When everyone congregated at Thorndon Park we ended up with 21 players, so after scoffing the largest bacon roll most of us had seen (I have been given putts that were shorter), the first three games were 3 balls followed by three 4 balls. Despite the recent rains, trollies were allowed which was a relief for a number of the BEGS players. Considering all the recent poor weather, the course was in great condition, with good greens that proved a challenge to gauge for speed. There were a few squidgy parts, which not a surprise, it certainly played long but overall it was a great challenge and very enjoyable.
The first group comprised 2 rookies (Will & Sam from HRP) playing with Nick Perry. Competition in this group was keen and the rookies did very well on their first outing, with Will winning the longest drive on the 18th - it was not possible to measure it because it ended in a different post code than the tee box, my second shot got close to where his drive ended…The next 2 groups were seasoned campaigners with ex Prezza Bob playing Kevin & Knightsie, who was his usual accurate self and nailed the nearest the pin. The final 3 ball was Ravsey, Malcolm Walker & Neil Harper who was the match manager, the wily Ravs beating his 2 playing partners. The 4 ball groups were headed by Hon Treasurer Coxy playing with vice captain Trevor Marsh, Hon Sec Penders and Jonathan Bird. Coxy scored the best of the group but not well enough to take home any trophies. Next off were James Greenley, Andrew Pearson, Paul Evans & Les Hayes, who all found the course a challenge but still scored respectably for a season opener. Which left the final group of defending Gold Cup champion Jeremy Brewer ex Baltic CEO Jeremy Penn (winner of Gold Cup 2019), Malcolm Stephenson & Mike McKiernan (winner of Gold Cup 2014), with Jeremy Brewer scoring the highest of the group.
Overall winner was Will Hardman with a creditable 36 pts, closely followed by Mark Ravs & Jeremy Brewer both on 34. Mark won the Veteran’s trophy for best score aged over 60 on a countback. The best Oldie (age 45-60) was David Knights so another trophy to go with his nearest the pin prize. The best YBA player was Will, but he felt so embarrassed at winning the overall and longest drive that the best YBA prize went to 2nd place score of 32 pts by his work colleague Sam. The final trophy was for longest drive in the rough which was won by Nick Perry, who narrowly avoided winning the Spring green Baltic golf shirt that is very popular with the bugs in Thorpeness!
Well done to all the players who took part, especially the 2 rookies. Many thanks to Neil Harper for arranging the day, as well as to Thorndon Park for being such excellent hosts and proving a course in great condition and some good food as well.
Next year’s Spring Meeting is already booked for 8 March 2024 @ West Kent golf club