The County Seniors Championship got under way at Ferndown on time after the morning rain abated early giving the course time to dry out some. We had over 85 players apply to play and after the ballot we had 63 playing and bidding to become this year’s Champion lifting the Silver Medal and going forward to the National Championship at Woodhall Spa later this year. The first round proved difficult with the course playing long and scoring was high. The first round lead was held by three players John Gordon Parkstone, Paul Vernam Ferndown and Nick Madden Knighton Heath all on 75. The next best was Parkstone’s Rhys Francis 3 off the pace on 78. Dave Barton found the yellow tees to his liking but it cost him two shots should have gone to spec save Dave!!
So the start sheet was duly flipped so players go out in the previous days result order and with the sun shining we got under way for the final round. Scoring generally was better during this round and it was clear the first round leaders were not all having a good day and any one of the top twelve had a chance. Dave Barton went 3 better than his first round to leave him on 155 with Ferndown’s Paul Vernam who had 80 putting him out of the running for the Scratch but leaving him on top of the handicap prize on 143 one ahead of club team mate Kenneth Proctor who had a net 72 second round to leave him on a net total of 144 and in the runners up slot. First round leader Nick Madden sadly fell away with 86 putting him down to eleventh spot. John Gordon finished on a 154 total to leave him in second spot behind Parkstone’s Rhys Francis who had the best round of the day with a 74 for a 152 total and making him the 2016 County Seniors Champion.
A hearty meal was had by all players followed by the prize presentation. My thanks to all competitors.
The age groups were all keenly contested and prizes went to the following: (No one can win more than one prize)
Over 70's | |
65-69 | |||
Scratch 1st |
Peter Cogan Lyme Regis |
Scratch 1st | Trevor Robinson Dudsbury | ||
R/Up |
Graham Taylor Knighton Heath |
R/Up | Nigel Green DG&CC | ||
Handicap 1st | Tony Bowyer Ferndown | Handicap 1st | Stephen Anstee Ferndown | ||
R/Up | Eddie Galjaard Yeovil | R/Up | Dave Boon DG&CC | ||
60-64 | 55-59 | ||||
Scratch 1st |
Dave Barton Christchurch |
Scratch 1st | Gordon Ross Broadstone | ||
R/Up |
Bob Dilkes Knighton Heath |
R/Up | Malcolm Taylor Parkstone | ||
Handicap 1st | Kevin Turner Ferndown | Handicap 1st | Chris Holmes Broadstone | ||
R/Up | Gerald Hayes Weymouth | R/Up | Nick Madden Knighton Heath |
We thank Ferndown Golf Club and the members for making us so welcome, the President and Captain for their stirling work starting the players offto the club.
We would also like to thank our Sponsor Ringwood Brewery who kindly gave the club a firkin of their finest ale for hosting this years Seniors Championship.