Rex Bullock Trophy - 2nd May 2017

Organiser pipped at post by Michael Tomblin

The Rex Bullock Trophy was contested over the Carthagena course in beautiful sunny weather with the occasional stiff breeze to make things interesting, Course was in great condition and greens were running at a gentle speed which suited some of us. The scoring was generally good with 15 players (of the 87) scoring better than their handicaps. There were also 15 2's recorded on the day from 13 different players (Phil White and organiser both carded two 2's).

Alan Anderson claimed 3rd prize on countback from Jim Peacock both scoring 39 points. 2nd prize went to organiser Neil Pinnington on 42 points narrowly losing out to the champion and Rex Bullock Trophy Winner Michael Tomblin who scored a magnificent 43 points.



Michael Tomblin



Alan Anderson

Neil Pinnington

 

 





Seniors Annual Medal and Jubilee Trophy - 25th April 2017

ALBAN TAKES THE MEDAL WITH A SUPERB 69
The Seniors John Freedman Annual Medal Trophy was played on the JOG Course on 25^th April in sunny weather but a crisp north wind. The course was in excellent condition and the greens were fast, in fact, too fast for many as there were reports of many missed putts!

In 3^rd place was Peter Imray with a net 71. In second place was Geoff Emery with a net 70 and in 1^st place was Alban Macdonald with a superb net score of 69 playing off 13 handicap and cut 1.2 strokes. I must give a mention to Phil White who had a magnificent 79 and best gross score but no prize to go with the accolade. Well played Phil!

 

Alban Macdonald

Geoff Emery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The competition also included a stableford competition for handicaps 21 to 28 and that Jubilee Trophy was presented to the match organiser John Ellary  with a winning score of 35 points to pip seniors captain Fred and immediate past seniors captain Jim Peacock into 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

John Ellary

Fred Williams and Jim Peacock

 

Away Match v Apsley Guise & Woburn Sands - Willmotts - 20th April 2017

The away match with Apsley Guise was very close fought and resulted in an honourable 4/4 draw. There were good wins for Richard Coventry and John Ellary 5/3 and Keith Fuller and Richard Westergreen Thorne 4/3 and Tony Goodson and Nick Seeley 3/1 but the home side held their nerve to share the points with some exceptional golf from their captain Bill Vorley who was on top form from tee to green to reverse the result at the home leg and close match 1 5/3.

Away Match v Dunstable Downs Seniors - 13th April 2017

Requested time was 7.45 for 8.30 start. At 8.10 we got a call from Fred saying he was stuck on the M1! Luckily he arrived @ 8.20.Not the best start for the flustered first pair which explains why on the first fairway (middle!) our organiser played the wrong ball (we never found who owned it) and our captain lost his ball on his second shot (we found it later near the second tee). The good news was that the weather was sunny but a little crisp.
Together Fred & l played very well but not well enough as our two opponents clicked together fantastically and pulled too many rabbits out of the bag. We lost on the 17th.

There were good wins by John Ellary/Peter (Algy) Grimes & Keith Fuller/Steve Foster plus good halves by Malcolm Lee/ Robert Anderson & Michael Lacey/Nicholas Seeley, but overall we lost 5-3.

Gerry Gentle won the nearest the pin (again!!)

The course and company were first class. The food was a real test for their new chef (knowing our seniors reputation for their fine dining knowledge!!). The meal was a well presented pork dish followed by a chocolate dessert. I'm sure the day was enjoyed by everyone.

Best Regards, Brian Bullen - Organiser

Home Match v Aspley Guise & Woburn Sands - Willmotts 11th April 2017

This was my debut as match organiser and aware of the debacle last year with JOG ready to play for 8.30 am but with Willmotts Seniors having (wrongly) been told it was a 10 am Tee I was fearful that half the team might be too early or not turn up!

No problem this year with both teams on time although a 10 am Tee meant only a one tee official start.

The sun shone brightly as the 16 intrepid JOG seniors took on the visitors on the old course and we did manage to filter in two matches from the 10^th tee and they completed their games in good time.

As a joke I had prewritten a match report before the game saying I played '*****' and that Fred was brilliant. Although written in jest it wasn’t far from true as, after a shaky start, Fred had a special round in which little went wrong and we dovetailed nicely to close the match 6/4.

After Fred had slotted a 40 ft putt for a half on the 10^th opposing captain dubbed him Sergio Williams and made enquiry concerning the sombrero!!

However our good result was eclipsed by the efforts of Dave Evans and Algy Grimes who won 8/7.

Two other games were close with wins 1 up and JOG won overall 6 ½ to 1 ½.

Special mention was made by Fred after lunch to congratulate Bob Gray age 87 and Noel Gotts age 88 from Willmotts which shows the longevity golf gives to the active oldies.

Colin Armstrong won nearest the pin for the visitors with Richard Coventry piping Keith Fuller and Fred to win the wine for nearest pin on the 16^th.

The visitors were full of praise for the course and JOG hospitality so a good day all round.

My choice of Steak & Ale Pie followed by Treacle Pudding was enjoyed with relish by both teams.

Lets hope for a similar result with the same pairings for the away leg.

Chris Roy - Organiser

Home Match v Bourn Seniors - 7th April 2017

A sunny Friday morning with clear blue skies saw a select 16 from Jog Seniors hosted a team from the senior section of Bourn GC on the Jog course. The scene was set for a challenging match with perfect weather on a pristine course.

Wins for Jog against Bourn are a rare event and so it proved with the visitors prevailing 5 1/2 to 2 1/2. However, this result disguises what was a very closely fought match. For example Match 1 featuring Captain Fred Williams and Organizer Bill Walker included 5 birdies with the 17th being halved in birdy 4s to decide the match.

Chicken and ham pie followed by treacle sponge and custard made a perfect end to an almost (shame about the result) perfect day.

Revenge at Bourn on 27 July is the only way to redress matters.

Bill Walker - Organiser

Home Match v Wellingborough Seniors - 4th April 2017

Spring appeared to have truly arrived for JOG’s Seniors match against Wellingborough Seniors on The Carthagena course. The Wellingborough captain led the way off the tee with a cracking drive down the centre of the fairway next his team partner, then our captain Fred following suit. Our match organiser, however, topped the ball only as far as the end of the tee. After 2 holes the visitors were 2 up but obviously led into a false sense of security as by the 5th the match was all square, and at the turn JOG were 3 up. Handshakes were made on the 14^th green with the JOG captain recording his first match win this year at 5&4.

Generally it was a topsy-turvy fixture swinging first one way then the other with scores of a 6&5,  a 5&4, 4&2 and a 1 up against us but an 8&7 (Fox & Gentle of course), a 5&4, a 3&2 and a 3&1 for us. It was not until the JOG vice captain came in, that with his pair recording a 3&2 win, could the overall result be declared as an honourable draw

NP for JOG on the 8^th  was Gerry Gentle whilst for Wellingborough Ian Jolly took the honours on the 6th also making his birdie which he followed up with also making a birdie on the 8^th.
The lunch menu choice for the after match was a very good roast with pork followed by bread & butter pudding and custard.

For the return match in August we have quite a task on our hands to get at least a draw as their captain Andrew, off 10, is most unlikely to  have another off day playing against us. He is sure to have the bit between his teeth but on the day he was extremely gracious in his defeat. 

Malcolm Lee - Match Organiser

Away Match v Bedford & County - 28th March 2017

Although not forecast, the weather was initially very misty causing a delay to the start, despite the fact that the JOG members all arrived on schedule allowing the organiser the opportunity to relax. The Bedford & County Seniors Captain introduced himself and was proud to announce that he was not the shortest player (he was standing next to Captain Fred at the time !), although I think a micrometre would be necessary to confirm the difference in height.

The initial part of the day continued to be misty, cold and damp, making the course play longer, but fortunately we were bathed in sunshine before the games were complete.

There were mixed fortunes with two games being decided early (a 7 & 6 loss and a 5 & 4 win bandits on both sides), two games decided on the last hole (one win, and one loss), and Fred and I were holding our own against Ron Etheridge 9 h/cap but played to 2 over, until we stopped for a sausage roll and lost the next 3 holes – I reckon our dogs were doctored !

We were looking good for an unexpected match win, sitting in the club house 4-3 up and the last match was reported to be 3 up. Confidence reigned until the last match came in having lost on the last hole !

Final match score was a creditable 4-4 draw, followed by roast beef – all in all a great day, just a couple of handicaps need to be reviewed (19 h/cap and a card 5 over par – hmmmmm.)

 

Graham McKay - Match Organiser

Home Match v Saffron Walden Seniors on 21st March 2017

A bright and sunny day saw 16 of JOGs best Seniors take on 16 of SWGC's best Seniors on the JOG course. The clouds gathered, spots of rain were felt and the wind blew, but that didn't deter the JOG squad - or at least most of them, overall score was 6 - 2 to JOG.

Being the only team that lost (game 1) means that the JOG Seniors' Captain will now have to come up in front of himself and explain himself. I wonder if he'll get picked for the next match????

Of course organiser Steve Collins tried his best. (In the absence of direct evidence I'm making assumptions here!!)  He must have done to win the JOG NTP. He certainly did well with his menu choice - steak pie and a hot pudding with custard - which seemed to be enjoyed by all.

SWGC have something to live up to when we visit them on 31st May. Mind you - so do the JOG Seniors on the golf course. But we're up for it.

Hon. Sec.

Subsequent note from Captain Fred -
"Steve and I managed to pluck defeat from the jaws of victory being 4 up at the turn, but that is match play golf!!"

Seniors 4BBB Trophy - 14th March 2017

Another sunny spring day for the 4 Ball Better Ball Competition. The draw threw up some formidable pairs and the high scores certainly reflected the quality of golf played.

Weatherwise the day improved from the off. Golfwise, for some, it didn't. Nevertheless, of the 40 teams playing, 30 scored par or better. A few teams did not drop a shot; indeed there were quite a few 4 point holes, and nine 2s, including two by Stewart Denny. Shot of the day must go to Ned Yorke who holed out for 3 on the 5th, giving his team 5 points thanks to his clearly outrageous 27 handicap. Words will be had!!

Scoring 16 on the back 6, Graham Lewis and Bob Anderson scored 45 in total points to take second place from Rod Thomas and Vernon Toms, who could only manage 15 on the back 6. (Both teams had 23 points on the back 9). But with 5 points on the 5th added to 4 points on the 10th and 18th by his partner, Ned and Peter Evans took the spoils with 46 points. If only one of their putts had dropped on the 2nd, they too would have had a perfect card.


Rod Thomas and Vernon Toms in third place on countback with 45 points

Vernon Toms & Rod Thomas

 Robert Anderson and Graham Lewis in second place.

Robert Anderson & Graham Lewis

The winners with an excellent 46 points were Peter Evans and Ned Yorke. Ned chipped in on the 5^th for a 3 for 5 points! 

Ned Yorke & Peter Evans

Fred Williams - Captain Seniors Section 2017 and Hon Sec.

 

Seniors/Ladies Mixed Greensomes - 9th March 2017

The Greensomes Match with the Ladies took place on the John O' Gaunt Course on the 9^th of March on a wonderful sunny spring day. Afterwards the Ladies provided a feast of cakes, pastries and savouries which were enjoyed by all. The raffle, shared between the respective charities, raised a net sum of £232.

 

Front nine winners with 25 points were Jane Cooper and Neil Pinnington

 

Neil Pinnington & Jane Cooper

Back nine winners with 20 points were Marian Farrow and Peter Salmon

Marian Farrow & Peter Salmon

On countback in third place with 39 points were Tineke Smith and Phil White          

Phil White & Tineke Smith

                 

 In second place with 40 points were Pauline Gauge and Malcolm Falconer

Pauline Gauge (without Malcolm)

The winners with a magnificent 43 points were Val Cooper and Vernon Toms

Val Cooper & Vernon Toms

 

I very much look forward to a busy season and hope that everyone enjoys their golf with the seniors and that all our games are competitive but also played in good humour because after all said and done we are out on the course to have fun.

 

Fred Williams

Captain Seniors Section 2017

Senior Section Christmas Fayre - 2016

The Baz Backhouse Black Enamelled B’Stard Trophy

 

81 golfers enjoyed cold but clear conditions on Tuesday 20th December for the 2016 Senior Section Christmas Fayre. This was Captain Fred William's first event and he eschewed nerves to come in with a creditable 37 points. Sadly he was one of 5 golfers on that score and they only occupied places 6 to 10. Mike Marshall (38 with 20 points on the back 9) beat Richard Cobb (19) and Alan Anderson (16) to third place on count-back. Richard Westergreen-Thorne took second place on his own with 40 points off a handicap of 21 (now 20!!!). After a string of scores in the 80s over the last 6 months, Malcolm Falconer found timely form and took the day with a gross 72 (net 63) and 42 points. He too loses a whole shot and will play his next game off 8 (exact 8.3).

 

Captain Fred with the table full of prizes

But 2016 saw a change to this competition. We sadly lost Baz Backhouse this year; a Senior member with a big presence that will never be forgotten by those who knew him. His widow Gill kindly presented Malcolm with the new "Baz Backhouse Black Enamelled B'stard" trophy, named in reference to Baz's address to any ball which failed to drop in the hole at the required moment.

 

Winner - Malcolm Falconer with Gill Backhouse

Second - Richard Westergreene -Thorne

Third - Mike Marshall

Well done Malcolm. Well done Captain Fred on a great first presentation as Captain. And well done Graham McKay for organising a great competition again.

David Crosby
Hon Sec

John O'Gaunt Golf Club Seniors' Section AGM 2016

Approximately 80 Seniors' attended the Seniors' AGM held on Tuesday 13th December 2016 in the Burgoyne Suite. A further 10 sent apologies which means that 90 of our 150 members responded to the AGM invitation. That's probably not too bad for an organisation like ours. Thank you!  

Before the AGM began Captain Jim Peacock presented Jonathan Lean with his trophies for 2016, including his Golfer of the Year trophy. (Jonathan had been unable to attend the annual dinner at which the trophies are normally presented).

 

Jim with Jonathan Lean

Captain Jim's AGM address was the usual balanced mixture of humour and serious content and included a period of silent reflection on the nine members who passed away during the year: Martin Ansell; Baz Backhouse; Ken Ballard; Eric Hollyoake; Martin Ives; Terry James; Ken Robinson; Eugene Shortt and Terry Stark. On a happier note, Jim was able to announce that his charity, The Prostrate Project, had benefited by £3,250 from funds raised over his year as Captain. Jim's full report is available in the AGM minutes as are those of Hon Sec Peter Hollingsworth and Treasurer Ray Smart. 

Outgoing Captain Jim then congratulated incoming Captain Fred Williams and presented him with his Captain's jersey.

Fred Williams Captain 2017

Fred then introduced his new Vice Captain Jim Kerr who responded in his own inimitable fashion. As I write this his words are still being translated ....

Vice Captain Jim Kerr

2017 is all change as both Peter Hollingsworth and Ray Smart are retiring as Seniors' Officers and Jim's final act as Captain was to thank them both for sterling service and to present them each with a bottle of a substance reputed to add yards to your drive!.

Peter Hollingsworth with his bubbly

Ray Smart with his bubbly

David Crosby was elected as Honorary Secretary and Les Bolland as Honorary Treasurer - both unopposed!. Algy managed to capture the five members of the new Seniors' Committee before they were escorted to the bar.


New Committee - David Crosby, Les Bolland, Fred Williams, Jim Peacock, Jim Kerr

Helping David and Les this year will be John Ellary, who will look after clothing supplies, and Algy Grimes who will administer the blog following Ken Robinson's passing.

Finally Fred presented Jim with a card and gifts from the Senior members as a thank you for his year as Captain.

Jim Peacock with his card and gifts.

David Crosby
Hon. Sec

Senior Section Annual Dinner 2016

Senior Section Annual Dinner - 6th December 2016

Well, I don't care what others thought, it was a great night, good food, good company, short speeches and no hangover !!!!!

Captain Jim was magnificent and managed almost to the end when Algy had to say good night for him, I am sure he will be back on form in time for his finale at the AGM next week. There were a number of trophy recipients missing and they were not mentioned! Captain Jim and  Club Captain Richard handed out the trophies to great acclaim from the assembled throng. Vice Captain Fred had a taster for next year and was admirable in his role as MC.

So, those of you who missed it get the date into your diary for next year. As Club Captain Richard said, there were more attended the Seniors dinner than did the Club Dinner !!

Peter

Peter Hollingsworth
Hon. Sec. JOG Seniors



Seniors Captain Jim Peacock

 

Club Captain Richard Aubigne

Captain Jim presenting cheque to
Dr Colin Stokes MBE for the Prostate Project

 And the trophy winners were;



Peter Grimes (Algy)
Rex Bullock Shield

Jim Kerr & Derek Page
Fourball Better Ball Trophy



Gerry Gentle, Kevin Donnelly, Fred Williams (missing Derek Weller)
Ken Robinson Texas Scramble

Phil White
Bessant/East Scratch Trophy



David Lincoln
Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy

 



Pat Gilgallon
Reg Batson Aggregate Trophy

Steve Cooper
Annual Stableford Trophy
 



 

 

Derek Page (missing David Sullivan)
Member and Guest Trophy
 



Fred Williams and Peter Hollingsworth (missing John Wade)
Gordon Percival Team Trophy

 



        

Dave Wrench
The Kethro Tray



Raymond Smart
Seniors Away Day Trophy

 



Kevin Donnelly
Autumn Singles Stapleford Trophy

 

Peter Wade
Arthur Lucas Cup
 

Captain Jim Peacock on behalf of the Seniors
The T.S.B. Trophy



Robert Anderson
R/up The Holmwood Plate

 

 

Phil White
Green/Tilley Singles KO Trophy

 

  

 



Colin Beales
The Holmwood Plate

 



















Pat Gilgallon (missing Harry Wakefield)
R/up Foursomes K/O Trophy

 

Paul Stallard and Gerry Gentle
Foursomes K/O Trophy

 



Harry Wakefield R/up Foursomes K/O Trophy
 played with Pat Gilgallon