This stunning parkland course and new addition to the society’s calendar, proved a popular choice with the 52 members and guests on yet another pleasant summer’s day.

Many congratulations to Sharon Gledhill who took 1st place with 36 points (helped by a superb eagle on the 1st hole for 5 points !) but, in common with many others, also had 5 blobs in a round of highs and lows.

Peter Wilson of our event sponsor Coutts, presented Sharon with the Anthony Barnes shield as well as their version The Open cup. Having firstly presented it to me for about 5 seconds after I won at Wellingborough a year ago. Fearing that this prestigious cup had been lost, it turned out to have been in the safe keeping of Mr Kay who was clearly reluctant to part with it. Very much looking forward to seeing Stephen at an event soon!

Unbelievably, we are already half way through the season. I am immensely grateful to the wonderful support by members for the first 5 events which have been attended by 258 members and guests split 70%/30%. This is an increase of 24% on 2022, although with 3 different courses.

Following this year’s introduction of a maximum 24 handicap (adjusted to slope rating if WHS index) the average playing handicap (to the half way point) of the winner of each event has been 17 compared to 26 last year. The average handicap of our 80 out of 100 members with a WHS index is 14 ie before slope adjustment so probably the same!