Hello golfers,

Mid Week Medal 

Due to the rain (again) the Mid-Week Medal on Thursday 7th April was cancelled, however it has been rearranged for Thursday 14th April and hopefully better weather.

The Winter Cup 2015-16

The 29th season of the Winter Cup ended on Easter Saturday. It has been a strange winter with play not possible on 9 of the 26 Saturdays mainly because of the extremely wet conditions. Nevertheless there were some very impressive scores from some of the 19 members of the Winter Cup. 

We have our own handicap system which operates throughout the winter season by reducing handicaps for scores greater than 36 points and increasing handicaps for scores less than 33 points. This helps to keep the bandits among us under control!! 

The last Saturday of each month is Prize Day (known locally as 'bottle day' - you can guess why!). The top four on the day win a bottle ranging from spirits to wine. Needless to say there is always a very full turnout on these days. However there's a sting in the tail because winners are even more severely handicapped for subsequent prize days. This ensures that the prizes are shared around amongst most of the members. This year only two failed to win a bottle although it has to be said that some others won more than their fair share. 

Syd Birch started the winter with a handicap of 21 and finished on 17. In the process he recorded three scores of over 40 points and the average of his 10 best scores was 38.1 which won him the competition by quite a big margin. Before the last weekend three players were tied for second place. Trevor Eccleston improved his average score to come second and David Smith pipped Arthur Doherty for third place. 

An anonymous donor gave us a new trophy which we decided to award to the person who was bottom of the league table. 

On the evening of the 26th members were joined by their wives and some 'Honorary Members' for the annual 'Awards Dinner' in the Clubhouse. After an excellent meal the prizes were presented to Syd, Trevor and David while Terry Williams was the first winner of the 'Bottom Trophy'. A fitting end to a thoroughly enjoyable Winter Cup season. 

John Prince 
Winter Cup Match Sec.

Unplayable??? 

Whilst playing in the Birchall Bowl last Sunday, Dennis Vincent and playing partners Steve Matthews, Dave Fowler & Josh Broster were left amazed where Dennis' ball came to rest while playing the 6th hole. 

After enquiring about the possibility of a free drop for a woodpecker hole, Dennis had to declare the ball unplayable and take the penalty drop. 

Leek v Brockton - Saturday 16th April 

The list is now up in the Men's Locker room for the match against Brocton a week on Saturday, please could you tick your name if you are available or let the pro-shop know if you are not available. 

Results 

Birchall Bowl - Sunday 3rd April 
1st - Steve Davies - 41 Points 
2nd - Steve Matthews - 39 Points 
3rd - Josh Broster - 39 Points