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So after opening up the trophy to all last year (after a one year qualifying period) for a second year running a new player has won the day, only this year Paul takes the trophy itself despite finishing 2nd.
Paul was the highest placed player who qualified to win it outright after Dennis won the day with 34 points. For the record, Dennis is eligible to win it next year.
Living only 2 miles from the course and taking stick for the decision to play on my doorstep, I was concerened as I was awoken that morning by an enormous thunderstorm. In all the years we have played, we have only been rained off once, but the weather gods were on our side as by the time we started to play, it was sunny and warm and remained that way throughout.
14 players took the field with 6 newcomers leaving 8 to win the claret jug this year. And as I said above, for the first time we have two day winners.
Dennis won with a very respectable and fair 34 points, after a bit of a late collapse by Jon Harris. Jon had the day in the bag but two late blobs on 17 and 18 let Dennis in as he picked up 4 points in those holes and won by 2.
The card shows consistency from Dennis with only one non scoring hole and a tidy card.
Jon on the other hand was outstanding on the way out with 21 points, but just 11 coming back killed his hopes.
Chris came third comin in to late contention with 19 points coming in. But he only scored 3 points in 4 holes between holes 4-7 and the damage was done there.
The trophy winner, Paul was on course to win outright as he had the lead after 12 holes, but a poor run in saw him lose out. But he still has the main prize.
I came in 5th but I blew up on too many holes to make a challenge. Some good shots mixed with some utter cack was my story.
Nick's mate Bob was next up with the same 29 points. He started really well but faded badly on the back 9.
Mark was another that started well, but 3 bobs just after the turn was his end.
Nick had a tidy card, but also came in with 27 but too many single point holes.
Cliff, the regular runner up could not manage a challenge this year with only 26...and he had 2 shots given back to his handicap! maybe he need another?
Tony B had an awful start and never recovered. 9 Points on the way out is never going to be a challenger and despite picking up a bit after, only 21 points is a disappointment.
Also on 21 was Nicks other mate Dave. 5 zero point holes is a killer for your card and that was after a good start.
Matt played OK but also failed to score on 5 holes but has clearly been playing a bit!
Mike has never reached those dizzy heights of his victory in Hastings a few years ago now. Another who was given shots back, but it did not help as his 5 points on the back 9 was quite frankly a shocker!
But the wooden spoon went to Pete. His once a year golf is causing him some issues and I suggest he may well be practising a few times before we play again next June. But 8 points out and 8 points back does show consistency at least.
Minor prizes went to Jon for nearest the pin on a measure up and Matt won the longest drive as he hit the fairway and nobody else did, despite all being at least 125 years beyond his drive!
SCORES (HANDICAP IN BRACKETS)
Higher placing given on countback
DENNIS - 34 (16)
PAUL - 32 (8)
JON - 32 (12)
CHRIS - 31 (9)
DANNY - 29 (18)
BOB - 29 (28)
MARK - 27 (20)
NICK - 27 (23)
CLIFF - 26 (18)
MATT - 22 (28)
DAVE - 21 (16)
TONY 21 (22)
MIKE - 20 (24)
PETE - 16 (28)