Seniors Section 2024 Results

SENIORS SECTION COMPETITION RESULTS 2024

This page gives access to all of the Seniors results for trophy and medal competitions, events and matches held in 2024.

Tuesday 10^th December – give and take and Xmas lunch

In conjunction with the Ron Waters Shield, the annual give-and-take meant competitors selecting from a table full of prizes contributed by their peers. Called up in descending order of points achieved, John Ireland had first dibs, the contents of the table gradually diminishing until the final prize was collected. All seemed pleased with their selection.

There then followed a putting competition which 38 entered paying £1 each, with profits going to Captain Pickering’s charity “Testwood Lakes Sailability”. The first round required competitors to place 1 of 3 balls in the furthest section of the putting mat; something most managed to achieve. Round two required 2 balls to end up in the penultimate area, a more difficult task which separated many of the men from the boys! In round 3, all 3 balls needed to finish in the final section again and this whittled the field down to just Ken Scott and Colin Bailey who then entered a sudden death playoff where one ball had to end up inside a golf hole size circle at the far end of the mat.  Colin achieved this at his first attempt while Ken came close, but not quite close enough.  In the true spirit of Christmas, both donated their prizes to the charity. Well done guys!

Colin Bailey’s winning putt

The Christmas lunch that followed was excellent. With a main consisting of three meats, numerous vegetables, Yorkshire and stuffing, it seemed there would be little room left for dessert, but as everyone knows, we all have two stomachs and there’s always room for pudding!

Thank you Bridget, Nicky, Anna and everyone who helped round off a great day with such delicious fare.

Our wonderful catering team

Various tokens of our appreciation were presented to Bridget, Nicky and their teams, along with greenkeepers Ian and John. Steve Lupton was also recognised for his excellent work as Seniors Section Secretary for the past four years.

Finally, the winner of the best Christmas Jumper competition this year was ex-Captain Scott, with Steve Waterman taking second place.

Ken Scott in elf and safety gear, and not so Secret Santa Steve Waterman

Tuesday 10^th December – Ron Waters Shield

45 Seniors played for the Ron Waters Shield, a 10 hole stableford competition which normally precedes the Seniors AGM.  Postponed due to the heavy snow 3 weeks earlier, many still found conditions this time quite challenging because of the wind chill caused by a brisk northerly breeze.  With 22 points on his card, John Ireland led the field to win the shield.  But everybody was a winner with it also being the annual give-and-take where all competitors contribute a prize.

1^st John Ireland
2^nd Phil Walker, Rob Young and Steve Waterman

John Pickering presenting the Ron Waters Shield to John Ireland

 Sunday 1^st December – Captains Drive-in

Early rain gave way to quite mild and fortunately dry weather as the new captains gathered for this traditional annual event.  Seniors Captain John Pickering played an excellent drive down the first fairway that surely would have resulted in a birdie had he been able to follow up with a shot onto the green!

Friday 29^th November – Sophie’s Legacy Cheque Presentation

Today, Seniors’ ex Captain Ken Scott made the formal presentation of a cheque for £4,000 to Sophie’s Legacy founder Charlotte Fairall at their headquarters in Segensworth.  Formed to fulfil the wishes of her daughter who tragically succumbed to cancer in 2021 at the age of 10, the money will go towards providing essential supplies and support to families of children in hospital.  A great total collected over the past year for a really worthwhile charity.

Ken continues to be involved in the charity having volunteered to be one of their drivers transporting food and other provisions to the many hospitals supplied by this great charity.

Well done Ken and well done Seniors on such a magnificent result.

More details about Sophie’s Legacy can be found here

Thursday 21^st November – Seniors AGM

The Seniors AGM should have been preceded by the 10 hole Ron Waters Shield, but just as the Seniors started, so did the snow.  Within a few minutes in what became almost a blizzard, and unable to feel their fingers because of the cold, the Seniors abandoned the competition just as the siren sounded closing the course.

The AGM itself was well attended.  All stood for a few moments silence in memory of Jim Worsley and Lionel Burns.  Retiring Seniors Captain Ken Scott gave a short speech highlighting the successes of the year which included taking second place in the Quadrilateral at Salisbury and South Wilts, and getting some excellent results in the friendly matches.  The most important achievement was the £4,000 that the Seniors donated to Sophie’s Legacy, a charity that Ken not only adopted as his Captain’s charity, but for which he now spends much of his time volunteering.

Treasurer Rob Young presented the accounts for the year which are in good shape (many thanks to Alan Clark for auditing).  Competition Secretary Richard Hammond reviewed the Seniors’ activities – attendances are similar to last year with the peak being 54, and 81 Seniors attending at least once.

The Seniors Committee is changing.  Along with the changes to Captain (John Pickering) and Vice Captain (Phil Kilburn), Ian Coundon replaces Steve Lupton as Secretary and Chris Bennett becomes Competition Secretary with Richard Hammond staying on as a Committee Member.

Before the meeting finished, 2024 Captain Scott presented the traditional match shirt to 2025 Captain John Pickering along with the briefcase Jim Worsley donated a few years ago for use by Seniors Captains.

Friday 1^st November – Sophie’s Legacy

Seniors Captain Ken Scott received the following letter from Sophie’s Legacy, his charity for the year.  The amount donated by the Seniors Section came to a magnificent £4,000.

Thursday 31^st October – Mark Hooper Memorial Trophy

43 Seniors turned up for this penultimate trophy competition of the year.  Played in memory of a much missed Senior who always wanted the fun to stay in golf, in addition to the main trophy this competition also features a nearest the pin on the 129 yard 13^th hole that requires players to use their putters from the tee.  The weather stayed dry and quite warm and although quite cloudy, course conditions were very good.  Steve Duckett won the nearest the pin trophy for the second year running with a putt that ended up on the green just 15 yards away from the flag.  Division 1’s Mike Broom and Ian Coundon from Division 2 both scored an excellent 40 points, but with 23 on the back 9, Ian just edged ahead to win the Mark Hooper Salver.  Peter Harvey, a great friend of Mark and his family, joined in the competition and also arranged for everyone to enjoy an after-match Sausage and Chips, a great favourite of Mark’s.

Division 1

1^st Mike Broom – 40 pts (back 9=22)
2^nd Laurie Burn – 36 pts (back 9=20)
3^rd Graham Wyatt – 36 pts (back 9=19, back 6=13)
4^th Steve Duckett – 36 pts (back 9=19, back 6=12)
(Commiserations to Phil Walker also with 36 pts but only 18 pts on the back 9)

Division 2

1^st Ian Coundon – 40 pts (back 9=23)
2^nd Mik Jarmolowicz – 37 pts
3^rd Steve Waterman – 35 pts (back 9=19)
4^th Dave Barrett – 35 pts (back 9=18)
(Commiserations to Charlie von Landau and Trevor Davies also with 35 pts but only 17 pts on the back 9)

Peter Harvey (centre) with Ian Coundon and Steve Duckett

Tuesday 29^th October – Trophy Winners Vase and Reg Little Cup

The final qualifying tournament of the Seniors’ main individual trophies for the year featured two separate competitions.  The Trophy Winners Vase, a strokeplay competition off the white tees open to those New Forest Golf Club Seniors who have won an individual trophy or medal, this year attracted 20 of those eligible to compete. The Reg Little Cup is for those who have not won any such trophy and 23 Seniors played in this Stableford competition again off the white tees.  The weather was dull but warm and dry for the 43 players making playing conditions almost perfect and although just nine scored par or better, several others came close.  In the Trophy Winners competition, Chris Angell streaked ahead of the field with 11 pars and 3 birdies to finish 6 under par with nett 63.  The Reg Little Cup was won by Paul Chambers with a very commendable 40 stableford points.  Neil Edmondson won nearest the pin on the 2^nd, apparently the only person able to find the green!

Trophy Winners Vase

1^st Chris Angell – nett 63
2^nd Mik Jarmolowicz – nett 66
3^rd Dave Jones – nett 67 (back 9=38, back 6=20)
4^th Phil Kilburn – nett 67 (back 9=38, back 6=22)

Reg Little Cup

1^st Paul Chambers – 40 pts
2^nd Alan Milburn – 36 pts (back 9=22 pts)
3^rd Hugh Marchant – 36 pts (back 9=21 pts)
4^th Mike Stevenson – 35 pts (back 9=21 pts)
Commiserations to Jeff Hewett also with 35 pts but only 17 points on the back 9.

Chris Angell and Paul Chambers

Thursday 24^th October – match vs Southampton (home)

What brilliant weather for this last match of the 2024 season.  Delayed from its usual March date because of the weather, it was great to have such a warm sunny day this late in the year.  It was also great to see that the Southampton team included one woman golfer,  Thanchanok Lucas, giving us the second opportunity to try out the gender neutral tee course and slope ratings off the yellow tees.  That match was extremely hard fought, the Southampton duo gaining an early lead.  The New Forest pair fought back bravely and even managed to get one ahead, but ultimately Thanch’s very steady play won out and Southampton won by 2 holes.  Fortunately this was the only match to go Southampton’s way and New Forest finished comfortably ahead 5-1.  Nicky’s sausage roll, beans and chips rounded off what was a perfect day.

Wednesday 23^rd October – Ladies and Seniors

10 Ladies and 10 Seniors were paired up to play in this ever popular Pinehurst/Chapman event whereby both players in each team tee off, next play each other’s ball then choose the one in the best position to play alternate shots to the hole.  Despite early chill and fog, the weather was extremely kind and eventually quite warm.  All thoroughly enjoyed the competition and company with some great scores being achieved.

1^st Ann Spurrett and Paul Chambers – 52.4 nett
2^nd Loraine Nelson and Hugh Marchant – 59.1 nett
3^rd Lesley Lloyd and Dave Jones – 59.6 nett

Prizes were provided by Seniors Captain Ken Scott and Nicky’s excellent sandwiches and chips rounded off a perfect day.

Tuesday 22^nd October – Always the Raffle

Today we bid a fond farewell to Colin Chatten who has kept our raffles stocked twice a week for more than 7 years.  He has been a stalwart member of New Forest Golf Club Seniors for 18 years but now has to leave for family reasons.  He will continue to play golf at Highcliffe Castle so hopefully we can keep in touch with him there.

All the very best Colin, and Thank You for the raffles and for your friendship.

Tuesday 22^nd October – Sam Mates Trophy

44 Seniors turned up in seasonably chilly but sunny weather for this strokeplay competition off the white tees.  Rescheduled from the previous month due to very wet weather, it was rather a shame that the rain caught everyone out in the closing stages of the competition, but nevertheless all completed the course with some good scores being achieved.  Division 1’s Chris Angell came in with 9 pars and 1 birdie for nett 68, but in Division 2, John Pickering just inched ahead with nett 67 to win the trophy. Nearest the pin on the 13^th was won by Neil Archibald.

Division 1

1^st Chris Angell – nett 68
2^nd Mike Broom – nett 69
3^rd Barry Nicholas – nett 70 (back 9=32)
4^th Ken Scott – nett 70 (back 9=33)
Commiserations to Steve Duckett also with nett 70 but back 9=35)

Division 2

1^st John Pickering – nett 67
2^nd Colin Bailey – nett 68 (back 9=32 back 6=21)
3^rd Dave Titchmarsh – nett 68 (back 9=32 back 6=23)
4^th Ian Tyrrell – nett 70

John Pickering with the Sam Mates Trophy

Tuesday 15^th October – match vs Highcliffe Castle (home)

With a pony drift scheduled for the area, the course had to be closed all morning and hence the start of this match was delayed until after noon.  Instead of an after match meal, Nicky’s delicious sausage rolls, chips and beans were served before the match. So fortified, the 6 groups sallied forth in initially dull but dry weather.  The sun made a few appearances however a stiff breeze kept the temperature down, but that did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm and enjoyment of the match.  The day ended in a very fair 3 – 3 draw and we all look forward to meeting up next year.

Thursday 10^th October – Hyundai Trophy

Although initially the weather looked to be turning worse as the Seniors embarked on this strokeplay competition off the white tees, it stayed dry and the sun even made an appearance towards the end.  With the ground softening considerably following recent storms, scoring was quite difficult with just the top two in each division achieving par or better. Mike Broom did extremely well getting nearest the pin on the 16^th and heading Division 1, but it was Division 2’s Colin Bailey who emerged winner overall to take the Hyundai Trophy with nett 66.

Division 1

1^st Mike Broom – nett 68
2^nd Brian Roberts – nett 69
3^rd Steve Waterman – nett 70
4^th Phil Kilburn – nett 71 (back 9=32)
Commiserations to Phil Walker also with nett 71 but back 9=35

Division 2

1^st Colin Bailey – nett 66
2^nd Pete Ayers – nett 69
3^rd Hugh Marchant – nett 71 (back 9=31)
4^th Neil Edmondson – nett 71 (back 9=35)

Colin Bailey with the Hyundai Trophy

Tuesday 8^th October – Jim Burgess Shield

Today we welcomed Club Captain Tom Morris as he joined 33 other Seniors starting out on this stableford competition off the yellow tees. However just 15 (including Tom!) carried on to the end as downpour after downpour swept the course.  Despite the weather and 18 temporary greens, several good scores were achieved, including two outstanding ones.  Robin Swanston in Division 1 carded what all thought must be an unbeatable 40 points, but at the very last moment Charlie von Landau came in with a brilliant 42 points to head Division 2 and win the shield.  Nearest the pin on the 2^nd was won by Hugh Marchant (who it must be said stayed reasonably dry having only played 4 holes!).

Division 1

1^st Robin Swanston – 40 pts
2^nd Brian Roberts – 37 pts
3^rd Phil Walker – 36 pts

Division 2

1^st Charlie von Landau – 42 pts
2^nd Ian Johnston – 31 pts
3^rd Rob Young – 29 pts

Charlie von Landau with the Jim Burgess Shield

Thursday 3^rd October – match vs Osborne (home)

It was great to greet our good friends from Osborne on such a bright and sunny day.  Despite several of the New Forest team having just played in the previous day’s match, the standard of golf was excellent and New Forest emerged 6-0 winners.  But it was not the winning that mattered.  More important was the great atmosphere of camaraderie and banter that accompanied the play, and we look forward with anticipation to next year’s matches.

Thursday 3^rd October – Des Harvey Trophy

With 12 Seniors playing in the home match against Osborne, a slightly smaller group of 31 Seniors played this strokeplay competition off the yellow tees.  In the bright autumnal weather many excellent scores were returned, Brian Roberts’ nett 67 heading Division 1.  However it was in Division 2 that Dave Titchmarsh finished 5 strokes ahead of the opposition with a brilliant nett 64 to win the trophy.  Nearest the pin on the 13th was won by Chris Angell.

Division 1

1^st Brian Roberts – 67 nett
2^nd Steve Horn – 68 nett
3^rd Andy Homes – 69 nett

Division 2

1^st Dave Titchmarsh – 64 nett
2^nd Richard Hammond – 69 nett (back 9=30)
3^rd Trevor Davies – 69 nett (back 9=34)
Commiserations to Dave Stredder also with 69 nett but 35 on the back 9

Dave Titchmarsh with the Des Harvey Trophy

Wednesday 2^nd October – match vs Bramshott Hill (home)

In definitely more Autumnal conditions, history has been made. 

It was not just the final score line New Forest 5 – Bramshott Hill 1, although that was quite an achievement in itself.

No.  It was that finally, 8 years after joining the Seniors Section, Gill Wright was able to play in a four ball better ball match on equal footing off the same tees as everyone else.

Gender Neutral Tees (what a horrible term – why not call them Equal Opportunity Tees?) officially comes into play in November, but with the Seniors one short for this friendly home match, Gill very kindly re-arranged her plans and stepped in at the last minute giving the Seniors the opportunity to try out the GNTs (no – not that sort of G&T!).

Previously, Gill would have been expected to either play off the red tees despite the different stroke indexes on several holes and lower par figures on 10 and 17.  Alternatively she could play off the yellows using her red course handicap with a couple of extra shots added as a ‘courtesy’.  Neither of these solutions have proved completely satisfactory in previous years’ Winter Leagues.

So, armed with November’s GNT course sheets, Gill’s WHS index of 17.0 giving her a Yellow Course Handicap of 18.5 (instead of 16 off the reds), Gill played a superb round (very occasionally helped by her playing partner!) to win their match 2&1. It was very clear that the number of shots received by each person in this four ball better ball group was just about right.

So, quietly, without fuss, history has been made and New Forest Golf Club Seniors’ reputation for being fully inclusive, welcoming everyone regardless of gender, is now further strengthened by everyone finally being able to play on a completely equal footing.

As for Wednesday’s match as a whole, New Forest did really well to win 5-1 despite four of the opposing pairs containing a player receiving anything from 10 to 16 shots!  This success was rounded off perfectly as all retired to the clubhouse to enjoy well earned refreshments and excellent fare provided by Nicky, Bridget and their teams.

Tuesday 1^st October – October Medals

Although initially quite chilly, bright sunshine welcomed 40 New Forest Seniors as they embarked on this final monthly medal round of the 2024 season. Recent rain meant the ball not rolling quite so far but still many scored close to par.  In Division 1, just a single shot separated the top 4 places, while in Division 2, Wayne Niles emerged 2 strokes ahead of the opposition.

Division 1

1^st Steve Lupton – 69 nett (back 9=32)
2^nd Paul Chambers – 69 nett (back 9=33)
3^rd Ross Matthews – 70 nett (back 9=32, back 6=21)
4^th Phil Walker – 70 nett (back 9-32, back 6=22)

Division 2

1^st Wayne Niles – 68 nett
2^nd Frank Lockley – 70 nett
3^rd Dave Titchmarsh – 71 nett (back 9-31)
4^th Neil Edmondson – 71 nett (back 9=35)

Medal winners Steve Lupton and Wayne Niles

Thursday 26^th September – match vs Ferndown Forest (away)

On a very wet and often windy day, 12 Seniors travelled into deepest Dorset for this first away match against Ferndown Forest.  Despite the weather conditions, they managed to achieve a very rare 4½ – 1½ away win.  Meanwhile back at New Forest, the few remaining Seniors were entertained by an amazing double rainbow – yes it was raining here as well!

Tuesday 24^th September – match vs Christchurch (home)

On a mostly overcast day with occasional drops of rain, a team of 12 from Christchurch arrived in good time despite the roadworks at the top of Lyndhurst High Street.  Tree works on the course meant only 16 holes were in play but that did not detract from the enjoyment of the day.  In a very friendly and good natured atmosphere, New Forest managed a 4½ – 1½ win, Nicky and her team rounding off the day with excellent fare of sandwiches and chips.  Looking forward to another round next year (both golf and sandwiches!).

Thursday 12^th September – Jack Langford Trophy

In bright sunny but distinctly chillier weather, 29 Seniors made very careful club selections before embarking on this strokeplay competition off the yellow tees.  The trophy rules require each player to carry just 3 clubs, one of which must be their putter.  Despite this restriction, a number of quite low scores were achieved making one wonder why we all carry around so much stuff most of the time.  Wayne Niles pipped everyone to the post with an excellent nett 69 to win the Jack Langford Trophy.  Steve Waterman won nearest the pin on hole 13.

Division 1

1^st Chris Bennett 70 nett
2^nd Mike Fawcett 72 nett (back 9=35, back 6=21)
3^rd Steve Duckett 72 nett (back 9=35, back 6=23)

Division 2

1^st Wayne Niles 69 nett
2^nd Colin Chatten 70 nett
3^rd Colin Bailey 74 nett

Wayne Niles with the Jack Langford Trophy

Tuesday 10^th September – September Monthly Medals

With the club’s flag flying at half mast, 38 New Forest Golf Club Seniors held a minute’s silence in memory of the much missed Jim Worsley before starting off in distinctly autumnal weather to compete for the September monthly medals.  Despite quite heavy cloud, the weather remained dry and around a quarter of the players ended with nett scores of 70 or better.   The top 3 positions in Division 1 were very close with Steve Lupton ending on top with nett 66.  In Division 2, although 2^nd and 3^rd places were decided on countback, there was no doubt at all about the medal winner as Mik Jarmolowicz finished 7 clear strokes ahead.  Charlie Tabor won the prize for nearest the pin on the 2nd.

Division 1

1^st Steve Lupton 66 nett
2^nd Phil Kilburn 67 nett
3^rd Steve Duckett 68 nett
4^th Chris Hughes 70 nett (back 9=32)
(Commiserations to Mike Fawcett also with nett 70 but back 9=34)

Division 2

1^st Mik Jarmolowicz 63 nett
2^nd Dave Titchmarsh 70 nett (back 9=31)
3^rd Ted Groves 70 nett (back 9=33)
4^th John Holland 70 nett (back 9=36)

Medal Winners Steve Lupton and Mik Jarmolowicz

Friday 6^th September – Jim Worsley

It was with great sadness that we heard the news that Jim Worsley died today following a short illness.

Jim joined the Seniors in 2018 and soon became one of the most popular characters in the section.  During his time with the Seniors, Jim played in many matches both on the mainland and on the Seniors Isle of Wight tours.  He was an able participant in the annual Seniors Quadrilaterals, and winner in many competitions.  His name appears a number of times in the Seniors History of Trophies:

2018 Cyril Ash Memorial Cup
2018 Jim Burgess Shield
2019 Pairs Aggregate Cup with Rob Hughes
2019 Mark Hooper Memorial Trophy including nearest the pin with putter on 13th
2020 Mick Wheeler Winter League Trophy with Laurie Burn
2021 Sandy Sanders Trophy
2022 We Four Trophy with Brian Roberts, Graham Fearis and John Ireland

Jim was perhaps most renowned for knowing that it was brandy o’clock somewhere in the world.  His call “There’s always the raffle” perfectly summed up his attitude to life, that no matter the obstacles, there would always be something positive to look forward to.

He is already greatly missed.

Tuesday 3^rd and Thursday 5^th September – Seniors Championship

43 Seniors entered this two-round competition, the first day dawning dull but dry and warm with brief spells of sunshine.  The Champions Cup is for the player with the best gross total over the two days.  The Sandy Sanders Trophy goes to the player with the best nett score.  At the end of day 1, Steve Duckett was comfortably ahead of all the field with gross 73 and Charlie Tabor led the nett competition with nett 63.  Nearest the pin on 11^th was Chris Bennett.

Round 2 on Thursday was a totally different set of conditions. Early light rain deteriorated into a steady downpour and the 39 who started were rapidly whittled down to just 28 stalwarts at the finish.  Steve Duckett extended his lead, carding a gross 76 to win the Championship Cup for the eighth year running.

The Sandy Sanders Trophy was won by Charlie Tabor who retained his lead from the first round by finishing with a very creditable nett 70 and a grand total of 133. Nearest the pin in 2 on 18^th was won by Andy Homes.

Champions Cup (Gross)

1^st Steve Duckett 73+76 = 149
2^nd Dave Jones 85+76 = 161
3^rd Gary Hayes 82+81 = 163
4^th Chris Angell 77 + 88 = 165

Sandy Sanders Trophy (Nett)

1^st Charlie Tabor 63+70 = 133 nett
2^nd Mik Jarmolowicz 67+69 = 136 nett
3^rd Terry Gordon 66+72 = 138 nett
4^th Phil Walker 68+72 = 140 nett

Seniors Champion Steve Duckett

Charlie Tabor with the Sandy Sanders Trophy

Thursday 29^th August – Captains Challenge Trophy

53 Seniors turned up on another perfect golfing day for this team stableford off the white tees.  Fourteen teams, each one led by a current or past Seniors Captain (or stand-in) played with the best 3 scores out of 4 counting towards the team total.  With the odd number of competitors leaving three teams with just 3 players, one player in rotation played two balls.

The top two teams each scored 124 points with Alan Clark’s team winning on countback.

1^st Alan Clark, Andy Homes, John Ireland, Chris Hughes – 124 pts (back 9=70)
2^nd Richard Hammond, Charlie Hughes, Andy Godwin, Pete Ayers – 124 pts (back 9=64)

Winning team (l-r) John Ireland, Past Captain Alan Clark, Andy Homes, Chris Hughes

Dave Scott won the prize for nearest the pin on the 13^th.

Tuesday 27^th August – Cyril Ash Memorial Cup

54 Seniors turned up on a perfect golfing day with the sun shining brightly for the Cyril Ash Memorial Cup, a singles stableford competition off the white tees.  As the weather warmed up so did the standard of play.  There were several scores in the high 30s and four competitors broke through the 40 point barrier.  In Division 1, Neil Archibald achieved a very respectable 40 points with 9 pars and a birdie on his card but it was Division 2’s Ian Johnston who came out on top with a brilliant 43 points to win the Cyril Ash Memorial Cup.

Division 1

1^st Neil Archibald 40 pts
2^nd Andrew Godwin 38 pts
3^rd Barry Nicholas 37 pts

Division 2

1^st Ian Johnston 43 pts
2^nd John Pickering 42 pts
3^rd Ian Coundon 40 pts

Ian Coundon also won the prize for nearest the pin on the 11^th.

Ian Johnston with the Cyril Ash Memorial Cup

Thursday 22^nd August – match vs Burley (away)

On an unseasonably wet day, New Forest lost at Burley 1½ – 4½.

Thursday 22^nd August – Lionel Burns

At a very moving Service of Thanksgiving, a small group from NFGC joined Lionel’s extended family at New Forest Crematorium to bid a final farewell to this true gentleman who retired from golf a couple of years ago having been a member at New Forest Golf Club for 50 years.

Lionel will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him as someone who was a pleasure to play with.

Over the years his name appeared on many trophies

1993 Centenary Bowl
1996 Centenary Captains Cup
2002 Frampton Cup
2004 Chandler Cup with Ray Hurst
2014 Sages Trophy
2014 Sam Mates Trophy
2014 Jim Burgess Shield
2015 Seniors Section qualifier for the Reavely Chain
2017 We Four Trophy with Alan Stevens, Malcolm Guy and Chris Webb
2018 Stuffing Plaque
2019 Millennium Shield
2021 Stuffing Plaque (again)

Tuesday 20^th August – match vs Ferndown Forest (home)

The weather stayed dry despite dark clouds gathering halfway through this inaugural friendly match against a great team from Ferndown Forest Golf Club.  Despite the final scoreline of New Forest 6 – Ferndown Forest 0, all agreed they had really enjoyed the day, with the presence of ponies enhancing the experience.  Nicky’s sandwiches and chips rounded off the day perfectly and we now look forward with anticipation to playing the return match on their course later in the year.

Monday 19^th August – match vs Christchurch (away)

In much cooler and rather overcast weather, the team of 11 Seniors did extremely well, holding Christchurch to an away 3-3 draw.  The after match repast consisted of more or less all you could eat Pizza and chips.  An excellent day and we look forward to hosting the return match in just over a month’s time.

Thursday 15^th August – Members Day

48 Seniors turned up in unexpectedly damp and overcast weather.  Fortunately very little rain fell, but increasing wind speed made conditions quite difficult at times.  The competition which is now in its second year, featured a Pinehurst/Chapman Strokeplay format using 50% of each pair’s aggregate course handicaps, competing for the Members Day Claret Jug.  In addition to the trophy, there were several other prizes including nearest the pins on four of the holes.

The competition was surprisingly close, all 4 winning pairs ending up with the same 59 nett score, but Dave Barrett and Terry Jones emerged winners with their brilliant back 9 score of just 24 nett.

1^st Dave Barrett and Terry Jones nett 59 (back 9=24)
2^nd Barry Nicholas and Neil Edmondson nett 59 (back 9=26)
3^rd Steve Duckett and Mike Wharton nett 59 (back 9=28, back 6=18, back 3=10)
4^th Pete Bennett and Phil Walker nett 59 (back 0=28, back 6=18, back 3=11)

Nearest the pin winners were:

Hole 2 – Ken Scott
Hole 11 – Chris Bennett
Hole 13 – Trevor Davies
Hole 17 – Chris Angell

Top line – Winners and nearest the pins. Bottom line – 2nd, 3rd and 4th places

After the competition, all enjoyed excellent fare of burger or hotdog with chips paid for out of Seniors Section’s funds.

Tuesday 13^th August – Humphries Cup

Two days after the Mens section played for the Humphries Cup it was the turn of the Seniors.  45 turned up in what started out as refreshingly cooler weather to try and better the target of nett 63 set by Brian Doswell at the weekend.  With the white tees positioned as far back as they could possibly go, it was going to be a tall order.  Division 2’s Frank Lockley came close with a great round of nett 66, but in Division 1, Graham Wyatt’s 12 pars and nothing higher than a bogey resulted in a magnificent seven under par nett 62, to win the Humphries Cup which will be presented to him at the Club AGM later in the year.

Nearest the pin on hole 14 was won by Chris Hughes.

Division 1

1^st Graham Wyatt nett 62
2^nd Andrew Godwin nett 66 (back 9=30, back 6=18)
3^rd Ross Matthews nett 66 (back 9=30, back 6=19)
4^th Steve Duckett nett 66 (back 9=32)
(NB Steve’s round did not count towards the cup having already played for it at the weekend)

Division 2

1^st Frank Lockley nett 66
2^nd Ted Groves nett 68
3^rd John Ireland nett 69
4^th Phil Kilburn nett 70 (back 9=32)
Commiserations to Mike Wharton also with nett 70 but 33 on the back 9.

Graham Wyatt, winner of the Humphries Cup 2024

Tuesday 6^th – Thursday 8^th August – Seniors Tour

Twenty two Seniors went to Dorset Golf and Country Park for their annual tour. The complex comprised of three 9-hole courses, hotel and chalet accommodation together with a large club house with restaurant, bar and Pro Shop.

On the first day, Tuesday, a two ball better ball competition was played on the Lakeland and Parkland courses. The golfers soon realised they needed to be accurate on the fairways to avoid the water and bunker hazards. Scoring was very tight with 5 teams coming in with 40 stableford points. Count back was required to determine the result.

1^st Jeff Hewitt & David Holt, 40pts with 23 on the back 9
2^nd Neil Archibald & Mike Ahearn, 40pts with 20 on the back 9 and 16pts on the back 6
3^rd Alan Clark and Steve Lupton, 40 pts with 20 on the back 9 however 11pts on the back 6.

Nearest the pin holes were won by Dave Holt and Phil Kilburn

On the Wednesday we were to play the Woodland and Lakeland courses. Both the bar staff and the starter issued the same advice, keep the driver in the bag after the first hole. These   wise words were followed by most however the narrow fairways of the Woodland course lined with large Rhododendron bushes punished many a wayward tee shot. The competition was a pairs aggregate scored on a stableford basis, scores were much more open than the previous day.

1^st Trevor Davies & Wayne Niles, 59pts
2^nd Malcolm Guy & Jeff Hewitt, 57pts
3^rd Steve Lupton & Steve Waterman, 56pts with 26pts on the back 9
4^th Alan Clarke & Mike Wharton, 56pts with 25pts on the back 9

Nearest the pin competitions were won by Trevor Davies and Robin Swanston.

On the final day the format was an individual stableford competition, we were playing for ‘The Rocky Trophy’ in acknowledgement of Rocky Fearis who had organised the previous tours. We played the Lakeland and Parkland courses, however, the conditions were not as favourable as the previous days, there was a heavy drizzle which lasted the whole round. Due to the conditions scoring was not as strong as may have been expected and unfortunately there were a few retirements.

1^st Mike Ahearn, 35pts
2^nd Malcolm Guy, 32pts with 16pts on the back 9 and 7pts on the back 3
3^rd Mike Wharton, 32pts with 16pts on the 9 and 6pts on the back 3
4^th Neil Archibald, 32pts with 16pts on the back 9 and 11pts on the back 6
5^th Wayne Niles, 30pts with 16pts on the back 9
6^th Ian Coundon, 30pts with 13pts on the back 9
7^th Alan Clark, 29pts.

Nearest the pin prizes were won by Dave Holt and Alan Clark.

Dorset Golf and Country Golf Park was a fantastic venue which was enjoyed by all. The accommodation and food were excellent, and the three courses were challenging but not too punishing. Certainly a place to consider for future tours.

Mike Ahearn winner of the Rocky Trophy

Tuesday 6^th August – Lottie Sefton Trophy

With 2 dozen away on the annual Seniors Tour, the rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the 27 Seniors who completed this stableford competition off the white tees.  Nearest the pin on the 2^nd was won by Steve Duckett and although Laurie Burn’s 13 pars and 2 birdies ensured he led Division 1, this was not quite good enough to challenge Division 2’s John Ireland who ended with an excellent 42 points to win the Lottie Sefton Trophy.

Division 1

1^st Laurie Burn 40 pts
2^nd Chris Bennett 36 pts (back 9=20, back 6=14, back 3=9)
3^rd Chris Angell 36 pts (back 9=20, back 6=14, back 3=8)

Division 2

1^st John Ireland 42 Pts
2^nd Charlie von Landau 38 pts
3^rd John Holland 36 pts

John Ireland with the Lottie Sefton Trophy

Thursday 1^st August – August monthly medals

Surprisingly cool and damp weather initially greeted the 42 Seniors competing for the August monthly medals.  The weather soon changed with the temperature soaring as the sun broke through.  Nearest the pin in 2 on the 18^th was won by Chris Angell whose second shot ended up in the hole for an eagle 2.  Having also carded a further 8 pars and 2 birdies, Chris won the Division 1 medal 3 strokes ahead of his nearest opponents, while Trevor Davies won the Division 2 medal on countback.

Division 1

1^st Chris Angell – 64 nett
2^nd Terry Gordon – 67 nett (back 9=28)
3^rd Hugh Marchant – 67 nett (back 9=34)
4^th Neil Archibald – 67 nett (back 9=37)

Division 2

1^st Trevor Davies – 65 nett (back 9=29)
2^nd Rob Young – 65 nett (back 9=32, back 6=21)
3^rd Dave Stredder – 65 nett (back 9=32, back 6=22)
4^th Charlie von Landau – 66 nett

Medal Winners (l-r) Chris Angell and Trevor Davies

Tuesday 30^th July – Captains Day

Seniors Captain’s day dawned bright and warm as 53 turned up to play in a singles stableford competition with a twist.  A child’s putter – not much longer than a couple of feet, had been placed alongside the second green with the stipulation that all shots on that green had to be taken using this implement.  Somewhat predictably, several people 3 or even 4 putted from quite short distances, although a few did manage what were quite creditable putts under the conditions.

Captain Ken Scott provided all the prizes with 1^st – 6^th places in both divisions plus nearest the pin prizes on hole 13 won by Barry Nicholas, and nearest in two on hole 15 won by Jeff Hewett with a perfect shot that ended up in the hole for an eagle 2.

Division 1:

1^st Paul Chambers 44 pts
2^nd Phil Walker 42 pts
3^rd Roy Nelson 38 pts
4^th Chris Angell 36 pts (back 9=20)
5^th Barry Nicholas 36 pts (back 9=19)
6^th Chris Bennett 36 pts (back 9=18)

Division 2:

1^st Mik Jarmolowicz 46 pts
2^nd Dave Stredder 41 pts
3^rd Frank Lockley 36 pts (back 9=21, back 6=15)
4^th Rob Young 36 pts (back 9=21, back 6=13)
5^th John Pickering 36 pts (back 9=20)
6^th Ian Coundon 36 pts (back 9=17)

A great day’s golf in perfect conditions.  Well done Captain Scott!

Monday 29^th July – match vs Southampton (away)

On a hot sunny day, 12 Seniors went Southampton municipal golf course. With what looked like a strong team they fought their way into a 2-up lead.  But the heat seemed to drain the final pairs and New Forest went on to lose 4-2.

Thursday 25^th July – Kelso Turton Trophy

40 Seniors played in this 2-ball Texas Scramble off the white tees.  In weather more suited to Winter rather than the middle of Summer, the drizzle giving way to heavy rain for a while did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 20 teams, most of whom finished with under par nett scores.  Quite complicated countback calculations were required to decide some places, but Ross Matthews and Mike Ahearn were comfortably ahead of the rest to win the trophy.  Hugh Marchant won nearest the pin on the 13^th.

Result:

1^st Ross Matthews and Mike Ahearn – nett 64
2^nd Charlie von Landau and Steve Duckett – nett 65 (back 9=34, back 6=21)
3^rd Chris Bennett and Steve Waterman – nett 65 (back 9=34, back 6=23)
4^th Gill Wright and Terry Jones – nett 65.5 (back 9=31)

Commiserations to Neil Archibald and Charlie Hughes also with nett 65.5 but 32 on the back 9.

Mike Ahearn and Ross Matthews with the Kelso Turton Trophy

Thursday 25^th July – Winter League Final

The Seniors Winter League started officially last November with 18 pairs split into 3 divisions to decide who would advance to the knockout stages.  Those were then played over an extended period of time due partly to some unseasonably poor weather, the final finally played in somewhat damp conditions in the middle of Summer.  In a tense match, Ian Coundon and Rob Young beat Phil Kilburn and Alan Clifford 5 & 4 to win the Mick Wheeler Winter League Trophy.

Final placings:

1^st Ian Coundon and Rob Young
2^nd Alan Clifford and Phil Kilburn
3^rd Ken Scott and Terry Jones, Ross Matthews and Colin Chatten

Winners Ian Coundon and Rob Young with Captain Ken Scott (centre)

Runners up Alan Clifford and Phil Kilburn

Tuesday 25^th July – Pairs Aggregate Cup

On another warm summer day, 42 Seniors competed in this combined stableford competition off the white tees. Chris Bennett won nearest the pin on the 11^th hole, while namesake Pete Bennett partnered with Neil Archibald to win the pairs aggregate cup with a great combined score of 76 points.

1^st Neil Archibald and Pete Bennett 76 pts
2^nd Steve Duckett and Steve Waterman 74 pts
3^rd Ted Groves and Pete Ayers 73 pts

Pairs Aggregate Cup Winners (l-r) Pete Bennett and Neil Archibald

Thursday 18^th July – We Four Trophy

It seems to have become something of a tradition for an odd number to turn up for this trophy competition off the yellow tees!  Being a 4 man Texas Scramble, eventually 44 Seniors set off in superb sunny weather with the usual shotgun start.  A few teams may have left it rather to the last moment before all their members had their required 4 drives apiece, a few second shots maybe having to be played from unusual places towards the end.  Scores were extremely tight with the top 6 teams separated by just 2 strokes.

1^st Laurie Burn, Ian Johnston, Malcolm Evans and Robin Swanston – 55.5
2^nd Chris Angell, Alan Milburn, Wayne Niles and Jeff Hewett – 55.7

Nearest the pin on the 2nd was won by Hugh Marchant.

We Four Trophy winning team Laurie Burn, Ian Johnston, Malcolm Evans and Robin Swanston

Tuesday 16^th July – Captain’s Charity Day

£1,150 was raised on an initially rather damp and dreary day when 48 Seniors turned up for this highly popular and important event in the Seniors Captain’s programme. The Captain’s choice was a singles stableford competition with all income from entry fees, raffle, auction and other things going to charity. The prizes for the competition and raffle were donated by the Seniors members along with several items for auction.

The charity, Sophie’s Legacy, was setup after her death at the far too young age of 10 by her mother Charlotte to fulfil a wish list Sophie drew up during her cancer treatment. Charlotte attended to talk about the charity and receive donations which included a cheque for £365 collected by Ross Matthews earlier this month when he and his daughter braved a sponsored zipwire run off Bournemouth Pier.

Captain Ken ran his famous Heads or Tails game and the grand total including competition entry fees, raffle ticket sales, auctioned items and other voluntary donations came to an amazing £1,150.

Scores in the competition were as follows:

Division 1:

1^st Ross Matthews 39 pts
2^nd Chris Bennett 38 pts (back 9=22)
3^rd Steve Duckett 38 pts (back 9=20)

(Commiserations to Tom Richards, Roy Nelson and Dave Jones also with 38 pts but fewer points on the back 9)

Division 2:

1^st Rob Young 42 pts
2^nd Ian Johnston 40 pts
3^rd John Ireland 39 pts

Nearest the pin prizes
2^nd hole – Laurie Burn
6^th – Mike Fawcett
8^th – Steve Duckett
11^th – Malcolm Guy
13^th – Chris Webb
14^th – Richard Gay
16^th – Chris Hughes
Nearest the line on 17^th Rob Young
18^th in two – Chris Angell

But it was always all about the charity and the amazing work done to improve the conditions of children and their families when undergoing hospital treatment.

Monday 15^th July – Seniors Centenary Quadrilateral

On a very wet Summer’s day, 12 Seniors from New Forest travelled to Salisbury and South Wilts where they took 2nd place in this year’s Quadrilateral event.

Every year since 1988, teams of 12 from Malborough, New Forest, Royal Winchester and Salisbury & S Wilts golf clubs – all established in 1888, play for the Centenary Quadrilateral Trophy. This year it was Salisbury and South Wilts turn to welcome the 48 Seniors competitors. The format is singles stableford off the white tees, maximum playing handicap 18, with the 10 best scores in each team counting towards the team’s total.

As well as achieving second place after the home team, the best individual score in the competition was attained by New Forest’s own Chris Angell .  Well Done all who played:

Barry Nicholas, Steve Duckett, Chris Bennett, Chris Angell, Vice Captain John Pickering, Dave Jones, Jim Worsley, Roy Nelson, Captain Ken Scott, Mike Ahearn, Dave Scott, Laurie Burn

The final best 10 team scores were:

1^st Salisbury and South Wilts – 326 points.
(best individual score Tim Pike 37 pts)
2^nd New Forest – 318 points.
(best individual score Chris Angell 38 pts)
3^rd Royal Winchester – 310 points.
(best individual score Roger Gray 34 pts)
4^th Marlborough – 295 points.
(best individual score John Copp 37 pts)

As previous holders of the shield, it was New Forest Seniors Captain Ken Scott’s honour to hand it on to the winning Salisbury and South Wilts Captain Alan Green.

Ken Scott presenting the Quadrilateral Shield to the S&SW Captain Alan Green, and Chris Angell receiving the prize for best individual score

Quad teams (top-bottom) Salisbury and South Wilts, New Forest, Royal Winchester, and (most of) Marlborough

Thursday 11^th July – Summer Plate

38 Seniors turned out for this singles strokeplay competition off the white tees. The day started rather cool but soon warmed up as the sun emerged through the clouds. Competition was intense requiring countback calculations to decide all first 4 positions in both divisions.  Ian Coundon became winner of the Summer plate by the smallest of margins with an excellent nett 64, a score that could well have been even better had more of his putts dropped in rather than just shaving the hole.

Division 1:

1^st Malcolm Guy 68 nett (back 9=27)
2^nd Ivor Griffiths 68 nett (back 9=34)
3^rd Jim Worsley 70 nett (back 9=33, back 6=20)
4^th Chris Angell 70 nett (back 9=33, back 6=22)

Division 2:

1^st Ian Coundon 64 nett (back 9=30)
2^nd Charlie Von Landau 64 nett (back 9=31)
3^rd Dave Titchmarsh 67 nett (back 9=32)
4^th Rob Young 67 nett (back 9=33)

Ian Coundon with the Summer Plate

Tuesday 9^th July – Harold Hewitt Trophy

With such a dismal weather forecast, just 30 Seniors turned up for the Harold Hewitt Trophy – a stableford competition off the white tees.  The wind was quite brisk and although the rain held off at first, a fairly steady drizzle made things uncomfortable during the latter part of the competition.  Fortunately the really heavy rain held off until right at the end so most managed to get back to the clubhouse reasonably dry. Roy Nelson led Division 1 with 36 points, however it was Division 2’s Dave Stredder who emerged clear winner of the trophy with 41 points.

The nearest the pin prize on hole 16 was unclaimed as nobody managed to end up on the green with their tee shot!

Division 1:

1^st Roy Nelson 36 pts
2^nd Steve Duckett 35 pts
3^rd Chris Bennett 34 pts (back 9=19 pts)
Mike Broom and Chris Angell also had 34 pts but back 9 scores of 18 and 15 points respectively.

Division 2:

1^st Dave Stredder 41 pts
2^nd Mik Jarmolowicz 39 pts
3^rd Rob Young 33 pts

Dave Stredder (r) receiving the Harold Hewett Trophy from Seniors Captain Ken Scott

Thursday 4^th July – July Monthly Medals

On a day that started off rather cool and windy, 46 Seniors competed for the July Monthly Medals.  The greens were running a little slower than normal but that did not appear to affect the scores too much.

Barry Nicholas won the Division 1 medal, one stroke ahead of Malcolm Guy.  Alan Clark was clear winner in Division 2 with nett 66, three ahead of his nearest rivals.  Second place in division 2 was shared by Mike Wharton and Wayne Niles, both having scored nett 69, with back 9=32, back 6=21, back 3=10 and nett 4 on the 18^th and the 1^st holes.

Jon Grainger won nearest the pin on the 14^th hole in his first ever competition as a New Forest Senior.

Division 1

1^st Barry Nicholas – nett 65
2^nd Malcolm Guy – nett 66
3^rd Mike Broom – nett 67

Division 2

1^st Alan Clark – nett 66
Equal 2^nd Mike Wharton and Wayne Niles – nett 69 (back 9=32)

Pete Bennett and Tom Richards also had nett 69, but back 9 scores of 35 and back 6 scores 24 and 25 respectively.

Medal winners (l-r) Barry Nicholas and Alan Clark

Thursday 4^th July – Captain Scott’s hole-in-one (reprise)

They say that good things come to those who wait, and this was true today as Seniors Captain Ken Scott was presented with this hole-in-one trophy for a shot he played just over 2 months ago when he achieved nearest the pin on the 16^th  by sinking his tee shot!  For more details refer to 30^th April.

Captain Scott with his hole-in-one trophy – both still smiling!

Tuesday 2^nd July – match vs Wellow (home)

The weather stayed dry although a brisk northerly wind kept the temperature somewhat lower than expected.  The course was playing really well with the greens running fast and true.  The match was played in the true spirit of camaraderie and ended very close with New Forest Seniors just edging ahead to win 3½ – 2½.  The post match food of sandwiches and chips was really appreciated – many thanks to Nicky and her team.

Thursday 27^th June – Peter Swann Trophy

42 Seniors gathered to play in what is believed to be a format unique to New Forest Golf Club. Termed a Lynsome (after Lyndhurst), this consists of a combination of strokeplay and matchplay whereby competitors play an eighteen hole strokeplay round on the course, then using their scorecard, play knockout matchplay in the clubhouse against drawn opponents until an eventual winner emerges. The weather was bright and sunny although slightly cooler than of late which was somewhat of a relief. The drive across the boggy penalty area on the 15^th was quite challenging with the white tee a long way back, but this did not deter many from trying their luck with varying degrees of success. Back in the clubhouse the virtual match went on for 6 rounds with Terry Gordon and Gill Wright eventually facing each other in the final. 

Final round of the tournament

The atmosphere was tense as Dave Titchmarsh and Steve Lupton called out the scores with Richard Hammond keeping count and eventually Terry Gordon emerged the clear winner of the Peter Swann Trophy.

1^st Terry Gordon
2^nd Gill Wright
Losing semi-finalists Chris Angell and Trevor Davies

Nearest the pin on 11th – Neil Edmondson

Terry Gordon with the Peter Swann Trophy

Tuesday 25^th June – match vs Paultons (home)

This was the first home match of the season, earlier ones having had to be postponed due to poor weather and very wet course conditions.  The weather this time was hot – very hot.  In fact the hottest day of the year so far.  In spite of this the course was looking good, playing well with the greens running fast and true.  The two teams thoroughly enjoyed the match (one pair managing to achieve the famed dog license – 7&6!).  The post match food laid on by Nicky and her team consisting of an amazing selection of sandwiches accompanied by french fries, followed by a selection of pastries, was excellent.  The final score of New Forest 5½ – Paultons ½  was truly icing on the cake and we all look forward to next year’s fixtures.

Thursday 20^th June – match vs Ampfield (away)

On a perfect day with wall to wall sunshine, a dozen Seniors travelled to play a match at Ampfield golf club.  The course was in great shape with the greens running fast, which clearly suited the New Forest players as they won 3 of the games, halved 2 and lost just 1 resulting in their second away win of the year 4-2.  The games were played in the true spirit of camaraderie and the after match meal of ham, egg and chips followed by crème brûlée rounded off a great day.  We look forward to a return fixture later in the year.

Tuesday 18^th June – Frampton Cup

Another warm and sunny day greeted the 36 New Forest Golf Club Seniors playing in this club-wide stableford competition off the white tees.  The Men’s section had set a stiff target of 43 points on Sunday so it would take an exceptional round for any Senior to top that, and indeed nobody came close.  Steve Lupton led Division 1 with 38 points, but his score did not count as he had played on Sunday.  This meant that Division 2’s Colin Chatten was highest scorer for the Seniors’ challenge for the cup.

Laurie Burn won nearest the pin on the 11^th hole.

Division 1

1^st  Steve Lupton 38 pts
2^nd  Roy Nelson 36 pts
3^rd  Chris Angell 34 pts (back 9=18)
4^th Barry Nicholas 34 pts (back 9=17)

Division 2

1^st  Colin Chatten 37 pts
2^nd Mike Wharton 36 pts (back 9=19)
3^rd Dave Stredder 36 pts (back 9=18)
4^th Ian Johnston 35 pts

Saturday 15^th June – Charity ZipLine

Ross Matthews and his daughter Ali Smith who overcame her fear of heights, took on the Bournemouth pier zipline in aid of the senior captains charity. After hearing about Sophie’s Legacy, they wanted to do something for such a good cause and hence raised over £350.

Well done both!

Ali and Ross, before during and after the Zipline challenge

Thursday 13^th June – Brian Randall Cup

37 Seniors competed in this strokeplay competition off the white tees in what turned out to be a dry though cloudy day with a chill in the air.  The trophy is played in memory of a very popular and much missed past member of the Seniors.  In Division 2, Ross Matthews led the field with a highly creditable nett 67, however Division 1’s Steve Duckett simply romped home having carded 14 pars and 2 birdies for a nett 65 to win the Brian Randall Cup.

Division 1

1^st Steve Duckett 65 nett
2^nd  Chris Angell 70 nett (back 9=33)
3^rd  Barry Nicholas 70 nett (back 9=34)

Division 2

1^st Ross Matthews 67 nett
2^nd Trevor Davies 68 nett
3^rd Berry Money 69 nett (back 9=31)

Commiserations to Neil Edmondson and Dave Barrett also with nett 69 but 35 and 36 respectively on the back 9.

Steve Duckett with the Brian Randall Cup

Wednesday 5^th June – match vs Walhampton (away)

On a perfect sunny day, the Seniors travelled to Walhampton where they suffered a slightly embarrassing but nevertheless very friendly 6-0 drubbing.  The company along with the after match meal of chicken curry followed by cheesecake was welcoming and highly enjoyable and we hope to be able to arrange a return fixture later in the year, the earlier home match having been postponed due to our wet course conditions.

Tuesday 4^th June – June Monthly Medals

The weather was warm and dry under cloudy skies as 45 Seniors competed for the June monthly medals off the white tees.  Some had this distinct feeling of déjà-vu, the May medals having been played less than a week ago, but this time the top 4 positions in Division 2 were separated by just 1 stroke each with Phil Kilburn emerging winner on nett 67.  In Division 1, Steve Duckett’s 10 pars and 2 birdies ensured he ended up level par, but that was not quite sufficient as Roy Nelson romped home with 7 pars and a birdie of his own, finishing 3 under par nett 66.

Mike Wharton took the prize for nearest the pin on the 2^nd hole.

Division 1

1^st Roy Nelson 66 nett
2^nd Steve Duckett 69 nett
3^rd Barry Nicholas 70 nett
4^th Mike Broom 71 nett (back 9=31)
(commiserations to Terry Gordon and Robin Swanston also with 71 nett but higher back 9 scores)

Division 2

1^st Phil Kilburn 67 nett
2^nd Rob Young 68 nett
3^rd Terry Jones 69 nett
4^th John Ireland 70 nett

Medal Winners (l-r) Roy Nelson and Phil Kilburn

Thursday 30^th May – May Monthly Medals

Despite yet another poor weather forecast, 33 Seniors turned up for the delayed May Monthly Medals competition off the white tees.  This time the forecast was partly right with several showers and longer periods of rain blowing through interspersed by warm sunny periods.  All top places in Division 1 were decided on countback, Jim Worsley winning by a small margin.  However there was little doubt about Division 2’s medal winner as Charlie von Landau finished fully 6 strokes ahead of his nearest rival.

Chris Bennett won the prize for nearest the pin in 2 on the 18^th hole.

Division 1

1^st Jim Worsley 71 nett (back 9=33)
2^nd Roy Nelson 71 nett (back 9=35)
3^rd Barry Nicholas 72 nett (back 9=34)
(commiserations to Andrew Godwin also with 72 nett but back 9=38)

Division 2

1^st Charlie von Landau 63 nett
2^nd Ross Matthews 69 nett
3^rd Robin Swanston 71 nett (back 9=35)
(commiserations to Colin Chatten also with nett 71 but back 9=36)

Medal winners (l-r) Jim Worsley and Charlie von Landau

Wednesday 29^th May – match vs Bramshott Hill (away)

The weather forecast fortunately proved pessimistic as the sun shone most of the time on Dibden Golf Course.  The end result was somewhat predictable with Bramshott Hill winning 6-0, but all the games were played in the true spirit of friendship.  The post match meal was excellent as always and we look forward to hosting the return match in October.

New Forest Seniors team all smiling before reality set in

Tuesday 28^th May – Captain Scott’s news

With today’s rollup better ball strokeplay competition cancelled due to yet more rain (groan), it was left to Seniors Captain Scott to provide a little light relief.  Having recently undergone eye surgery, we all wish him a swift and full recovery and hope he does not mind us sharing this image he sent to our Sickness Liaison officer…

Captain Scott and Friend!

Thursday 23^rd May – match vs Osborne (away)

All 12 Seniors took part in this final match of the tour.  The weather was brilliant with earlier overcast conditions giving way to blue skies and scudding clouds. Osborne’s course was in great condition the fairways appearing to be almost manicured and the greens ironed and running fast and true.  The previous evening’s celebrations(?) appeared not to have adversely affected the team as they romped home winning 4-2, a rare and very welcome finish to a brilliant tour.  The post match meal of Shepherds Pie followed by Black Forest Gateaux was brilliant albeit slightly rushed with the group just managing to arrive at the ferry terminal with a few minutes to spare.   This was Alan Clark’s last Isle of Wight Tour, and what a great way to celebrate.  A very rare and very welcome away win and a fitting tribute to a Seniors member who has been a steadfast member of the IOW teams for many years.

At the final banquet

Alan Clark’s last stand!

Wednesday 22^nd May – match vs Cowes (away)

Just 11 of the 12 Seniors were fit enough to play in this second match of the tour, one unfortunately having contracted some bug since the previous evening. The weather forecast was dire but fortunately inaccurate as all managed to complete their rounds before any significant rainfall. Just 5 matches were played and New Forest managed to halve one of them so the final score of Cowes 4½ New Forest ½ was at least not quite a whitewash.  Again all enjoyed the company and the golf despite quite a strong wind, and the piping hot Cottage Pie followed by an excellent cold dessert laid down a great foundation for the subsequent second JD Wetherspoon session.

Post match meal at Cowes

Tuesday 21^st May – match vs Ryde (away)

Red Funnel’s problems with one of their ferries meant that the 12 Seniors on the annual Isle of Wight tour were delayed by an hour.  Despite this, all arrived at Ryde Golf Club in good time to enjoy an excellent full English Breakfast prior to playing this first match of the tour. Perhaps it was not such a good idea to eat so much immediately before the match because the final score of 6-0 to Ryde was a little disappointing, but all enjoyed the company, the match and the cold buffet afterwards.  Acting tour captain Alan Clark graciously did not strictly impose his threatened curfew on the team’s traditional visit to JD Wetherspoon in Ryde, which might explain the following day’s result ….

IOW tour team (l-r) Alan Clifford, John Pickering, Barry Nicholas, Steve Waterman, Paul Chambers, Laurie Burn, Mike Cavaney, Chris Kirby, Malcolm Guy, Acting Captain Alan Clark, Hugh Marchant, Jim Worsley

Tuesday 21^st May – Tommy Trotter Trophy

Despite 12 Seniors being away on the annual Isle of Wight tour, 41 Seniors turned up for the Tommy Trotter Trophy, a stableford competition off the white tees.  Competition for the top 3 spots in Division 1 was intense with Mike Broom emerging just 1 point ahead of Dave Jones and Chris Bennett, however Division 2’s Mike Wharton finished well ahead of the field to win the Tommy Trotter Trophy with 38 points.  Nearest the pin on 11 was won by Pete Ayers.

Division 1

1^st Mike Broom 36 pts
2^nd Dave Jones 35 pts (back 9=18, back 6=14)
3^rd Chris Bennett 35 pts (back 9=18, back 6=13)

Division 2

1^st Mike Wharton 38 pts
2^nd Mike Stevenson 36 pts
3^rd Jeff Hewett 34 pts

Mike Wharton with the Tommy Trotter Trophy

Thursday 16^th May – Harry Young Cup

What a difference a day makes!  Instead of the forecast dry weather, quite steady rain fell during much of this competition and only 27 Seniors finished the course!  This is a strokeplay competition off the white tees with the cup going to the player with the best gross score.  Mike Ahearn got quite close with gross 81, but predictably Steve Duckett as lowest handicap player on the day came in with the winning score of gross 79.

As well as the cup, prizes were also given for best nett scores.  In Division 1, Mike Ahearn was again beaten into 2nd place by Terry Gordon who came in with a very creditable nett 67.  Wayne Niles won Division 2 eight strokes ahead of his nearest rival.  Nearest the pin on 11 was won by Phil Walker.

Harry Young Cup

1^st Steve Duckett 79 gross
2^nd Mike Ahearn 81 gross

Division 1

1^st Terry Gordon 67 nett
2^nd Mike Ahearn 70 nett
3^rd Roy Nelson 71 nett

Division 2

1^st Wayne Niles 66 nett
2^nd Charlie Hughes 74 nett
3^rd Ian Johnston 75 nett 

Harry Young Cup Winner Steve Duckett

Wednesday 15^th May – match vs Wellow (away)

Wall-to-wall sunshine and a gentle breeze combined with the excellent state of the course meant all enjoyed this match at Wellow Golf Club.  Fortified by an excellent pre-match brunch of sausages, bacon, egg, beans and hash brown, the six 4-balls had a great time.  As often happens, home advantage won through and the day ended with Wellow winning 3½ – 2½.  We now look forward to the return match in July.

Tuesday 14^th May – Millennium Shield

The previous night’s rain made ground conditions rather challenging at times, and with the sun unable to decide whether it should appear or not, the temperature see-sawed between quite warm and rather chilly.  All this did nothing to deter the 36 Seniors and especially their Captain Ken Scott who, with 4 pars and 2 birdies on his card finished on 37 points, 1 ahead of Dave Jones, to lead Division 1 and hence win the Millennium Shield for the second time. Robin Swanston headed Division 2 with 36 points. The prize for nearest the pin on 13^th went to Dave Barrett.

Division 1

1^st Ken Scott – 37 pts
2^nd Dave Jones – 36 pts
3^rd  Chris Webb – 33 pts

Division 2

1^st Robin Swanston – 36 pts
2^nd Mik Jarmolowicz – 35 pts
3^rd  Ted Groves – 34 pts

Seniors Captain Ken Scott with the Millennium Shield

Friday 10^th May – Match vs Highcliffe Castle (away)

The weather could not have been much better with wall-to-wall sunshine and just a slight breeze.  The course was in great shape with lots of grass on the fairways – something the New Forest team are still not quite used to!   The company was excellent and the ham, egg, pork pie and cheese salad afterwards was delicious.  We came very close to winning several of the matches but ultimately home advantage showed particularly around the greens and we came away with a score of New Forest 1 Highcliffe Castle 5.  All thoroughly enjoyed the day and we look forward to hosting the return match in October.

Tuesday 7^th May – Reavely Chain

After a rather chilly start, bright sunshine eventually warmed the 44 Seniors competing in this club-wide stableford competition off the white tees.  The Men’s section’s Louis Wiseman had set a challenging target on Sunday of 43 points to beat and none of the Seniors could quite get there, partly perhaps because heavy rainfall during the night resulted in much softer ground conditions than on Sunday.  Mike Ahearn and Charlie von Landau both scored 38 points, with Mike beating Charlie on countback to become the Seniors’ best hope for this year’s Reavely Chain.

Division 1

1st Mike Ahearn – 38 pts (back 9=22 pts)
2nd Mike Broom – 35 pts
3rd Ken Scott – 34 pts

Division 2

1st Charlie von Landau – 38 pts (back 9=20 pts)
2nd Steve Waterman – 37 pts
3rd Robin Swanston – 36 pts

Nearest the pin on the 11^th was won by Chris Webb.

Tuesday 30^th April – Great Scott, Another Hole in One!

On a bright sunny Spring day, 51 Seniors rolled-up to compete in a roll-up stableford competition using the yellow tees for the first time this year.  Seniors Captain Ken Scott clearly found the conditions to his liking as he not only finished ahead of the field at the top of Division 1, but also claimed the nearest the pin prize on the 16^th when, using his 3 wood off the tee, he sent his ball soaring through the air, over the bunker in front of the green to end up nestling against the flag in the hole!  This is Ken’s second hole-in-one of his golfing career, the previous one having been some 19 years ago.  Hopefully he won’t have to wait that long before the next one!

Ken Scott and his Hole-in-One ball – both smiling!

Division 1

1^st Ken Scott – 36 pts
2^nd Mike Ahearn – 35 pts
3^rd Steve Lupton – 31 pts

Division 2

1^st Trevor Davies – 33 pts
2^nd Steve Waterman – 32 pts (back 9=20)
3^rd Alan Clark – 32 pts (back 9=17)

Thursday 25^th April – Monthly Medal

Although the temperature dropped to 3 degrees at the start of a grey but dry day, this did not deter the 42 Seniors playing in the second monthly medal of the year.  Postponed from earlier in the month due to the wet conditions, the course had recovered considerably and all 18 holes were in play.  Chris Bennett won the Division 1 medal just 1 ahead of Chris Angell. In Division 2, Wayne Niles won with nett 67, 3 strokes in front of Gill Wright.  Nearest the pin on the 13^th was won by Ross Matthews.

Division 1

1^st Chris Bennett – nett 69
2^nd Chris Angell – nett 70
3^rd Laurie Burn – nett 72 (back 9=30)
4^th Roy Nelson – nett 72 (back 9=32)

Division 2

1^st Wayne Niles – nett 67
2^nd Gill Wright – nett 70 (back 9=29)
3^rd John Pickering – nett 70 (back 9=32)
4^th Ian Johnston – nett 72

April Medal winners (l-r) Chris Bennett and Wayne Niles

Tuesday 23^rd April – Bill Murray Trophy

It stayed dry and although it was generally rather cool, the sun occasionally shone on the 43 Seniors competing in this Par/Bogey event off the blue tees.  With each person playing an individual match against the course, it has to be said that the course was overwhelmingly the winner as only 6 players ended up with positive scores!  As well as winning the nearest the pin prize on the 2nd, Barry Nicholas emerged leader of Division 1, just beating Chris Angell on countback.  However in Division 2, Mike Cavaney simply annihilated all opposition, finishing with a magnificent +7 to win the Bill Murray Trophy.  Mike was absolutely delighted as this is the first trophy he has ever won, but hopefully it will not be the last.

Division 1

1^st Barry Nicholas +1 (back 3 =+1)
2^nd Chris Angell +1 (back 3 =-1)
3^rd Steve Duckett 0

Division 2

1^st Mike Cavaney +7
2^nd Ian Johnston +3
3^rd Rob Young +1

Mike Cavaney receiving the Bill Murray Trophy from Captain Scott

Monday 22^nd April – Match vs Paultons (away)

Having had to postpone all five home matches to date, it was with some relief that twelve intrepid Seniors travelled to Paultons Golf Centre for this, their first match of the 2024 season.  Although there were occasional patches of drizzle, the weather was generally fine.  Paultons’ fairways and greens were in great condition, and even the rough was not as intimidating as in previous years.  To everyone’s delight, all bunkers were out of play with most of them marked as GUR. Predictably the home team held the advantage although New Forest did manage a couple of wins, resulting in a final score of 4-2 to Paultons.  With coffee and bacon baps beforehand and ham egg and chips afterwards, this was a great start to the 2024 season and we look forward to hosting the return match in June.

Wednesday 10^th April – Ladies and Seniors

The rain fortunately held off for most of the time as 19 Seniors and Ladies played in this ever-popular biannual event arranged by the Ladies Section. The format was Combined Stableford with the best two scores in each three-ball counting towards the total, and the competition restricted to just 13 holes so as to protect the wettest part of the course.

The winners Paul, Roy, Di and Ann, played 3 balls on each hole with Di and Ann playing alternate holes.

1^st – Paul Chambers, Roy Nelson, Di Ledger, Ann Spurrett – 52 pts
2^nd – Carol Wickson, Chris Bennett, Mik Jarmolowicz – 50 pts
3^rd – Linda Samuel, Dave Jones, Mike Cavaney – 49 pts

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day which was rounded off by excellent post-match food and refreshments with enormous thanks to Nicky, Bridget and their teams. Around £50 was donated to Lady Captain Sue Kilford’s charity.

Now we all look forward to the next event in October.

Tuesday 9^th April – Sages, Onion and Stuffing Trophies

Seniors Triple Trophy Day

Despite very strong wind gusts and an initial threat of rain, 41 Seniors embarked on this trio of trophies stableford competition. Parts of the course being still very wet, the competition was restricted to 16 holes. The Sages Trophy for those aged between 70 and 79 was won by Malcolm Guy who was 1 point ahead of the field.  Countback calculations confirmed youngster John Pickering winner of the under 70s Onion Cup, and the Stuffing Plaque for those 80 and over was won by Ted Groves quite some way ahead of his 3 rivals. Chris Angell won nearest the pin on the 11^th.

Sages Trophy

1^st Malcolm Guy 27 pts
2^nd Dave Barrett 26 pts (back 6=15 pts)
3^rd Colin Chatten 26 pts (back 6=12 pts)

Onion Cup

1^st John Pickering 30 pts (back 9=19 pts)
2^nd Phil Kilburn 30 pts (back 9=16 pts)

Stuffing Plaque

1^st Ted Groves 27 pts

Winners (l-r) John Pickering, Malcolm Guy and Ted Groves

Tuesday 26^th March – Gwyn Lloyd Cup

Contrary to somewhat dire forecasts, generally dry weather and even some sunshine greeted the 40 Seniors playing in this foursomes strokeplay competition.  All eighteen holes were in play and the course was in remarkably good condition considering the dreadful weather over previous weeks. Having to take alternate strokes places great reliance on playing partner’s abilities, and some scores ended up being quite a bit higher than usual as players found themselves in rather less than ideal positions!  However around a third of the teams did manage to finish with nett scores close to par.

1^st Steve Duckett and Terry Gordon – nett 67.5
2^nd Dave Jones and Mike Fawcett – nett 68 (back 9=40 gross)
3^rd Rob Young and Trevor Davies – nett 68 (back 9=46 gross)
4^th Chris Hughes and Colin Bailey – nett 68.5

Winners (l-r) Steve Duckett and Terry Gordon

Steve and Terry also won the nearest the pin in two prize on the 12^th.

Tuesday 19^th March – Monthly Medal

A grey damp day welcomed the 41 Seniors arriving for their first trophy event of the year. Postponed from the previous week due to the wet weather, parts of the course were still extremely marshy.  Up until today the Seniors had avoided the wettest corner of the course, deciding instead to play just holes 1-4, followed by 10-18, so this was the first time that all 18 holes had been played in a long time.

First place in Division 2 was taken by Ray Kelly with nett 66, just winning on countback of the last 6 holes by 1 stroke from Wayne Niles. Division 1 winner Dave Jones finished well ahead of the field with an excellent nett 64. Mike Broom won nearest the pin on the 11^th.

Division 1

1^st Dave Jones – nett 64
2^nd Laurie Burn – nett 68 (back 9=33)
3^rd Steve Waterman – nett 68 (back 9=36)

Division 2

1^st Ray Kelly – nett 66 (back 9=32, back 6=19)
2^nd Wayne Niles – nett 66 (back 9=32, back 6=20)
3^rd Neil Edmondson – nett 70

March Medal Winners (l-r) Dave Jones and Ray Kelly

Thursday 7^th March – Hole in One

The sun shone for a change on a chilly spring day as 40 New Forest Golf Club Seniors assembled in a shotgun start for a par/bogey competition. On the par 3 13^th, Charlie Hughes demonstrated it was lucky for some as he played his first shot of the day using a 7 iron. Losing sight of the ball as it landed on the green, it was some time before anyone thought of looking in the hole to discover it nestling against the flag. This was his first ever hole-in-one, and he hopes it will be the first of many.

Division 1

1^st Phil Walker +3 (back 9 +3)
2^nd Steve Duckett +3 (back 9 +2)
3^rd Andy Homes +2

Division 2

1^st Robin Swanston +6
2^nd Ian Coundon +4
3^rd Mik Jarmolowicz +3

Nearest the pin:

Hole 2 Ian Tyrrell
Hole 18 in 2 Andy Homes

Charlie Hughes

Tuesday 16^th January – Sophie’s Legacy

Seniors Captain Ken Scott’s charity this year is Sophie’s Legacy.  Formed following the wishes of a young girl who was tragically taken by cancer at the age of just 10, Sophie wanted the following things changed and this will be her legacy in memory of a remarkable young girl who touched so many lives.

1. Play specialist 7 days a week in hospitals
2. Improvements to food for children in hospital
3. For parents to be fed when staying with their child
4. For GP’s, nurses and health professionals to be trained in childhood cancer
5. To increase the funds (currently 3%) in childhood cancer research

Sophie’s mother Charlotte spoke to the group of 40 Seniors on this cold and frosty January day about the life of her daughter and how her experiences during cancer treatment had resulted in this wish list the charity was founded to fulfil.  Captain Ken had been so taken by their aims that he not only adopted it as his charity of the year, but he also performs voluntary work driving their distinctive van to collect donations and deliver them to the many hospitals covered by the charity in the South of England.

The Seniors dug deep resulting in a magnificent £223 being collected on the day.  What a wonderful young girl and such a worthwhile charity.

Sophie’s Legacy Leaflet pdf

A preview of 2024

This year, New Forest Seniors will again compete in over 130 events including 40 trophies, 18 medals and 25 matches against other clubs with a 3 day tour of the Isle of Wight in May. Our current Winter League has 36 teams.  In August, 2 dozen or more will embark on the ever popular Seniors Tour while later that month the New Forest Seniors Rally will no doubt again attract around 76 competitors to the club from 9 or more other clubs across the South.

New Forest Golf Club Seniors is a highly successful, friendly and truly vibrant section and will always be very welcoming to members new and old. The only requirement is that you must be aged 55 or over to join. We meet every week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and our aim is for everyone to enjoy their golf in a relaxed and friendly manner.

The Seniors Committee would like to wish you all a Very Happy New Year!

History of Trophies