Rushmore Golf Club

Tony Coles - 2019 Seniors Amateur Champion

The County Seniors Championship got under way on a warm breezy dayat a very well presented Rushmore Golf Course. With the ballott having to be used as there were 73 entries to this years Championship we had a full field of 60 starting out in pursuit of becoming the 2019 County Seniors Champion and lifting the Silver Medal and going forward to the National Championship at Frilford Heath later this year.

The first round proved difficult for scoring as players found the greens tricky to read. Phil Bill Ferndown making his first outing in the Seniors Championship led the way with a fine 74 matched only by John Hayes a previous champion. Last year’s winner Tony Coles was one of the pace on 75 with Chris Holmes Broadstone and Steve Sidney Ferndown on 76.Weymouth’s Kevin Deacon led the way in the handicap Championship with a fine net 67 one ahead of Chris Holmes and Bridport’s Gary Edwards.

First Round scores

So with the start sheet duly flipped so they were going out in score order they were yet again blessed with some fine sun and warmth so set for a fine second round.  Dave Barton Moors Valley was some 4 shots better with a fine 73 150 total to hold the clubhouse lead. Steve Sidney slipped off ending with a 79 and 155 total as did joint leader John Hayes who had an 83 for 157.  Greg Britton Parkstone making his debut had a fine 74 to give him a 152 total.  So it was between Phil and Tony and once more the experienced Tony took the spoils with a fine 73 for a 148 total two better than his playing partner Phil who had a 76.  So many congratulations to Tony Cole Ashley Wood on retaining the trophy making it three in a row, Tony will go forward to the Champion of Champions at Frilford Heath.

The battle for the Handicap Championship was a very tight affair with the first round leader Kevin not fairing as well as the previous day coming in with a net 75 for a 142 total.  He was just pipped on countback by Parkstone’s Greg Britton who had a fine net 73 -69 also 150 total winning on the last 18 score of 69.  Congratulations to Greg who was making his debut in the Seniors on becoming the 2109 Handicap Champion.

A hearty meal was had by all players followed by the prize presentation.  My thanks to all competitors.

36 Hole Results

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	David Woodroffe Bridport & WD		John Hayes Sherborne
Handicap	Martyn Hastings Came Down		Nigel Green DG&CC
	60-64		55-59
Scratch	Paul Vernham Ferndown	Scratch	Phil Bill Ferndown
Handicap	Gerald Hayes Weymouth	Handicap	Chris Holmes Broadstone

We thank Rushmore Golf Club  members for making us so welcome, also  our Sponsor Ringwood Brewery who kindly gave the club some of their finest ale for hosting the Championship.