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

 

 

 

Annual Stableford Trophy July 7 2026

 

Senior Captain David Barlow presents Derek Weller with the Annual Stableford Trophy

It's always nice to break the news to players that they are in line for a Seniors trophy.

Senior stalwart Derek Weller had headed home to watch football on TV when I rang him to ask if he would like to return to the clubhouse to collect his Trophy.

Are you sure? he asked. I didn't think I would be anywhere close.

But, yes, Derek was the winner with 40 points and a card which amazingly included three blobs. 

One behind him on 39 was George Simmons and in third place, on 38, was Chris Dennis.

Divisional prizes were won by Rob Bage (up to 14 shots), Phil Bateman (15-19) and Clive Thompson (20 Plus)

Conditions were a little warm but much lower than the heatwave we endured the week before. 

Even so, the JOG course, with its fairway irrigation, was in fine fettle.

Even the halfway house was open for welcome cold drinks.

Raffle prizes - £10 added to pro-shop accounts - were won by Chris Sullivan, Paul Clark, Chris Ellis and Ian Maddison.

The result moved the dial on the Senior Section Golfer of the Year leaderboard leaving the Top 5 as Paul Conibear (35pts), Peter Imray (35pts), Ian Maddison (34pts), Rob Bage (28 pts) and Terry Domagala (28 pts)

Phil Bateman: winner of the divisional prize (15 - 19 shots)

Rob Bage: winner of the divisional prize (up to 14 shots)

Notes from Seniors Committee meeting July 2 2026

 

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

Apologies: Barry Donovan (BD)

 

1 Minutes of last meeting and Matters Arising

Minutes were accepted with no matters arising not on the agenda

2 Captain’s Report

We are really getting towards the half way mark in our matches, with some indifferent performance from myself, but some creditable performances from the team, including a decent halved match against St Neot’s (home), coming on the back of the whitewash, away. It was the same outcome, at home, to Leighton Buzzard. I suspect that the balance of more wins than losses will start to change as we play more away matches.

GM recruitment

A shortlist of 3 candidates were interviewed. One candidate was universally considered to be the best, although the others were also of a very high standard. If the offer to this individual is accepted, the likely start date is early October.

Charity Committee

I survived the 54-hole challenge and over £2k was raised, thank you to all my sponsors. The planning is underway for the Captains’ Charity Day on Friday 11th September. A poster has been circulated to the clubs we play matches against to drum up some more interest. An auction has been set up. There will be over 50 four ball vouchers, so well worth having a look.

Golf Committee

Volunteer Course Marshals.

Still positive. One or two concerns about the number of people actually involved; within a potential pot of 20+ volunteers, there are really only an active 5-6. Richard Westergreen-Thorne to issue another appeal for volunteers

PGA Professionals (Members) Entering Club Competitions

The Board have asked the Golf Committee to come forward with a policy regarding members who are PGA Professionals entering Club Competitions. Likely outcome is that there will be some competitions where it will be possible and some (Board Comps) where it will not be allowed. The Board has asked for a policy on this

Enhancing the JOG Golfing Experience

Several suggestions were tabled and the top 3 (reflectors on pins, course signage and divot mix on tees) will be raised with Andy Kirton, Director of Golf, for his consideration.

Tailored Rules Videos

Over the coming months we will prepare the videos, have them checked by appropriate rules experts and publish them to the membership

Signs will be going up on 1st tee boxes in the coming weeks to try to stagger tee starts e.g. only tee off when players in the group in front have exited the green

Putting Green on CART is all progressing well and still due to open in May 2027. Nigel B happy with the surrounds that have been built up.

Interesting

Did you know that the greens are treated with product to protect from them from the sun? Sun cream for the grass….

Need / opportunity to educate members about the work that goes on, possibly by video content or with an open day session where the greens team can explain products and equipment.  A few negative comments about greens for the County Seniors (JOG).... and a rude comment about the amount of sand in the bunkers... to be expected, hence the need to educate and explain the great work that is being done.

Currently looking at cost for the below, as we are at a point where we need to consider

A new ball collection and marshal’s buggy are on order and should be delivered within the next few weeks. The ball collection buggy (enclosed and protected) will help minimise range closures which is becoming an issue due to its popularity, especially during weekend competitions. It was always our intention to acquire a dedicated marshal’s buggy to replace the old and broken club buggy. Favourable rental terms were agreed by renting both vehicles from the same supplier.

Water Project.

As we know the sprinklers have been installed on Carthagena’s 4th fairway. Nigel B is happy with the ‘knit’ of the grass there, but the really big issue is guaranteeing the water supply

Graham Leith (lead on this project) presented to the Board meeting to give an update to the Directors. Potential locations are being explored on both courses, including the Carthagena 16th, for some kind of pond / reservoir. This is unlikely to give us all the water storage we need in one ‘hit’

Worth noting.

The water provision project is not just about storing enough water to water Carthagena; it is about guaranteeing we can continue to water JOG in the event of a drought order / hosepipe ban

It’s very early days. We have engaged with a golf course designer who Nigel B knows well and has worked with him on other projects, + an expert who understands the practicalities and the legalities of all things “water”.

House and Social

The (2) boilers that heat the Clubhouse are beyond repair and service and are being replaced .. at considerable expense.

A graphic solution for the red/orange statement wall in the downstairs changing room corridor has been agreed. Similar to the Visitors’ changing room

Recoloured photos.

All done and will be framed and deployed around the Clubhouse.

Guess the year? Answer at the end of the blog

Car park signage.

Ordered and will be with us in a few weeks.

Site Security

The work from Salvus Security has almost been completed .The broken barrier is now going to be replaced; cheaper than £6k. It was a felt that we have to have a visible deterrent, even if it is a bit cosmetic. Other options e.g. an electric gate; too expensive

RFID Bag Tag Update

Very close to be signed. We have the contract to consider and approve. Likely install, early September. Most of the practicalities around batteries, chargers and enclosures sorted now. On the tags themselves, will need to agree on the quality of the visitors’ tag. I favour something they can keep and take away.

3 Treasurer’s report

Cash position at 30^th June is £13,265.57. Tour 27 deposit to be paid next week £3,631.25 reduces our working balance to £9,634.32. Bank reconciled as of 30/6/26

JOG accounts – both income and expenditure are up to date with only last week’s events to be posted.

Nottinghamshire Tour 27 is up to 34 players and fully booked. Anyone else interested will need to go on the reserve list. The deposit is fully paid by members and I have also paid the Notts Club

Due to time constraints I have not updated the analysis for June. No material change since last month’s report.

No action yet on new bank account other than a cursory glance at the Market options. Nothing enticing me yet!

We are holding £1,340 deposits for the away day to Rutland Water.

The sum up machines have yet to be used. However everyone should now have been set up as an employee for future use. This ensures that all  money is directed to the JOG sum up account and once we start to gain deposits I can then transfer balances to JOG Seniors Lloyds account.

Bill Walker handed over £22 and change from unclaimed roll up winnings. I still have this in cash – just in case we need some!

4 Secretary’s Report

Not a lot to tell you about this month that won’t be covered by others.
I have signed up six new seniors.
All are now on the mailing list for the newsletter which is reaching 323 people each week.
I have sent out invitations for the Past Senior Captains’ lunch on Sept 23 and am pleased to
say that we are currently 10 strong.

The draft 2027 calendar is nearing completion.

 5 Competition Secretary’s Report

One competition has taken place since the last meeting, the Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy. Many of you will know that the weather was less than ideal; a cloudburst plus intense thunder and lightning at 6.50a.m. flooded some greens and stopped course preparation. A delay of one hour was agreed with pro shop and greens staff. An email was issued just after 7am but due to the delay through the club server this did not go out until about 20 minutes later. Much of the lost hour was made up such that the last match started only 20 minutes late. Most of the players completed the round, although there were several withdrawals and no returns. The overall winner of both nett and scratch prizes was Paul Conibear, 79 gross, 69 nett, with Peter Harvey second and Andrew Brookman third. Paul Hammond, Keith Howlett and Terry Domagala won the divisional prizes.

Upcoming events are:

* The Annual Stableford on 07 July. One place is currently available.

* The Reg Batson on 14 July. All 42 places are currently filled. Only 11 players, who completed both qualifying competitions do not currently have a place.

* Member and Guest Day, 28 July. This is fully booked with 44 pairs and one reserve pair. Two tee start, JoG. There will be tea/coffee and a bacon roll before play, and a rolling, one course lunch of chicken wrapped in bacon, mash and vegetables. Nearest the pins at 4,10,16, nearest in 2 at 1 and 12. Voucher prizes and wine for n/p.

* Senior Captains Day on 04 August. Shotgun start. 80 signed up as of now, 20 places available. No halfway house. Light lunch of assorted wraps, chips and salad. This is going to be a bit tight financially as lunch is costing £10 and entry is only £12. I would expect the remaining places to fill and to make a small surplus but not guaranteed.

 6 Match Secretary’s Report

Since my last report back in May a lot of matches have been played, my apologies for no report last month while I was away.

Now having played 15 matches and we have moved up the table a bit, W6 D4 L4 with one match abandoned due to lightning. We are halfway through the fixtures with more away matches than at home. Our away match at Northampton was postponed due to the hot weather and has been rearranged for 13th August, unfortunately not a good date for some of the original selection.

We now have 63 members signed up, which is just an extra two from May.

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 matches have healthy numbers for Tranche 4. Gog Magog away is 25 with 10 jokers, Letchworth away 25 with 4 jokers, Luffenham Heath 27 with 6 jokers,

Northampton home 25, Saffron Walden home 26 and Wellingborough away 22 with 4 jokers. The selections have been made and all organisers have been notified accordingly.

Tranche 5 is now open and will close at the end of July.

 A discussion was held on whether to include bacon rolls before matches but to drop the dessert to keep the price down. DB to speak to Marcus about the options as there may be extra staff costs to consider.

 7 Trophy Custodian’s report

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. I am away on trips for the Annual Stableford Comp on 7th July and the Reg Batson Medal Comp on 14th July, so need to ask a fellow member of the committee to deal with the trophies on those dates.

 Swap Days

Swap day 2026 – Stoke Rochford Golf Club 5th October 2026. The opening date for entries is set to be Monday 24th August 2026 at 0800.

I ask that Tony Lloyd Hons Sec includes this in his next newsletter.

Arrangements for future swap days are on-going. I will report on progress at the next meeting.

 8 Seniors Tour Trophy

DB offered to provide a trophy in time for the 2027 Tour.

9 Away Days

WC gave an update on potential venues for the 2027 Away Day including Oundle, Buckingham and Ely. WC and SM to firm up proposals for next meeting.

10 Captain’s Day

 Terry gave update on Captain’s Day arrangements. Looking for volunteers to sell raffle tickets. Also, TL to include a plea in the newsletter asking people to donate nice raffle prizes.

11 AOB

Bunker rakes

TL had been asked by a senior section member to raise the matter of placing bunker rakes outside the bunkers which he felt was not working. DB to discuss the matter with the golf committee chair.

 

Guess the year answer: the photo of the clubhouse in the Captain’s report was taken in 1983.

 

Dates of future meetings

Thurs Aug 6

Thurs Sep 10

Thurs Oct 8

Thurs Nov 12

Thurs Dec 3

Tues Jan 5 

Tues Feb 2 AGM tbc

 

Seniors at home to Letchworth June 30 2026

 

Captain David Barlow and organiser Nigel Underwood with their opponents Tony and Graeme

Organiser Nigel Underwood reports

A glorious, sunny, breezy morning (slightly different from last Tuesday !) greeted the 32 golfers of John O'Gaunt and Letchworth G.C.

 After introductions we set out and the Carthagena fairways were soon speckled in dark (them) and light (us) blue as matches got underway. Our first pairing started well, your scribe winning the first and Captain David the fourth. A clutch of halves saw us to the turn 2 up and one over gross ... but it didn't feel at all secure! 

Our opponents then launched their attack, winning 10 with birdie, losing 11 (rare blemish!), winning 12, birdie, 13, net birdie,14, birdie, 15, birdie, 16 net birdie...game over. 

We had pars on the last 2, so finished 2 over gross better ball...and lost 3 and 2. Awesome golf from our opponents Tony and Graeme.

The results started to drift in, Gerry and Tony won but then three more wins for Letchworth. Not looking good. BUT Keith and David stopped the rot, Michael and Oz won to put us just one behind ... tension mounted. Richard and Trevor arrived smiling ... drumroll ... a WIN and a 4 -4 result snatched from the jaws of defeat.

Drinks, banter, an excellent lunch of spiced, wrapped chicken followed by apple crumble, short speeches, our nearest the pin to Captain David, thanks all round and we look forward (?) to the return in August.

Results:

David Barlow and Nigel Underwood lost 3 and 2

Gerry Degaute and Tony Walters won 6 and 5

Rob Ebsworth and Graham Lewis lost 1 down

Terry Domagala and Tony Lloyd lost 3 and 2

Keith Howlett and David Trotter won 2 and 1

Graham Gadsden and Paul Hammond lost 2 and 1

Michael Newstead and Oz Osman won 3 and 2

Trevor Darrington and Richard Westergreen-Thorne won 3 and 2

Seniors away to Brocket Hall June 29 2026

 

Brocket Hall is always one of our most popular away matches and competition for the limited number of available places is fierce.

In keeping with the quality venue, we sent (on paper) a formidable team.

Greeted with bacon rolls and coffee and a more manageable temperature in the low twenties there could not have been a more pleasant start.

The first pair out - Captain David Barlow and organiser Terry Domagala - soon found out why Brocket very rarely lose at home. Starting with a par-birdie-birdie the scene was set! With the Brocket stand-in captain Mike Haberfield playing off 20.6 and regularly out driving the rest of the group by 15-20 yards, the JOG pair found it difficult to find a way in.

 Five down at the turn (should have been six apart from a very generous gimme), they were fortunate to hang on till the 13^th before losing heavily 6-5.

With the second pair of Jed Isbell and Steve Luckman losing 4-2 and the third pair of Dave Wood and Paul Dobson getting spanked 7-5! things were not looking good.

Warren Churms and Steve Mathers, followed by Roy Brown and Paul Jones both came in with 2-1 losses, so it was down to a brave effort by the last pair of Paul Hammond and Peter Imray to salvage a half despite being three down after 12.

With the final result a loss of 5½ to 1/2 .

For dinner we were treated to Macaroni cheese and pulled pork followed by a rhubarb flan with ice cream.

 

Committee meeting notes from June 11 meeting

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

Apologies: Algy Grimes (AG)

 

1 Minutes of last meeting accepted with no matters arising

2 Captain’s Report

Personally, a bit of a mixed bag of personal performances and results. Great trip to The Nottinghamshire. Match results are on the positive side still in spite of the St Neots whitewashing and the forced abandonment of the Brocket Match

 

(A discussion took place on the abandonment of matches and competitions, retunding of fees and effect on handicaps etc. which concluded that, under the circumstances, abandoning the Brocket Hall match was the correct decision. Action: DB to seek advice from Nigel Tarn, TL to suggest 11.30am  start against Brocket next year as 1.30pm tee off was seen as a contributing factor to the problem.)

 

In other news from the Committees and The Board.

Charity Committee.

Lorna is working hard with the hospices with numerous projects on the go, the 54-hole challenge is the next big one on the horizon. Sunday 21^st June.

Golf Committee.

A new ball collection and marshal’s buggy are on order and should be delivered within the next few weeks. The ball collection buggy (enclosed and protected) will help minimise range closures which is becoming an issue due to its popularity, especially during weekend competitions. It was always our intention to acquire a dedicated marshal’s buggy to replace the old and broken club buggy. Favourable rental terms were agreed by renting both vehicles from the same supplier.

Club competitions continue to thrive with full participation in most events.

Water Project.
As we know sprinklers have been installed on Carthagena’s 4th fairway.
Nigel B told me that to water to a depth of 3mm they use 6m3 of water. They’ve done this 8 times so far.

Illustratively
£1.15 per cubic metre to take water from the mains (£55)

Graham Leith (lead on this project) will attend the next Board meeting to give an update to the Directors. A preference for some kind of pond / reservoir was emerging. Test drainage trenches are being dug and a topographical study using an aerial drone is going to map exactly where the aviation pipeline is!

House and Social
Half way house is taking money and has now been put in the hands of F&B to staff & talk with Karen (Dave Wilsher’s wife) when there is a large society or event.

Visitor's changing room.
Almost complete. A few finishing touches need doing still. e.g. pictures to be put up, deep clean of tiles etc.
New carpet was considered, but the existing carpet tiles have been cleaned and is fine.
Redecoration. New ceiling tiles Made good / better, existing coat hanger benches. Kevin Diss provided graphics solution (£800)
 
Great work by Richard H again, just in time for the peak society and visitor period.

I have contacted Kevin to look at other areas around the Club House e.g. the red/orange statement wall in the changing room corridor.
I am repurposing photos and pictures from the archive project. Some are fit for immediate use around the clubhouse, some are only fit for the bin. There are a number of aerial shots of the club which are badly sunlight faded. Kevin Diss has been engaged to recolour these with a view to reframing by Phil Gow.

Car park signage.
Agreed by the Board. Approximately £1850 + VAT.

1) Outside the steps to the changing room.
2) Outside the Pro Shop.
3) The raised flower bed in the middle of the car park.

We will have to instate

The main entrance signage (from the main road) has been cleaned and paint work has been touched up.
Site Security
As per the Club update. Salvus Security (John Cherry_ - Steve M’s recommendation has been engaged to conduct a thorough review and update of current security arrangements across the Clubhouse, Pro Shop and Compound.
The barrier is broken and will not be repaired because it is going to cost £6k. Other exit solutions are being looked at.

RFID Bag Tag Update

Still progressing. Getting closer to signing. Discussing the pros and cons of battery power on both courses, costs involved, likely disruption etc.

3 Treasurer’s report

Cash position at 9th June is £11,293 up from £6,727. This is due mainly to deposits for the Away and Tour 27. See analysis

I have completed a full reconciliation of matches , events and competition entries and agreed this fully with Wendy. This is good news and it shows our new processes are working. We owe a net £785 to JOG as of today - NOT reflected in these accounts

Nottinghamshire Tour 26 was a very enjoyable event and a great venue. The overall net cost was £26 for additional prizes purchased. Tour 27 has already been booked and we have 30 paid deposits and a couple more due. We can go up to 34 . Deposits are £4350

This month’s report includes a second level analysis of transactions. This is manually cranked using Excel - however what I'm trying to develop is an effective analysis that we can add to the list for Accounting package needs for later this year. I will take you through the approach at the meeting

No action yet on New Bank account other than a cursory glance at the Market options. Not enticing me yet !

The Past Captains day shows a slight profit of £45. We are holding £1205 deposits for the Swap Day to Stoke Rochford

The Sum Up machines have yet to used - hopefully we can get some value from these in H2 of 2026.

 

Please note: if you can't read this table above and are interested, please ask Barry and he will send you the excel spreadsheet.

 DB thanked Barry for his hard work behind the success of the 2026 Tour and planning the 2027 Tour

 

4  Use of sum-up machines – committee members were given a short tutorial on how to use sum up machines for selling raffle tickets etc.

5 Varying cost of home and away matches.

A discussion was held on the subject of charging more for away matches.

Action point: Stick with current pricing at the moment and discuss again if and when catering prices go up with consideration given to charging more for away matches to keep cost of home matches down.

6 Secretary’s Report

Two members have contacted me as a result of the invitation contained in Richard Westergreen-Thorne’s club round-up for those of senior age to join us.

They are Andy Chappell HI 9.7 and John Evetts HI 16.8. Both are established club members who have reached senior age and are looking forward to joining in our activities.

The number receiving the newsletter currently stands at 318.

All but one of the clubs we play in matches have now agreed 2027 dates with us or pencilled them in “in principal”. Luffenham Heath, who we would expect to visit on August 26 have indicated that they might want to move this match. Not a bad thing as it is only a few weeks from our home match against them on Sept 14.

That leaves South Beds who were last to confirm last year because of the date of their agm so I don’t anticipate a problem.

I have agreed with Nick Church that the Seniors v Juniors match will be on Wed Oct 27 2027.

So the 2027 draft calendar is in good order, barring surprises, and ready to agree with the golf committee whenever they want it.

Note: Since circulating my report all clubs have confirmed match dates and Luffenham Heath have agreed to keep their home match on Aug 26 as we cannot accept their suggested alternative date. I have also signed up a third new senior and friend of NU - Sean Gillard.

Facebook page? TL floated the idea of producing a facebook page for the senior section.

Action point: DB to seek advice from the Club on the merits of this.

 

7 Competition Secretary’s Report

There have been no competitions since the last meeting.

Next up are :

The Rex Cleaver on 23.06  . 102 places all taken . I am keeping a reserve list if people contact me.

The Annual Stableford trophy, 07.07.26. 18 places available at time of writing.

The Reg Batson invitational  medal trophy ( entry decided by placings in the Annual Medal Trophy and the Rex Cleaver) on 14.07  .

Senior Captains Day entries open on 29^th June (brought forward one day to avoid clashing with inter club match at Letchworth).

 

NU gave an update on plans for member and guest day

£55 fee (per couple) to be charged to members’ cards

Catering: Tea,coffee, bacon roll before golf. One-course lunch afterwards

It was decided not to run a halfway house

 

8 Match Secretary’s Report

None submitted due to AG holiday

9 Trophy Custodian’s report

Trophies are all accounted for and remain in the new trophy store:

I had a conversation with Peter Imray regarding keepsakes for the Peter Imray Jug

Competition. Peter has purchased 10 keepsakes and was concerned about the

decision made regarding the Gordon Goodchild competition. It was decided that we

do not wish to create precedent – Gordon was advised of this decision.

I informed Peter that we are very grateful for his continued generosity in buying

keepsakes and that we would go ahead with Peter presenting them along with the

trophy for the next 10 years. I agreed to have the keepsakes stored with the main

trophies.

 

Seniors Captain David Barlow asked me to research the possibility of re-purposing

an old trophy for the Tour and having and identifying engraving removed from any cartouches or

bands. My initial enquiries reveal that this is not a service supplied by our engraver,

and is not a service included in the website of local trophy suppliers. It seems to be

a service which is possible, but rarely offered by select jewellers and will require the

jeweller to have sight of the older trophy before a decision can be made as to the

possibility of abrading any engravings and the cost of carrying out the work.

I suggest that we identify a suitable old trophy in order that I may make further

enquiries.

The historic chart of Trophy winners is still on-going.

Action point: tour trophy on agenda for next meeting

 

 

10 Swap Days

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

Confirmed at both clubs and in respective diaries.

Following a round of golf at Stoke Rochford, the meeting with their organiser, Darrel

Knight, was very productive and positive with all usual arrangements and

agreements set in stone.

I am awaiting some dates of availability from Darrel for a return visit to JOG. I will

advise the committee when this is set.

Swap day 2027 – Essendon Golf Club 11 th October 2027

I have established contact with Simon Harden their organiser, confirming the date

and inviting meetings at both clubs to kick off the arrangements. I have not yet

received his reply so will send him a reminder.

Pending clubs for Swap Day

The Bedfordshire

This club would welcome a swap day in 2028. They are suggesting a split swap with

them visiting JOG on a Monday whilst we visit their club on a Wednesday. I will

welcome the committee’s views on this as it presents a move away from previous

swap days.

 

Brickenden Grange

Awaiting reply from this club with regards to 2028 and beyond.

Spalding

Interested in a swap day 2028 and beyond

Wellingborough

Interested in a swap day 2028 and beyond

I will maintain contact with the organisers in order to keep their interest fuelled.

 

11 Away Days

WC gave an update on away day planning and potential venues for 2027 such as Oundle, Spalding, Ely, Girton, Cambridge Bar Hill

Action point: SM and WC to research further ahead of July meeting

 A discussion was held on the best way to collect fees which seems to be I.G.

12 Captain's Day plans

TD gave an update on plans to include virtual nearest the pin in the swing studio, putting competition and a new idea for this year -  captain’s chip “spot the ball” sweepstake. Fourball voucher to be raffled?

Food: wraps and chips. Price to be held at £12

 

13 Committee away day

TD gave an update on the putative committee away day for a maximum of 22 players to include roll up organisers. Suggested price offered by Royston GC £43 for full English breakfast plus golf. £50 per head would also cover cost of prizes

 

14  50^th anniversary

Band and disco booked by DB for event in 2027

15 AOB

Past captain lunch booked for Sep 23. TL to send out invitations

 

Dates of future meetings

Thurs July 2

Thurs Aug 6

Thurs Sep 10

Thurs Oct 8

Thurs Nov 5

Thurs Dec 3

Tues Jan 5 

Tues Feb 2 AGM tbc

 

Lost and found - June 23 2026

 

 Paul Jones found this in the practice nets on the day of the Rex Cleaver Championship and thought that one poor senior would be desperate to be reunited with his cherished contraption so he handed it in to the Pro shop. For some reason Reece was reluctant to accept it but Paul convinced him that some poor pensioner would be very upset about losing a treasured golfing aid!

Rex Cleaver Championship June 23 2026

Paul Conibear receives the Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy from Tony Lloyd

It was the middle of a heatwave and we were playing a medal from the John O'Gaunt white tees. 

Not only that, but the start times were delayed by an hour because early morning thunderstorms over Sutton had left the greens flooded.

Our man at the sharp end, Competition Secretary Nigel Underwood, was unphased. He was there at 6.50am negotiating with the pro shop, dealing with last-minute withdrawals and trying to put the start sheet into some kind of order.

Step up the pro shop and Richard Childerley to make some sense out of it all and ensure it ran as smoothly as possible.

Result? Most of the original field made it round the course and staggered into the bar to compare notes on a pretty challenging day. At least 32 Deg C and little if no breeze.

Early starters probably had the cooler conditions and one man in particular coped better than most.

Congratulations to Paul Conibear who won both the Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy for the best nett score (69) and the Bessant-East Scratch Trophy for the best gross score (79).

Runner up in the Rex Cleaver was Peter Harvey on nett 69 and in third place was Andrew Brookman on nett 70.

The three divisional prizes were won by:

Paul Hammond (Up to 14 shots) 71 nett

Keith Howlett ((15 - 19) 74 nett

Terry Domagala (20 Plus) 72 nett

Raffle prizes (£10 pro shop credit) were won by Ken Wareham, Keith Garden, David Barlow and Richard Westergreen-Thorne.

Paul Conibear also won the Bessant-East Scratch Trophy for best gross score

Divisional prizewinner Terry Domagala

Divisional prizewinner Keith Howlett