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

 

Seniors v Wellingborough away Aug 10 2026

 Organiser Paul Jones reports

It was a lovely sunny morning when I set off from Northampton and I was grateful that the sun hadn’t reached its full height as another warm day was forecast.

This is obviously a very popular fixture as Fred Williams turned up despite not being on the team-sheet, so we had a slight dilemma. Certain players could have used current form as an excuse to stand down (no names mentioned) but Algy magnanimously agreed to let Fred play as Fred was car sharing with Tariq. 

On paper, the two teams appeared to be quite well matched, as the JOG team were only giving 10 shots to our opponents. The average Handicap Index for Wellingborough’s players was 18.6 and ours was 17.2.

Fortunately, I had the luxury of having a draft version of their team, and this time it wasn’t too difficult to try and create matches that on paper could be close.  Only two players overall received more than 10 shots (one per side in the same match)

By the time we finished our coffees and introductions and got outside, the temperature had ramped up and there were only light blue polo shirts to be seen.

As the organiser, I was paired with Captain Barlow and unsurprisingly he was the “scratch” player in our group, so our opponents were getting 6 and 5 shots and I received 10.

 An historic, quaint stone summer house (gazebo) built for King Charles I and his courtiers stands directly in the middle of the first fairway and the first requirement to playing this hole is to not hit it. Dave led us off and hit a good tee shot. My strategy to miss it was to “grub” a seven wood about 70 yards into the trees on the left.  Dave’s second shot found the bunker so we were 1 down to their Captain’s par.

On the second Dave hit the best drive of all of us but was unlucky to find the fairway bunker. The other three players all went left and I was in the middle of the 17^th fairway. Dave’s bunker shot put him in trouble and he put his third into the greenside bunker. (3 bunker visits in 2 holes this looked ominous) From the 17^th fairway I played over the trees clearing them by inches and walked towards the green. Dave and I were very pleased to see my ball about 4 foot from the hole. It was eventually conceded for a birdie so I didn’t have to face the frustration of missing a birdie putt.

This seemed to spark our Captain into life as he won the next two holes with pars, winning the nearest the pin award on the 4^th.

I won the 5^th thanks to my shot and the next three holes were halved, David getting a par on the SI 3 hole 7^th despite our opponents both getting shots.

I won the SI 1 9^th with a par so we were three up at the turn.

We lost the 10^th then on the par 3 11^th I hit my tee shot to 4 or 5 feet.  Dave and one of the other team members secured their pars, so my moment for glory was upon me.  Earlier I had had putts to win holes after Dave had secured a half and I was over-hitting them so, subscribing to the “don’t be short” school of thought, I tried to treat it like a normal putt and it dropped in.

The next few holes were a bit scrappy with 3 halves and a loss. Earlier in the round I had thought about advising Dave that a particular hole would be a good one to use his driver and I wasn’t brave enough to say anything. So we were stood on the 16^th tee facing three holes that I have never played well.  Dave pulled out his driver and a little voice inside me blurted out loud “I don’t think that driver is the best club for this hole”

Where did that bravery come from I thought, how dare a 19 handicapper tell our esteemed Captain how to play golf.  I’ll let Dave tell you what he thought and did but I was last to go and I changed my club and tried to play safe.  Fortunately, I got a good bounce from out of the trees and found the fairway but I had only covered half of the 300 yards on that hole.  I hit my second shot (my fourth good shot of the day) onto the green and we closed out the match.

I think everybody messed up the 17th and Dave finished with a par on the 18^th just to prove that cometh the hour he would have been there.

We showered, changed and could have read “War and Peace” and watched Titanic on video as we waited for the other groups to come in.

The second match went to Wellingborough and the third match featured Steve “keep right on” Mathers who had a lesson last week and had fixed his game. Dave and I put our mortgages on him (I paid mine off about 6 years ago) but alas it didn’t work out and probably a further lesson will be needed.

The next match featured Fred (can I play please) Williams and Gerry (who wins every match, except when he plays with me) and they delivered a point.

Due to the 2 tee start, match 6 was next in and Tony and Graham delivered a point.  Tony got off to a flyer then Graham woke up and they gelled very well.  Tony also won the extra prize that was up for grabs for both teams i.e. nearest the pin in two on the 18^th.  Extra credit as this was that group’s second hole

Match 7 went Wellingborough’s way

Match eight featured Chris Roy and Rob Ebsworth and Chris managed to recover from his long walk to the 17^th starting tee and they delivered a point.

Only the result from match 5 was needed and we couldn’t lose.  Dave was convinced that we would be coming away with a draw but Daniel, who was the scratch player and giving “The Judge” 20 shots, and Oz, who was getting 13 shots off Daniel, came in with a valuable half point.

We then feasted upon a “luxury buffet”. One of the Wellingborough members suggested that the phrase was subjective but I have to say we really enjoyed it.

Wellingborough’s Captain gave a short speech and presented the individual awards (Tony and Dave picked up nearest the pins as previously mentioned) and he then invited Dave to announce the result which was a 4.5 to 3.5 win for JOG.

The individual match results were:

David Barlow (Captain)	Won 3 & 2
Paul Jones
Paul Jeeves	Lost 3 & 2
Tariq Bhatti
Stephen Mathers	Lost 5 & 3
Paul Life
Fred Williams	Won 2 Up
Gerry Degaute
Mehmet Osman	Match Halved
Daniel Emkes
Tony Walters	Won 3 & 2
Graham Gadsden
Michael Newstead	Lost 2 & 1
Barry Donovan
Rob Ebsworth	Won 4 & 3
Chris Roy

 

We then went on our merry way after a really enjoyable day.  I rushed home to wash my shirt as I am playing in the home match tomorrow.  If you are playing in this match, I suggest not standing down wind of anyone that played today just in case operating a washing machine is not in the skill set of a senior golfer.

Going loco - Aug 9 2026

 

Thanks to Tony Walters for the photo above. Does anyone know the connection to John O'Gaunt?
The answer will be revealed next Sunday! 

Senior Captain's Day Aug 4 2026

 

Ready for the off: Paul Hitchcock, Paul Fletcher, Terry Domagala and David Barlow

The sun shone, we had a full house and everyone had a great day. Yes, this is Senior Captain's Day when 100 players gather at 9am for a shotgun start on the JOG course and dream of a winning card.

For those of us whose dreams ended early, there was always a free pint from Captain David, wraps and chips and some fun skills competitions to look forward to -  as well as the spectacle of the Captain's Drive! More on that later.

One player had an outstanding day -  and he only signed up on Sunday when a late withdrawal left an empty space. That was David Price, who romped home with 41 points.

In second place, on 39 points, was Michael Newstead and in third, also with 39 points, was Chris Dennis.

Commiserations to Barry Donovan who also scored 39 but narrowly missed out on a podium place.

Nearest the pin on the 4th was Ian Simpson, on the 10th Michael Greenstein, on the 16th David Holme, in 2 on the 12th David Barlow and in 2 on the 14th Rob Ebsworth. 

The Captains vs Vice Captains Trophy was won this year by the Captains. Congratulations David Barlow and Paul Fletcher. 

In the putting competition, only one person managed to cosy a ball up to a bottle of champagne inside a driver cover. That was Paul Dobson who won the champagne.

The Virtual Nearest the Pin prize in the swing studio - 96 yards over water -  was won by Paul Jones, just 3ft away from the pin. Paul won half of the stake money.

The Guess the Captain's 100 yard pitch shot competition - new for this year - was won by Steve Collins who correctly stuck his flag roughly in the centre of the green: 110 yards.

The raffle raised a whopping £720. Thanks to everyone for their generosity and to Helena Domagala for helping to run it.

And thanks, as ever, to Nigel Underwood and his wife Sabrina for making the competition run like clockwork.

Thanks to Warren Churms for running the putting competition and to Dave Gauge and Tom Simm for the Virtual Nearest the Pin competition.

Oh yes, one more thing - the Captain's Drive.

Algy Grimes took a buggy down the centre of the fairway with his rangefinder confidently expecting to measure Captain David's drive.

Unfortunately the ball was sliced onto the 16th never to be seen again.

Time for a Mulligan! This time David's drive reached 187 yards in the right rough. Phil Gow was only a yard out and won a fourball voucher for Dunstable Downs.

Terry Domagala with the Guess the Captain's pitch shot board - a scale replica of the 18th

The putting competition which was won by Paul Dobson

Ian Simpson: Nearest the pin on the 4th

David Holme: Nearest the pin on the 16th

Rob Ebsworth: Nearest the pin in 2 on the 14th

Michael Newstead: Senior Captain's Day Runner Up

David Price: Competition winner

Paul Dobson: Putting Competition winner

David Barlow and Paul Fletcher: winners of the Captains vs Vice Captains Shield

Above and below: Captain David's Drive - 187 yards. Eventually!

Trial irrigation on Carthagena 4th fairway - Aug 2 2026

 

The effects of the trial irrigation on the Carthagena 4th fairway are becoming more
 obvious as the heatwave continues. The shot above was taken from near the 4th green looking back down the fairway. Compare that to the photo below looking at the 5th fairway

Captain David at the Women's Open - Aug 1 2026

 

Seniors Captain David Barlow inadvertently helped improve a player's score at the Women's Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes when a ball played by Wei Ling Hsu hit his back and bounced into play. The grateful player presented David with a signed ball and went on to make a birdie. 

Member and Guest Day July 28 2026

 

Seniors Captain David Barlow congratulates winners Andy Brookman and Stephen Bradshaw

We're in the middle of the fourth heatwave this summer but the John O'Gaunt course was looking its absolute best for Member and Guest Day when we get the chance to show off the club and all it has to offer to our mates.

Everyone agreed that it was holding up as well if not better than most other courses in the challenging conditions.

And when the golf was over, what better than a cold drink on the terrace as we watched the late starters come home, followed by lunch in the Burgoyne Suite.

Then on to the prizegiving.

First, Captain David Barlow thanked Competition Secretary Nigel Underwood and his wife Sabrina for expertly managing the day. 

He also thanked the members and guests for their generosity buying raffle tickets which raised £590 for his charities - Garden House Hospice and St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger.

The winners, with 41 points, were Andy Brookman and his guest Stephen Bradshaw.

Runners up, also on 41 points, were Andy Lawrence and Paul Cook.

And in third place were Stephen Mathers and Michael Moore.

Nearest the pin prizes went to Paul Marshall (4th), Nigel Shadbolt (10th), Sam Barlow (16th), Ian Maddison (in 2 on the 1st) and Paul Conibear (in 2 on the 14th). Longest drive on the 17th was won by Claudio Annicchiarico.

Runners up: Andy Lawrence and Paul Cook

Third place: Steve Mathers and Michael Moore

Ian Maddison: nearest the pin in 2 on the 1st

 Claudio Annicchiarico: longest drive on the 17th

Above and below: David congratulates his wife Sam for nearest the pin on the 16th

Seniors away to Gog Magog July 27 2026

 

Organiser Neil Pinnington reports

Outside the clubhouse at Gog Magog stands an oversized deck chair marking their 125^th anniversary in 2026. Captain David offered to have his photo taken in the chair as an alternative for the blog rather than me submitting a match report.  As you can see that did not happen. So…….

 Our team arrived at Gog Magog with differing stories of their travel from “problems on the A505” to “an easy drive through a deserted Cambridge”. However, all agreed that the bacon rolls were an excellent start to the day.

Captain David and myself started out full of hope and determination to do well. These hopes were severely dented when our opponents hit us with two birdies and two pars on the first four holes. Four down already! Without any help from me, David managed to stem the bleeding somewhat that meant by the end of nine holes our opponents were still 1 under par and we were 5 down.  David continued the fight back over the next three holes but with an impressive birdie three on 13 and another three on 14 our opponents closed out the match

The next two matches did fare better but still recorded losses. The spectre of a whitewash loomed.  Paul Conibear and Paul Life (in the lead match starting at the 15^th) came in with a halved match.

Whitewash averted and hope of better things to come. Unfortunately, that was the only crumb of comfort as all four of the next matches recorded losses. Final score was Gog Magog 7.5 John O’Gaunt 0.5

Spirits were revived somewhat with an excellent hot buffet and a cup of coffee.

The siting of the hole on the green elected for the nearest pin was obviously flawed. After dinner it was announced that despite there being separate boards for Gog Magog and JOG only one name had been recorded. That was their Captain Allan – his shot that closed out the top match was never bettered. In fact, no member of our team managed to hold the ball on the green! So, Captain Allan manufactured a raffle to find who would win the prize. Martyn Graham was the lucky winner.

We must do better in the return match on September 8th.

Full results are:

David Barlow and Neil Pinnington lost 6&4

Barry Donovan and Martyn Graham lost 2&1

Chris Saunders and Jed Isbell lost 1 down

Kevin Barbour and Michael Newstead lost 5&3

Peter Imray and Warren Churms lost 2 down

Paul Conibear and Paul Life Halved

Jack Shepherd and Steve Luckman lost 3&2

Gavin Little and Graham Gadsden lost 2&1

Captain David Barlow and Organiser Neil Pinnington with their opponents Allan and Iain

 

Seniors v Cambridge Country Club Away - July 24 2026

Organiser Dick Cobb reports

What a great day. The Sun shone again. It was good to see a little bit of spice with the ex members of CCC who are now JOG members - all looking forward to a competitive game!

Well we must be mindful that we were giving an average of 5.5 shots per our 16 players so lots of work to do.

Our Captain David Barlow was on good form and we won our match 5&4.

Our second pairing Jack Sheppard & Barry Donovan won theirs 3&2. Jack had a birdie, Barry had a 2!

Our Third match was also a win - Steve Mathers & Tony Walters 4&3

 By this time Captain David was almost hyperventilating taking down the scores.

Then we lost the next four matches!

Stuart Darling & Steve Luckman who only had 5 shots compared with their opposition's 17 had only lost by 2&1

Chris Saunders and Graham Gadsden lost 6&5

Richard Westergreen-Thorne and Algy Grimes lost 7&6

Keith Howlett and Paul Jeeves lost 3&2.

But when our last match came in, Neil Pinnngton and Jed Isbell had won 6&5 .

 So we got a well deserved draw. Well done to everyone.

 Tony Walters won nearest the Pin for JOG. 

 I would like to thank Tony Walters and Barry Donovan for helping me out replacing a couple of withdrawals.

 

Reg Batson Medal Trophy July 14 2026

Seniors Captain David Barlow presents Ian Maddison with the Reg Batson Medal Trophy

Third place: David Price

Forty-two of JOG Seniors' finest locked horns for the Reg Batson Medal Trophy from the Carthagena white tees.

The qualifiers were those with the best aggregate scores from the Annual Medal Trophy and Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy.

Congratulations to winner Ian Maddison who came home with nett 63 to collect the Reg Batson Trophy and £40 in pro shop credit.

Ian shot a gross 78 with only one double bogey on his card.

In second place, with nett 65, was George Simmons and in third, with nett 65, was David Price.

Commiserations to Paul Jones and Alan Kirkham who both scored nett 66 and narrowly missed out on a podium place.

Raffle winners, who each receive £10 pro shop credit, were George Burnham, Gerry Degaute, Paul Life and Martin Rowe

Seniors away to Leighton Buzzard July 13 2026

 

Organiser Trevor Darrington reports

On arrival at Leighton Buzzard we were greeted with a full English breakfast which appeared to be very well received by both sides. After introductions it was out to the first tee.

On a cool morning there was a sight not seen for weeks. People were wearing cardigans, jumpers etc. This didn’t last long and the sun came out and these were quickly dispensed with. Hot and windy were the conditions of the day. The course was in great condition and the greens ran true. Grass on the fairways due to a sprinkler system working efficiently.

Our match started with 2 pars by the opposition and before we knew it were two down. Fortunately, Captain David was in birdie mode (three in total) so quickly reduced the deficit and we were all square after 4 holes. 

A very close match with us going 1 up on the 8^th but relinquishing this on the 11^th. A birdie 2 on the 14 for Leighton Buzzard put us 1 down, but this was quickly cancelled out on the 15^th with my par. 

Three more very close holes were halved meaning we stood on the famous 18^th tee box all square. David hit a great shot, but my tee shot disappeared down the bank never to be seen again. 

Leighton Buzzard were both in great position and David was giving away a shot to both. Sadly, 5’s all round for the 3 remaining players, meaning we lost 1 down. A very enjoyable and incredibly close match.

The half-way house was in operation and refreshments were taken on board before continuing down the 10^th fairway.

After the game we sat on the terrace and ate the meal of sandwiches and chips, followed by a quick getaway to avoid the traffic.

Obviously, a course where local knowledge is paramount. The final score was Leighton Buzzard 7, JOG 1. Congratulations to Michael Newstead and Jeff Thompson for their win, especially as they were 4 down after 12! Final scores:-

David Barlow and Trevor Darrington – lost 1 down

Graham Gadsden and Chris Saunders – lost 3 & 2

Gerry Degaute and Paul Jones – lost 6 & 4

Graham Lewis and Algy Grimes – lost 5 & 4

Jeff Thompson and Michael Newstead – won 2 up

Daniel Emkes and Oz Osman – lost 3 & 1

Steve Mathers and Paul Life – lost 2 down

Barry Donovan and Tony Goodson – lost 2 & 1