Even though we are getting towards the end of the season, there is still lots of golf being played!
Norfolk Seniors Scratch Knockout Final:
After a 27-year drought in men’s county team tournaments, Sheringham savour success at last. They edged their King’s Lynn counterparts in a thrilling, final staged at Sprowston Manor Golf Club. The 3-2 winning margin gave Sheringham’s men their first team triumph since the 1997 Barnard Trophy.
The hard-fought head-to-head with fellow north Norfolk club King’s Lynn provided a fitting climax to the inaugural staging of a competition that attracted a 17-strong initial entry. The format of one foursome followed by four singles has produced some great matches throughout the season. It has also highlighted the quality and depth of seniors’ golf in Norfolk – and the final offered another glowing example.
Neal Milton and Paul Sennett won the foursomes match for Sheringham and John Little won his single. For Kings Lynn, Colin Moody, the captain won his game. The remaining point for Sheringham was secured with 2 halves from Mark Williamson and critically Steve Dunsire who recovered from 5-down at the turn to draw level with a birdie at the 18th. Great stuff!
Cullington Cup Final:
Royal Norwich Golf Club won their second county team knockout of the season when they defeated the team from Great Yarmouth and Caister in the final of the Cullington Cup. Having already won the Seniors Barnard Trophy a few weeks ago, the team led by captain Harry Leggoe won by 9 holes in an entertaining final hosted by Sprowston Manor.
In a 36-hole match, and in front of good support for both teams, an early advantage was pivotal and Royal Norwich soon took control had a commanding lead of 8 holes by the lunchtime break. The afternoon was a much closer affair and there were many positives for Great Yarmouth, who were competing in the final for the first time in the Cup’s 30-year history. However, Royal Norwich managed to maintain their advantage and the final margin was 9 up overall.
The Myhill Trophy Final:
Congratulations to Eaton Golf Club who, in a close and competitive final, overcame tough opponents from King’s Lynn to win the Myhill Trophy for the first time since 1997. Played in a great spirit of friendly rivalry, the final was held at Mattishall Golf Club, winners of this competition in 2023.
Eaton appeared to have matters in hand and were 6 holes up at lunchtime and extended the winning margin to 14 holes at the end of the day winning 6 out of the 8 matches. Incidentally, the two matches won by Kings Lynn were both won by the same pair, Messrs Ian Yule and Mark Butt who prevailed on the 18th green both morning and afternoon having been 4-down after 4 both times!
Scratch Knockout Final:
There was double delight for Eaton when the club secured the Norfolk Scratch Knockout Trophy for a record ninth time – and added to their victory in the Myhill Trophy the previous weekend. The final stages of the competition were held at Dunston Hall, beginning with the semi-finals in the morning, when King’s Lynn beat Sheringham 4-1 in the first match and Eaton overcame Hunstanton GC by the same margin.
This set up a repeat of the Myhill final seven days earlier. The top match was a high quality affair between two Norfolk first-team players, George Morris and Mason Bernstein, with the latter edging out his opponent on the 17th green. Wales Under-18s international Harry Thomas was in great form to win his match on the 15th and Nic Sperrin gained some revenge over Iain Yule for the dramas in the Myhill. It was left to the retiring Norfolk Seniors’ captain, Iain Reid, to claim the critical third point with a cast-iron par 3 at the 18th to win 2-up.
Juniors – Bass Trophy Final:
On a bright and breezy day at Kings Lynn, Dereham GC and Royal Cromer GC fought out a very competitive match with both attempting to win the Bass Trophy for the very first time.
The top match was always the key one and it was nip and tuck right up until the 17th where Dereham got up and down for the half needed to secure a win.
The match result was 2-2 which meant that the captains had to go out again and this time, Louie Brown, the Royal Cromer captain, gutsily holed an eight-footer at the first extra hole to secure overall victory for his club. Credit to both teams who performed admirably.
Thank you to Clubs:
I must publicly thank clubs for hosting county finals. The NCGU are really most grateful to the members of the clubs who give up their course for the benefit of the county. Thank you one and all.
British Par 3 Championship:
Dereham’s Jake Gunby enjoyed a brilliant tournament at Nailcote Hall, excelling in front of the cameras and spectators. Jake found himself keeping company with golfing legends such as Paul Lawrie and Ian Woosnam and several ex-football stars. It was quite an experience but Jake took it all in his stride to shoot one-over-par for 36 holes which left him joint top in the amateur competition before he was pipped in a playoff.
Forthcoming Events:
The order of merit play offs for both the Scratch and Handicap Championships will take place at Heacham Manor on 12th / 13th October. Let us hope that the rain stops by then!
Stop Press:
To help communication with clubs, The NCGU Board is seeking a volunteer from each club to become the County Delegate through whom we can communicate on a regular basis to let every club know what is going on.
In addition, there is a joint meeting between the NCGU Board and all Norfolk Clubs on Tuesday 12th November at 4pm at a venue to be decided. If anyone has an issue they would like to raise, do contact myself or the County Secretary.
Finally, if you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me on brb.carrick@gmail.com.
Bob Carrick
President NCGU
