Harrogate Golf Club
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Forty of the finest amateur golfers from the northern region converged for an intense 36-hole competition, vying for the prestigious “Vardon Grip” trophy. The setting was a pristine course, universally admired by players, promising a spectacular contest. Harrogate’s golf enthusiasts are well aware that this course demands precision and rewards accuracy, a fact evident when the scores from the first round were revealed. Only one player managed to finish the round under par, and that was Nathan Bradby of Wheatley Golf Club, with an impressive one-under-par score of 68.
At the halfway mark, Bradby took the lead, closely followed by Joshua Morley from Hallowes Golf Club, who carded a one-over 70. Michael Henson from Rockcliffe Hall and Tom Birstwhistle from Knaresborough Golf Club both finished the first round with scores of 71. Anticipating the challenges ahead, players entered the second round with heightened determination. Two individuals, Andrew McCarrick from South Shields Golf Club and Will Marshall of Heworth Golf Club, delivered flawless performances, each finishing with par scores of 69, catapulting them up the leaderboard.
Michael Henson maintained his consistency with a second-round score of 72, while Tom Osborne from Lindrick Golf Club made a strong push but ultimately settled for fourth place. Unfortunately, Morley slipped down to fifth place. Scott Minto from Hanging Heaton Golf Club had a mixed day but had reason to celebrate after achieving a fantastic “hole in one” on the 12th hole during the second round.
Harrogate Golf Club Results: 1st place and the winner of the “Vardon Grip” trophy: A. McCarrick (2) with a total score of 142 (73+69). 2nd place: W. Marshall (-4) with a total score of 143 (74+72). 3rd place: M. Henson (-2) with a total score of 143 (71-72).
In a separate event, 19 ladies played a medal and competed for the Anniversary Salver. Louise Sellars and Lady Vice Captain Boo Orman both impressed by finishing with under par scores of 71.
Ladies’ Results: Division 1: 1st – Lady Vice Captain, Boo Orman, with a nett score of 71. 2nd – Wendy Skaife, with a nett score of 77. 3rd – Celia Fowler, with a nett score of 78.
Division 2: 1st – Viv Allison, with a nett score of 73. 2nd – Elizabeth Goody, with a nett score of 78. 3rd – Anne Jones, with a nett score of 78.
Division 3: 1st – Louise Sellars, with a nett score of 71. 2nd – Lady Captain, Lynne Shears, with a nett score of 86.
The Anniversary Salver was claimed by Boo Orman on a back-nine count back from Louise Sellars.
Additionally, there was a Ladies 9-hole stableford competition with the following results: 1st – Liz Milburn, 14 points. 2nd – Helga Perkins, 13 points. 3rd – Ann Winship, 12 points.
In the mid-week Stableford competition, contested by 45 players, Steve Wright (handicap 10) emerged victorious with an impressive 37 points, with Luke Donnelly (handicap 5) in second place with 35 points. Three players, Peter Raybaud (11), Kevin Anderson (17), and Robin Jackson (23), were tied for third place.
The weekend competition, despite intermittent heavy downpours, saw a large field participating in the pairs “Texas Scramble” format. Winning scores well below par have become the norm for this format, and Saturday was no exception. The top seven pairs were separated by just 3 shots, but the clear winners were Steve Wright and Jonathan Kingston, recording a remarkable 9 under par, nett 60. Richard Danby & David Keywood, along with Kristian Bendtsen & Joe Isle, tied for second place with a nett score of 61.
Lastly, the 36-hole R.D.J. Salver competition marked a significant event in the Juniors’ playing season. Completing 36 holes is a substantial challenge in its own right for young players, but this season, they not only accomplished that feat but also delivered exceptional scores. Josh Chi emerged as the winner, closely followed by Harvey Auckland and Dexter Ward. A remarkable performance by all the juniors!