Weather improves, but golfers face new challenges

Big-hitting Todd White, off his handicap of four, came out on top in division one with a superb score of 69, resulting in his handicap reducing to three.

In second place on 70 was former club captain Sean Gallagher, who also earned a handicap reduction. Chris Strudwick started his year well with a score of 71 and third place on countback from Howard Kasey and Hamish Reid.

Division two was won on countback by senior Chris Hutchings with 66, equalling the best score of the day and building on his good round in the seniors’ Captain’s Prize.

In second place, also on 66, was Lee Pay, with both players having their handicaps reduced to 13.

Richard Whitcomb finished third with 70. Steve Hathaway continued his excellent form from 2015, posting an excellent 66, and continues to reduce his handicap to 17.

Leading scores: Div 1 - 69 Todd White; 70 Sean Gallagher; 71 Chris Strudwick, Howard Kasey and Hamish Reid. Div 2: 66 Chris Hutchings, Lee Pay; 70 Richard Whitcomb; 72 Justin Thorpe; 73 Nick Sampson and Mick Fillary. Div 3: 66 Steve Hathaway; 70 J.Green ; 72 Dave Fowler; 73 Eric Morrish.

Cowdray Park seniors held their February Stableford on a bright and sunny day.

The field was smaller than usual – a number of players had gone to sunnier climes, while others were absent through illness or injury.

Despite it appearing an ideal day for a game of winter golf, the scoring was surprisingly low, with less than 50 per cent scoring more than 30 points, while only one player, Frank Cheevers, achieved a two to scoop the whole prize pot which he donated to the captain’s charity.

As if to prove the difficulty of the day, the competition standard scratch score increased from 69 to 71.

Some players were able to make the most of the bright dry day, with three players in division one all vying for first place with 38 points.

Veteran Terry Jasper took pride of place on countback from David Balfour and Paul Owen.

In division two, playing only his second game of 2016, the powerful figure of Mel Milburn led from an early stage, showing that absence caused by the bad weather had not diminished his ability, and he took first place with 37 points.

John Renwick took second spot with 36, building on his recent good round in the Captain’s Prize. Another early starter, Mark Kelly, claimed third place with 35 points.

The Chestnut Tree Hospice netted a total of £145 on the day.

Leading scores - Div 1 - 38 Terry Jasper, David Balfour, Paul Owen; 36 Ian Heustice; 34 Mick Fillary, John Newman, Frank Cheevers. Div 2 - 37 Mel Milburn; 36 John Renwick; 35 Mark Kelly; 33 Colin Tebbutt, Bernie May.

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