Seniors at home to Luffenham Heath Sept 15 2026

 

Seniors Captain David Barlow with Peter Imray and opponents Ian Moss and Mark Banfield

Luffenham Captain Martin Old with Gary Chamberlain, David Price and Neil Pinnington

Tony Lloyd reports

Give some people an inch and they take a yard! After stepping in at the last minute to replace an injured Jogger and helping my partner to a win over our Luffenham Heath opponents, organiser Terry Domagala sidled up me in the car park afterwards and asked me to write the blog report. Honestly!

At least we had had a lie in, as the Luffenham Heath team requested a later start because of their long journey and the delights of the Black Cat roadworks.

So after meeting at 8.30am for coffee and biscuits and the usual introductions we led our friends from Luffenham out onto the lush, green John O'Gaunt course to do battle.

First, though, we had a problem. Due to a misunderstanding, one of our players was missing! Fortunately one of theirs was too. And as it happened, both missing players were in the same group.

So it was that Graham Gadsden and Paul Wilkinson set off first as a two-ball. 

Luffenham Heath's Captain Martin Old likes to match handicaps as closely as possible so, breaking with tradition, he did not play with our Captain David Barlow.

The Luffenham Heath system has its benefits. There are fewer shots given and the results tend to be closer. The widest difference for instance was only two holes, unlike the "dog licences" that sometimes crop up.

We like the chaps from Luffenham Heath. Captain David described them as "kindred spirits".

So there was a convivial atmosphere in the Burgoyne Suite as we tucked into gammon steak followed by fruit crumble tart and custard and a toast to the visitors.

Then on to the results as presented by the Luffenham Captain.

Graham Gadsden: Lost two down

David Price and Neil Pinnington: Lost 3 and 1

David Barlow and Peter Imray: Won 3 and 2

Roy Brown and Geoff Elcome: Lost 3 and 2

Tony Lloyd and Oz Osman: Won 1 up

Dave Wood and Terry Domagala: Lost 4 and 2

Tony Walters and Tariq Bhatti: Lost 3 and 2

Chris Roy and Dave Trotter: Won 2 Up

Result: JOG 3 Luffenham Heath 5

Next up on October 19 is our rescheduled away match which had to be abandoned last month due to bad weather. Good luck to our squad who will be looking to avenge today's defeat.

 

Seniors Committee Meeting minutes Sep 10 2026

 

Present: David Barlow (DB), Terry Domagala (TD),  Jonathan Lean (JL), Tony Lloyd (TL), Nigel Underwood (NU), Steve Mathers (SM)  Algy Grimes (AG)  Barry Donovan (BD) Warren Churms (WC) Dave Wood (DW)

 

1 Minutes of last meeting were accepted with no matters arising

2 Captain’s Report (DB)

My own golf is suffering as those who have to partner me recently will testify. I am starting to struggle a bit. Match results have been a bit mixed with 4 wins: Wellingborough (A), Saffron Walden (H) and Northampton (A & H)) followed by defeats at Letchworth (A) and Millbrook (A)  + the abandonment at Luffenham Heath (A). Just 6 more to go …

Thank you to you all, especially Terry, for a successful and enjoyable Captain’s Day. Thanks also to Steve (M) for an excellent and well organised Away Day at Rutland Water.

The Executive

We recently held a review meeting of the Strategic Plan and met with the new GM, James Parker. I was impressed with James and his view of what service and hospitality should be in a premier venue. I am sure he has the experience and vision to modernise and take the Club forward. James starts on 12^th October.

Disciplinary Training.

Thank you to those who attended the disciplinary training given by Mark Ives, Hopefully you found it useful and interesting. Recent events (including a number of thefts of golf i.e. visitors not being signed in and not paying) have demonstrated the value of Mark’s role as Compliance and Integrity Director and the Club’s commitment to dealing with disciplinary issues. Your involvement and willingness to sit on disciplinary hearings is an invaluable part of ensuring the fairness of the disciplinary process.

Bag Tags

No real progress from the Club update. We are awaiting the shipment of the “brains” i.e. the tech. from Australia and the delivery of batteries (nationwide shortages) and enclosures. We are working out the best way of distributing the tag. The actual tag will have no personal data on it, only your name. This is a mock up.

 

 My opinion is that the introduction of the RFID bag tags will be invaluable in identifying theft of golf an enforcing better standard of behaviour and conduct from some members.

Water Conservation & Provision.

DB gave a verbal update on where we are currently ‘at’ with plans to create a new reservoir and what the current thinking is.

CCTV.

The Board has just agreed the introduction of modern CCTV coverage across the entire estate. Modern camera technology, including an ANPR one for the exit barrier, will give us over 90% coverage of all areas including most of the car park, the clubhouse front and rear (including the terrace), inside the club house, the compound and the warm up area. We are still experiencing a worrying number of balls landing on the 18^th fairway from the warm up area. I had this 18^th hole experience myself on Saturday.

Marcus/ F&B.

DB outlined discussions he has held with Marcus about menu options for next year including introducing bacon rolls to match days and dropping dessert which would be more or less cost neutral.

Match against Gog Magog

DB expressed his disappointment at the state of the Carthagena course which was being scarified on the day Gog Magog visited us for a home match. It was agreed that he would raise the matter at the Golf Committee

3 Treasurer’s report (BD)

Cash position at 7th September £10,978.42 down from £12,629. Payment made for the Away Day paid this month

Our Account with JOG was fully up to date last month and our outstanding balance paid. The process is working well. Last month’s reconciliation identified 3 duplicate payments made by the club and have now been rectified.

One position vacant on the Nottinghamshire Tour for 2027 following a recent cancellation

Captain’s Day and M&G were a success. Captain’s Day balances to date are £2271 Income and £1245.54 Costs - net £1025.46. M&G balances to date are £3005.62  Income and £2174.27 costs - net £831.35.Prelim Away Day shows £1832 income and £1592.82 costs - net £239.18.

No action yet on New Bank account other than a cursory glance at the Market options. Not enticing me yet! There have been some improvements made to Lloyds - but still no mobile payment option. I will explore this further in November.

Market review has indicated a couple of good accounting solutions targeted at Club finance. Potentially these will speed up accounting and allow flexible and insightful reporting , and enable the Treasurer to focus on what the numbers say rather than what they are. I plan to fully evaluate and trial run in November with a view of switching over for the new year. Cost is approx £120pa

The Sum Up machines were successfully used for the M&G and Captain’s day. Let’s look for wider adoption

Editor's note: If you can't read the above charts and would like a separate version, please contact Barry Donovan directly

4 Secretary’s Report (TL)

Gog Magog have contacted me to discuss changing the date of our 2027 away match so that we  play the old course for a change. (Four out of the last five matches have been played on the Wandlebury apparently).

I have agreed 2027 dates with the Ladies Section but we need to keep an eye on the Greensomes (March 2) which, because of “calendar creep” will be played in February before too long. The ladies are happy to leave it for this year but in 2028 I would suggest playing a week later and moving the 4BBB to a free Tuesday in October.

My straw poll in the newsletter to gauge interest in nine-hole competitions elicited only one response so I am minded to put the idea on the back burner for the time being.

Action point: After discussing various dates offered by Gog Magog it was agreed to accept March 18. TL to contact Gog Magog to confirm.

5 Competition Secretary’s Report (NU)

·       There have not been any competitions completed since the last committee meeting.

·       Five competitions are currently open for entry;

o   The Gordon Percival Hidden Teams, 29^th Sept. 96 places taken, 6 available. Action point: If the final entry does not divide by 3 and we end up with a two-ball, the “missing third player” will be awarded average points.

o   Swap Day at Stoke Rochford, 5^th October. All 40 places taken, 4 names on reserve list.

o   3 clubs and putter, 6^th October. 58 entrants so far, 26 places available.

o   Autumn Stableford, 13^th October.93 entrants, 9 places available.

o   Scramble with the ladies, 22^nd Oct. Entry opened on Tuesday 8^th Oct. Tony Lloyd running this comp as I am away quite a lot in the run up.

·       Next to open; Bailiff Shield opens 22^nd September, played on 20^th October. This is shown as stableford but should change to Medal. Action point: Gordon Goodchild Trophy (stableford) running alongside it with one-prize rule applying.

·       We play a lot of individual comps, mostly stablefords. We have one 4BBB and one scramble (plus the one with the ladies). Limited research suggests that a greensomes comp would be welcomed to provide some variety. Action point: Greensomes comp seen as a good idea. NU and TL to discuss how best to achieve this.

6 Knockout finals and referees

A discussion was held on providing referees for Senior Knockout finals. This was regarded as a good way to raise the profile of the knockouts. DB, TD and NU all offered to act as referees. NU to inform all finalists of the decision and ask them to confirm their finals dates.

7 Match Secretary’s Report

We are now getting towards the end of the fixtures, having played 26 matches so far, the current scores are now W10 D6 L9 with one match abandoned due to lightning. We have another match that only lasted a few holes but has been rearranged, Luffenham Heath is now due to be played away on 19^th October.

Sorry to have to report again but withdrawals are having an effect on team planning, a few holidays have got in the way. Thanks to all who are stepping up to play following withdrawals, some are late replacements.

The four remaining matches have just about the right number, with very few reserves, so hopefully people will not book holidays and will wrap themselves in cotton wool to stay fit and well!

Action point Agenda item next month to explore ways of encouraging greater participation in matches.

8 Matches policy

A discussion was held on our current match schedule and aspirations going forward.

Action point: SM to take the lead on reviewing clubs we play currently and identifying quality clubs we could approach with a view to future links

9 Trophy Custodian’s report (DW)

Trophies.

All trophies not yet contested for in 2026 are stored securely in the Trophy Store.

The trophy for the Seniors Tour, kindly donated by David Barlow, is now with the engraver. I await notification that it is ready for collection.

Swap Days

Swap day 2026 – Stoke Rochford Golf Club 5^th October 2026

Entries for the Swap-day currently stand at 40 players. We have a waiting list of 4 players who will be notified in date order should a vacancy arise.

The event at John O’Gaunt will now take place on John O’Gaunt course.

I have liaised with Jess Sporle regarding her meeting and greeting the Stoke Rochford players on the day. She is pleased to take on this role. I have supplied her with full details of the arrangements. I have also asked her to arrange a reserved parking area for the Stoke Rochford coach.

All is now in place for what I hope to be a pleasant day’s golf for both clubs.

Swap day 2027 – Essendon Golf Club Monday 11^th October 2027

I have been in contact with Simon Harding, Essendon Golf Club organiser. He confirms that the swap day is fixed in their 2027 diary. I have given him a brief run-down on costs, possible increases in 2027, reciprocal payment, and the numbers of players from each club (40). I will be arranging a meeting with him once this year’s swap day is concluded.

Swap day 2028 – Brickenden Grange Golf Club – date to be arranged

Brickenden Grange GC

Brickenden Grange General Manager Stephen Bryan confirms that BGGC wish to arrange a swap day with us in early October 2028. He mentions that cost of the day may need to be increased to £35.00 per head. I believe this to be a sensible prediction. Simon has agreed to be the BGGC contact for the arrangements.

The Bedfordshire GC

I have written to Peter Wilson, organiser for The Bedfordshire Golf Club swap days and informed him that we can no longer offer him a swap day in 2028 because of a previous promise to another club. I have asked him to let me know if they wish to be considered for 2029. I await his reply.

Annual Presentation Dinner 2026

I have commenced preparations for this years’ presentation dinner by preparing invitations for Captains’ guests, Trophy Winners, Committee members and General Seniors members. I have agreed with Marcus that we will be taking up the club Christmas menu (2 courses), which is predicted to be increased to £35.00 this year. This cost, and the menu content will be available for publication once agreed by the new General Manager.

Invitations will be sent out once I have the menu and costs.

There will be no raffle at this years’ dinner, as administration of it took too long and, I believe, was one too many raffles. The diners should be spared from yet another “Tin rattling” experience.

I have received from Captain David Barlow a proposed list of his guests for the evening, which I share with the Committee members for any comments.

Action point: BD and DW to discuss budget and number of guests to be invited

10 Away Day (WC)

WC’s recommendation of 2027 Away Days at Buckingham GC was accepted by the committee. The dates will be Mon June 7 for the Past Captains and Committee Away Day and Mon Sep 6 for the Seniors Away Day for 40 members. Both events to include full English breakfast but no meal afterwards. Tee times for both events from 12pm

11 Christmas Fayre

Christmas Fayre to follow the same format as previous years with BD organising meat prizes and AG sourcing drinks and chocolates.

12  2027 AGM

The date of the 2027 AGM to be Tuesday Feb 16. TL to plan notice of AGM and invitation to elect officers.

13 AOB

·       WC  raised a request from Paul Beck that prisms be affixed to top of flags to aid range finders and TL asked whether new flag sticks with narrow steel bases as used now at many other clubs could be purchased.

Action point: DB to raise both points with Golf Committee

 

·      DW informed the committee of Gordon Goodchild’s request to present a crystal glass memento to the inaugural winner of the Gordon Goodchild Trophy. His kind gesture was accepted with thanks.

·       TD asked if the Captain and Organiser of Swap Days and Away Days could be automatically entered into the competitions before sign-up. Unanimously accepted.

 

Dates of future meetings

 

Thurs Oct 8

Thurs Nov 12

Thurs Dec 3

Thurs Jan 5

Tues Feb 16 AGM

 

Seniors Captain David Barlow and Organiser Chris Dennis with their South Beds opponents

Organiser Chris Dennis reports

We all arrived on time despite the heavy traffic around the course. We were all greeted with coffee/tea and bacon rolls - a nice touch!

The conditions were dry and sunny at times and the course was greener than it has been for a long while although, unfortunately, the greens had been worked on and were a bit sandy.
Myself and David were taking on South Beds captain Simon and his partner Phil.
After 3 holes we were 2 up and felt in a good place but then Simon and Phil combined well to either par or birdie every hole from then onwards which included Simon's “best shot he has ever hit in his life” on the 6th hole - which he never let us forget about! Their better-ball score was 1 under par gross so we struggled to match them and went down 3 & 2.
The next four matches kept the overall match score level - with a special mention to Graham and Gavin who won their match 7 & 6.
Unfortunately JOG lost the next 2 matches with Fred and Algy narrowly losing 1 down despite Algy's birdie on the par 3 1st hole.
Gerry and Tony had a hard fought half with a generous gimme for Tony on the last - do you think he would have got the putt in?

Results were as follows
David Barlow & Chris Dennis LOST 3 & 2
Steve Mathers & Nigel Underwood HALVED
Graham Gadsden & Gavin Little WON 7 & 6
David Wood & Terry Domagala LOST 4 & 3
Trevor Darrington & Tony Walters WON 2 & 1
Fred Williams & Algy Grimes LOST 1 down
Dan Emkes & Barry Donovan LOST 3 & 2
Gerry Degaute & Tony Lloyd HALVED

Overall match score was a 5 & 3 loss (the same score we won at home) so honours even.

Nearest the pin prize was Graham Gadsden on the 12th hole.

Postscript from Tony Lloyd: Gerry Degaute and I witnessed a great example of honorable play on our last hole when, after an incredibly close game, I needed a three or four foot putt for a win to halve the match. As I kneeled down to study the line, our opponent Paul picked up my ball and awarded us the hole. That, for me, summed up why we enjoy match play golf among old friends. Priceless.

Seniors at home to Gog Magog Sept 8 2026

Organiser Neil Pinnington reports 

This blog nearly did not get written. Following the meal I had to run after their captain. He had left his nearest pin prize on the table. When I got home, I found that, in that rush, I had left my folder containing all the results and match details in the Burgoyne Suite. Luckily, they were waiting for me on the bar when I returned. Anyway…

Having checked the weather forecast on Monday afternoon I was hopeful we would get away with a few light showers. By the time we arrived at the club in the morning the forecast had taken a significant turn for the worse. In the event we did have to play through quite a bit of rain. Worse than the Monday forecast but not quite as bad as the morning doom and gloom.

In the away fixture in July, we had been trounced 7.5 to 0.5. I had arranged the teams to give as many people as possible a chance to avenge their defeats on that day.

In fact, the heaviest defeat had been suffered by the Captain and me. So, when David won the first hole (with a shot) our hopes were raised. He tenaciously held on to that lead (without much help from me, as in July) for the next four holes. The arrival at their nearest-the-pin hole inspired Allan (their captain). He struck his tee shot to a few feet from the pin. We both failed to capitalise on him missing the putt. All Square, and the pressure was on.

 Cometh the hour, David rolled in a huge putt on 7 to re-establish our lead. I made my first contribution on the 12^th winning it with a birdie two. David chipped stone dead on 13 to further extend our lead.  Dodged a bullet on 14 when Allan missed a short putt. Starting to feel confident, we then lost 14. However, I managed a nett 4 on both 15 and 16 to close out the match. Revenge.

We awaited the other results.

Not a good start as Kevin Barbour (this time partnered by Gerry Degaute) failed to avenge his defeat. Obviously, this was not helped by him winning the competition on Sunday, getting cut 1.7 shots, thus giving his opponents 2 and 3 more shots than in the first match.

Gavin Little also failed to exact revenge despite being partnered by Andy Brown.

Our hopes were raised when Keith Howlett came in to report that he had helped Warren Churms to get his revenge,

Ian Maddison was unable to inspire Jed Isbell to follow suit. In a match of fourteen halved holes (mostly by Ian!) they lost on the 17^th hole. As if to rub it in, Jed then parred the 18^th.

Paul Life and Paul Conibear had been the only scorers back in July having halved their match. As a reward I had given them new partners.

Paul Life and Stephen Mathers failed to improve on that half losing on the 17^th.

Paul Conibear and Nigel Underwood were in danger of repeating that half. Paul saved the day by winning the 18^th.

That put JOG down 4-3 Barry Donovan and Martyn Graham had played together in the first match. They, like David and I, were doubly incentivised to get their revenge. This they did.

The overall result: JOG 4 The Gog Magog 4.

The detailed results are:

David Barlow and Neil Pinnington Won 4&2

Gavin Little and Andy Brown Lost 2&1

Gerry Degaute and Kevin Barbour Lost 5&4

Ian Maddison and Jed Isbell Lost 2&1

Keith Howlett and Warren Churms Won 3&2

Nigel Underwood and Paul Conibear Won 1 Up

Paul Life and Steve Mathers lost 3&1

Barry Donovan and Martyn Graham Won 2 Up

As in the away fixture, not many names were written on the nearest pin sheets. Allan’s shot on the 6^th was never bettered. This repeated his nearest-the-pin win in the first match. Not to be outdone, David put his shot on to the middle of the eighth green. Also, a shot that was never bettered.

Despite some pointed comments about the state of the fairways on the day (ploughed fields and turnips were mentioned), the match was played in the best of spirits. We look forward to continuing the rivalry next year.

Seniors Away Day at Rutland Water Sept 3 2026

Winner Paul Jones with the Jim Peacock Away Day Trophy

Forty of the Senior Section's finest made the trip up the A1 to Rutland Water under leaden skies wondering if the weather forecasters had got it wrong for our annual Away Day.

But after a hearty full English and coffee the clouds parted to leave a pleasant, sunny and warm -  if a little blustery - day.

Results were mixed to say the least with many of us struggling to cope with the tricky greens. 

But, as ever, others produced impressive results as became clear as the presentation was held on the terrace with its equally impressive views of Rutland Water.

Nearest the pin prizes were won by Keith Howlett (4th), Jack Shepherd (7th), David Barlow (12th) and Andy Brown (17th).

In third place, with 35 points was Peter Harvey. Runner up on 36 points was Tony Whittaker, but the winner, with an amazing 40 points, was Paul Jones who is now the proud recipient of the Jim Peacock Away Day Trophy. And before anyone asks, yes he did put a card in so will probably be cut.

In last place, but with arguably the best prize - a golf lesson with one of our pros - was the man who has organised the Away Days for so many years before stepping down from the role - Richard Coventry.

This year's organiser, Steve Mathers, was also presented with a bottle of bubbly by Captain David.

Third place: Peter Harvey

Runner Up: Tony Whittaker

Nearest the pin on the 4th: Keith Howlett

Nearest the pin on the 7th: Jack Shepherd

Nearest the pin on the 12th (and he took three putts!): David Barlow

Nearest the pin on the 17th: Andy Brown

The groups

Barry Donovan, Chris Roy, Richard Coventry and Keith Howlett

Jack Shepherd, Peter Harvey, Dave Wood and David Barlow

Nigel Underwood, Gerry Degaute, Keith Fuller and Steve Luckman

Ian Simpson, Steve Mathers, Trevor Darrington and Tony Goodson

Tony McLean, Len Greaves, Jed Isbell and Bill Walker

Michael Newstead, Bob Isaacson, Terry Domagala and Tony Whittaker

Richard Westergreen-Thorne, John Whitbread, Dave Sutton and Pete Salmon

Rafe Bateson, Algy Grimes, Anthony Bell and Steve Collins

Neil Pinnington, Tony Lloyd, Dave Hooper and Paul Dobson

Rob Ebsworth, Andy Brown, Oz Osman and Paul Jones

Where's my champagne? Richard Coventry

Captain David thanks organiser Steve Mathers

Views of the course

Seniors away to Millbrook Sep 1 2026

 

Organiser Steve Mathers reports

Our latest Seniors fixture against The Millbrook Golf Club was always going to be a challenge, particularly after our convincing victory at home back in May. Sadly, this time around, Millbrook were clearly intent on evening things up - and, as it turned out, they succeeded rather more comprehensively than we would have liked!
I had the pleasure of playing alongside David our Captain, who, by his own frank assessment, was having something of an “off day”. Fortunately, I was playing rather better than usual - particularly from the tee, where the driver was behaving itself and even occasionally travelling in the direction I intended. A few rather unnecessary missed putts prevented the round from being described as truly spectacular, but between us we managed to secure a 3 & 2 victory over Millbrook’s Derek Tilley and Ian Malloy. So, naturally, I shall be claiming most of the credit and Captain David can reflect on what might have been!

The next match in was Chris Dennis (I’m sure I’ve seen him around ?) and Dave Wood, who clearly felt inspired to better that result. They produced an excellent performance, beating Millbrook’s Howell and Jones by a very convincing 6 & 5. Unfortunately, the good news rather dried up after that, with the remaining matches proving somewhat less successful. One match even disappeared under the dreaded “dog licence” of 7 & 6 - a result that requires no further explanation, other than to say that the less said about it, the better!
Results for the matches were;
Barlow & Mathers beat Tilley & Milloy 3&2
Donovan & Life lost to Burke &Freeman by 2 (I gather Ian Burke was a “birdie machine”)
Thurgood & Maddison lost to Curley & Stamp 2&1
Darrington & Newstead lost to Carter & Dennis 6 & 4
Jones & Emkes lost to Burgess & Reay 3&2
Imray & Osman lost to Large & Ross 5&4
Dennis & Wood beat Howell & Jones 6&5 (top golf !!)
Dobson & Ebsworth lost to Hebron & Quinn 7&6 (Hebron was 1 under gross !!)
Nearest the Pin for JOG went to Ian Maddison, who was presented with a decent little red which we trust he’ll sample tonight.
 
Following the rounds we enjoyed “bangers & mash” followed by cheesecake, coffee and plenty of banter, which is what it’s all about.
Overall, Millbrook ran out winners by 6–2, levelling the series after our victory at John O’Gaunt in May. It was our final scheduled fixture against The Millbrook GC, as fixture congestion means they won’t be included in next year’s programme. That is a shame, as everyone thoroughly enjoyed the course, the company and, as always, the excellent hospitality. 

 In the meantime, congratulations to Millbrook on getting their revenge — although I’m sure we’ll be reminding them for some time that we’re still unbeaten when it comes to the important metric: who enjoyed the day most.

Seniors at home to Northampton Aug 25 2026

 Organiser Algy Grimes reports

On another bright and sunny day, both teams assembled for coffee and biscuits. Some of the away team came in a bit later than most due to their long journey with one of them suggesting the tee time should be 10.30 not 9.30 to make it easier for him to get here!
Then after all the pleasantries and introductions off we went into combat, having won away about two weeks ago revenge was clearly on their mind.
David and I hoped it could be our day when both their players hit balls to the right of the fairway and their Captain's second shot went in the greenside bunker. His partner was on the green in three but with David there in two we thought we would be one up straight away.
 Oh if only. Their Captain came out of the bunker to still be about 20+ feet from the pin with a difficult line. Difficult, I thought, but the tone was set for the round when he holed out for par from that distance. That's probably why he plays of 4.4! 
David and yours truly both made five so we were one down. David managed a half on the second with a shot to their Captain's par.
 He followed that up with a birdie on the third to go two up. To prove he is human he went out of bounds on the fourth so David won that hole for us.
 On the fifth (S.I. 3) the away Captain was through the green in two. David saved the day with another half and again on the sixth their Captain was nearly on the green in two but David got a half. 
Just in case you are asking what yours truly was doing, I finally made a mark by getting a half on the seventh. We were then hit with two pars in a row, one for each of the opposition to be three down at the turn.
With a shot that was to eventually earn him a bottle of wine, their Captain's partner was about five feet from the pin with his tee shot on the tenth - now four down. 
Then he and I halved the eleventh, but he won the twelfth with a splendid par -  five down.
 We managed a half on the thirteenth somehow, even though their Captain was at the back of the green in two. The end of our match came on the fourteenth with their second shot only a short distance from the pin. So a loss 6 & 4. Captain David later referred to this as a 'shellacking'.
Match two - Terry Domagala and Kevin Barbour - was not far behind us and reported a loss of 5&4. Vice Captain Terry said he would get his revenge next year. 
Then the tide turned with Match three - Paul Conibear and Paul Jones - winning on the last hole, one up.
In match four, Oz Osman and Rob Ebsworth managed a massive dog licence win 7&6, Oz still referred to the opposition as bandits though.
Graham Gadsden and Geoff Elcome were next to report with a win of 4&3.
However, we suffered another loss in match six with Barry Donovan and Paul Life going down 3&2.
Match seven brought back our winning ways with Gavin Little and Steve Mathers winning 5&4.
Therefore it all hinged on the last match with Jeff Thompson and Daniel Emkes taking the match to the last hole and getting us over the line with a half.
An overall win for JOG of 4.5 to 3.5. Well done to all the winners.
Nearest the pin for JOG was won by Paul Conibear on the sixteenth. The opponents' nearest the pin was on the fourth, but not one of them put their name down. (Kevin Barbour remarked he would have won it if eligible!) Hence David awarded our opponent the prize for his shot on the tenth.
Lunch of lasagne and chips followed with a dessert of pavlova, I didn't see any plates with much left on them so the meal was enjoyed by all.
In his closing remarks their captain was extremely complimentary about the course, food and hospitality at JOG , and was pleased to play on green grass.

Seniors away to Letchworth Aug 17 2026

 Organiser Nigel Underwood reports

Today saw the second leg of one of our “local derbies”, Letchworth away, so 16 of JoG’s finest gathered in their striking, Art Deco clubhouse for introductions. 

A tense 4-4 draw at John o Gaunt (see blog, June 30^th) had set things up, and a close match was anticipated. A 3 tee start (!) saw all eight matches quickly underway, Letchworth’s normally lush greensward resembling the Carth much more than the Gaunt !

 Having been trounced on our own patch, and playing the same pairing, Captain David and I were perhaps not feeling at our most confident. And so it proved – relentless long, straight driving, allied to accurate irons and local knowledge of the wickedly sloping greens soon had us on the back foot. Our opponents wobbled very slightly after they both ingested massive sausage rolls at the halfway house, but indigestion only lasts so long; the killer blow was their Captain (nett) eagling their index 1 hole, and despite David’s valiant efforts and my occasional contributions, hands were shaken after a half at the 15^th; Letchworth  win 4 and 3.

 So to the terrace, and the results flooded in. Two wins for JoG, Neil Pinnington and Paul Conibear, Paul Hammond and Daniel Emkes. But then 2 matches to the hosts. Two halves raised hopes of another 4-4 ... but no, Rob Ebsworth and Gavin Little defeated on the very last green, so 5-3 to Letchworth. 

A splendid buffet lunch raised everyone’s spirits, friendships renewed and strengthened ... and vows to do better next year!

RESULTS;

David Barlow and Nigel Underwood lost 4 & 3

Neil Pinnington and Paul Conibear won 4 & 2

Paul Hammond and Daniel Emkes won 4 & 3

Martyn Graham and Paul Dobson lost 5 & 4

Tony Goodson and Michael Newstead halved

Rob Ebsworth and Gavin Little lost 1 down

Paul Life and Trevor Darrington halved

Barry Donovan and Gerry Degaute lost 4 & 3. 

Overall  Letchworth 5   JoG  3

 

Seniors at home to Saffron Walden - Aug 11 2026

Organiser Michael Newstead reports

On the 1st tee JOG Senior Captain David Barlow and Match Organiser Michael Newstead faced off against their opposite numbers, Gerry Murphy and Baron Gotfraind.   The JOG pair both sent their balls flying down the fairway and with successful follow-up shots, it was a par 4 for both. The SW team also both had fours, so match all square.  

Full of confidence, we marched to the 2nd tee, at which point the wheels fell off!  Hole 2 lost; hole 3, lost. In fact it wasn’t until the 5th we even managed a tie, breathed a small sigh of relief, thinking we had stopped the rot. Sadly, it was not the case, as we won only the 8th, meaning after half of the game, we were already 5 holes adrift!

 The second half was better, JOG winning 5 of 9 and halving 2, so standing on the 16th tee the match was tied and we were starting to think the unthinkable, a tie, or even possibly a win was on the cards. Up to the tee stepped Gerry Murphy and launched his ball towards the left-hand bunker. That could rebound off the side of the bunker back onto the green, commented David whilst the ball was still in the air. It did, coming to rest a mere 6 inches from the hole! As neither of the JOG pair could match his birdie, SW were 1 up on the 17th tee, so there was still the possibility of a tie or even a win, but it was not to be as they won the 17th also. Game over, but at least a respectable 2 and 1 loss, rather than the “dog licence,” finish that had been on the cards earlier.
 
Taking advantage of the sunshades on the patio we four awaited the outcome of the remaining matches, which came in as follows:
 
Match 2 – Terry Domagala/Rob Ebsworth vs Gary McSwan/Nick Rouse – JOG win 2 and 1
 
Match 3 – Chris Saunders/Martyn Graham vs Lee Wootton/Richard Wedlock – SW win 3 and 1
 
Match 4 – Paul Jones/Paul Life vs Ben Gill/Peter Still – JOG win 3 and 2
 
Match 5 – Warren Churms/Jed Isbell vs Terry Pleasance/Geoff Tobin – All square
 
Match 6 – Tony Goodson/Gavin Little vs Phil Holmes/Peter Haybrock – SW win 2 and 1
 
Match 7 – Nigel Underwood/Steve Mathers vs John Buitekant – JOG win 3 and 2
 
Match 8 – Peter Imray/Chris Roy vs Peter Warner/Patrick Lavale – JOG win 3 and 2
 
Result, JOG win 4.5/3.5
 
Nearest the pin on the 16th was won by Rob Ebsworth, congratulations Rob.
 
There were many favourable comments from the SW players about the conditions of the course and how nice it was to be playing on grass!
 
We finished the day with a superb meal of roast pork with vegetables followed by apple and sultana oat crumble with custard, which all was agreed was delicious.
 
Our win means JOG were successful in both matches against SW this year. What will 2027 bring, I wonder?

Seniors away to Northampton Aug 13 2026

Captain David Barlow having parred the sixteenth

Our away match against Northampton on June 25 was postponed because of intense heat in the first heatwave of the summer. Ironically, the rearranged match on Thursday Aug 13 was almost as hot. Algy Grimes reports 

I decided to try and ensure that I was not late  I decided I would follow my SatNav and had a very easy journey via the M1. Thinking I am bound to be first, I went into the clubhouse being greeted by various staff at the club, only to find Graham Gadsden and Michael Newstead already with their coffees and breakfast baps ordered! So I couldn't resist and had one too.

As people arrived, I was relieved to tick off everyone's names.

The first match started a little before our allotted time of 11am, in temperatures not too bad given all the warnings. As organiser I had the privilege of partnering Captain David. For a change I had a few shots to play with but both of the opposition had shots too. 

We all hit fairly good drives on the first hole, but I was the only one on the green in two, making the par to win the hole with a net 4/3.

 Both David and I made par on the second, but again with a shot I halved the hole with a 3/2. A good start, two net birdies but only one up.

 On the third I managed to get a par first to win the hole and David got his par too. On to stroke index 2, a low drive by yours truly found the middle of the fairway due to the 'run' on the ball on the parched ground. To show the wheels had started to fall off, neither me or David played the hole well and couldn't stop them winning the hole, a similar situation on the fourth and we were again all square.

David then took over by parring the sixth par 5 with some excellent shots to win it, so back to one up.

Who introduced bunkers to this game? In what would prove to be my nemesis on the day, a fairway bunker soon put paid to me, I picked up, but David got a bogey but lost to a shot of theirs, back to all square. David parred the eighth for a half. 

At this point we enjoyed some cold drinks from the halfway house which seemed to give us a new lease of life for me to go on to win the ninth and tenth. Now two up I had a relatively short putt on the eleventh for a half (I thought it should have been a gimme!).

The next two holes were a win by them and a half with David's bogey to remain one up. We went two up on fourteen with my par, we lost fifteen but David made two pars on sixteen and seventeen to win the match 3 & 1.

Match two of Paul Jones and Nigel Underwood was also wrapped up on the seventeenth with a 3 & 1 win, Nigel decided he had done enough and came in, Paul wanted to try for the nearest the pin in two on the eighteenth.

Match three was also a 3 & 1 win for Andy Brown and Paul Jeeves. They did say that one of their opponents only lasted nine holes though, but a win is a win.

Match four found the opponent who was giving all the shots got 4 birdies and we lost that one 2 & 1.

Match five was a good win for Graham Gadsden (his breakfast baps helping) and Steve Luckman 5 & 4.

Match six proved to be a bit of a battle, Tariq Bhatti and Graham Lewis found themselves 3 down but managed to get the half.

Match seven with Daniel Emkes and (I have turned up correctly today) Fred Williams, won 2 & 1 a great result given they were playing the lowest handicap player for Northampton.

Match eight was not so good for JOG losing 4 & 3, this was to the second lowest handicap player for Northampton.

Instead of the usual nearest the pin on par 3 holes they decided we would play nearest the pin in two on the eighteenth, this was won by Andy Brown, well done.

Another change from the usual process, the speeches etc were held before the meal, which gave their Captain the opportunity to give his sentiments for a good match. David then presented Andy with a bottle of wine and announced the overall result of a JOG of 5.5 to 2.5. Well done to all.

The meal was a very nice Hunters Chicken and Chips followed by Rhubarb Crumble again enjoyed by all.

Here's looking forward to the return at JOG on 25th August, hopefully it won't be so hot.

A picture of the bridge at Northampton taken by Andy Brown 

Notes from Senior Section committee meeting Aug 6 2026

 

Present: David Barlow (DB), Terry Domagala (TD),  Jonathan Lean (JL), Tony Lloyd (TL), Nigel Underwood (NU), Steve Mathers (SM)  Algy Grimes (AG)  Barry Donovan (BD)

Apologies: Warren Churms (WC) Dave Wood (DW)

 

1 Minutes of last meeting were accepted with no Matters Arising

2 Captain’s Report (DB)

A mixed set of match results, a very creditable draw, away, at Cambridge Country Club, but heavy defeats at Leighton Buzzard (A) and Gog Magog (A). My personal performances remain, similarly, mixed.

A few moments of note.

·       I’ve met with the new GM, James Parker. Starting 12^th October.

·       I’ve attended disciplinary training with Mark Ives. I would encourage others to do so.

·       I certainly enjoyed the Member & Guest Day which seemed to be a success.

House & Social

“Tea-gate”

I had opposed the new arrangement and spoke against its introduction. Thankfully, the decision has been reversed. The long-term issue is the size, design and layout of the bar and options to improve matters will be considered with the new General Manager.

Car Park signage is on order… still. delayed by supplier’s work for The Open
Barrier has been replaced / repaired.

The red/orange statement wall in the changing room corridor will have a graphic wrap solution similar to the visitor’s changing room.
Alarm Upgrade. Work is complete.

We need to extend CCTV coverage, internally and externally. Have engaged with John Cherry and I am in the process of setting up a site visit.

Charity.

Focus is upon The Captains’ Charity Day on Friday 11^th September.

Finance Update

The key figures:

• £30k ahead of budget overall
• £15k up on subscriptions/other income
• £15k up on visiting fees
• Capital spend to date: £175k
• £25k fencing, £9k halfway house, £64k mower blade grinder (second hand)
• £40k workman vehicle, £16k tank liner, £20k putting green.
• £93k fairway mower ordered, not yet paid
• Upcoming: £30k boiler/heating system repair (two boilers + fluid system)
• New sewer pump delivered; installation imminent

Golf and Course.

Marshals and Starters:
We are now becoming heavily reliant on 3-4 volunteers; one new volunteer from recent recruitment drive and the consensus is building toward a paid starter model. A hybrid model is also being considered with volunteers for marshalling and a paid starter for tee times. Winter coverage is the critical pressure point for starters once the clocks move and we get shorter days
Suggested that a physical infrastructure: starter hut/shelter needed if paid route adopted

Course and Greenkeeping:
Consideration of bunker redesign shelved as Nigel Broadwith satisfied with current improvement work and the cost would be up to £20,000 per bunker
Member suggestion for seed bags to be carried by members has been considered but not taken forward due to the problems this can cause to the programmed work of the green staff
Two tees (7th and 11th) flagged as too small; enlargement in winter programme
Visitors/guests: proposal to restrict to yellow tees discussed
Agreed to keep red/white/yellow flag system and purchase reflectors as a simple add-on to aid range finders
Signage (first tee and course): delayed due to supplier prioritising The Open – chasing
Extra sign planned between 1st green and 2nd tee (people straying to 16th)
Oak processionary moth found in car park tree; environment agency attending; being monitored

Dress Code
Dress code draft has been circulated; to be handed to incoming GM to offer their thoughts with a view to getting agreed in time for 2027 subscription renewals.

Bag Tag
The contract has been signed.
Soft launch this year; hard enforcement from 1st January: no bag tag, no play

Website
Quotes for updating the website from IG at £2.5k–£3.5k

Memorabilia
Preferred approach is digital preservation plus bring items down to be displayed in the cabinets in the clubhouse for major events rather than fitting out a  display room upstairs.

3 Treasurer’s report (BD)

Cash position at 9th June is £12,629 up from £11,293 this due mainly to deposits for the Away and Tour 27. See analysis

I have reconciled our account with JOG and await confirmation from Wendy on the agreement. Our account is pretty neutral at this stage.

Nottinghamshire Tour deposit has been paid . All monies from Seniors has also been received
Member and Guest day was a success. Financially we had Income of £2420 from fees , a further £590 from Raffle . Food costs were £1984. Raffle prizes and Competition prizes are not yet  accounted for overall the Raffle money was our surplus
No action yet on New Bank account other than a cursory glance at the Market options. Not enticing me yet !
I haven’t checked the Captains Honararium recently. Hopefully this is being spent !!
The Sum Up machines were successfully used for the M&G day with £260 collected. Fees were negligible

 

Editor's note: If you can't read this chart and would like more information, please contact Barry directly.

4 Secretary’s Report (TL)

The  most exciting thing to occur since our last meeting was of course “Teagate” It will no doubt be discussed elsewhere on the agenda but it goes to show the power of the Senior Section lobby. Mess with a Senior’s Cuppa at your peril!

I thought long and hard about mentioning it in the newsletter as it was so controversial but the end result was that over 40 emails were sent to the Chair of the House and Social Committee and a compromise solution was quickly put in place. All’s well that ends well!

One new member signed up this month. Steve Wakefield, HI16.2, an existing club member.

We also welcomed back Adrian Boyd who is on his annual visit from Australia. It got me thinking that we may need to come up with exemptions for the new qualifying cards rule as Adrian, for instance, could not qualify under the new rule as it is written.

I have now completed the 2027 calendar which has gone to Nigel Tarn and Paul Hitchcock for their approval.

5 Competition Secretary’s Report (NU)

 Four competitions have taken place since our last meeting, the Annual Stapleford, the Reg Batson, Member and Guest Day and Senior Captains Day. All seem to have passed without major incident. The heatwaves and actual or threatened storms, plus injuries, illnesses etc have resulted in a bit of a spike in withdrawals, but nearly every gap which resulted has been filled, either from reserve lists or from “walk ups”, including 3 people new to Senior’s competitions. As such, each competition has had a full, or very nearly full, field. Issues have arisen over people playing in weather conditions (and other factors) beyond their capabilities (see later agenda item) and inability to complete cards properly and/or legibly. Very few cases as yet so manageable.

Entries opening soon are:

Gordon Percival team trophy,  7.30, 22^nd August

Swap Day, 8.00, 24^th August *

3 clubs and a putter and Autumn Stapleford, both 7.00, 1^st September.

Advance notice that I will not be able to administer the Mixed Scramble on Oct 22^nd. Tony has indicated he can step in. I will alter the information on the competition site accordingly if that is confirmed.

6 Match Secretary’s Report (AG)

Since my last report back in July three matches have been played, all away, and resulted in two losses and one draw!

Now having played 18 matches the current scores are fairly even at W6 D5 L6 with one match abandoned due to lightning.

We now have 64 members signed up, one has just signed up for one match, Harpenden Common away.

Again, withdrawals are having an effect on team planning, a few holidays have got in the way. Thanks to all who are stepping up to play following withdrawals, some are late replacements.

All upcoming matches have mixed numbers for Tranche 5. The lowest signed up is Luffenham Heath home on 15^th September with only 15, (2 came forward this week), Harpenden Common (a) only has 17, Bedford & County (h) 18, Millbrook (a)  19, South Beds (a) 19 and Gog Magog (h) 20.

Hopefully we will be able to find at least one for Luffenham Heath and more reserves for others and go on to win as many as we can to end the year on a high!

7 Cost of matches

A discussion was held on the subject of catering after home matches and the possibility of introducing a bacon roll and dropping dessert from next year’s match menus. DB had discussed options with Marcus and doing this was more or less cost neutral.. It was decided to introduce this from 2027. DB to talk to Marcus re 2027 prices

The possibility of introducing two-tier pricing for home and away matches to reduce the cost of home matches was discussed but rejected for the time being.

The committee takes seriously its commitment to maintain adequate cash reserves while aiming to break even over the year..

8 Trophy Custodian’s report (DW)

Trophies.

All trophies not yet contested for in 2026 are stored securely in the Trophy Store.

We will continue to allow winners of our trophies to take them home if they wish as I believe that they will be safer if they are kept separated and away from the club house.

Swap Days

Swap day 2026 – Stoke Rochford Golf Club 5^th October 2026

The opening date for entries is set to be Monday 24^th August 2026 at 08.00.

I ask that Tony Lloyd Hons Sec includes this information in his next few newsletters.

I have been in contact with Darrel Knight, Stoke Rochford organiser, who passes on his thanks to Terry and Warren for hosting him at JOG on 21^st July. As a result of the meeting Darrell confirmed the meal for the day, which has been costed at £23.60 per person. I will be liaising with Marcus (chef) on my return from holiday to ask him to either add to the meal or supply coffee afterwards to round the cost up to £25.00 to facilitate reciprocal payment.

On checking the club diary, I noticed that the swap day had been set up to play on Carthagena. After liaising with Nigel Tarn, the day is now booked with tee times between 10.00 and 12.10 on John O Gaunt Course. He has also set up IG to collect the reciprocal payment from our players.

Swap day 2027 – Essendon Golf Club Monday 11^th October 2027

I have been in contact with Simon Harding, Essendon Golf Club organiser. He confirms that the swap day is fixed in their 2027 diary. I have given him a brief run-down on costs, possible increases in 2027, reciprocal payment, and the numbers of players from each club (40). I will be arranging a meeting with him once this years’ swap day is concluded.

Swap day 2028 – Brickenden Grange Golf Club – date to be arranged

Brickenden Grange GC

I have been in contact with both the General Manager and Swap Day Organiser at Brickenden Grange Golf Club, explaining that we have 2027 already booked but that I wish to confirm their interest in a swap day in 2028.

I gave them a brief run-down on what the swap day entails, current costs and player numbers. I await their reply.

I have today 03.07.2026 received a reply from General Manager Stephen Bryan confirming that BGGC wish to arrange a swap day with us in early October 2028. He mentions that cost of the day may need to be increased to £35.00 per head. I believe this to be a sensible prediction. Simon has agreed to be the BGGC contact for the arrangements.

The Bedfordshire GC

I have written to Peter Wilson, organiser for The Bedfordshire Golf Club swap days and informed him that we can no longer offer him a swap day in 2028 because of a previous promise to another club. I have asked him to let me know if they wish to be considered for 2029. I await his reply.

10 Away Days update

SM gave a brief update on Away Days.

Rutland Water Sept 3.  All entrants have paid the Senior Section directly. Tee times to be confirmed by SM. From 2027 payments would be taken through IG.

2027: SM and WC still looking at possible venues including Buckingham, Oundle and Ely. WC to come to the next meeting with firmer proposals. It was decided to move the date back to Sept 6  to achieve a cheaper green fee. Estimated price for the day between £48 and £60.

11 Nine hole competitions

A discussion was held on the merits of introducing nine-hole competitions for those seniors struggling to complete 18 holes. TL to mention this in the newsletter in an attempt to determine whether there is a demand for this.

12 Captain’s Day wash-up

DB thanked TD and the team for making it such a successful day which raised £570 for the Captain’s Charity. BD provided the financials below

13 Qualifying cards

A discussion was held on the club’s new rules on entrance requirements for Board Competitions from 2027 which the Senior Section is adopting. For clarity, the requirement for six qualifying cards will only apply to Board competitions. Exemptions to be made at the committee’s discretion.

14 AOB

Past Captains Away Day

A suggestion for invitations to the Past Captains Away Day to be extended to seniors who are past Captains of other clubs was considered. It was decided to maintain the status quo with invitations going out to past Captains of John O’Gaunt plus committee members and roll up organisers.

 

Dates of future meetings

Thurs Sep 10

Thurs Oct 8

Thurs Nov 12

Thurs Dec 3

Thurs Jan 5

Tues Feb 2 AGM tbc