Next up was the International match – the broad spectrum of our membership was well represented with each of the ‘Home Nations’ plus sides representing Europe and ‘Rest of the World’ fielding their 10 best men in a shotgun start. The new format at first appeared complex, then downright impossible! Thankfully wise minds gathered and we deployed ‘Ken on the Course’ to rapidly visit every group and tell them to abandon the second scorecard!
In the glory matches, Rest of the World beat England 3-2, Scotland beat Ireland 3-2 and Wales beat Europe 4-1. In the Victor Ludorum, we had a shock win for Wales who triumphed with a fantastic 165 points, with Rest of the World second with 160 points, Scotland and Europe were tied with 158 points, Ireland 157 points with England acquiring the ‘wooden spoon’ at 156 points. The top scoring individual pair were Roy Martin and his partner (and they still finished in the bottom team!). My thanks to Neil Anderson (Scotland), Gerry Dennigan (Ireland) Lou Tricarico (RoW) and Mike Kappler (Europe) who joined the Welsh Team Captain Russell Gooding in celebrating in the usual style with champagne and singing. It was lovely to see the redoubtable Martyn Ryan joining the celebrations in the bar – welcome back Martyn.
This last weekend saw the County Championships played at Walton Heath. Congratulations to Alfie Fox who reached the semi-finals in another great performance. We also wish good luck to Annabell Fuller in the British Womans Amateur at Princes in one week time. Annabell reached the final two years ago and has high hopes once again.
The Club knockouts are progressing well and we are grateful to everyone for keeping to the schedule. With busy diaries, its essential to be on top of agreeing dates as soon as you know your opponent. The rules for the club knockouts are in Intelligent Golf.
We have now added many more dates for Captain and Pro matches. I encourage and welcome challenges from all Members – we have added Friday evenings to support Five Day Members as well as the usual mix of Saturdays and Sundays. Please signup via the board in the Mens changing room.
The Roehampton Club first team are led by Vince Thorne (Golf) and Peter Crocombe (Social) and comprise several of the best golfers in Surrey with 14 plus handicaps listed as Club Members on Intelligent Golf. We are progressing well in the Surrey knockout and in the third round are playing West Hill away. Good luck to the boys!
Friday 23rd June is a golfing marathon! Golf and Games Manager Louis Laville and Tom Benbow will attempt to play 150 holes of golf in the day ! A second ‘Band of Brothers (and sisters)’ will attempt to play a highly worthy 72 holes – all on behalf of charity. I know there will be more communication shortly on how you can support and contribute to this event.
And finally, on Friday 19th May the Captain and Past Captains met, and over a most enjoyable meal listened as Peter McGovern made his nomination for his Vice Captain. I am delighted to announce that his nomination was accepted and that Mr. Justin Thesiger is duly nominated as Vice Captain. Congratulations Justin!
Simon Butler, Mens Golf Captain
