The County Seniors Championship got under way on one of the hottest days of the year at a very well presented Bridport Golf Course. After a few fall out’s we had 47 start the Championship 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 with the heat and bouncy fairways and rough one just had to avoid proved a great test for the players with scoring proving difficult. Chris Holmes from Broadstone was best of the day with a 75 two ahead of Kevin Jones from Bridport. Keith Ballinger IOP was three back on 78 and after a very ropey start Dave Barton fought hard to card a 79 along with Neil Hansler Broadstone. Last year's champion Tony Coles was some six shots of the pace finishing with a 81 after taking 9 on the eleventh. Kevin Jones off 10 led the chase for the Handicap Cup.
So with the start sheet duly flipped so they were going out in score order for the second round with the sun beating down and the breeze off the sea strong enough to push the ball of course scoring again was proving difficult for some. Local David Woodroofe was some ten shots better than the previous day with a fine 76 which was matched by Dave Barton Moors Valley. Chris Holmes found the going tough slipping down the leaderboard with a 83 which was matched by Kevin Jones Bridport taking him out of the running for the main Trophy. Neil Hansler went one better than his first round with a fine 78 but Tony Coles had the round of the day with 5 bogies, one birdie and an Eagle for a fine round of 73 and a total of 154 winning by one shot from Dave Barton on 156 with Neil Hansler one further back on 157. So many congratulations to Tony Cole Ashley Wood on retaining the trophy and again becoming the Seniors Champion Tony will go forward to the Champion of Champions at Woodhall Spa.
The battle for the Handicap Championship went to the local hero Kevin Jones with net rounds of 67 and 73 for a 2 under total of 140 some 4 shots clear of Chris Holmes who had to settle for the runner up slot. Congratulations to Kevin on becoming the 2108 Seniors Handicap 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 |
Keith Gibson Lyme Regis |
Scratch | Kevin Ballinger IOP | ||
Handicap | Terry Pond Remedy Oak | Handicap |
Kevin Turner Ferndown |
||
60-64 | 55-59 | ||||
Scratch |
Martin Sharpe Weymouth |
Scratch | Neil Hansley Broadstone | ||
Handicap | Derek Mantle Parkstone | Handicap | Kevin Redman Sherborne |
We thank Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club members for making us so welcome, also our Sponsor Ringwood Brewery who kindly gave the club two hampers and some of their finest ale for hosting the Championship.