The summer season is just around the corner with The Masters tournament week just 14 days away. Enjoying golf at this time of year comes naturally to us all, however, making winter golf an interest can be somewhat challenging. That isn't quite the case here at SGC....


 

Into just its third year, the Winter League (sponsored by Eric Nield - Electrica Ltd) has attracted interest from across the region with the newly introduced Yellow Jersey. Sunday golf has become a buzz, a real atmosphere has developed and I feel we could have instigated something that could last a life time, the SGC Winter League.

The 17 week long series was reduced to 16 weeks in early February, holding high winds and heavy rain responsible. Of those 16 weeks we have found 15 different winners with just Chris Exton managing multiple wins. A statistic I believe is down to the new winter handicapping system, thanks to the H&C committee for their efforts.

It really is quite remarkable we managed to complete 16 weeks, owing thanks to Mick Shockledge (Head of Greens), John Pierrpoint (Head Green Keeper) and the rest of their team. The course has been put under stress recently due to the increased traffic and adverse weather conditions. Without their efforts, the series wouldn't have been a success.

So the final round of the Winter KO was played on Saturday 18th March between two very enthusiastic pairings, Brian Thomas & Regan Glasiter V's Pete Doolan & John Perks. A final which was played under real wintery conditions resulted in a 2&1 victory for Pete & John.

Sunday 19th March also produced some extreme conditions, heavy rain and blustery conditions faced the Winter Leaguers for the final round. Paul Traynor managed 49 (Forty Nine) points in the singles format to claim first place in the final round by 6 points and the best score of the Winter series. Second place was Steve Finan on 43. However, that wasn't where the interest lay. The battle for the Winter League top spot was between Chris Exton and a cluster of others. Following a debatable handicap uncertainty, Chris Exton's score was confirmed as 37 points while his nearest rival was Dave Burns also managed the same score. Dave increased his worst round by two points to tie for the lead and actually claim the SGC Winter League on a play-off.

A climax that will possibly live with Mr. Exton for many a day. Particularly following his controversial exit from the Winter KO in round 1 against Kev Barber & Jamie Hughes, after they played their match under the incorrect handicapping allowance to lose the most precious single point in the League. The match was decided on the first extra hole in favour of Kev & Jamie and the game conceded, but the pairing soon realised they had played under the incorrect handicapping allowance and the match should have been over on the final green with the opposite result. Under rule 6-2 of the R&A decisions, the pairing only had themselves to blame.

A presentation is being held this Saturday 25th March at 17:30 for the month's competitions where we will be presenting the winter series winners with their prizes too. It would be much appreciated for all who have taken part to support the prize giving.




Saturday 18th March 

A brief phone call earlier in the week left Dave Mulvey needing a partner... His usual playing partner Eric Nield had other commitments, so he called on the professionals services to find Dave a game. Ian Grimsditch coincidently stumbled across the opportunity using the online booking facility, and the winning pairing were set. No other pairing managed to match their betterball score of 41 points for 15 holes, but it now leaves Eric Nield in doubt of a game for the next Betterball... I'm sure you can call on my services Eric, should Dave decide he's raised the bar. 

Elsewhere on Saturday a familiar pairing in Keith Walker & Tony McClusky made their way over t' hill to Ashton Golf Club in the Daily Mail foursomes Knock-Out competition. 

The pair faced Ex-President Dave Lewis and 1 Handicapper Andy Lomas. 

Needless to say another victory for SGC on away soil went down an absolute dream. 

Congratulations chaps and continue to fly the flag for SGC, we hope you go all the way.