

3rd Gross

Mel Silvester

very dry fairways, proved to be a real challenge. Everyone enjoyed the competition, and it is

1st Nett

Damion Greetham

hoped that the team will be more successful next

2nd Nett

Steve Worth

year. The team was made up of Cameron Weir,

3rd Nett

Tony May

Kirk Ross, Paul Shanahan, Simon Jones, Tom Dempster, and Tony Parkinson. 39


REGIONAL REPORTS

AGA SOUTH WEST By Maj Steve Hickey The South West region has been able to run a

conflicting activities, Fraser Bott volunteered to

number of competitions over the last year despite

run the event in my absence. This is a venue that

all the restrictions.

always looks after the region and this year was no exception. A good turnout enjoyed the course and

We ended 2020 with our annual meet held at the

the club.

Dorset Golf & Country Club. The club hosted us extremely well and the course was in good

This year saw our matches against the local

condition for early November. A field of 24 took

courses limited due to both the AGA and its

part with some great golf played. Congratulations

restrictions. Thanks to Marcus for running the

to the winners.

matches and to all the players for making themselves available.

We started 2021 having to cancel our Winter Meeting and AGM at Tidworth GC due to the

The region entered a team into the Inter Regions

restrictions.

at

at Worksop GC. Despite a poor first round we

Kingsdown GC in July. A good turnout saw 14 tee

recovered well and had a much better second 18.

it up. The course was in great condition and the

Congratulations to Cpl Williams, who took home

club looked after us despite all the restrictions,

the individual award with a great score.

Our

first

meeting

was

held

and some great golf was played. Congratulations to the winners.

The next year we hope to be able to run all the events as normal. Thanks to all those who made

The last event for the year was our annual trip to

the events this year and to all the new members.

the Dorset G & CC in November. Due to

I look forward to seeing you all in 2022.

40


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