Hello golfers,
Bereavement Notice
It is with sadness that we inform the Membership of the death of Patrick Sampey. Pat, who passed away on Thursday the 11th August, had been a member here at the Club for 42 years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. Funeral details will be displayed on the Secretaries notice board as soon as they are available.
CAPTAIN'S WEEKEND AWAY - OULTON HALL LEEDS
Captain Andrew Baxter and Jayne were delighted to pick Oulton Hall in Leeds as the venue for the annual captain's weekend away. It is a comfortable drive within a reasonable distance, having a course comprising three sets of 9 holes of fairly friendly nature, with wide fairways and little rough. In fact, it became the perfect place for the eclectic mix of golfers and non-golfers to relax, enjoy the facilities, play social and competitive golf, and benefit from the wonderful facilities and food on offer.
All in all, 72 Leek Golf Club members travelled to Leeds, with 59 joining the party on the Friday, to be welcomed by the captain and his wife in the Repton Lounge with a complimentary drink, before dining in the sumptuous Repton Room with a pre-chosen menu of high quality indeed. During Friday several of the guests played a few holes, whilst others disappeared into the Spa or travelled the short distance into the City centre to see the numerous sights on offer. During the evening the banter flowed, and there was a great atmosphere, despite the gin running out!
On the Saturday the golf consisted of a sociable team format of 2 from 4 to score, with 48 people playing off full handicap using the yellow and red tees. The Calverley course holes 10-18 were in use, in conjunction with the Hall course holes 19-27. The resident professional was asked to compile the results, by way of a merit table system, to give everyone on the Sunday an even chance of doing well over the weekend.
A more formal setting was in place for the Saturday evening, when the guests met in the Oulton Foyer for a champagne reception, followed by a lovely meal in the Oulton Suite. The conversation varied from the golf played during the day, to what the non-golfers had been up on their travels. To save time on the Sunday, the captain announced the Saturday results that night, which were as follows:
1st team - Brian Hollins, Frank Colclough & Adrian Roberts 90 points
2nd team - Trevor Eccleston, Ray Woolley, Craig Stanier & Bo Robinson 86 points b9 of 47
3rd team - Dave Griffiths, Spencer Henson, Dave Gallimore & Phill Davies 86 points b9 of 45
Nearest the Pin on 15th hole Phill Davies
Nearest the Pin on 27th hole Dennis Parkes
Nearest the Pin on 15th hole Maria Wootton
Nearest the Pin on 15th hole Lisa Davies
The format for Sunday golf was individual stableford, playing the Calverley course holes 1-18. When the golfers had finished, changed and met up with their partners, there was free soup and sandwiches on offer, while they waited for the professional to deliver the results. After a short wait, the captain announced the results as follows:
Sunday - 1st Individual Gent - Jim Lepke 45 points
Sunday - 2nd Individual Gent - Dave Griffiths 40 points
Sunday - 3rd Individual Gent - Tony Brindley 39 points
Sunday - 1st Individual Lady - Liz salmon 37 points
Sunday - 2nd Individual Lady - Karen Griffiths 35 points
Sunday - 3rd Individual Lady - Pat Beeson 34 points
Nearest the Pin on 2nd hole - Andy Martin
Nearest the Pin on 27th hole - Ian Beeson
Nearest the Pin on 15th hole - Jayne Baxter
Nearest the Pin on 15th hole - Georgie Taylor
WEEKEND OVERALL WINNERS
1st place - Jim Lepke 53½ points (8½ + 45)
2nd place - Dave Griffiths 51 points (11 + 40)
3rd place - Mike Wootton 49 points (10 + 39)
After the presentation and a short emotional 'thank-you' to everyone for supporting him over the weekend, the captain wished all a safe journey home, and hurried to the bar to chill out with a few of those remaining on the Sunday night.
This was a tremendous weekend for us enjoying the company of friends, who did themselves proud in every aspect. Jayne gratefully received a very generous voucher and beautiful bouquet.
Andrew Baxter
Captain Leek Golf Club
Inter-Club Friendly Leek GC vs. Brocton Hall GC Saturday 6th August 2016
Captain Andy Baxter took charge of twenty-four keen and enthusiastic golfers, when they hosted Brocton Hall GC on Saturday. This was supposed to be the second leg of a double header against this well-respected club, but the early season away cancellation meant this was the one that counted for the Claret Jug, currently held by Brocton.
The Claret Jug is normally contested annually over two legs, originating back to the mid-eighties, when two esteemed members whose names are Frank Cutts and Brian Baker set it going.
Despite a few late cry-offs, Leek had assembled a solid number of players, including some newcomers to this fixture, but thanks must be extended to all who played, and for supporting the club in this way. This type of fixture is to be a regular feature throughout the year, home or away, and can be such a rewarding experience for all concerned.
The course was in superb condition, benefitting from the recent kinder weather, the greens especially being slick and fast.
A lot of the results were not decided until the final hole or two, and others were equally close, but Leek ended up winning 7½ to 4½, perhaps making most of the most of the home advantage.
There are too many names to mention, but 'well done' to Phill Davies & Mark Shea, Lincoln Boulton & Mick Barker, Ralph Harrison & Dave Gallimore, Tony Brindley & Mike Andrews, Nick Moss & Stuart Smith for coming out on top in their respective games. Well-fought halves were earned by Steve Longhorn & Craig Stanier. The captain Andy Baxter and professional Greg Rogula entertained Brocton captain Steve Bloxham and professional Nevil Bland, this game ending in a half. Leek's pair were very much up against in this match as Nevil proceeded to birdie the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 10th and 16th holes! The captain parred the 3rd and 4th (for a half) and birdied the 6th (again for a half). Greg kept us in touch in the middle of the game, and even had a chance on the 18th to win the match with a three-foot uphill putt, which just missed! Giving away 15 shots to Brocton captain was a bit tough for Greg, but we battled it out in a great game for the half.
We win the trophy on the basis that there isn't a second leg due to lack of diary opportunities, but look forward to 2017 when we revert back to normality. What is undeniable is that the positives resulting from this kind of event seals friendships, allows old rivals to get together, and creates goodwill between two clubs from different parts of the county.
Thanks again for all who took part. Please keep supporting this event, one of the most prestigious of all our fixtures.
Andy Baxter
Captain
Mid-Week Medal 7th August
Division 1 - 1st - Ross Salmon - 68
2nd - Rich Cordon - 69
3rd - Ian Hancock - 70
Division 2 - 1st - Gerry Abel - 67
2nd - Mark Rushton - 70
3rd - Ian Beeson - 70
Division 3 - 1st - Dave Moore - 68
2nd - Neil Shenton - 68
3rd - Bruce Godbold - 69
Division 4 - 1st - Martin Massey - 76
2nd - Alan Clarke - 77
3rd - Phil Sheldon - 79
