Ladies

The rain of the previous day gave way to sunny skies that warmed considerably as the morning wore on, but underfoot was the usual winter challenge. Or was to most of the ladies. There was a significant distance between the first three, Val Riziotis (37), Jane Fraser(34) and Jayne Maxwell(33), and the other eight. With four temporary greens, the competition was a non-qualifier for handicapping purposes. Results…

In the associated Eclectic Val and Jayne have a commanding lead after two rounds, with Val 3.5 shots ahead of Jayne. However, only eight ladies currently have a full eclectic score. R2 Leader board…

Men

The sun made a welcome appearance and in spite of some heavy rain overnight, Duke’s was not as muddy as some anticipated. However, mud hampered many competitors and there were four temporary greens making putting a lottery at times – a non qualifier for handicapping purposes. At the top of the leader board is Russell Bryan with a commendable 37 points. Four 36s followed with Pete Davis 2nd on countback from Paul Rockett, Lee Marshall and Stephen Mason. Nick Rogers followed up a magnificent drive on 17 with a rifled high iron shot to the green and a putt to claim the first perch on the 2016 Eagle Tree. Results…

In the associated Winter Competition James Barker currently leads by one point on 103 from Stephen Legg. R3 Leader board…

Both James and Stephen share the lead in the Duke’s Eclectic. R2 Leader board…

A still slightly chilly and foggy day greeted competitors. A number of holes on Prince’s were indeed muddy. After a shaky start, Colin Pizzey got into his stride returning 39 gross on the back  to win the medal with net 67. Richard Owen pipped Manny Hernandez on countback (both 70) to take second place, Richard returning the best gross of the day. CSS was elevated to SSS+1. Results…

Despite the rain, 16 competitors turned out for the first competition of the year. The tough conditions raised CSS to SSS plus two but there were good scores especially. from winner Ed Henery on 37pts from Tony Kopczak 36 and James Barker 35. Well done to Ed who is now solidly in single figure @ 9.1. Results…

Conditions were such that three temporary greens were in play so it was not a qualifier for handicap purposes. But they were clearly suited to Richard Owen with 37 points and a ‘Two’. Manuel Hernandez 36 and Jon Cooper 33 took 2nd and 3rd places. Results…

Whilst dry, conditions proved very muddy for competitors burning Xmas calories. The leader board became crowded with 35 points with Pete Harrison leading on count-back from Habe Crocker, Toby Hunt and Roger Rojas. CSS remained at SSS 36 points. It was still warm enough to enjoy a festive drink al fresco. Results…

Muddy conditions prevailed despite another mild day. This was reflected in the competition being ‘reduction only’.
Colin Pizzey and Toby Hunt returned 34s with Colin the winner on count-back. Captain Paul Brown was third on 33 with best lady Cheryl Woodhouse 29. Results…

Dry and mild conditions greeted festively bedecked competitors although there were some unexpected sprinkles during the round. On the day, close teamwork between Jim Deissler and Paul Grand earned victory with 43 points (off ladies’ scorecard) – three clear from Ross Hood and Paul Rockett. Four pairs vied for third position with Messrs. Henery and Barker winning on count-back from Gaymond & Owen, Fogarty & Deprez and Davis & Legg. Ross and Paul secured only eagle of day on 17th. Results…

Air originating in the sub-tropics produced another exceedingly mild day with sunny intervals producing warmth. But following overnight rain, mud produced a significant challenge. Ross Hood shrugged off the inconvenience caused with a three over par 40 points to win by a point from John Ahad. James Barker was third with an excellent 37 points. Results…

Early rain petered out to give a muddy surface but windless and still mild for the 50 competitors. Steady golf was required and the winner of the hamper was Paul Rockett on 38 points with Stephen Legg second on 36. Murali Reddy and Pete Harrison followed with 36s. Best lady was Gina Jillet who headed three 34s on count-back from James Barker and Toby Hunt. CSS remained unchanged from SSS. Results…

Wall to wall sunshine greeted 29 competitors for the Midweek Champagne Chase,  a record for Wednesday play. No hint of frost and whilst fair weather cloud built up, it was still possible to bask in the warm sunshine outside clubhouse afterwards.

Conditions which should have seen good scoring generally but in the event it was a reduction only round (see Calculations). The runaway winner was Peter Osgood on 41 points – just one over par on back 9 (25 points). His playing partner Shaun Dupreez was 2nd 36 with Ross Hood 34. Peter earned a two shot handicap reduction and Shaun one. Results…