Seniors Member and Guest Day July 29 2025

 

Seniors Captain Tony Lloyd presents the winners' trophy to Jonathan Lean and Luke Sansby

One of the Senior Section's most popular events - Member and Guest Day - produced some great memories ... and equally high scores.

Played on a near-pristine John O'Gaunt course in perfect weather conditions (after early drizzle gave way to pleasant sunshine!) the field of 90 enjoyed a splendid day with eight pairs scoring 40 points or more.

In third place, with 43 points, were Kevin Barbour and Kevin Flynn. 

In second place with 44 points were Chris Dennis and Dave Charteriss.

But the winners, with 45 points, were Jonathan Lean and Luke Sansby.

Other prizewinners were:

Nearest the pin on 10: Rob Young

Nearest the pin on 16: Tom Day

Nearest the pin on 4: Tariq Bhatti (Tariq's ball hit the NTP marker, sending it even closer to the hole!)

Nearest the pin in 2 on 1: Stephen Tofield

Nearest the pin in 2 on 12: Ian Kavanagh

Longest drive on 17: Warren Churms

The raffle raised a whopping £470 for the Captain's Charity - the Alzheimer's Society.

Thanks go to Nigel and Sabrina Underwood who orchestrated the whole day and to their "gofer" Dave Wood.

Runners-Up: Chris Dennis and Dave Charteriss

Third place: Kevin Barbour and Kevin Flynn

Longest Drive (275 yards): Warren Churms

Nearest the pin in 2 on 12: Ian Kavanagh

Nearest the Pin on 10: Rob Young

Nearest the pin on 16: Tom Day

Seniors away to Cambridge Country Club July 25 2025

 

Seniors Captain Tony Lloyd and organiser Phil Armstrong with their CCC opponents

Organiser Phil Armstrong reports

 Cambridge Country Club (previously Bourn GC) has undergone some significant changes in recent years.  As the team gathered in the marbled halls of the clubhouse there was a sense of anticipation of a good day’s golf in fine weather.

Captains Tony Lloyd and Keith Barton got things started by announcing the pairs.  The presence of two ex-CCC members in our team raised some good-natured boos.

Whatever changes there have been at CCC it remains a challenging course with a good supply of ponds and deep gullies. It would be fair to say that Captain Tony and I did not bring our “A” game to the first half dozen holes.  You’d need to go down the alphabet to “W” to find a suitable description of our game and that stands for “Wet”.  We managed to find more than our fair share of ponds and streams and were 5 down after 6 holes.

By the 6^th hole I’d found the answer to carrying the river, i.e. duff your tee shot and run it across the bridge.  Things looked up after the 6^th and Tony began to drive and putt with some authority so that we were only 2 down after 14.

Tony was unfortunate on 15^th to find a lie that would require a shovel not a wedge to escape from.  We finally had to admit defeat on the 16^th.

Back at the clubhouse the picture did not look good as the teams came in.  The blog for the home match mentioned the “Bourn scroll”. Even their Captain didn’t know about it but it turned out to be a silver trophy containing a record of the scores for each year’s matches since 2011.  This record made sorry reading for John O’Gaunt with only one win in that time.  We certainly weren’t going to add to that but were relieved not suffer the 8-0 defeat of 2011.

In the end it was only(?) a 7-1 loss, with Jed Isbell and Paul Dobson providing our only win.

Martyn Graham took home the Nearest the Pin prize for John O’Gaunt.

The day finished with a traditional meal of Roast Pork and Bakewell Tart and thanks to all involved.

 

Team scores:

Tony Lloyd and Phil Armstrong Lost 4&2

Barry Donovan and Steve Luckman Lost 3&2

Algy Grimes and Martyn Graham Lost 5&4

Michael Newstead and Gavin Little Lost 3&2

Jed Isbell and Paul Dobson Won 5&4

Oz Osman and Paul Life Lost 2&1

Dave Wood and Tony Goodson Lost 2 down

Chris Dennis and Paul Jones Lost 1 down

Running tally

Won 8

Lost 10

Drawn 1

Above and below: some of the on-course reproduction monuments

CCC Senior Captain Keith Barton retains the Scroll, which has been fought for since 2011

Seniors at home to Gog Magog July 22 2025

 

Seniors Captain Tony Lloyd with organiser Paul Jones and their Gog Magog opponents

Organiser Paul Jones reports

I left home in a light drizzle, curious about what the day would bring. After driving through a few mini climate changes, I arrived and it was a lovely morning with the mercury reading 19 degrees, which is surely warm enough for shorts.

There were no noticeable latecomers, so once introductions concluded, everyone was raring to go.

During the round we experienced some unsettled weather and although the rain was never particularly heavy there were some incidents of RSI reported.  Allegedly Gavin Little put his shoulder out by having to deploy his umbrella so much and every time one of our opponents in the first match took his jacket off, the rain resumed.

Captain Tony and I watched our opponents tee off on the first hole on Carthagena.  Their acting captain hit his shot well left, and it flew over the white stakes.  I was just starting to think about changing from my driver to a “safer” club when the ball hit a tree and bounced back onto the fairway.  From there he managed to get his team a half after I three putted the first and Tony visited the first of many bunkers. Was it going to be one of those days I thought to myself.

On the second tee Tony put his ball on the green and won that hole. We lost the third, Tony didn’t have a shot so he thought that he would lose his ball on the left to save time and put some pressure on his partner who duly capitulated.

We edged back in front on the fourth, halved the fifth and lost the sixth as their acting Captain Tim, put his ball to about 4 feet from the hole thus winning the Gog Magog nearest the pin prize.

The seventh hole was halved by the two players who didn’t have shots and then the JOG pair won the eight hole.

After the eight hole we were one up and there followed six holes that were halved included a couple of extremely rare sand saves from the author.

Tony won the fifteenth hole and I was able to win the 16^th so we closed out our match 3 and 2.

The second match went down to the final hole but one of the JOG players had the dreaded three putts to lose that match one down.

After six results were known the score stood at 3 -3 and I looked at the final groups trying to predict the outcome.

One group contained a recent golfer of the year and the reigning Reg Batson winner. Surely Barry Donovan, ably assisted by a relative newcomer Roy Brown, would deliver a point.

The other group contained Chris Saunders freshly back from a golf trip where he played progressively worse rounds probably due to late nights and copious amounts of liquid refreshment consumed.  The resultant slight handicap (20% increase) adjustment for Chris meant that, for a change, one of his opponents was playing off the same handicap so providing his partner Paul Dobson could match the other Gog Magog player we could get the all-important final point.

 Paul was taking it very seriously and pulled out a brand-new ball on their first hole (the 17^th) which disappeared as he duly dispatched it into the rough on the left hand side, never to be seen again.

Nearest the pin for John O’Gaunt on the 8th was Paul Life.

Afterwards we enjoyed a splendid meal of Beef bourguignon followed by pavlova

Captain Tim revealed the result which was a 5 – 3 win for the hosts and Tony and the JOG players wished our opponents a safe journey and expressed our anticipation for the return fixture in September.

 

The full results were;

Tony Lloyd	Paul Jones	Won 3&2
Jack Shepherd	Derek Page	Lost 1 down
Peter Imray	Paul Life	Lost 3&2
Gavin Little	Richard Cobb	Lost 4&3
Barry Donovan	Roy Brown	Won 1 up
Paul R Hammond	Kevin Barbour	Won 5&4
Stephen Mathers	David Trotter	Won 2 up
Chris Saunders	Paul Dobson	Won 4&3

 

Running tally for JOG

Won 8

Lost 9

Halved 1

Reg Batson Trophy July 15 2025

 

Senior Captain Tony Lloyd presents Barry Donovan with the Reg Batson Trophy

Some of the Senior Section's most successful players  - those with the highest aggregate score in the Annual Medal Trophy and Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy - came together on the John O'Gaunt white tees to compete for the prestigious Reg Batson Trophy.

Competition was tight at the top with four players on nett 69, only separated on countback.

Commiserations to Keith Fuller who narrowly missed out on a podium place.

In third place was Peter Jarman, winning a £20 pro shop voucher and in second was Dominic Murphy, winning £30.

But this year's winner, taking home £40 and the handsome Reg Batson Trophy, was Barry Donovan.

Raffle prize winners were Michael Newstead, Dave Wrench, Phil Bateman and Dave Gabbitas who each receive £10 credit on their pro shop accounts.

Many thanks to Nigel Underwood, Competition Secretary, for organising the event.

Third place: Peter Jarman

Runner up: Dominic Murphy

Seniors away at Leighton Buzzard July 14 2025

 

Organiser Trevor Darrington reports

On a hot and humid summer's day, the intrepid band of Seniors eventually found their way to Leighton Buzzard Golf Club. With the road closed in Woburn, some had to turn around and take a major detour.

I have to say at the start that we had 69 shots to their 121. The course has some unusual holes and definitely home advantage was key. Some of our players never having played the course before will welcome a return next year to know where they should be hitting the ball.

Captain David Barlow was giving me 10 shots, Graham their Captain 14 and their obvious ringer Tim, 18. Nevertheless, ours was a very tight game with 15 of the holes played out in real pars or better. David didn’t stand a chance. We started well with two pars to start to go up by 2, only to lose the third and fifth to go back to all square. By the eleventh hole we were 4 down and wondering how bad this was going to be. Never underestimate the JOG Senior though. By the 15^th we were only 1 down, but that 16^th hole is really one you need to have played many times to understand it. Yes, we lost it but birdied the 17^th to take it down to the final hole. Sadly, Graham parred it while I was in the trees and David didn’t have a shot.

Final scores on the day:-

David Barlow and Trevor Darrington – Lost 2 Down

Michael Newstead and Dick Cobb – Lost 4&3

Chris Saunders and Oz Osman – Lost 4&2

Richard Westergreen-Thorne and Jonathan Lean – Lost 2&1

Paul Life and Tony Goodson – Won 2 Up

Barry Donovan and Gavin Little – Won 5&3

Algy Grimes and Paul Hammond – Lost 5&4

Steve Luckman and Roy Brown – Lost 1 Down

Final score Leighton Buzzard 6, JOG 2.

Congratulations to Paul Life, Tony Goodson, Barry Donovan and Gavin Little for saving our blushes.   

The Leighton Buzzard Captain advised us afterwards that their team has won all of their home games this. Little wonder!!

The hospitality and friendliness at the Club was first class. Bacon rolls before the start and chicken supreme with profiteroles for desert afterwards was most welcome. The course was in good condition generally, as they have fairway irrigation, although apparently used quite sparingly. All in all, I think we were very well looked after on the day.

Running tally for JOG:

Won 7

Lost 9

Drawn 1

 

 

Annual Stableford Trophy July 8 2025

Seniors Captain Tony Lloyd presents winner Mike Etwaroo with the trophy

The Senior Section's Annual Stableford Trophy saw 108 players take to the Carthagena course in what could well be a record turnout for this competition.

Many struggled to post a high score on the sun-ravaged course but quality will out and 22 players managed to achieve 36 points or more.

In third place, on 40 points, was Dave Wood. He receives a £20 pro shop voucher.

Runner up on 41 points, and winner a £30 pro shop voucher, was Kevin Barbour.

But the winner, and recipient of the Annual Stableford Trophy, plus a £40 pro shop voucher, was Mike Etwaroo who scored 44 points.

This year, for the first time, we introduced £25 prizes for divisional winners so that low, mid and high handicappers could share the spoils.

In the low handicap division (7-14) Steve Hobbiger posted the best score of 38 points.

Winner of the mid handicap prize, with 40 points, (15-19) was Dave Wood.

And the winner of the high handicap prize, with 44 points was Mike Etwaroo.

Next time, to give more people a chance, we may introduce a one prize rule. Watch this space.

Raffle prize winners, who will each have £10 added to their pro shop accounts, were John Hazlewood, Andrew Brookman, Peter Wallace and Peter Jarman.

Finally, spare a thought for Warren Churms who went to set his trolley off 20 metres from the 5th green to the 6th tee.

Unfortunately the trolley had different ideas and trundled on almost to the 14th green. With Warren injured and his team mates similarly hobbled, pursuit of the runaway trolley was a challenge to say the least.

The result shook up the Golfer of the Year leaderboard which now reads:

Dave Wrench 44 pts

Paul Jones 40 pts

Mike Etwaroo 36 pts

Ian Simpson 35 pts

Fred Williams 32 pts

STOP PRESS: The Twos Club prize pool was £186 and shared by just two winners with Michael Newstead and Gerry Degaute picking up a whopping £93 each in pro shop credit. Is that a record? Let me know

Runner up: Kevin Barbour

Third place: Dave Wood

Seniors away to Brocket Hall June 30 2025

 

JOG Seniors Captain Tony Lloyd and organiser David Barlow with the Brocket team on the 1st tee

Organiser David Barlow reports

On possibly the hottest day of year, until the next hottest day of the year, the team endured a tough (hot) day at the office and lost 5-1 on The Palmerston Course (slope 132 / course rating 71.2)

There is little disgrace in this. In three years of home matches the Brocket Hall team have played 22 matches and have won 19 times. On a positive note, I believe we suffered a whitewash in this fixture last year, so we are improving (trending even?)

Here are the results.

Tony Lloyd and David Barlow lost 4&3.
Although never in front, it was a good match until a “streak” of good holes, 13-15, put the Captain and The Organiser to bed.

Rob Ebsworth and Dave Wood lost 6&4.
If an opponent scores 49 points and shoots +10 gross, there is very little you can do. A (Dave Wood) birdie means you lost the hole…. Tough school.

Ian Maddison and Tony Walters lost 3&2.
Some very creative / adventurous golf from Tony on #13, threading his ball through the trees and then skilfully using a ricochet tree shot to par the hole wasn’t quite enough in this tight match.

Kevin Barbour and Graham Gadsden lost 2&1.
Taken to the wrong starting tee on the Melbourne course didn’t upset our lads who were 4 up after 4 holes. Unfortunately their opponents fought their way back to edge out a close one.

Steve Mathers and Michael Newstead lost 3&2.
Put simply, Steve said, “out putted”.

Jed Isbell and Dick Cobb WON 2&1.
Well done lads you saved our blushes. Dick said, “we wore them down with quality!” 

An excellent meal of bbq ribs and fruit crumble in a lovely setting…. And we all got a complimentary ball marker too. A nice touch.

Running tally:

Won 7

Lost 8

Drawn 1

Some scenes from the Palmerston course

Seniors away to Northampton June 27 2025

 

David Barlow breaks his duck

Seniors Captain Tony Lloyd and Organiser Algy Grimes with their Northampton opponents
Peter Morris and Glenn Powell at the halfway house

Organiser Algy Grimes reports

After 9 attempts, David Barlow was in a winning pair for the first time with his playing partner Gavin Little. Well done David, keep it up!!

Following the lengthy journey of an hour or so, 16 of the JOG Seniors arrived in time to sample a

splendid full English breakfast (but some didn’t get an egg!!) this being a change of the usual format

due to the clubhouse hosting a school prom in the evening.

Off to the first tee for an 11am start, Captain Tony and myself were facing two players off 10 and 11,

so we had most of the shots. This proved to be of value on the first as I was on the green in two but

managed to three putt for a 5/4 to win the hole. 

Despite securing a half on the second, again with a shot, they were soon all square after the third with a very good par. An extra shot helped us go one ahead again but a birdie (which proved to be the first of a few) won the fifth for them. All square again.

 A second birdie in succession by them meant we went one down. Although I was on the green

in net one on the seventh, poor putting gave me a 5/4, but at least they could only get a par so we

stayed just one down.

On the eighth and ninth Tony had a net birdie and net par but a birdie for them meant we were one

down again at the turn.

 However we were two down, then three down by the twelfth following two pars and a birdie by the home team. Tony halved the thirteenth with a shot after I was on the green in one only to 4 putt! On the fourteenth I managed a net birdie with my putt hitting the pin and dropping in the hole (their captain said he would be sending me a bill to repair the damage to the pin) then Tony had a net birdie on the next so we were back to one down with three to play. Could the comeback be on? But no, another birdie on sixteen put them two up with two to play.

Unfortunately we could only manage a half on seventeen in six to give them the win 2 and 1. Their

Captain did manage to be the first to put his name to nearest the pin in two on eighteen, but was

beaten to the bottle of wine.

In other matches, I have already mentioned Vice Captain David and Gavin Little’s win, a burden lifted

from David’s shoulders.

Jed Isbell and Paul Jones were two down with three to play. On the seventeenth Jed hit his tee shot

too long, but when he got to his ball he saw the gap between the trees and went for the shot, and it

worked. He was four feet from the pin, so all square going to the last hole. The away pair then put

both of their shots in the water so a great come back to win one up.

Derek Page and Andy Lawrence were very unfortunate, losing one down on the last hole to the

last putt, a birdie for the away side.

Trevor Darrington and Tony Walters saw their match go down to the wire with Trevor sinking his

putt for a birdie on the last to halve the match.

A great course and very good company and hospitality in the bar afterwards as we waited for the

results to come in. With Tony and me losing the first match it didn’t bode well, however we needn’t

have worried as we won the next three and the last four were a loss, two wins and a half, so a win for

JOG of 5½ to 2½. Well done to the team at this course.

Individual scores were:

Tony Lloyd and Algy Grimes – Lost 2 & 1

David Barlow and Gavin Little – Won 3 & 2

Steve Luckman and Phil Armstrong – Won 4 & 3

Jed Isbell and Paul Jones – Won 1 up

Derek Page and Andy Lawrence – Lost 1 down

Paul L Jeeves and Chris Roy – Won 2 & 1

Neil Pinnington and Barry Donovan – Won 3 & 2

Trevor Darrington and Tony Walters – Halved

After announcing the result Captain Tony needed to rush off to be back at JOG for the 77th Birthday

bash. Everyone was asking if he would be taking his Kylie Minogue calendar along to get an

autograph??

One of many dramatic sights on the Northampton course

Senior Section Committee Meeting Notes 19th June 2025

 

In attendance: Tony Lloyd (TL), Dave Wood (DW), David Barlow (DB) Algy Grimes (AG)  Richard Westergreen – Thorne (RWT) Barry Donovan (BD) Jonathan Lean (JL), Nigel Underwood (NU)

 Apologies: Dave Wood (DW)

 Minutes previous

 Agreed

 Matters arising not covered elsewhere on the agenda

 Roll Up proposal – it was confirmed that the suggestion discussed previously had been passed to Bill Walker who has circulated to organisers for use if required.

 A further suggestion to use White Tees on JOG in the summer was not taken forward. The view of the committee was that it would help some players, and hinder others so would not have an overall benefit.

 Competition oversight on the day – NU reported that he played a little later in the last competition and this made the day easier – he agreed to return to this topic if he felt further help from committee members on the day would be needed.

 Competition Abandonment Procedure – a final draft was presented by NU who will take it to the General Manager for his thoughts before being enacted. He was thanked for his efforts by the committee.

 Captain's report (TL)

 It’s a cliché, but time flies when you are Captain. Here we are in June and I am nearly a third of the way through my year with seven competitions and 12 matches already in the rear view mirror. Congratulations to all the winners and to those representing us in the matches.

 Since our last meeting I attended a Charity Committee meeting when the major topic for discussion was the Longest Day Challenge taking place on June 21. It was decided to invite the entire membership to join the four Captains in playing 36 holes to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. There will also be a coffee morning and a pro shop prize draw on the day. A joint Just Giving page has been set up for the event and an appeal for sponsors sent out.

At this month’s Golf Committee meeting Justin Thomas presented the initial results of the working party he has been leading on starters and marshals to address “pinch points” at weekends and competition days when one course is closed. This will be discussed further at the next golf committee this evening after our meeting.

 We also got to inspect the Titleist balls to be used at the soon-to-be-opened warm up area. Also clearly marked “practice” they are the same ball that you might use on the course so that aiming at the new targets to be set out on the practice ground is realistic. Its opening is imminent.

 On June 2 Dave Wood and I acted as starters for the Club Senior Open and I returned later in the day to present the prizes on behalf of the club. Both Dave and I received many compliments about the club and course. Although not a senior section event it was good to get involved.

 I attended a new members’ induction session on May 17 when I got to meet three potential new senior section members. There will be another such session on June 21. Currently, there is a small number of vacancies for five-day members with a waiting list for seven days.

 The way we pay for matches going forward has been an issue and I am grateful to Barry Donovan for the time he has expended on the issue to produce, with the club, a workable system.

 My thanks also go to Richard Coventry who organised the Past Captains Away Day for the final time. His “last hurrah” will be at the much bigger section away day at Thorpe Wood, Peterborough on September 4.

 Treasurer's report (BD)

 The financials position as at 11/6 is a bank balance of £7.3k up from £6.4k last month.

There are invoices awaiting payment by the club of £3.4k. This is not overdue as invoices were delayed whilst the new procedures were being established. We also await invoices to be paid to the club of around £2.5k.

 After fairly painful delays we seem to have processes established for Matches now from June going forward. The process changes slightly for Organisers in that they need to pre alert Wendy of Food choices and initial team members. This will not be charged to members until the Organiser confirms the team immediately after play. Hopefully the process will enable us to effectively complete our fixtures. Competitions and other events are not impacted.

Clarity over non reciprocals is needed as organisers and myself are unaware of contact details for each club.

 The Forest Pines tour was a success with members expressing their satisfaction with the venue and golf. Financially this event broke even. Lots of suggestions for 2026 including many venues and potential for 2 nights. Hope to put some plans together over July.

Bank Account. No further action on this. Not currently the priority. Costs are £4.25 per month.

 

Vice Captain's report (DB)

 Nothing to report this month.

 IPC report (RWT)

 Nothing to report.

 Secretary’s report (RWT)

 Since the last meeting three people have joined the mailing list.  Two are new to the club and also one current club member about to retire.  Two people have left the list. One has sadly passed away and one has gone to social membership. 

 The club is now inviting prospective new members who apply to the club for membership to what will probably end up being quarterly induction events and both Tony and I have attended recent sessions. You may have seen that there is also now a New Member Induction Pack that is distributed when people are accepted with the club aiming for a more seamless transition for new members including contact with the Seniors for those who are eligible. 

 I am pleased to report that the draft calendar is ready for us to review at the meeting. All of the matches are included with just the Swap Day to confirm and the Away Day to add. All of the competitions are also included but a couple of match date changes from this current year have affected the date and course of a couple of competitions, and this is on the agenda to discuss at the meeting. It might be worth a tweak. Nigel Tarn has also run his eye over the draft calendar, and he is happy with the dates. I have managed to move all home matches to a Tuesday which was top of his wish list from us. 

 As I know from past experience you can never say ‘finished’ at this stage as something always crops up but I can always hope.

 I attended a brief photo opportunity with Justin Thomas and Chris Ellis to showcase the funds raised for Macmillan jointly by the captains in 2025 and also highlighting the charity contributions across all sections during the year and this is being used for publicity purposes.

 The Swap Day venue for 2027 and the offer to play from Bedfordshire G.C are on the agenda as separate items.

 Competition Secretary’s report (NU)

 Since we last met the only competition to have taken place was the Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy, incorporating the Bessant East scratch trophy.

 The results were as follows:

1st Paul Jones, net 67

2nd Eric Macintyre, net 68 and best scratch score.

3rd Sam Standen, net 71.

 Very commendable scoring with the JOG playing its length and a gusty wind. Both knockout competitions are well under way with no problems as yet.

 The next batch of competitions are:

Annual Stableford on July 8^th. Available places filled very quickly, I have negotiated 2 extra starts, one early and one late which will clear the reserve list for now. Entry closes on July 1^st.

 Reg Batson Trophy on July 15^th There were 49 people who competed in both qualifying competitions. Of those the best 40 scorers plus last year’s winner and the Seniors Captain have received invitations. Two have declined thus far so the next two on the “reserve” list have been invited. No replies from them at time of writing.

 Senior Member and Guest Day. Good to go. See earlier agenda item and (slightly) amended attachment.

Senior Captains Day on August 5th Entry opens at 7.00 am. on June 29^th.  All in place and good to go from this end.

 The issue of collecting cards and finalising competitions has eased a little. Some players are VERY reluctant to part with their scorecards……. I have what I hope will be at least part of a solution.

 Match Secretary’s Report (AG)

 Since our last committee meeting, the Seniors team has played six matches, securing two victories while facing four defeats. The closest contest in the defeats was a narrow 5-3 loss at home to Millbrook with two good wins at home to South Beds and St Neots, demonstrating the teams resilience and competitive spirit.

 The running totals now stand at Won 6, Lost 6, and One Half, showing a balanced performance overall. While challenges remain, the team continues to show determination and moments of strong play.

 Tranche 3 selections are progressing well, although one or two matches are close to the required player numbers. With Tranche 4 open until 6th July, there is optimism that enough players will sign up to meet the team quotas. The actual numbers so far being:

Cambridge Country Club away – 14

Letchworth away – 21 incl 5 Jokers

Luffenham Heath home – 16

Northampton home – 18

Saffron Walden home – 15

Wellingborough away – 21 incl 6 Jokers

Despite setbacks, the squad remains committed to refining its approach and strengthening its tactics. Encouragement, preparation, and strategic adjustments will be crucial in securing improved results moving forward.

 Trophy Custodian's Report (DW)

 Swap days:

 With help from RWT I have put together a spreadsheet of requirements for arrangements for Swap Days. I am working through my list for both clubs and will report back to the committee once I have collated the results

 I have been in contact with the organisers Robert at Newmarket and Darell at Stoke Rochford. We are in agreement regarding the reciprocal payment of the meals.

 Newmarket:

 The date and Tee times are booked in the Club Diary and confirmed by Nigel Tarn.

 F&B Manager is due to come back to me with meal choices.  Paula has agreed to restrict the cost to £25.00pp for Bacon Sandwich and coffee/tea on arrival with a 2-course meal following the golf. I discussed with Paula the possibility of similar meals we have had at Seniors Club Matches, Trio of sausages, Lasagne and chips or similar. She is discussing the options with Marcus.

 We should advertise the Swap Day before the end of July in order to ensure we achieve the 40 required players.

 The notice should include the following:

 

Entrants to let me know if they need a buggy so that I can team them up to share buggies. (RWT has provisionally booked all buggies at Newmarket).

E mail me with any dietary requirements and if they are travelling with anyone else so that I can pair them up on the same tee time.  The golf will be a first tee start. No “Gimmees” Play off Yellow tees 85% of Course handicap Prize for nearest the pin

Stoke Rochford

 Provisionally in the Club Diary for 5^th October 2026.

 RWT has previously invited the club Captain and their swap day organiser to a round of golf at John O Gaunt to set things in motion and to discuss arrangements. I have asked Darrel and Steven Major for their availability. I will arrange the round when I have their response. Following this meeting I will commence with the finer details of the swap day.

 Trophies:

 All trophies are accounted for and are either in the trophy cabinet or residing with their respective competition winners.

 Seniors Member and Guest Day, July 29th 2025 (NU)

 NU confirmed the arrangements for the day which had been agreed in outline at a previous meeting. The spaces for the event filled up very quickly and there is a Reserve List.

 Senior 'Day Arrangements (DB)

· We have agreed that the entry fee will be £12.

· NU will set up, sort out the golf prizes and distribute cards. I will be there nice and early too, to assist him and the raffle, if needed. No change to the format i.e. 9am shotgun start, fourballs, individual stableford (95%), yellow  tees, JOG.

· There will be a raffle. We will provide the prizes.

· There will be two skills competitions.

Fee to enter £1 a go. Card preferred, but cash will be accepted.

1) A putting competition. Prize, a magnum of champagne.
2) A virtual nearest the pin in the swing studio. Prize a 1 hour playing lesson with Tom Simm.

(Dave Gauge and Sam Barlow will be on hand to 'collar people' as they come in in after their round -  before food)

· There will be a 'Guess the Captain's drive' which will also be £1 a go.
RWT to plug in the newsletter with the message that I will be starting to ask people for their guesses .... whenever I see them (roll up, matches, car park, wherever I go....).

50% of the 'take' will go to the charity and 50% will go to the winning guess.

(AG will measure on the day).

· We agreed no food buggy on the day and no giveaway of soft drink and chocolate.

· Menu to be confirmed but options have been presented to us within budget.

 

Match Fees (BD)

 As briefly noted in the Treasurers Report a way of collecting payments has been agreed with the club and we hope that this will work well.

 Away Day and Past Captains Away Day 2026 (AG)

AG has approached a number of clubs for provisional prices and availability, and he outlined several options. A discussion took place, and AG will follow up and report back on progress at the next meeting.

 Action Point: Agenda Item at the next meeting

 Calendar 2026

 A discussion took place about the draft calendar for 2026. The current dates for competitions and matches mean that the two medals will both be on JOG in 2026. Moving things around is very tight and so various options were discussed. It was agreed that one of the two medals should be on Carthagena as in previous years and RWT will follow up and amend the calendar as appropriate to accommodate this.

 The Bedfordshire GC have approached the seniors seeking to play us in regular matches. It was agreed that with the 2026 arrangements already in place that we should honour our commitments already made with other clubs. However, looking ahead to 2027 this was considered to be a possibility and so RWT will follow up offering a chance to meet them for a round of golf with a view to discuss a regular fixture from 2027.

 On Course Foundation (DB)

 DB outlined his experience of attending one of their events and suggested that JOG should consider hosting an event in the future. It was agreed that this would need to be a club initiative rather than senior initiative if followed up and so DB to take up with the club.

 AOB

 None

 Dates of Future Meetings

 

Thurs July 17

Thurs Aug 14

Tues Sep 16

Thurs Oct 16

Thurs Nov 13

Thurs Jan 13 2026

Thurs Feb 3 2026 (AGM)