100 Years

100 Years – RAF Golf

The start of the Royal Air Force Golfing Society began when the Royal Air Force organised sport for the following sports. The Royal Air Force Sports Board were:

• Air Commodore C.L. Lambe (Chairman)
• Air Vice Marshal Sir J.M. Salmond (Commanding the Inland Area)
• Air Vice Marshal A.V. Vyvyan (Commanding the Coastal Area)
• Air Commodore C.A.H. Longcroft (Commanding R.A.F Cranwell)
• Air Commodore F.R. Scarlett (Commanding RAF Halton)

Secretarial work was undertaken by Flying Officer D.F. Cox of the Air Ministry

• Rugby / Football – Flt Lt W.W. Wakefield (Pembroke College, Cambridge)
• Cricket – Gp Capt M.J. Roche (Coastal Area HQ)
• Hockey – Flt Lt D.K. Cameron (Coastal Area HQ)
• Association Football and Athletics – F/O A.J. Adams (R.A.F. Depot, Uxbridge)
• Boxing and Fencing – Flt Lt F.G. Sherriff (R.A.F. Depot, Uxbridge)
• Lawn Tennis – Sqn Ldr W.G.P. Young (Air Ministry, Kingsway)
• Golf – Flt Lt C.H. Hayward (R.A.F. Depot, Uxbridge)

Cecil Hayward – Secretary Golf 1921

1921

RAF Golf

1921 – FIRST SPRING MEETING

At Sandy Lodge a Spring Meeting was carried through by the officers of the R.A.F. Of the 60 entries, 53 competitors took out cards on the first day 26th April 1921.

Sandy Lodge GC

In the team competition the R.A.F. “A” Team (Uxbridge) won with a total of 252.

R.A.F. GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Duke of York, it is hoped, will present the prizes at the Spring Meeting of the Royal Air Force Officers’ Golfing Association to be played at Sandy Lodge on April 18, 19. and 29. This is the first event of the association, and the items will include team competitions (eighteen holes stroke play), four-ball foursomes Bogey competitions over eighteen holes, and thirty-six holes eclectic Bogey competition.

Pall Mall Gazette – Tuesday 05 April 1921

• Gp Capt A.G. Heirson scored 83 Nett
• Flt Lt C.H. Hayward 79 HCP +2
• Flt Lt C Lees 90.

The “B” Team of the 4th Supply Depot at (Ruislip) were second with 259 points.

• Flight Officer Waters – 85
• Flight Officer Bradley – 83
• Flight Officer Duffield – 91

The best individual score was 77 off a handicap of +2 by Flt Lt C.H. Hayward. Wg Cdr Briggs was second in the senior division with a score of 92 -9 Nett 83. In the second division with handicaps of 10 and over Sqn Ldr Auker headed the list with 104 -24 Nett 80.

The result of the 4 ball foursomes against Bogey was:

• Flying Officer Cooke – (11) and Sqn Ldr Shorten (18) – 7 Up
• Flt Lt Elliot (18) and Flt Lt Robertson (4) – 4 Up
• Sqn Ldr Hewat (6) and Flt Lt Barr Sim (Scratch) – 3 Up

On the 27th April the meeting was continued, the results being 36 holes Eclectic Competition.

First Division (36 Holes Eclectic)

Flt Lt C. Lees (8) – 2 Up

2nd Division

Sqn Ldr Shorten (15) – 6 Up

First Division – Best Morning Round: Sqn Ldr Thompson (Scratch) – 2 Down

Best Afternoon Round:

Sqn Ldr Shorten (15) – 1 Up

1921 RAF Championship

As Reported by The Tatler – Wednesday 19 October 1921 – Flier by Fred May

1921 October – RAF Championships – St Georges Hill

As Reported in The Sketch – Oct 5th 1921

St Georges Hill

As Reported by W.G. Aston, The Tatler Oct 12th, 1921

1922

1922 Fixtures

R.A.F Vs Army Golf, Sunningdale to be held 11th March 1922

R.A.F Spring Meeting to be held at Porters Park

Sqn Ldr Charles Hooman

Lieutenant Charles Hooman who served in the RAF during WW2 played for the British and Ireland team in the inaugural Walker Cup in 1922 and in 1923. He also represented England in their annual match against Scotland in 1910 and 1922. During his 1922 Walker Cup singles match he was level with Jess Sweetser after 36 holes and the pair, with no instructions as to how to resolve the match, played an extra hole to decide the winner. Hooman won the match, but this is the only time in Walker Cup history that an extra hole has been played – drawn matches are awarded no points.

Charles Hooman Bibliography

1922 RAF Golfing Society – Championship

The R.A.F. Golf Championship was retained by the holder Flight-Lieutenant C. H. Hayward at Sunningdale yesterday 13th Sept 1922 with two rounds of 73 an aggregate of 156.

1922 – RAF Championships – Sunningdale
Photographs reported in the Sketch 1922 by S&G

Helping Flight of the Golf Ball – GOLF ACES OF THE R.A.F.

The Royal Air Force Golf Championship Meeting took place last week at Sunningdale. On the first day (Monday, the 11th), there was an inter-team bogey competition, under handicaps, and over fifty players competed. The second day was devoted to a 36-hole eclectic com petition against bogey, with subsidiary 18-hole’ competitions. The 36-hole event was won by Flight- Lieutenant Hayward (plus 1), who played remarkably well. He also won the 18-hole competition in the morning while that in the afternoon was won by Flying Officer P. J. Farmer. The meeting continued on Wednesday, when Flight-Lieutenant Hayward retained the R.A.F. Championship

1922 RAF Championship – Prize winners

Reported by: The Sketch – Wednesday 20 September 1922

RAF Golfing Society – Eclectic Competition 23rd March 1922

1922 – March 23rd – RAFGS Eclectic Competition

As provided by The Pall Mall Gazette – Thursday 23 March 1922

Today’s competition in the spring meeting of the Royal Air Force Golfing Society 23rd March 1922 was a thirty-six holes eclectic tournament under handicap against bogey. The competitors were arranged in two divisions; one for those with handicaps of ten and under and the other for those with handicaps of 11 and over. At the end of eighteen holes the following cards were returned:— First Division.—Squadron Leader G. H. Thompson (scratch), 2 down: Squadron Leader G. R. M. Reid (5), 2 down; Flight-Lieutenant J. H. Porter (0), 3 down; Flight-Lieutenant C. H. Hayward (plus 2), 5 down; Flight Lieutenant; A. Lees (8), 5 down; Flying Officer W. L. Fenwick (10), 5 down. The loader of the second division was Flying Officer 0. E. Carter (18) with a return of all square.

The Army Beat The R.A.F. By 10 Matches To 7

Our picture shows the competitors outside the club house. In the singles Flt Lt C. H. Hayward beat Major A. Gordon Barry, the Amateur Champion of 1905, by 3 and 1.

Reported by The Illustrated Sport & Dramatic news 18t Mar 1922

1923

Sqn Ldr Charles Hooman – Walker Cup

He played for the British and Ireland team in the inaugural Walker Cup in 1922 and in 1923. Charles known as Chubby Hooman played with Robert Harris and lost to Robert Gardner / Max Marston 7&6

1924

RAF Golfing Society – 1924 Golf Championship

1924 Golf Championship – Sandy Lodge

Squadron-Leader C.H. Hayward and Flight Lieutenant Clarke qualified to meet in the final of the Royal Air Force championship at Sandy Lodge yesterday, when the first and semi-final rounds of the match stages were played. In the first round Hayward beat Squadron Leader V. Parr 4 and 3. Clarke beat Flight-Lieutenant Craig 3 and 2. Flight Lieutenant C. Boumphrey heat Flight-Lieutenant A. C. Fawcus by 5 and 4, and Flying-Officer H.L.R. Gough beat Air Commander D. Munro by 6 and 5. In the semi-final round Hayward beat Boumphrey at the nineteenth hole, and Clarke beat Gough by 2 holes.

As Reported by: Northern Whig – Friday 05 September 1924

1925

RAF Golf Championship -October 8th 1925

Results of RAF Golf Championship 1925

1926

The English Close Golf Championship

HAYWARD v. ELLISON. T. F. Ellison (Royal Liverpool) who won the honour last year on his home course, will today be opposed in the final round of the English Native Amateur Championship, over 36 holes, by Squadron Leader C.H. Hayward who has held the championship of branch of the Services since its inception four years ago.

In the semi-final round yesterday Ellison defeated Bernard Drew. Both were guilty of putting errors during the match, and it was the weak play of Drew, rather than the brilliance of the Champion, which was a telling factor in the result.

In the other semi-final C.H. Hayward (RAF) beat Israel Sidebottom, the ex Cheshire champion on the fifth green.

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Saturday 18 September 1926

Hillingdon GC Vs RAF

The autumn meeting of the Hillingdon and the R.A.F. Golf Club was held on Saturday, when there was a good entry for the various competitions promoted. The Clock Golf competition created keen interest, while the driving competition was in the balance for quite a considerable period. Mr. Guy Butler, who tied for the 18 hole competition generously gave way to his brother taking the prize as he was successful in being the winner of the Captain’s prize for the lowest aggregate for six cards returned during the period from April to September, his aggregate being 431. In this contest he was closely followed by Capt. Gibson of the R.A.F. In the second division of the 18 hole Medal round during the day E.H. Sharman’s performance with a nett score 69 was a great achievement, while another second division player S.F. Simpson tied with Guy Butler in the Approach and Putting with a score of 8– a very creditable performance. The latter giving way for Simpson to take the prize.

Mrs G. Shawyer kindly distributed the prizes after of a very pleasant afternoon, for whose services thanks were acclaimed. The following were the awards .

Captains Prize: (lowest aggregate for six cards) Mr. C. Guy Butler, 431–Silver cup. (l St Division): Mr. C. C. F. Butler (nett 68 : (2nd : Mr. E. H. Sharman (nett 69)

Driving Competition: S.L. A. J. Brown (R.A.F.). 221 yards. Approach and Putting (from three marked distances).— Mr. S. F. Simpson. score 8.

Clock Golf (12 hidden.—Mr. P. Henderson, score 23. (Special Ladies Prize) Mrs. Barraclough, score 26.

SERVICES GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

The 36-holes stroke competition for the Services Challenge Cup. a trophy which is annually competed for by officers and ex-officers of his Majesty’s Forces, was carried through at Camberley Heath to-day. The Rev. E. S. Ulyat, the holder of the R.N. and R.M. Championships, led the field at the end of the first round with a fine score of 71. The holder, Squadron- Leader C. H. Hayward, the Air Force champion, had 77, also did Captain F. D, Bank (Army) and Captain C- Fraser (Army).

Reported By:Lancashire Evening Post – Friday 08 October 1926

Flt Lt E.G. Bushell playing at RAF Championship Meeting at Camberley Heath

1927

R.A.F. Golf Championship

As Reported in The Bystander Oct 12th 1927

R.A.F. Golf Championship

The R.A.F. Golf Championship, Flying Officer G. R. Beamish beat Sqd.-Ldr. A. Lees in the final at Wentworth on April 7, by 9 and 8 over 36 holes.

Reported by Flight 27th April 1927

1928

Who’s Who at Burhill

Sqn Ldr C. H. Hayward, R.A.F., has the distinction of being the back marker,” his handicap being plus 1. Hayward has been champion of the R.A.F. for so long that it would almost seem that he has a prescriptive right to the title. He is a most painstaking, deliberate golfer not by any means slothful, mark you with a swing that never varies in pace or in its groove. Hayward has theories on putting, which he employs to great advantage, swinging the long-shafted aluminium club with a mystery face, slowly and smoothly like the pendulum of a grandfather’s clock. On his day Hayward will sink more long putts than any golfer I know in fact, he expects, and is surprised when he fails, to hole everything from everywhere. One of the reasons of Hayward’s success is that he refuses to be rattled a topped shot will provoke nothing more alarming than a tut-tut accompanied by a heavenly smile.

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Saturday 25 August 1928

Aero Club Vs RAF Martlesham and Felixstowe

As Reported by Flightglobal February 9th 1928

Flt Lt C. Boumphrey (RAF) Win Royal Malta Scratch Challenge Cup

Royal Malta Golf Club – Scratch Challenge Cup

The Scratch Challenge Cup has been played for since 1891. In some of the early years there are two names on the honour board for a particular year, whether this indicates that the competition was held twice or if two people had the same winning score is not known.

Individual aggregate 36-hole medal played off scratch.
Played over two consecutive days (Saturday and Sunday).
First day draw, all off the 1st tee in groups of three in ascending sequence of exact handicap.

Second day draw, groups of three in descending sequence of score with the worst scores off the 10th tee if necessary to ensure a reasonable finish time.

1929

John Stanton Fleming Morrison

John Stanton Fleming (J.S.F.) Morrison (17 April 1892 – 28 January 1961) educated at Trinity College, Cambridge and a bomber pilot during WWI. He was promoted to Gp Capt and during WWII was among one of the first pilots to land an aircraft on an aircraft carrier.

In his younger years he was a talented all-round sportsman, representing England at football as an amateur and playing first-class cricket with Cambridge University and Somerset.

He won the Belgian Amateur Golf Championship in 1929.

Prince Plays in R.A.F. Championship Meeting

The Prince of Wales competed in the R.A.F. championship meeting, which was continued at Sunningdale to-day. Partnered by Group-Captain Peel-Ross, he played in the 18 holes bogey competition, which comprised the first half of today’s proceedings, and had a score of six down. The Prince looked very fit. He was hatless, and wore a fawn shirt which was “open at the neck, with & sleeveless jumper to match and brown plus fours and stockings of the same colour. When the Prince finished his round he left in a waiting car for his residence, which adjoins the Sunningdale course.

Dundee Evening Telegraph – Tuesday 24 September 1929

PRINCE’S GOLF PRIZE

Nine Holes in 40 in R.A.F. Event. The Prince of Wales won the nine hole prize the second division the Royal Air ‘Force golf meeting at Trent Park, Barnet, yesterday, with a score of 40-6=34. The Prince played as group captain, and his full score was 84-12=72, three strokes behind Air Commodore Freeman, who was the winner the second division. Squadron-Leader Hayward, Royal Air Force champion, won the scratch prize with 72.

Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer – Thursday 28 November 1929

1930

PILOTS AND DIVOTS: Joysticks exchanged for Niblicks:

Various Royal Air Force golfers at their recent autumn meeting ALL these golfing fliers or flying golfers seem to take to the royal and ancient game as genially as to the air; except, perhaps, Flight-Lieut. C. F. Steventon, who looks a trifle worried by Camberley Heath’s undulations, and Fight-Lieut. Isaac with his rather disdainful approval of this essentially mundane pastime. The sketches were made during the autumn meeting of the Royal Air Force Golfing Society when Squadron Leader Hayward defeated Pilot Officer Pharazyn by 5 and 3 in the 36-holes final, to win the championship of the R.A.F. for the eighth time in nine years. He also tied with Pilot Officer Wills-Sandford for the 18-holes scratch prize

Reported By: The Graphic – Saturday 11 Oct 1930 – Drawn by Fred May

RAF Officers Vs RN

Reported by Flight 18 April 1930

Stanley Lunt at Blackwell GC

By Kind Permission of Peter Lowery – Club Manager Blackwell GC

1931

Professionals Beat Amateurs

A side of 20 professionals, including Ted Ray, Harry Vardon, Alec Herd, and Arthur Havers, beat a team of Hertfordshire amateurs by 17 games to eight, with five halved, in a match on level terms by singles and foursomes, Moor Park, yesterday.

An interesting personality was Hardit Singh Malik, a Sikh, who played for Oxford against Cambridge in the inter-Varsity match on two occasions. Malik, who wore a turban, finished level with J. Bradbeer in the singles, after winning with Major Bennett by one hole from Vardon and W. Brown. ,

In the leading single, Ray, the county professional champion, defeated R. Bott, the amateur title-holder, by 5 and 4.

As Reported By The Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Thursday 05 November 1931

INTER-SERVICES TEAM RESULTS

Squadron Leader Charles Robert Davidson MC was part of the Inter Services team that beat the Army in the Inter-Services at West Hill on Thursday April 16th 1931.

• P/O Will-Sandford Won 2&1
• F/O Humphries Won 2&1
• Flt Lt Beamish Lost 2&1
• Sqn Ldr Barr-Sim 1 hole
• F/O Pharazyn Lost 6&5
• F/O Laws Won 7&6
• Flt Lt Silvester Drew
• Sqn Ldr Davidson Won 3&2 – Bibliography

Results as reported in Flight

The RAF Golf Title

George Beamish was defeated in the final by Squadron-Leader C.H. Hayward who won the Royal Air Force golf championship for the eleventh time at Ascot yesterday. On the Red course of the Berkshire Club he defeated Flt Lt C.B. Beamish, the Irish Rugby football forward and heavyweight boxer by 2 and 1 in the thirty-six holes final.

THE SOCIAL CLUBS AT SUNNINGDALE BATH CLUB CUP FOURSOMES

The fourth green in the semi-final: Major Clifton (R.A.F) putting when (with Capt. Morris) he beat the naval and military. semi-finalists: H.J.T. Neilson and H. Gardiner-Hill (United University), and R.Garnham and R.L. Mansell (Public Schools). semi-finalists: Major E.N. Clifton and Captain H.M. Morris (R.A.F), and Major G.C. Campbell and Cmdr. R.C. Bayldon

Twenty-four of the best known London social clubs competed for the Bath Club Cup foursomes this year at Sunningdale and the final was, won by United University, who then beat the Royal Air Force by 7 and 5 over 36 holes of the Old Course. At the end of the first day’s play these two clubs were left in with the following six others Turf, Naval and Military, Badminton, Royal Thames Yacht, Portland, and Public Schools. Of these, Naval and Military and Public Schools survived to fight out the semi-finals with the above mentioned finalists.

Sqn Ldr Iles – Hole in One

F/O G.F. Humphries wins the RAF Golf Championship

Enid Wilson – US Women’s Golf Championship

1932

Hardit Singh Malik Plays in “Golf Illustrated” Gold Vase

AN INDIAN OXFORD GOLFING BLUE COMPETING FOR THE GOLF ILLUSTRATED GOLD VASE HARDIT SINGH MALIK AND HIS OPPONENT, MR. E. CAMPBELL. Hardit Singh Malik, the only Indian ever to play in a University match, competed in the Golf Illustrated Gold Vase at Woking. He got his Blue in 1914, and is a first-class golfer. The contest was won by Mr. Rex Hartley, with scores of 75 and 72 = 147 [Photograph by L.N.A.]

The Sketch May 1932

For Hardit Singh Malik RFC/RAF Service click this link 1917 – 1919

R.A.F. GOLF TITLE FINALISTS

Flight-Lieut. G. R. Beamish, Ireland’s international rugby captain and prominent heavy-weight boxer, was beaten in the semifinal round of the Royal Air Force golf championship for serving members at Bramshot yesterday, by Flying-Officer W. F. Pharazyn, former Oxford University golfer, by eight and six. Beamish, in the first stage, defeated Flying-Officer Drew by five and four. Squadron-Leader C. Boumphrey, the holder, will contest the final with Pharazyn.

Sqn Ldr Boumphrey in Final

Squadron-Leader Boumphrey in Final Flying Officer W. F. Pharazyn, a former Cambridge University captain, was one hole on Squadron Leader C. Boumphrey, the holder, at the end of the first round of the final the Royal Air Force Golf Championship played to-day on the Bramsbot Course, Fleet, Hants. Squadron-Leader Boumphrey well known in the Fife district in cricketing and golfing circles. For some time he was stationed at Leuchars, and made several appearances for Cupar C.C. and entered many Andrews golf competitions.

Dundee Evening Telegraph – Wednesday 13 April

Aero Golfing Society v. Felixstowe and Martlesham (R.A.F.)

A GOLF match between Aero Golfing Society and Felixstowe and Martlesham (R.A.F.) for the Challenge Trophy, presented by the Aero Golfing Society, was played at Woodbridge on Saturday, April 2, resulting in a victory for the Royal Air Force. It was a 10 a side match of 36 holes, decided on holes up, the final score being Royal Air Force 29, Aero Golfing Society 22.

The following were the teams:—Felixstowe and Martlesham (R.A.F.):
S. N. Morris,
Flt. Lt. E. D. Barnes (Captain)
Flt. Lt. V. S. Parker
Flt. Lt. C. H. Cahill
F/O. G. L. G. Richmond
Flt. Lt. D. S. Earp
Sqd. Ldr. E. Digby Johnson
Flt. Lt. E. P. M. Davis
F. W. Meredith
Sqd. Ldr. H. W. McKenna

Aero Golfing Society:
F. Handley Page (Captain)
A. J. A. Wallace Barr
Flt. Lt. L. Massey Hilton
F. E. N. St. Barbe
A. G. Hazell
Maj. C. J. W. Darwin
H. E. Perrin
C. R. Fairey
Lt. Col. W. A. Bristow
Sqd. Ldr. T. H. England

In the evening the Aero Golfing Society entertained the Royal Air Force team to dinner at the Felix Hotel, when the Challenge Trophy was duly presented.

As Reported by Flight April 1932

WORPLESDON FINAL MISS WETHERED’S GREAT RECORD BIG WIN WITH OPPENHEIMER

Worplesdon Final – Joyce Wethered & Raymond Oppenheimer Oct 1932

Miss Joyce Wethered, the queen of yesteryear in women’s championship golf, is still a dominating figure on tho links. Yesterday she added to her great record by winning the mixed foursomes tournament at Worplesdon for the sixth time in twelve years, this time partnered by Raymond Oppenheimer, a former Oxford University captain and international golfer. They defeated Miss Audrey Regnart, of Addington, and Commander J.R. Johnston, of Worplesdon, by 8 up and 7 to play in the thirty-six holes match, and the achievement in equalling the record margin set up in 1924 reflected the remarkable part played by the ex-woman champion.

From the time Miss Regnart and Johnston took three putts to lose tho first hole, there was never a doubt as to the outcome as what must be described as a one-sided encounter. Miss Wethered and her partner lost three holes in the first round, yet they were six up at the interval . The high standard of their golf may be gathered from the fact that they were round in a score of 75, which contained three ” birdies ” and two ” eagles”. By winning the third and fourth holes in the second round, ‘ Miss Wethered and Oppenheimer became eight up, and they ended the procession for that it had become at the eleventh hole of the second round. It was a remarkable tribute to the personality of Miss Wethered that 800 enthusiastic people saw the last stroke of the game, and some of the excited young girls in the gallery were too keen to notice the dangers of taking a shortcut through the wood at the last hole of the game . They found themselves deep in mud and water.

As Reported in the Scotsman 14th Oct 1932

RAF Men’s Individual Championship

F/O Pharazyn won the individual men’s championship.

The RAF Championship at the Berkshire Club – Sept 1932

1932 RAF Championship – Sept 21st

Flying Golf

The R.A.F. Championship at the Berkshire Club Squadron-Leader A. J. Brown and Squadron-Leader P. T. Rutherford who was second in the Second Division of the 18-holes bogey competition, being 3 down to the Colonel.

In the picture (Above): F/0 Pharazyn, who was beaten in the first round by Wing Commander Drummond, one of the semi-finalists, going to the fifth green with Wing-Commander J. C. P. Wood The winner, Squadron-Leader C.H. Hayward who has now won the R.A.F. Championship eleven times since it was instituted in 1921, with Air Vice Marshal Sir David Munro At the 16th Air Vice Marshal MacEwen and Air Vice- Marshal Longcroft, who teas supported by his Labrador, Shot Centre Wg Cdr A. Shekleton and Flight-Lieut. C. D. Adams, who tied first in the four-ball competition with Squadron Leader Hanmer and F. 0. Pharazyn Wg Cdr Shekleton also won the 9 -holes handicap In the picture (Above) Two more competitors in the Royal Air Force G.A. Championship Flight Lieut. F. J. Powell and Squadron- Leader C. V. Parr. Right Squadron-Leader Boumphrey playing out of the rough he was beaten 5 and 4 in the first round by Squadron- Leader C. H. Hayward, the winner . In the picture (Left) Squadron-Leader 11. G. Bushell, who has lost his left arm, driving from the 16th tee.

Photographs by Bertram Eary

As Reported in – The Bystander – Wednesday 21 September 1932

They Got What They Wanted A Hard Fight

Flt. Off. IT F. Pharazyn and Lieut. N. R. Reeves the golf champions of the R.A.F. and the Army respectively, had a close tussle when the Army beat the R.A.F. by 11 points to 1 at West Hill. Reeves finally beat Pharazyn in the singles by one up.

As Reported by The Bystander – Wednesday 04 May 1932

THE R.A.F. GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

George Beamish Defeated in the Final Squadron-Leader C. H. Hayward won the Royal Air Force golf championship for the eleventh time at Ascot yesterday, when on the red course of the Berkshire Club defeated Flight Lieut. 6. B. Beamish, the Irish Rugby football forward and heavyweight boxer, by 1 and 2 in the thirty-six holes final.

WALKER CUP PLAYERS FAIL: THE INTERNATIONAL GOLF TEAMS AT TROON.

The English team From left to right– (standing) J. R. Smith, C. D. Gray A S Bradshaw R. Straker, T. H. Bowman, E. R. Tipple, A. S. Newey and S. Lunt; (seated) L.G.Crawley, W. L. Hartley, C. Bretherton, H. G. Bentley and E. Fiddian.

Scotland won the International golf championship for the second year in succession in the series of matches with England, Ireland and Wales at Troon The big match of the meeting was between Scotland and England, which the former won by five events to four, with six halved. Scotland also beat Ireland and Wales. Four Walker Cup players took part in the Scotland-England contest, but not one of them made any contribution to the score of his side. Two were beaten and two halved their matches in the singles.

Service Rivals at West Hill

The Army Golfing Society beats the Royal Air Force by 11 points to 1 in g their annual battle At the Nineteenth Major W. M. Ozanne, of the Army Golfing Society and Squadron- Leader E. A. Fawcus, two players in the match between the Army and the Royal Air Force Wing-Commander H. J. C. Hunter and Squadron- Leader C. Boumphrey 44 pipping each other to battle-stations M Exclusive Bystander Pictures Above Major A. G. Barry playing from the rough to the fourth green. He beat Squadron- Leader C. Boumphrey two up Right Flying-Officer G. F. Macpherson driving from the fifth tee. In the singles he lost to Capt. A. C. Giles by one down Above: Wing- Commander J. C. M. Lowe, Capt. A. C. Giles, Major W. M. Ozanne, and Major P. E. D. Panic, discuss a game and a glass Left: Mr. E. S. Scott who with Mr. N. R. Reeves, constituted the first pair for the Army, driving from the fifth tee Above Mr. C. F. Bond, of the Army Golfing Society, finds himself well-bunkered at the fourth H ims before Action. Flying- Officer P. E. Drew, Flying- Officer K. A. Jackman, and Mr. D. F. Coburn waiting to do battle at West Hill

The Bystander – Wednesday 04 May 1932

1933

RAFGS Championship – Surprising defeat of holder!

Tuesday 29th August 1933

Squadron Leader C.H. Hayward, whose monopoly of the Royal Air Force Championship since 1922 was only interrupted in 1928 lost surprisingly in the first round of the championship at Camberley Heath today after heading the eight qualifiers yesterday. His victor was Flt Lt Hope, who won by two and one. The other three matches were even closer, and two of them went to the 2lst hole, the other being decided on the home green. First Round Results Wg Cdr Drummond beat Flying Officer Humphries at the 21st hole. Flt-Lt Hope beat Squadron Leader C.H Hayward (holder), two and one. Flt Lt Macpherson beat Flying Officer Robins, one hole. Flying Officer Ash beat Flying Officer Jackman at the 21st hole.

As Reported by the Portsmouth Evening News – Tuesday 29 August 1933

FOUR NOTED PROFESSORS AND AMATEURS

The finalists in the recent Addington Open Foursomes, in which pros, and amateurs were paired, and in which Charles Whitcombe (Crews Hill) and Mr. C. J. Anderson (R.A.F.) Northwood won by 5 and 4. In the picture, left to right, are Fred Robson (Addington Palace), Mr. C. D. Gray (Royal Mid Surrey), Mr. C. J. Anderson (R.A.F) Northwood, and C. A. Whitcombe (Crews Hill) MR. J. FOREMAN (VAUDEVILLE G.S. CAPTAIN) AND SANDY HERD The skippers of the two teams, Vaudeville Golfing Society v. Professionals, in the annual match at Hendon, which the Pros, won by 3 and 2

Mother & Daughter Foursomes -Kathleen Garnham Driving!

The Sketch – Wednesday 03 May 1933

Miss Kathleen Garnham Wins French Open Golf Championship

MISS K. GARNHAM had a great reception when she arrived at her home-town, Walton- on-the-Naze, after winning the French Open Golf Championship at Wimereux, beating Miss Pauline Doran in the all-English final. Here she is being carried shoulder-high by the Captain of the Naze Golf Club and a friend, and surrounded by an escort of fellow golfers.

During the Second World War she served as an officer in the British WAAF. In 1948 she moved to Baltimore in the USA in 1948 and married architect Charles M Nes Jnr.

She continued to play golf and was a member of the Green Spring Valley Golf Club, Maryland, where she won the club championship in 1972 at the age of 68. She also won the US Women’s Golf Association Senior Championships. Five of the first six years she was eligible, she missed out on six out of six because of a broken wrist.

As Reported in The Sketch – Wednesday 02 August 1933

1934

Pamela Barton

In 1934, aged 17, she won the French International Ladies Golf Championship and after being runner-up in 1934 and 1935, she won
the 1936 British Ladies Amateur. She then traveled to the Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, New Jersey where she won the U.S. Women’s Amateur over Maureen Orcutt. Her victory was the first by a foreign competitor in 23 years and the first time in 27 years that a player held both the British and U.S. titles simultaneously.

Pamela Barton – Bibliography

Harry Bentley Plays the Donoughmore Cup at Princes

F. G. L. Fairlie on Golf Club and ‘Varsity Golf So the Hartleys have won another foursome competition. In the final of a new event at Prince’s, they won the Lord Donoughmore Foursomes Cup by defeating R. B. Foster and P. W. L. Risdon in the final round, over eighteen holes, by one hole.

Both W. L. Hartley and R. W. Hartley deserve many congratulations on their success but, all the same, I wish they wouldn’t do it. This may sound rather rude to the brothers perhaps even biased against them. Believe me, I have no intention of being personal I am thinking of a much larger issue. The fact that the Hartleys can win so often in this country, both in partnership and alone, is not a very good omen for our chances in future Walker Cup matches. Both brothers have had an extended trial in International matches against America, and neither has a very impressive record. It is claimed on their behalf that, although they may have been beaten, they have always played good golf. This is possibly perfectly true, but it does not alter an unpleasant fact they have not been good enough for the occasion. It is therefore disturbing to find that they are still good enough frequently to win our first-class or near first- class events.

It must not be assumed, however, that the Hartleys have not achieved a very meritorious performance. There were several players, in a surprisingly small entry, who should have been fully capable of extending any amateur couple. Notable among these were Douglas Grant and L. O. M. Munn, a peculiarly devastating pair anywhere around Sandwich R. Sweeny, Jun., and H. G. Bentley N. C. Selway and J. B. Stevenson, and E. N. Layton and G. D. Hannay. Of these only Grant and Munn reached the semi-final round, the others losing to apparently less talented players which only goes to show what very good fun foursomes are.

To revert to a subject which I barely 1 touched on last week, there seems very little doubt that if the University Golf Match were to be played to-morrow, Oxford might very well win by a record margin. A Cambridge captain of not so very long ago, who is now very rapidly making a big name for himself as a writer on golf, goes so far as to say that the event may be just another Walker Cup Match, with Oxford playing the part of the Americans. It is certainly true to say that, as far as can be judged by the matches already played by both Universities, there is no comparison at all as to the results. Oxford have played extremely well, on the whole, and even when they have not been the victorious side, they have given a very good account of themselves. Cambridge, on the other hand, have rather a dismal record. Of course, at this stage of the season it is utter madness to attempt anything in the nature of prognostication. There are precedents for the weaker side early on in the year’s golf improving out of all know ledge, even to the extent of snatching a surprise victory in the great match itself. There was a Cambridge side, for instance, which contained no very great names, which managed to beat an Oxford side that included Cyril Tolley and Roger Wethered. But the fact remains that Cambridge have got to improve consider ably if they wish to make a match of it when the great day arrives. I hope that they do, for a run-away match is no fun for anybody. tT is usually a sign, when the Universities I start playing their matches against the Clubs, that these latter will also start doing the same amongst themselves and against the Societies. The annual match between the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club and the Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society has just taken place and resulted in a halved match. Really, the Society should have won, for with four matches to play it was necessary for the Club to win every one if its representatives were to save their bacon. This is precisely what they managed to do. Perhaps the Society was feeling a little too confident, too secure in the pleasant position of being dormy. The fact remains that the Club players won each of their matches fairly convincingly, L. B. Sanderson and Bernard Darwin, for the Society, being the only pair to reach the seventeenth hole. A feature of the match was. the appearance of the famous professional golfer, J. H. Taylor, representing the Club, in partnership with that eminent gentleman H. E. Taylor. J. H. Taylor is an honorary member of the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club, and I venture to say that no membership is more highly valued by the Club. I believe that I am right in saying that Taylor represents the Club in this match at the request of the Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society, but normally, of course, these matches are played by teams entirely composed of amateurs. It is a very pretty compliment to a very great gentleman of golf.
Finally, I would like to refer to a most charming letter I have received from the present Captain of the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. He refers, of course, to the article which recently appeared on this page, in which I apologized for having made a fool of myself over John Ball “You have dealt with the mistake you made in the earlier article in a manner which is, if I may say so, the complete amende honorable.”

I am most grateful to my friends of Hoylake for the way in which I have been forgiven. Oxford v. the Army Golfing Society Lt.-Col. J. S. Mellor (Army), J. 0. H. Greentey (Oxford), K. B. Scott (Oxford), and Capt. J. C. Craigie (Army) in the match at West Hill. The Army won this foursome by two and one, but the University secured the whole event by seven matches to live Swaebs The Donoughmore Cup at Prince’s A. R. Donne, Geoffrey Simpson and H. G. Bentley, competitors in the Donoughmore Challenge Cup Amateur Scratch Foursomes at Prince’s, Sandwich

The Bystander – Tuesday 13 November 1934

RAF Golfing Society – Spring Meeting

1934 RAFGS Spring Meeting at Wentworth

Airmen at Golf The R.A.F. Spring Meeting at Wentworth (1) Wing-Comdr. R. N. Drummond and Squadron-Leader R. H. Hanmer. (2) Squadron-Leader C. A. Stevens and Flight-Lieut. G. L. Worthington. (3) R. C. V. Ash winner Serving Officers Championship) and 11. D. Nicholson. (4) Air-Marshal Sir John Salmond and Group Captain E. R. Manning. (5) Wing-Comdr. A. Shekleton and Squadron-Leader R. Sugden. (6) Squadron- Leader Rev. F. D. Morley and Flight-Lieut. C. D. Adams. (7) Flight-Officer TT. S. Colder and Squadron-Leader R. A. G.Elliott. (8) Squadron-Leader L. M. lies and Squadron-Leader C. B. Cooke

As Reported in: The Bystander-May-1st-1934

1934 RAFGS GOLF CHAMPION

Cecil Hayward

Sqn Ldr. C. H. Hayward won the R.A.F. golf championship on September 23rd at Sandwich, beating F/O. Robins in the final after playing 41 holes.

RAF Champion 27th September 1934 As Reported by Flight Global

Aero Golfing Society Vs RAF Felixstowe & Martlesham

1934 – Aero Golfing Society Vs RAF Felixstowe & Martlesham

Reported by Flight 26th April 1934

Henry Cotton Wins the Open Championship

By Kind Permission of British Pathé

Ladies Surrey County Foursomes – Westhill GC

Miss Beryl Pockett (Above) was an International Golfer who later joined the Royal Air Force during the War.

Beryl Pockett Front Row Centre

Beryl was the Officer in Charge at Tangmere and was there throughout the Battle of Britain. The Photo was taken outside Westgate House which was requisitioned to accommodate them after a big raid on the station that month. Beryl married Gordon green 1942.

By Kind Permission of Aircrew Remembered

1935

R.A.F. GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP – 22 May 1935

Flt Lt. Humphries and FIt Lt. Macpherson qualified to contest (he 36-hole final of the R.A.F. Serving Officers’ Championship Moor Park. F/O. E. C. V, Ash, the holder did not defend his title.

Henlow won the Team Challenge with till for 3 players, Tangmere being second with ‘238. Results:

Scratch Flt Lt Humphries 75; Flt Lt Jackman, 80; Flight. FIt Lt. Macpherson 81, Sqn Ldr Iiles 81,

Handicap Div – Sqn Ldr Iles 81-10 =71; Flt Lt Jackman 80-6=74, Flt Lt Pigott 85-10 = 75.

Handicap Div II – Flt Off Walker- 89-13 = 76, Flt Off. Cross 91-13=78, Flt Lt. Louka. 92-14—78.

Nine Holes.—Div -Sqn Ldr lles, 35: Flt Lt. Jackman 35, tied.
Div. II – Flt Off. Walker 34.5 , Flt Lt Lougs 35.

Team.—Henlow (Sqn Ldr Iles, Flt Lieut Bardon and Flt Lieut Louks), 231:
Tangmere (Sqn. Ldr. Pigott, Flt. Off. McKern and Flt. Off Nicholson), 238.

As Reported by Portsmouth Evening News – Wednesday 22 May 1935

Pam Barton – Cambridge University Match vs Miss Diana Fishwick’s Team

P.B. Lucas, Pam Barton, Betty Dix Perkin go on to serve with the Royal Air Force. Diana Fishwick (Nee Critchley – Wife to Air Commodore Critchley)

Oxford University – Golf Blues

Frank Pennink both joined the R.A.F.and Frank Pennink later became a professional golfer. Click Link

The Inter-Club Competition Sunningdale

As Reported by The-Bystander-July

1936

RAF Championship -St Georges Hills

Spring Meeting – St Georges Hill

R.A.F. Officers’ Golfing Association The Spring Meeting at St. George’s Hills

(1) Air Cmdr. R. Peel Ross winner of the Handicap, first division, and 9-holes Handicap) and Air Vice- Marshal C.Longcroft.
(2) Sq.-Ldrs. Hillman Gray (winner of the 18-holes Handicap, second division) and II, Bardsworth.
(3) Ft.-Lt. K. Cross and Sq.-Ldr. C. R. Davidson.
(4) Ft. -Lts. G. C. Shepherd, G. H. White, and J. R. Ackers.
(5) Ft.-Lt. D. Cook and Sq.-Ldr. A. C. Sanderson.
(6) Ft.-Lt. L. Dickens and Ft.-Lt. W. K. Beisiegel.
(7) Ft.-Lt. D. Field and Flying Officer M. Robinson.
(8) Ft.-Lts. P. G. Chichester and J. M. Ritchie.
(9) Ft Lts. K. A. Jackman and G. K. Horner.
(10) Flying Officer R. C. V. Ash and Ft.-Lt. J. R. Scarlett

Max Faulkner – 1936 Open Championship

Herbert Gustavus Max Faulkner , OBE (29 July 1916 – 26 February 2005). During World War II Faulkner served in the RAF as a Physical Training (PT) instructor. He took up boxing, becoming services champion. After the War he focused on golf as a professional who won the Open Championship in 1951.

Faulkner entered the 1936 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. He just qualified with a score of 155 for the two qualifying rounds. Four steady rounds left him tied for 21st place in the championship. At the end of July he had his best finish in an important tournament, the Daily Mirror Assistants’ Tournament, despite starting with a 77. A final round course-record 66 lifted him into a tie for 3rd place. In September he qualified for the final stage of the News of the World Match Play where he won two matches before losing to Percy Alliss at the last-16 stage.

AERO Club Vs RAF Martlesham and Felixstowe

Pam Barton Wins US Ladies Golf Championship

Winner Pam Barton – 1936 Women’s US Amateur Championship

By Kind Permission of British Pathé

The “Golf Illustrated Gold Vase” Tournament at Ashridge

Jim Ferrier winner of the Gold Vase and John Beck. Ferrier who is making his first English visit, has also won the Silver Tassie and was runner-up in the Amateur Championship

Major P. C. Burton, J. Herbert Richardson and Squadron- Leader C. H. Hayward. Herbert Richardson is the secretary of the Ashridge Golf Club, which provided very fine scoring conditions. Major Burton and Squadron-Leader Hayward played together, having respective scores of 167 and 164

Christian Watermeyer and A. D Locke, the South Africa Amateur Champion. Watermeyer is also South African he plays for Royal Cape and came fourth with 146

The Bystander – Wednesday 17 June 1936

The Bentley Brothers

Harry Bentley of Hesketh wins the English Amateur Championship at Deal GC

Arnold Bentley of Hesketh, partnered by Tommy Thirsk of Bridlington GC, wins the Olympic Games Golf Exhibition Tournament Golf Pries der Nationen with the Trophy donated by Herr Adolf Hitler, Fuhrer and Chancellor of Germany

Harry Bentley – Winner of the English Championship

J. S. F. Morrison on Golf Afterthoughts on the English Championship

How H. G. Bentley (Hesketh) beat J. D. A. Langley (Northwood) in the final of the English Championship on the links of the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club by 5 holes up and 4 to play is now golfing history. Thus once more a Southern golfer has failed to win this championship T. A. Bourn, the only winner who has entered from a London club, was born in Durham, so he can hardly be called a Southerner. It is very strange that so many London golfers have won the Amateur Championship, and yet cannot win the English. It was a very open championship, and even when the last eight players were known, there was no one who was willing to attempt to name the winner with any confidence. How ever, when the finalists were known, I think there were many who thought that Bentley, with his greater experience, would win.

Amongst other reasons, I was pleased to see Harry Bentley victorious because he is one of the very few people playing in championships who, when asked how they happened to get beaten, reply that the other man has played better than they have. This reason for defeat is most unusual among the competitors in championships. The usual reason is that although the loser has played extremely well, he has been very unfortunate to come up against a man who has enjoyed miraculous luck and whom the defeated, with equal luck, could beat ninety- nine times out of a hundred.

On the Wednesday of this championship, everyone I met at lunch time told me that they had been out in 35 or less, with the exception of Douglas Fiddian. It was not necessary for Fiddian to go out in 35 and as I had seen every shot he played, it would have been of little use for him to tell me he had been out in fewer strokes than he had and I feel sure that in any case he would have had no desire to do so.

It is extraordinary how often in championships players who, according to their own calculations, hole the course in about 72 strokes, get beaten by players who hole it in about 80. It is most refreshing to meet a man like Harry Bentley, who tells you he has come up against a better golfer on the particular day on which he has been beaten.

It is interesting to note that both finalists have received assistance in their golf from Henry Cotton they are both certainly very good advertisements for his method of instruction. Bentley has always been a very good player on and near the greens, but until now he has been handicapped in big golf by his lack of length, especially off the tee. He went to Belgium for a few weeks early in the year to have lessons from Cotton, who has certainly enabled him to hit his wooden clubs considerably further than he used to. Without this extra length, Bentley would have had little chance of success on a links like Deal. Whether Cotton gave him any tips to improve his temperament, I do not know, but at Deal Bentley showed himself the possessor of a better temperament than in any previous championship. He fought back most bravely in his match against Stowe, who was 3 up after seven holes, caught him, wore him down and finally beat him on the last green.

Until this championship, I did not think Bentley had a good temperament for match play, and always considered him a much better player in medal play at Deal he certainly proved he is now as good a player in a match as when he carries a card and pencil. On his way to the final, he won no fewer than four of the seven matches he was called upon to play on the eighteenth green.

Langley, in his second English champion, proved that not only is he a very good and sound golfer, but also that he has a most excellent temperament for championship play, and showed no signs, as many older players have done, of beating himself. He is tall and thin, and although he employs a short back swing, he has a beautiful free and full follow through. I believe that greater control can be obtained with a short back swing if the follow through is full, and that no length is lost by employing this method. Langley’s swing reminded me very much of Hector Thomson’s. The difference appears to be that Thomson swings through a wider arc, and consequently is a considerably longer player. Langley was continually driving with a brassie.

It is all very well to talk about keeping the ball in play, but you have got to do much more than that to be successful in championships, which are played on courses where length off the tee is of greater importance than on in land courses. It is the usual custom now to praise to the skies any young players who do well.

If you read some of the daily papers, you might think that Miss Patty Berg was the best and longest player in the American Curtis Cup team, which she most certainly is not, although she is an extremely good player.

You have no doubt read and heard that Langley ought to have a place in our Walker Cup team. I do not agree with this view, as the match is played this year in the United States of America. The members of the team will see each other morning, noon and night for about four weeks, and I very much doubt if a boy who has just left school would fit in with the older members of the team. I also do not think that Langley is yet a good enough player. As the English championship has now been played twelve times, and only four winners have been honoured with places in the Walker Cup team, I do not think that the fact of getting into the final is sufficient qualification for a place in this team.

If the Walker Cup match was to be played in Britain this year instead of the United States, the gamble of playing Langley to give him experience might be justified, but I certainly do not think it is, under the existing circumstances.

I hope that the English team for the inter national matches against the other countries will not be selected entirely from those who played in the championship at Deal, as the following players, who most certainly have serious claims for inclusion, did not play in this championship T. J. Thirsk, E. F. Storey, Dr. W. Tweddell, J. A. Stout, P. B. Lucas, E. W. Fiddian, P. White, J. E. Cradock- Hartopp, G. L. Q. Henriques, and C. D. Gray. These players alone could form a team that would give a good account of itself. Winner of the Scottish Championship E. D. Hamilton (Ralston), seen with the Cup won the Scottish Amateur Championship at Carnoustie, Forfarshire he beat Robert Neill East Renfrewshire; right) on the thirty-sixth green in the final, which concluded a week of perfect golfing weather Winner of the English Championship H. G. Bentley, winner of the English Amateur Championship at Deal, received the Cup from H. R. Hobson, Captain of the Royal Cinque Ports Club. On the right is J. D. A. Langley, the Stowe schoolboy runner-up, whom Bentley beat by 5 and 4 after a fine first round London Captains at Moor Park The Society of London Golf Captains held a meeting at Moor Park. Jn the picture are B. B. Wills, H. G. Butler (hon. secretary), F. D. Donovan, H. N. Hughes (chairman), Vernon Hall, and R.B.Grey

CARNOUSTIE GOLFER’S R.A.F. POST VICTOR LAMB GOES SOUTH.

Carnoustie has lost the services of another of its best known young golfers. Victor C. Lamb, Carnoustie Club champion, has joined the Royal Air Force as an accounting clerk, and has left for Drayton. Lamb, who has been prominently associated with Carnoustie and Caird Park golf for the last few years, last season won the Carnoustie Club title when he defeated R. B. Cant, the holder, in the final. had previously done well in the Craw’s Nest Tassie tournament. He was also closely identified with local football. Last season he kept goal on several occasion? for Broughty Ex-Service, and after spell with Carnoustie Y.M.C.A. he signed for St Joseph’s.

As Reported in Dundee Courier – Wednesday 11 March 1936

1937

Frank Pennink

Frank Pennink (1913-1984 )

Frank Pennink served in the Royal Air Force during WW2 and was a Champion Amateur golfer.

FOR GOLFERS THE ENGLISH AMATEUR CHAMPION

In 1937 he won the English Amateur Championship, the Royal St George’s Gold Vase (with a record score) and the South of England Amateur Championship.

Pennink has improved enormously since he played for Oxford some time ago. Additional interest was given to the final by the fact that it was a University affair and, as such, would have been more suitable to Rye than to Saunton. Gleeful shouts accompanied the final, the more so as Oxford for once proved more than a match for Cambridge. !t is hard to regard this event as of major import, but it does give the young unknown a chance. Frank Pennink, who led by one hole at the end of the morning, won decisively by 6 and 5. He had played good, steady golf from the first round and fully deserved his victory.

Frank Pennink

Henry Cotton

Henry Cotton

The 1937 Open Championship was the 72nd Open Championship, held 7–9 July at Carnoustie Golf Links in Carnoustie, Scotland. Henry Cotton won the second of his three Open titles, two strokes ahead of runner-up Reg Whitcombe

Henry Cotton v Densmore Shute Refereed by James Braid

AERO Club Vs RAF Martlesham and Felixstowe Annual Golf Match

THE annual golf match between the R.A.F. stations at Martlesham and Felixstowe and the Aero Golfing Society was played at Felixstowe on Saturday, April 10. In the foursomes each side won three matches with one halved, while in the singles the Aero Golfing Society were successful by seven matches to five with two halved.

Robert J V Sweeny DFC

Robert Sweeny, the former British amateur golf champion, has been one of the brightest stars of the international scene. An American financier, he was one of the founder members of the famous Eagle squadron of American volunteers who flew with the RAF in the Battle of Britain. He emerged as a Squadron Leader with the DFC and younger brother of Charles Sweeny, founder of the famous RAF Eagle Squadrons.

Robert Sweeny DFC

Born in California and raised in England, he was educated at Oxford. Learning to play golf at his father’s summer residence at Le Touquet, he won the 1937 British Amateur golf championship, runner up in 1946 and semi finalist on two other occasions, he was beaten at the final hole by Arnold Palmer in the US Amateur golf championship in 1954.

Post war he served as RAF liaison officer to the Dutch forces under Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. Returning to the US post RAF he settled in Palm Beach, Florida and moved back to ‘Blighty’ in 1970, passing away in 1983.

Robert Sweeny – British Amateur Champion 1937

Citation for Robert Sweeny – for DFC- London Gazette – Tuesday the 31st August 1943

SILVER TASSIE” WON BY SWEENY RECORD ROUND AT GLENEAGLES

Robert Sweeny, British amateur golf champion, won the “Silver Tassie” thirty six holes competition at Gleneagles Hotel on Saturday with an aggregate 140 for the two rounds. Sweeny had rounds of on the Queen’s course—a new record—and 74 on the King’s. Deadly putting gave the champion jus low score, which beat his own record two years ago by one stroke. Sweeny’s figures read:

Out 4, 2, 4, 3, 3, 3, 5, 4, 5 = 33
In 3, 3, 4, 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 6 = 33

Total Other leading scores were (King’s course first):—J. Lindsay, jun. (Falkirk Tryst), A. E. M’Leod (Old Ranfurly), 72, 71—143; A. Roy (Formby), 72. 72—144; and J. A. Graham (Hoylake), 78. 67—145. Northern players’ scores;—D. Leith Buchanan, Nairn, 74. 78—152; J. Bookless, Inverness, 76, 77—153.

As Reported By: Aberdeen Press & Journal – Monday 12 July 1937

RAF Officers’ Golfing Association – Wentworth

1938

Frank Pennink – English Amateur Champion

Frank Pennink wins the English Amateur Golf Champion Title at Moortown GC defeating S.E. Banks of Hallamshire

Forthcoming Events – RAF Match

Frank Pennink in 1938 repeated his win in the English Amateur and played in the Walker Cup match against America, which Great Britain won for the first time ever. He won a vital point in the foursomes, playing with Leonard Crawley.

Lady Luisa Abrahams

Lady Luisa Abrahams, née Kramerová (1910−2006). Before the war, she actively dedicated herself to sports and successfully participated in a number of international competitions as the member of a golf club. In 1938, she won the Czechoslovak International Championship. Shortly before the war, she left for Britain. On the basis of an appeal to foreign nationals, she voluntarily enrolled and entered active service with the WAAF units in Britain on 28th April 1941. She served as a radio operator and office worker. After the war, she lived in Britain. She devoted herself to her family, business, charitable activities and golf. In January 1970, she and her husband were conferred titles of nobility. She died in London.

Louisa Abrahams

Raymond Oppenheimer Ties for Silver Medal in the Silver Tassie Amateur Championship

As Reported in the Scotsman May 19th 1938

Frank Pennink A Walker Cup Certainty?

“I believe Frank Pennink was obliging the photographer in this series. He is one of our steadiest players with his own style a bit cramped but he knows his own game well and it is a good one.” Henry Cotton.

Note excellent position of left hand club held rather in the palm wide stance hands ahead of the ball. Going up -face still square to the ball left arm going close to the body. This looks a bit awkward the club has slipped into the palm of right hand, the hands are very high– face is open. Still, as Pennink usually comes down right, I have nothing to say.

I know you do not always look up, but here is a beauty which rather gives you away, Frank, let it be a lesson The camera must have been lying, for here is the real Pennink and all is well head down club shaft about to whip through it looks like being a good shot. Yes, it must be good a lovely hit past the body right hip back and right shoulder under.

As Reported by: Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News photographs,Friday 11 February 1938

IMMACULATE GOLF BY W. LAIDLAW SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL WINS ASSISTANTS’ TOURNAMENT

Laidlaw’s big win was in the 1938 Daily Mirror Assistants’ Tournament at Blackpool North Shore. He scored 289 for the 72 holes and won by 9 strokes from Alan Waters and Geoff White. Later in 1938 he was second in the Czechoslovak Open, although 11 strokes behind the winner Henry Cotton.

As Reported by the Birmingham Gazette, 29 July 1938

1938 – RAFGS Golf Meeting – Trent Park

RAFGS – Trent Park 1938

RAFGS – Trent Park 1938 – Afternoon Foursomes Winners

Competing for Sasson Cups

The Bystander – Wednesday 23 November 1938

GOLF FINALISTS DIE WITHIN MONTH

St Andrews Airman Is Crash Victim Pilot, Officer A. L. MacEwen, St Andrews, who was killed in the mountain air crash on Plinlimmon on Thursday, was winner of last month’s Queen Victoria Jubilee Vase tournament of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Mr MacEwen, on the 9th September, contested the final with W. F. E. Blackwell, 74-year-old St Andrews veteran, whom he defeated 4 and 2. The following day Mr Blackwell was admitted to nursing home suffering from pneumonia, and died four days later. Within a month his fellow-finalist has died. Mr A. L. MacEwen was the 23-year-old son of Mr and Mrs G. L. MacEwen, The Hirsel, St, Andrews. He was educated at Glenalmond. and after a short spell of business in Dundee and London he joined the R.A.F. a year ago.

Dundee Courier – Saturday 08 October 1938

1939

Alex Kyle – New Amateur Champion

St Augustine GC Beat RAF Manston Officers Mess

Frank Pennink Beaten by 18 Year Old

18-year-old local boy beat Frank Pennink, Royal Ashdown Forest, the holder at the 19th hole in (he fourth round of the English Amateur Golf Championship at Birkdale, Southport, yesterday. White continued to play brilliantly in the next round, in which he defeated C.H.V. Elliott, Notts 3 and 1. Today he meets S.Banks, Hallamshire, runner-up last year. Others beaten yesterday included H.G. Bentley, Hesketh, and S. Lunt, Moseley, two former champions but W. Sutton, Mere, who won the title in 1929 and L. G. Crawley, Brancepeth Castle, winner in 1931, reached the last eight.

As Reported by: Daily Record & Mail, 28th April 1939

DICK BURTON WON THE CLARET JUG IN THE BRITISH OPEN

The RAF Golfing Society Vs Wentworth Golf Club

As Reported by Oliver Stewart, The Tatler, Sept 1939

W.A.A.F Inter-Services Golf

Women’s Inter-Services Golf Camberley Heath course saw the first match played between women in different branches of the Services when the 2nd Hants Motor Company, A.T.S., beat the W.A.A.F. by 4 matches to 2 over 16 holes. A number of A.T.S. girls acted as caddies for members of their team. From the 11TH Company Commander P. Bayliss and Miss Barbara Wardle watched the flight of Miss Molly Gourlay’s ball as she drives from tenth. This is a hole, incidentally, which Miss Gourlay has done in one. Miss P. Anderson, Miss I.Hime and Miss N.Goldie share a joke before play starts. The litter lost her match against Miss H. Palmes. The A.T.S. Captain: Miss Betty Sheldon (right) with, from the left, Miss G. Noble, Miss P. Dowler, and Miss S. Arthur. Molly Gourlay, the famous International, turned out for the A.T.S. and lost to Miss Barbara Wardle (left), the W.A.A.F. captain. An A.T.S. WIN: Miss J. Buchanan (W.A.A.F.) (left) was beaten by Miss Poppy Thorne. At the first: Miss S. C. Mansel (W.A.A.F.) and Miss D. M. Cumberlege (A.T.S.). The W.A.A.F. girl had the best of this match.

W.A.A.F Inter-Services Golf – Camberley Heath 1939

As Reported by: Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Friday 01 December 1939

RAF Serving Officers’ Championship Golf

Pilot Officer R. S. Burles was runner-up at Ashridge. A former boy champion and a scratch player he is here with P/O. O’Brien, whom he beat in the first round Pilot-Officer G. Grant-Govan won the R.A.F. serving officers’ championship at Ashridge by beating Pilot-Officer Buries by five and four in the final. Grant-Govan is here seen with his first-round victim, the holder Sqn Ldr. D. B. B. Field Sqn Ldr C. H. Hayward is honorary secretary of the R.A.F. Officers’ Golfing Association, was photographed at the spring meeting at Ashridge with Group Captain R. H. Knowles Wing-Commander J. Silvester lost in the first round to Squadron- Leader L. W. Dickens by two holes Dickens lost in the semi final to the runner-up, Burles

Reported By: The Bystander – Wednesday 10 May 1939

A.L. Bentley Wins English Championship

The fifteenth championship organised by the English Golf Union was played on the course of the Birkdale Golf Club, near Southport, and resulted in a win for Arnold L. Bentley, of the neighbouring Hesketh Golf Club, who defeated W. Sutton, of the Mere Country Club, in the final by 5 and 4. Sutton was making his third appearance in the final of this event. He won it in 1929 at Gosforth Park, where he beat E. B. Tipping in the final by 3 and 2. On his way to victory he defeated Cyril Tolley in a snow storm. In 1931 he reached the final at Hunstanton, where he lost to Leonard G. Crawley by one hole. Arnold Bentley also has nearly always done well in this championship he reached the last eight at Deal in 1936 (the year his brother Harry won), where he was defeated by Cyril Tolley on the last green. In 1937 he also reached the last eight, where he lost to L. G. Crawley, again on the last green.

For championship golfers both finalists are short-hitters, with Bentley a little longer than Sutton. I heard several people express surprise that on this course, which plays very long and which has had its difficulties well advertised, two short players should reach the final. I have always held the view that the long hitter has a much greater advantage over his opponent on a short course than on a long one. This may appear strange, but if you give the matter careful consideration I shall be surprised if you do not agree with me. On a short course the long player can drive many greens, or so nearly drive them that he has tiny shots for his seconds, and thus makes the game extremely easy for himself. On the other hand, at long two-shot holes the short player has of necessity to rely continually on a chip and one putt to get his four, which he very often gets, while the long hitter is tempted to go full out to reach the green in two shots, and in trying to do so very often finds trouble with either his tee shot or his second. Long hitting pays more on the Old Course at St. Andrews than on any other course I know at Birkdale it was clearly not the great asset many expected that it would be.

It must be admitted that the final this year was rather a dull affair why it was so is difficult to understand. After watching it I came to the conclusion that for a match to be really interesting and good fun to watch, at least one of the players must be able to hit the ball vast distances.

Sutton, who usually chips and putts so well that he never minds being well short of the green in two shots at the long holes, could neither chip nor putt in this final. On the few occasions on which he did manage to get down in a chip and a putt it was due to a good putt and not to a good chip.

I cannot remember him, either in the morning or in the afternoon, putting a chip shot stone-dead, which is very unlike him, as he generally nearly holes two or three per round. I can only think that Sutton must have been a tired man on the day of the final. We know, and saw it clearly when R. Sweeny beat Lionel Munn in the final of the Amateur Championship of 1937, that a tired man fails at the short game and not at the long. Sutton certainly failed at. the short game, which is as a rule his strongest point. Although Sutton did not have the narrow squeaks which Bentley had to reach the final, he had more close matches in fact, five of the seven matches which he won to reach the final were decided on the seventeenth green or beyond.

Bentley got a great and not unlucky start in the final. Sutton played the first hole the better of the two and lost it as Bentley holed a six-yard putt while he missed one of four yards. If Bentley had missed, I have little doubt that Sutton would have holed. The second hole was won by Bentley very luckily he pushed his tee shot to the right of the fairway, found’ a good lie, and then, with a wooden club, missed the bunker on the right short of the green by inches and ran down a narrow path between this bunker and another one on to the green. Sutton played a bad second, but if it had not kicked nearly at right angles to the left it would have finished on the left of the green. Things looked really bad for Sutton when at the fourth he hit a short chip shot much too hard when he had a great chance of reducing his opponent’s lead. Sutton was now two down and, with a shade of luck the other way, might easily have been three up a very big difference.

Sutton threw away another great chance at the fourteenth, where he had only to get down in three from a short distance from the green to square the match he however took six shots for the hole, and allowed Bentley, who had played a bad tee shot, to halve it. At the fifteenth, after a lucky tee shot, Sutton very nearly holed his putt for a three and then missed a very short one to lose the hole. After this, Bentley took complete control of the match and was never again in danger of defeat. He finished the morning round four up, was seven up at the turn in the afternoon, and won at his ease on the fourteenth green.

Bentley on the day was clearly the better golfer. He out-putted and out-chipped his opponent a state of affairs which must have greatly surprised those who had a knowledge of the former play of the finalists. Neither Bentley nor Sutton had played in the County Championship, which was played in a gale on the Saturday before the championship started. The play was neither good nor impressive. You can get some idea of the golf which was played from the fact that Sutton had an approximate score of 42 to the turn in both the morning and in the afternoon.

The Bystander – Wednesday 10 May 1939

Cotton’s Fight in Foursomes

Cotton’s Fight in Foursomes Henry Cotton, partnered by the Hon. Max Aitken, had a hard fight in the Addington (Surrey) amateur-professional foursomes golf tournament yesterday before entering the third round, with a one-hole victory over Lister Hartley, Walker Cup player, and Fred Robson. Cotton and Aitken led for the first time at the 17th, but at the next Aitken pulled into the trees, the ball finishing in a ditch. Cotton picked under penalty and the ball rolled into a cupply lie, but the ex-champion hit a brilliant spoon-shot and halved in five for the match

Max Aitken

Wg Cdr (Hon) J.W. Max Aitken OC 68 Sqn. Flew as a ‘guest’ with 610 Sqn as part of Wing formation with 616 and 145 Squadrons. Destroyed a Bf 109 over Le Touquet 25/6/41 and another 2/7/41 over Le Touquet.

As Reported in the Birmingham Daily Gazette – Tuesday 04 April 1939

Turnberry Championship Course

Extract detailed in “Dual in the Sun”, Tom Watson & Jack Nicklaus – In the Battle of Turn by Michael Corcoran

Arnold Bentley of Hesketh wins the English Amateur Championship at (Royal) Birkdale GC

Miss Kathleen Garnham

Miss Kathleen Garnham

On Sunday 6th August 1939 Miss Kathleen Garnham (Walton-on-the-Naze), the English international, won the Belgium women’s championship beating Mme J de Meulemester (Belgium) by 5&4 in the 36-hole final.

Henry Cotton On Golf – Jimmy Adams Swing Analysis

Red Cross Contributions

Henry Cotton – Red Cross Matches

Our £5000 and Moortown’s Honour I have now played in eighteen matches up to the match at the West Essex Golf Club, Chingford, London, and in this match the £5000 figure was passed, which is a magnificent sum from golfers to the Red Cross funds in nine weeks. Topping the bill is Moortown with £630, and possibly more to come. Before going on to talk about the last two games, one point which strikes all the players taking part in these games is the excellence of the putting greens throughout the country. Travelling around from place to place, even in the winter, we find wonderful putting surfaces everywhere no course with bad greens or even poor greens, all good greens. I do hope that some way will be found of keeping these greens up to standard, as if they are ever allowed to go they will take years to recover. In the two games which were played in the London district and which brought the total up to the £5000, I was told that I would lose my boots playing on these courses in this season of the year, but this was far from being the case, for, despite a bad week’s weather, they were very playable.

The majority of the courses round London are on heavy soil, and so are not at their best in mid-winter, but through systematic draining and worming they have been greatly improved and, with winter rules in force, golf can be enjoyed on them. We are really very lucky, for in many parts of the United States winter golf is not even played, because the courses are frozen solid. Where they are not frozen all the time, there are only temporary greens in use, as the real greens are all covered up, and it is not until the more southern climes are reached that golf is played all the year round. So we must not grumble too much over winter golf in England At Bushey Hall, Watford, Tom Burrell and I halved a four-ball match with Wm. Laidlaw and E. E. Whitcombe. Here we did not play winter rules and one or two shots skidded and ducked away when being forced from a heavy lie. The golf was quite good, and we all enjoyed a day which produced the record total for the London district (up to the moment of writing.) About £310 was collected. On the clay courses particularly the old ones one often finds that greens have slipped, due to surface settling as the clay is washed out by the rains draining below the surface.

This leaves slopes on the greens that no architect ever envisaged impossible slopes. In my opinion and I am not alone in this there is no possible justification for having impossible putts. On some of the greens at the West Essex club I was told of golfers being on in two, off in the trees in three possibly an exaggeration, but this looks true, particularly of the green on the tenth hole. On this green, from certain angles, a borrow of 3 yards in a 5-yard putt is necessary and in the summer some putts are not on unless the hole gets in the way of the ball even when it is just trickled, it careers past the pin. It was put to me in defence of these very tricky greens for at the West Essex many of the greens are very tricky indeed that as the course was on the short side, it was the only defence the course had to prevent low scoring.

My reply was in the form of a question Why prevent low scoring If a player plays well he is entitled to have a chance of scoring low. That is how I see the game.” No If the greens sink they should be built up again it is not a very big job and well worth while, for on these side-hill greens there are very few places to put the pin, and they are very hard to keep moist. Even in the summer when they are watered, the water just runs off. At West Essex beautiful putting greens are to be found, though here again several are very, very tricky. But what really was surprising was to find such wonderful views, with very few houses in sight, only 12 miles from London.

Now for the play. Jack Davis and I beat Archie Compston and Alan Dailey in an eighteen-hole four-ball match by 5 and 3. The golf was extra good in this game and my partner used his local knowledge to good advantage on the greens, holing a number of difficult putts, and I holed a 2 at a 257-yard hole. My clubs, except my putter I keep him for sentimental reasons were sold for £40, which helped to swell the day’s total to about £300 (latest figures to hand). Archie Compston, who is putting on weight so fast that he will have to learn another swing (my suggestion), did not play as well as usual, but he enjoyed himself. He is rather worried about this gutty-ball match in which he and I are to meet James Braid and J. H. Taylor using modern balls. He thinks we do not have a chance, and so he is going to see what he can do by practising. He even suggested popping down an ordinary ball every now and then to keep the match alive as he cannot bear the thought of being out driven by miles.” I have got a few gutties already, but have not played a round yet with them. I say them,” because I do not think one would last a round. I have received offers from old golfers to present me with thirty- year-old balls for use in the match, but these, I am afraid, would be a source of danger to all concerned, as they would fly into pieces on impact. The fresh ones are hard enough, thank you Gutty balls and steel shafts must lead to accurate striking or tingling fingers.

It would be interesting to have a match on a course exactly as it was in the gutty- ball days I mean, to use the same tees and have the course at its old length. Very few, if any, such courses exist to-day, but there may be courses with old tees, now perhaps ladies’ tees, which would give the same yardage.

Cotton and Co.’s Red Cross Contributions

Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club. £152,
Wilderness Golf Club £140,
Glasgow Golf Club £401,
North Manchester Golf Club. £130,
Sale Golf Club £335,
Clyne Golf Club £176,
Cardiff Golf Club £202,
Royal Burgess Golf Club £606,
Parkstone, Dorset £178,
Fulwell Golf Club £105,
Sundridge Park £227,
Worsley Golf Club £200,
Hesketh Golf Club £625,
Gog Magog, Cambridge £107,
Abbeydale, Sheffield (approx.) £325,
Moortown Golf Club (approx.) £630,
Bushey Hall G.C. (approx.).. £310,
West Essex (Chingford) (approx.) £300,
From Maidenhead Artisans.. £2 16 6

Games to Come Dec. 17 (Sunday). Shirley Park. A. Compston v. Cotton, followed by Compston and Tom Newman v. Cotton and Joe Davis.

In the evening it is hoped that the four will meet again for a snooker match at Thurston’s, Leicester Square. Beginners’ Corner No. 5. Pointing to the hole FOR mashie shots and short approaches generally, make the club shaft finish I pointing to the hole. In this shot the player has kept the face open, but this is not necessary for all shots. This is just one type of shot the left hand is held very- firmly to the club.

The Enthusiastic North

Last weekend Henry Cotton was in the North playing in torrential rain and in a bitterly cold wind. The picture gives some idea of the conditions at Moortown, Leeds; Yet despite the weather £500 was collected for the Red Cross. Under the umbrella are W. Shankland (left), the Temple News professional, and Richard Burton (Sale). Henry Cotton stands next to the caddy, looking rather miserable, and Alec Kyle (Sand Moor), the Amateur Champion is driving from the 7th Tee. Shankland and Burton won 1 up. Saturday’s game at Abbeydale, where Cotton and Shankland lost by one hole to A. Lees, the Irish and Yorkshire Open Champion, and J. Jacobs (Lindrick), produced £325.

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Friday 01 December 1939

Kathleen Garnham & A.H Gilligan Win Spring Medal Foursomes at Wentworth

Miss Kathleen Garnham joins RAF

THE BROKENHURST MANOR GOLF CLUB CELEBRATIONS

To celebrate the club’s silver jubilee they put on a four-ball, better-ball exhibition match featuring H. Cotton, Laurence Ayton, Reginald Whitcombe, and Percy Alliss. Ayton and Whitcombe went round in 69 Alliss took 65 for 1 7 and Cotton’s fantastic performance produced a 62 32 out and 30 home. The above photograph was taken before the start, and shows (1. to r.) L. Ayton. H. Cotton, R. Whitcombe, and P. Alliss

1940

Henry Cotton Joins RAF

HENRY COTTON JOINS AIR FORCE The British Open Golf Champion of 1934 and 1937 has joined the R.A.F. as an Acting Pilot Officer. He will operate in the Administrative and Special Duties branch.

Daily Record – Monday 26 August 1940

RAFVR Pilots A.T. Kyle & Robert Sweeny

The Bystander, October 16th 1940

Link to A.T. Kyle

Link to Robert Sweeny

R.A.F. Unit Gets a Golf Course in France

A squadron leader of the R.A.F. in France who, as commanding officer of his unit was faced a few months ago with innumerable problems in housing his men, has now found time to lay out a nine-hole golf course in the grounds of a disused chalet. Henry Cotton might take a poor view of the ” fairways ” and ” peens,” but that would not damp the enthusiasm of the squadron leader. He has sunk empty jam tins at spots where the grass is comparatively short. and is very proud of having ” holed out in two at the third. ” The chalet, which has not been inhabited for years, is now the officers’ mess, so the “nineteenth” is conveniently near the ninth. The squadron leader is a good golfer. He has no need to carry many clubs. Two or three are sufficient if one is a substantial niblick because the ” rough” is formidable.

As Reported by: Belfast Telegraph – Wednesday 27 March 1940

War Relief Fund – Golf Charity Match at St Albans

PAM BARTON drives from the 4th, watched by Padghan in the foreground. By being on the winning side, Pam had her revenge for tilth eat which she and Reggie Whitcombe sustained against Maureen and Percy Allison

Henry Cotton played at the Leasowe G.C., Wallasey, Cheshire, a few days ago in another Red Cross match with W. H. Davies as his partner against Richard Burton and James Adams. We collected over £300 on the day. Burton, playing his first game for a month (he is training to be an R.A.F. P.T. instructor), looked very fit he says he is now used to getting up at 6.30 a.m. and having a cold shower was below his best form, but as the game progressed he got better and better. Adams, still waiting to go in the R.A.F.

Another Golf Star to Enlist in RAF – James Adams – Royal Liverpool (Hoylake)

James Adams – Hoylake Joins RAF

GOLF STAR FOR R.A.F.

Another golf “star” has been called for service with the R.A.F. James Adams, 30-years-old professional of the Royal Liverpool Club, who volunteered for the service some months ago, is due to report for R.A.F. duty in Liverpool tomorrow.

As Reported in the Liverpool Echo – Friday 06 December 1940

Born in Troon, Adams turned professional when 14, and won the Irish Professional Championship, in 1933. In 1936, he won the Penfold Tournament on the British Tour, and came very close to winning The Open Championship at Hoylake. Adams shared the third-round lead with Henry Cotton, but despite beating Cotton (and Gene Sarazen, also in the field that year) in the final round, Adams finished a single shot behind Alf Padgham. Two years later, at Royal St George’s, Adams’ final two rounds of 78-78 put him in second place, this time behind Reg Whitcombe. After joining the RAF in 1940 and when the Championship resumed after World War II, he was fourth in 1951, and in 1954. Adams was the only player to break 70 in both the final two rounds at Royal Birkdale with a pair of 69s, but his effort was not quite enough to catch Peter Thomson, and Adams finished fifth, three shots behind. In the 22 appearances he made in the British Open he had 5 top 10 positions including coming 2nd twice. The first time was in 1936 at Royal Liverpool and the second was in 1938 at Royal St George.

In 1937 Adams was runner-up in the British PGA Matchplay championship, the first of three occasions he would reach the final of that event without winning it. He won the British Masters in 1946 (tie with Bobby Locke), the Silver King tournament in 1948 (tie with Charlie Ward), the Dutch Open and Belgian Open in 1949, the Italian Open in 1951 and the Lakes Open, an event on the Australian Tour, in 1952.

AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPION JOINS THE R.A.F.

The British Amateur Golf Champion, A. T. Kyle, who is also captain the Sand Moor Golf Club, Leeds, has been commissioned Pilot Officer in the RAF Volunteer Reserve, and reports for duty within the next few days. He expects to sent to the administrative and special duties branch, to which, incidentally. Henry Cotton, the former Open Golf Champion. was recently posted.

As the Amateur Champion is chief textile designer to Messrs. James Drummond and Sons of Bradford he was in a reserved occupation, but a desire he expressed many months ago to be specially released for active service has been granted.

Kyle’s numerous friends in Yorkshire will be glad to know that, in spite of the serious illness from which he suffered three years ago.

Kyle played for great Britain in the first Walker Cup match in which the Americans were defeated.

1940 Air Force Defeated in Red Cross Match at Totteridge

Air Force Defeated in Friendly Battle in the Red Cross match over 36 holes at Totteridge on Saturday, the war time policemen, Alfred Padgham and Alfred Perry, beat Henry Cotton and William Laidlaw, both of the Royal Air Force, by 3 and 1.

Sound putting was the outstanding feature of the match and at the 9th the winners were 2 up when Perry holed across the green. At the 16th an eagle 3 by Cotton inspired his partner to superb putting on the last two greens which squared the morning match. Padgham and Perry sank fine putts again to be 3 up at the 7th in the afternoon match, and on the 10th green Cotton holed a beauty of twenty yards. Keenly fought halves followed until the 17th green where Perry finished the match by holing one from just as far away.

Part of the gallery, who followed the game on the late Harry Vardon’s course South Herts. A silver trophy, mounting three of Vardon’s victory-winning golf balls, added £12 to the £200 collected for Red Cross.

A good take-off from the 12th by William Laidlaw, who had special leave for the match. Laidlaw is in training as a bomber pilot and already has 26 solo flights to his credit. Henry Cotton well out of the sand at the 9th. Cotton has spent his rest time playing Red Cross golf matches, and since he joined the R.A.F. he has raised over £600 for the Fund. A perfect three? no, not quite. Despite his brilliant putting throughout the rest of the match, Cotton misses this time and his ball has just passed the tip of the hole. A Softer beat, Open ex-champion Alfred Padgham, now war time policeman, enjoys a chat with some interested Australian soldiers on his way back to the club house.

As Reported in: Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Friday 13 September 1940

Golf for Convalescence

The Bystander – Wednesday 07 February 1940

Walton on Naze – March 1940 International Golfers play Mixed Foursome

In March 1940 a mixed foursome was played in which included two international golfers, Miss Pam Barton and Miss K Garnham, result; Miss Garnham and A Webb, 76-2-74; Miss Barton and S Gibbs, 80-3-77. Both ladies played of scratch.

1941

St Andrews Golf Club Vs R.A.F

A strong R.A.F. team will oppose St Andrews Club in a match tomorrow (Saturday). The visiting team includes two professionals—Sergt. Groves, who held an appointment in Wales, and A.C. Rutherford, who was with a North of England Club. The teams chosen are:— St Andrews—J Stewart (capt.) and H. Campbell, A. M. Ness and L. B. Ayton, A. B. Taylor and David Ayton, A. Rolland and D. Blair, A. T. Soutar and J. L. Lindsay/ D. Anderson and Jason Gourlay, J. F. Auchterlonie and D. E. Snow, A. D. Gumming and W. McIntyre, J. K. Wilson T. Stewart, R. C. Spence and H. A. Pirie, W. Lamond and D. Carstairs, O. Rutherford and D. Cunningham, D Young and A. Matheson.

RAF – Group Captain Pope and Sgt. Pallih, Sgt. Groves and A.C. Sinclair, A.C. Rutherford and L.A.C. Macdonald, A.C. Haworth and A.C.Donaldson, L.A.C. Cumming and F/O. Belcher, S/Ldr. Bowler and A.C. Milne, F/O. Passmore and Cpl. Joy, P/O. Welton and Cpl. Ross, P/O Magill and L.A.C. Pringle, P/O Swan and Cpl Keir, F/Lt Mackenzie and A.C. Wright, W/Cdr Faville and Cpl Rigley, S/Ldr White and A.C. Wilson.

Cambridge University side beat a strong R.A.F.

The picturesque setting for the eighteenth green at Henry Cotton’s club, where the Cambridge University side beat a strong R.A.F. team by four matches to three, with one halved, in a four-ball series in aid of the Red Cross. Partnered by Wash Carr, Cotton lost his morning match, but he won with R. Oppenheimer after lunch. Ashton, is a superlative putter. The two of them saved their necks many times by holing long putts I popped two good ones in during the after noon and shook them a bit. I did not see any of the other play at all, but I understand that Lunt and Carr, who I found out are first cousins, lost a golden opportunity, for, after bringing the game back to all-square from four down, then were beaten by 2 and 1. They lost the short sixteenth with a four, and the seventeenth with a six an inglorious finish. Stanley Lunt, who has done some civilian flying, is now a flying instructor, and loves his job. Group Captain Silvester, who came into the A.V.M.’s side for Pilot Officer William Laidlaw, who was unable to get away, was not offended at being asked to substitute for long-hitting Bill.” He had not had time for a practice round, so it was not surprising that he did not play down to his handicap, which is two. It was Bernard Darwin who first told the tale of the pilot who always carried a short practice club in his ‘plane with him when making long-distance flights over Germany, so that were he forced to land in enemy country, he could still keep his swing going. But,” added this most celebrated of golf writers, what a terrible thought it is to think of anyone spending two or even three years assiduously practising the wrong thing.” This story refers to Group Captain Silvester, for years one of golf’s keenest exponents. R L. Dicky Mathews played extra well after lunch, and fairly carried the A.V.M. to victory, although I am not sure how, or if, our captain used his nine strokes. I hope he will not mind me giving this information away, but it may be useful to him on a future occasion when he asks for the usual half,” to have it on record that it is a fact he had a half when he played at Ashridge. Despite the vagaries of the weather, which made the games from the spectators’ point of view more pleasant to watch from the club-house windows, I could not help but feel what a wonderful thing it is, in these present high-pressure days, to get a complete day’s distraction and relaxation. As I have already said, I play very little golf just now, and for me, one who has always dreaded being away from the game too long, I am surprised how well I hit the ball. There was no rough on our course last week, the cold weather and the sheep had shared in this aid to better golf,” but the greens, apparently ruined after last summer’s drought, were looking green, and putting as well as ever, as though they had not missed their usual summer’s evening watering.

Results: Cambridge Vs RAF

As Reported by: Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic news – Friday 02 May 1941

Although they had the services of Henry Cotton a team representing the R.A.F. lost to Cambridge University five matches to three at Gog Magog course, Cambridge, yesterday. Cotton won two matches. In partnership with R. Matthews his side won against A. O. Alquist and N. G. Grogond five and three, and in company with Alex Kyle, ex amateur champion, beat D. F. Ashton and K. W. Walker by one hole.

Reported by: Dundee Courier – Monday 03 March 1941

Golf for R.A.F. Fund

Brynhill (Barry) Golf Club has arranged a fourball exhibition match to be played next Saturday between J. McLean. Scottish amateur champion, 1932-3-4, Irish Open amateur champion, 1932-3 runner-up American amateur championship, 1936, and K. L. Jones, 10 times club champion, and Henry R Howell, eight times Welsh amateur champion, and Roy Glossop, runner up Welsh championship, 1938. Proceeds will be in aid of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

As Reported by Western Mail – Thursday 25 September 1941

Max McCready & Bill McCrea – 1941 UAS

Golf for R.A.F. Fund

Brynhill (Barry) Golf Club has arranged a fourball exhibition match to be played next Saturday between J. McLean. Scottish amateur champion, 1932-3-4, Irish Open amateur champion, 1932-3, runner-up American amateur championship, 1936, and K. L. Jones, 10 times club champion, and Henry R Howell, eight times Welsh amateur champion, and Roy Glossop, runner up Welsh championship 1938. Proceeds will be in aid of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

As Reported By: Western Mail – Thursday 25 September 1941

Laddie (P.B.) Lucas

Golf Champion and His C.O. Squadron-Leader A. S. Forbes (right), recently awarded the D.F.C., has a talk with Pilot-Officer P. B. Lucas, a former amateur golf champion. Pilot Officer Laddie Lucas, a left-handed player, won the Boys’ Championship in 1933. He captained the Cambridge team, and was the first British amateur in the Open in 1935

The Tatler – Wednesday 27 August 1941

Three R.A.F. Sportsmen

Flt.-Lieut. I.K.S. Cross, D.F.C. has represented the R.A.F. both at Rugger and golf. He gained his award last September for gallantry and devotion to duty in air operations. With him are Wing- Commander H. A. Constantine, who played Rugby for Leicester for nine years, and Sqn Ldr. J.F.H. du Boulay, well known in R.A.F. athletics.

The Tatler – Wednesday 25 June 1941

1942

STARS OF GOLF

Henry Cotton to Play in Moortown Match. Another golf match that will attract great Interest is to be played in Leeds to raise money for war charities. Henry Cotton, the ex-Open Champion, has accepted an Invitation play, and the Leeds and District Union Golf Clubs has arranged a match on the course the Moortown Club for Sunday, June 21, aid the RAF Benevolent Fund. The other Invited players are James Adams (Royal Liverpool), now in the Forces, R. E. Ballantine (Moortown), member of the Observer Corps, and Squadron-Leader A. T. Kyle (Sandmoor), the amateur champion.

The effort will be organised by the executive committee of the Leeds and District Union, with sub-committees representing the Moortown and Sand Moor clubs. It will be on the lines of the match for the Red Cross last year, which over £3,250 was raised, beating all golf records.

The match will be over 36 holes, and the sides will probably be Cotton and Valentine versus Adams and Kyle.

Fundraising Article

As Reported by Yorkshire Evening Post – Wednesday 22 April 1942

Champions Play Golf for an RAF Charity

The Tatler – Wednesday 06 May 1942

MICHAEL STRUTT

Playing at Ashridge for the R.A.F. v. Cambridge University, Michael Strutt plays an iron shot to the first green.

L’UN et seulement, that is how his intimate friends often addressed him, for there was nothing of a type about Michael, he was an original one, one out of the mould only, and how sad it is to think we shall be without him for ever. There will be more awful tragedies in the war yet alas! we all know, but I feel it is the least I can do to pay tribute to one of my best friends and a fine golfer. I first met Michael early in 1935, when he came out to .Brussels to tne Waterloo Golf Club to be coached, and we made friends and saw lots of each other right until the time he went, October 1937, to America, to gain experience of the New York Stock Exchange. We corresponded regularly but did not meet again till last year, when he returned as a Sergeant Air Gunner with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

He got his commission last November, after he had done his 2S operational flights as a rear gunner, first in a Wellington and later in a Stirling. He had a great opinion of the pilot of his plane, Lofthouse, who although just a kid must surely be the best pilot in the world.” (Lofthouse is now a Squadron Leader, although I believe only 21 years of age.) Michael was put on ground duties for a time before becoming Personal Assistant to H.R.H. the Duke of Kent, just two weeks before his death. He often spent a weekend with me, and only on the Sunday, two days before he died, we spent the day together.

NOTICE. The fact that goods made of raw materials in short supply owing to war conditions are advertised in this publication should not be taken as an indication that they are necessarily available for export. As a rule, whenever we got together he dragged me out onto the golf course, but this time he was tired and said he did not want to play, so we just talked and laughed, and spoke of our plans after the war, roping in all our friends as directors in all sorts of ventures, though Michael was not interested in money except to spend it.

As to his golf, he was about four handicap when he came to me, and I should say that he became a good scratch. He loved betting, and whilst in U.S.A. played and betted with many of the leading American professionals and amateurs, often for quite big money, and whilst he often lost he would frequently get out by doubling up, a favourite trick of his. His real love was the race track, and he knew a lot about horses. He had a small bet at Newmarket the last meeting there and had a five horse accumulator which he failed to bring home, the fifth horse finishing second to do him out of some £3,000. He rang me up Hard luck, old boy, eh If only I could have been there I’d have laid some of it and still made a packet.” I little thought last Sunday I would be telling the story so soon, but my mind keeps going back to those happy days he recalls. Michael’s French was awful, but he would speak it, and to him L’un et settlement was always Le tin et settlement he would not have it otherwise. When going into the barber’s shop on the Continent, he always insisted on giving his order in French, and on one occasion he said: Cottpez mon cheval tres court, s’il vous plait. The rest of us nearly fell off our chairs laughing 1 Tales of his adventures on the Continent would fill a book. Evenings in Brussels with Harry Bentley, and in Germany and France with John de Bendan and Jack Hemingway, an American golfing friend. We were only laughing over some of these trips on his last Sunday, and we talked until very late.

At Waterloo Golf Club, Charles, the club’s old waiter, could not cope at all with the Honorable part of his name and finally gave it up and called him The Lord.” It was The Lord did this or The Lord has gone there.” We kidded him about this and one day when Harry Bentley and Michael were going out to play a game for the usual too Lares Harry said I’ll play you for the Honorable or 50 francs.” Michael lost, but Charles, the waiter, could never quite grasp the position, and the transfer never came to anything. He was always very outspoken in his defence of anything or anybody British. One of his most amusing golf stories concerns the famous Pine Valley Golf Course, alleged to be the toughest in the world. Whenever any American tried to belittle British golf, he would say, It took an Englishman to come and do a 68 on his first round at your tough Pine Valley. If you do not believe it, go and see the card posted up in the club house.” Actually this card bears the name of Michael Strutt, and the same day he did a 72, as he said just to prove it wasn’t a fluke.” I have never played on the course, but judging by what famous players have done there, these were two great rounds. He married a lovely American “girl, Ariel Fraser, who only arrived in England eight weeks ago to work in the American Relief over here, and his son, Jo, was born just before he sailed for Europe after joining the Canadian Air Force. Why did you call him Jo I asked. Oh,” he said, “Jo Strutt 69, 70 would look fine on any golf scoreboard, wouldn’t it?” Yes, Michael,” it would, and I hope to live to see the day just for your sake, when Jo Strutt will do 69 and 70, to tell him how proud his father would have been. I have felt a sick feeling inside m? as I have retold these silly little happenings which now seem to have taken a different place in the events of my life, and I hope his friends will recall some of them, and people who did not know him will get an idea of the sort of grand fellow he was. I have much to thank Michael for in my career and when we get back to normal life and golf matters again, I shall miss him more than ever. Life was all that much better for knowing him and his hearty chuckle will ever ring in my ears. How we laughed last Sunday week like silly kids he was so happy and I feel he would still be happy on that fateful Tuesday afternoon. Goodbye Michael.

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Friday 04 September 1942 – Reported by Henry Cotton

RAF Upavon Golf Club

Upavon Golf Club’s oldest surviving trophy, The Upavon Vase, was played for the first time in 1942 and won by a Sgt H Fielding.

As Reported by Upavon Golf Club

GOLFERS NEAR A RECORD LEEDS R.A.F.

Effort It is believed officials the Leeds and District Union of Golf Clubs that the record held the city, with £3,275 raised for the Red Cross year ago, will be equalled If not exceeded. Tile Leeds record has not been challenged by any other city or Union, and officials are anxious that If the record Is to be broken shall by this Leeds effort for the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund.

The work is finished, and as £3,150 has been paid into the bank, and many small amounts are outstanding, they are hopeful about the final result.- It will take a day or two gather all the collecting boxes distributed the city, and two other outstanding items are the proceeds of the ” birdie” collection Moortown, and the competition for the set of golf clubs given R. E. Ballantine the Moortown professional.

Nearly £l00 was raised by the gifts of spectators for the 34 birdies ” scored the four players In the 36- hole match at Moortown. and an amount about £34 is yet outstanding. Golfers who promised ” birdie ” gifts, but did not hand them to the stewards, are asked forward the money to the secretary of the Moortown Golf Club. The final figure of the competition for the R. E. Ballantine clubs not yet known, but the total will be over £250

As Reported By:Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer – Tuesday 23 June 1942

1943

Capt Henry C Longhurst was working in RAF Fighter Command during 1943, the year he became MP for Acton. This being wartime and he a soldier, special permission was required for him to stand for Parliament. Henry Longhurst became the golf correspondent of the Sunday Times, and retained that position for 40 years. He was also a regular contributor to Golf Illustrated. From the late 1950s to the end of his life in 1978, he was BBC Television’s senior golf commentator.

PAM BARTON SHOWING THE WAY – GOLF INSTRUCTION

Pam Barton 1943

Pam Barton, Britain’s No. 1 woman golfer, now an officer in the WAAFS, has started a lunchtime golfing class for RAF personnel at fighting station. Here she is seen correcting a pupil’s swing.

Reported By: Tatler and Bystander 06 Oct 1943

Tribute by Henry Cotton

Pam Barton

HOW hard it is to believe that we shall not see Pam Barton play again, for a tragic aeroplane crash caused her death just a few days ago. Pam, as goiters everywhere called ner, with affection, was an infant prodigy, one of those prodigies who made good and stayed good. At 17 she reached the final of the Ladies’ Open, and by the time she was 22 had won both the British and American Ladies’ Open titles in the same year and the British Ladies’ Open title a second time. At the time of her death she was holding this title, won in 1939, and not played for since.

Pam was in the W.A.A.F., a Flight Officer, and she had taken to this new job with the enthusiasm she always showed for anything she undertook. Before joining the W.A.A.F. she drove an ambulance during the blitz in London. Pam had a capacity for practice which I have found to be rare in women, and with the encouragement of her family she set about becoming champion and then staying there. That she succeeded her record will testify, for by the time she was 22 she had few worlds left to conquer.

Pam Barton hit the ball hard, flat out,” like a man everyone said, and true it was. Whether she was the longest woman driver, ever is contestable, although she hit the ball a long way, but no one went for the ball more venomously, man or woman. This was what the spectators liked. She went for things, took chances, and that is why I felt she was a better match player than a medal player. On her best day she was unbeatable, and on the day when she was hitting the ball not quite in the middle of the club face, she was still the equal of most of her contemporaries.

I am not going to compare her with Joyce Wethered (now Lady Heathcoat-Amory), the world’s greatest lady golfer, for they are of different eras, and their methods of play dissimilar, but whereas Lady Joyce made the ball go a long way, and very straight, very easily, Pam made it appear more of an effort to get a like result.

In difficult weather conditions she was at her best, for she was the type not to care about wind and rain; she was out there to play golf, and that she was going to do to the best of her ability. I remember watching her play in the Ladies’ Open Championship on the links of the Southport and Ainsdale Club, in 1936. That year the fairways were burned dry and eaten up by a plague of leatherjackets, which turned them into a sort of dusty desert, making the lies very bad. It would have tested the best male players to get the ball up from such lies; in fact, our annual professional tournament -was.nearly transferred to another course that year, yet she was just that bit more powerful than the rest of the field and so won her way right through a fine effort, indeed.

It is difficult to say how tar a player would have gone, when at 22 years of age she had already made golf history. Now, alas, four years of war, and her unfortunate death, at 26, have just ended the matter, but no golfer, man or woman, had a better record at that early age.

You have to be strong to be good in big golf, and this applies, too, in women’s golf, and the little sturdy red-haired Pam, developed into a strong woman. Not pretty, but with charm and an attractive smile, and a skill at one of the most difficult of games that was the envy of both sexes alike. Golf took her all over the world, and she made friends everywhere. Trips to Australia, America, and to the Continent, being feted continuously and followed by large crowds did not spoil her, and though I saw little of her during the past four years, I have read that she played golf when possible for various charities, and still played well, despite having few opportunities for play.

What will I remember most about Pam It will be the way she attacked the golf ball, that terrific punch that threw her up on her toes at impact, and that carefree cheerful manner on the links. There will be a big gap in the ranks of the lady golfers when peace comes one that cannot be filled.

So with the offering of my condolences, and those of all golfers, to her bereaved parents, I can just say, Good-bye, Pam, you were a great golfer.

Henry Cotton

PAM BARTON DEAD IN AIR CRASH TWICE WOMAN GOLF CHAMPION

Flight Officer Pamela Barton, of the W.A.A.F., woman golf champion of Britain and America in 1936, was killed on active service on Saturday 13th Nov 1943 when a plane, in which she was a passenger, crashed as it was taking off from an R.A.F. aerodrome in South – East England. She was 26. The -pilot was unhurt. Pam Barton, daughter of a London business man, won international golfing fame when little more than a schoolgirl. At 19 she held the British and American- titles. She again won the British title in 1939. She figured many international matches, once playing for Britain against America and for England against Scotland, Ireland, and Wales on several occasions. Miss Barton joined the W.A.A.F. as a radio operator in 1941, and was commissioned after seven months. _ Earlier, as an ambulance driver, she was in the worst phases of London’s heavy raids. While at a Fighter Command station she often coached pilots on the golf course in her spare time. Her home was at Barnes. London. At the (Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club, of which she was a member, the flag was flying at half-mast yesterday.

Pam Barton Memorial Day – Link

Sagan – Stalag Luft III – POW Golf Course

A BIG MATCH in progress at Sagan. The course played easiest after rain, and the crack players hurried to fit in a round when the sand was wet. Note the no-man’s land to the 2nd; Flt Lt Thomas refers.

“THE SAGA” OF SAGAN golfers of stalag Luft III “SAGA, an old heroic Scandinavian tale”– so says my dictionary. I am sure when you hear the story of the Sagan Golf Club you will excuse the liberty I have taken in using this word– though it nearly fits exactly if, perhaps, another word was substituted for Scandinavia. Ex-P.O.W. Flt Lt. P. A. W. Thomas called on me a few days ago with the story of this golf course made in the prisoner-of- war camp at Sagan near the old Polish frontier, 100 miles south-east of Berlin. Thomas wants to become a golf journalist; he has always loved golf and nearly five years in German hands has not weakened that resolve in fact, it has strengthened it. He has lived for the day when he could devote his attention to writing of events of more national importance than the competitions played week in, week out, on the 9 holes laid out in the small compound, 350 yards by 150 yards and running between and around the barrack huts. These competitions were enjoyed by the players and followed by enthusiastic galleries, and for many months were carried through with only one golf club between them all, and that a hickory-shafted ladies’ mashie This treasure was cared for by the senior officer in the camp, G/Capt Kellett,C.B.E., D.F.C., A.F.C.

Sharing One Club

We over here can scarcely imagine a whole competition being carried through where players put up with the inconvenience of sharing just one club which must be used for every stroke and such a precious club too, that it could not be thrown from player to player to save those few yards walking between the balls to be played.

I cannot do better than quote from Thomas’s story of the Sagan Golf Club, excellently written on some 20 pages, in which he de scribes the growth of the interest in the game from the time when only a handful of keen golfers played to the day when over half the camp some 300 men competed, and of the exciting matches which were followed by most of the camp.

Golf Balls

The making of the golf balls from odd materials is a unique story alone and when I handled one of the shiny black leather- covered balls (black because the course was on white sand), I was deeply impressed by the skilled craftsmanship shown in their making. To help newcomers to make golf balls to the best advantage, the recipe was printed, and here it is I think you will feel proud when you have read it proud to be British.

Ingredients Small meal ball, solder or lead, approximately 4 mm. in diameter. Soft rubber 15 mm. cube. Old gym shoe or inner tube. Leather, minimum quantity 11 cm. by 6.5 cm. Cotton, 50 ft. of No. 40.

Tools

Sharp knife.
Razor blade.
Punch broken needle in a handle. Needle.
Wax or German boot polish.
Scissors.
Tin patterns, various sizes.
Chip the solid rubber core to a sphere and bisect it. Hollow out the two sections enough to hold the metal centre. White lead is, of course, ideal for the centre, but is, unfortunately, unobtainable now. (One ball was made using it and was most successful.) Cut the rubber into strips using scissors.

Golf Ball – Made at “Sagan”

To avoid nicks and to bring it to the necessary thinness, pull the strips through a razor blade fixed firmly into the edge of the table. Place the metal core into the soft rubber sections and commence the winding. Experience alone will prove the correct tension. Tight winding produces a wooden ball which has poor carrying qualities, and the rubber, being too taut, is liable to snap if hit badly, almost always resulting in a cut case. Slack winding will result in a pudding ball. Continue winding to the size of the ball required, usually that of a real ball, i.e., 12.5 cm. Leather Edges Bevelled Allow for the stretch of the leather, usually 5 mm. for thick leather. Pin the pattern to the leather and trace with a needle, mark in the stitch holes, the most popular number varies around the 80 mark. Remove the pattern and prick the stitch holes. Cut out the leather using a sharp knife. Bevel the inside edge of the leather eight to ensure a flat seam. Divide the cotton into three equal lengths. Thread these through the needle which is fixed into the wall and anchor each end, keeping the strands separate. Tighten the twist of each strand separately to a shrinkage of about one foot. Hold the six strands together and untwist. This should make a soft thread. Wax the finished thread, which should be about eight feet in length. Knot the end and remove the needle, which is obviously built into the six ply. Commence stitching the pattern eights loosely, and when halfway slip the ball in, continuing to stitch with the same gap allowances. When the entire stitching is done

LITTLE ROOM for error. Pulls or slices on the way to the carefully brushed putting surface brought all sorts of trouble.

LONG VIEW of the course. The balls could be placed through the green for the obvious reason that the lies would have otherwise resembled footmarked bunkers.

THE TREASURED mashie was handed from player to player. In this picture the white sand can easily be seen, and the crowd is a measure of the popularity of the game.

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Friday 06 July 1943

POW Golfers Interned at Stalag Luft III

• Sydney Smith
• P.O.V. Green
• Gp Capt Douglas Bader
• Flt Lt Pat Ward-Thomas
• Danny O’Brien – Unofficial pro at Stalag Luft III
• Flt Lt Ronnie Morgan- Unofficial pro at Stalag Luft III
• Bill Skinner
• George Murray Frame

Reference: When the War Played Through by John Strege

1944

GOLF ARTISANS TROUNCE R.A.F. ARBROATH

GOLF ARTISANS TROUNCE R.A.F. Arbroath

Golf Artisans had an easy win over R.A.F. at Elliot on Saturday. Details: Artisans. R.A.F. J. Simpson, S. F/Lt. Weir & Bisset , A.C. Tadman, E. Scott and H. A.C Saunders & Reid, F/0 Paterson, W. H. Burnett, F/Lt. Green & D. Smart, Sgt. Adams, J.Moir and W. Sgt. Baird & Rae, Sgt. Durbin, E. Ford and J. Sgt. Tripp & M. Lowe, Cpl. Wade, Arbroath Artisan Golf Club.— Spoon competition Winner (1st Class), J. Hogg (5), 72; Winner (2nd Class), D. W. Laird (19), 69. In the final of the Club Scratch competition, played on Monday evening L. Bisset beat A. Robertson 6 and 5.

As Reported By: Arbroath Herald and Advertiser for the Montrose Burghs – Friday 11 August 1944

1945

LAC W.D. Mather Plays Tournament in Rome

R.A.F. Golf Semi-Final At Hollinwell

Hollinwell to-day was the scene of one of the semi-finals of the R.A.F. golf championship, the competing teams of eight-a-side from Fighter Command and the Technical Training Command including many well-known 1 golfers. Fighter Command had such players as F./O. R. Neill and Cpl. J. B. Stevenson, Scottish international, Sqn.-Ldr. R. H. Oppenheimer, an English international, and Sqn Ldr. P. H. F. White, a Cambridge Blue, while Technical Training Command included Sqn Ldr. C. H. Beamish, the golf champion, and L.A.C. G. B. Fairbrother, who recently won the open competition at Lytham. In the morning the teams competed in a two-ball foursome, in which Fighter Command won all four matches, and in the afternoon the teams were opposed in singles. Thp foursomes resulted follows, the first-named players each match representing fighter Command: Cpl. J. B. Stevenson and Sq.-Ldr. H. E. Walker (6 and 4) 1, Sqn Ldr. C. H. Beamish and Grp Capt. M. O. Piggott 0. Sq.-Ldr. R. H. Oppenheimer and Sqn Ldr. P. H. F. White (5 and 4) 1, L.A.C. G. B. Fairbrother and W./Cdr. M. P. Ellis 0. F.O. R. Neill and F.O. R. B. Hunter (3 and 2) 1, F.O. L. A. Green and Sq.- Ldr. H. D. Gough 0. L.A.C. A. T. Tyldesley and Sq.-Ldr. S. McAughey (3 and 2) 1, F.-Lt. J. W. Owen and F.-Lt. E. S. Ellerbeck 0.

Nottingham Evening Post – Tuesday 02 October 1945

LINCS. AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP FIXED COUNTY TO MEET R.A.F.

Lincolnshire Amateur Golf Championship and the competition for the Sir Henry Lunn Shield has been arranged for Mav 4, at Holme Hall Golf Club. This decision was made at the annual meeting of the Lincolnshire Union of Golf Clubs, who also discussed the matter prizes without reaching decision. Five clubs were represented and Col. S. V. Hotchkin, the president, was in the chair. The financial statement for 1944 showed a halai.ee at the end of the year £76 2s 8d,, and it was decided send £l2 12s. to the English Golf Union for 1945. Officers were re-elected en bloc and the captain of the countryside is to responsible for getting the team together for each of the county matches. The expenses would be refunded the union. County matches, which are to arranged usual, will include one against the R.A.F. at Woodhall on March 2 and 3. eight a side.

Reported by Lincolnshire Echo – Monday 05 November 1945

Henry Cotton at Moor Park

Henry Cotton’s Comments of RAF Golf at Moor Park 1945

As Reported in the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Friday 26 October 1945

Douglas Bader’s good show in R.A.F. Golf.

Two artificial legs did not prevent Group Captain Douglas Bader, hero of many air exploits, playing at Rickmansworth yesterday in the R.A.F. Golfing Societies medal competition.

In a courageous round of 93 he was unaided in all his strokes. He sent the ball long distances, and putted as accurately the rest of the competitors.

Douglas Bader The Press & Journal Friday October 12th 1945

For his long shots Bader used a fairly wide stance to get correct balance, but after the stroke he had to gather himself as a precaution against toppling over. The only time he needed assistance was on the uphill fairways, where he took his caddie’s arm to relieve the strain.

Apart from playing golf, Bader has now taken to squash rackets, one of the fastest of games.

Henry Cotton’s participation in the competition (partnered by his wife) is the first time a professional has taken part in an R.A.F. Golf Association meeting. Cotton was a flight-lieutenant in the R.A.F.

Douglas Bader’s Good Show in Golf & Caird Park Vs RAF Leuchars   – Reported Oct 1945

RAF Golfing Society

RAFGS Minutes from 12th July 1945

Semi Final at Hollinwell

R.A.F. Golf Semi-Final At Hollinwell. Hollinwell today was the scene of one of the semi-finals of the R.A.F. Golf championship, the competing teams of eight-a-side from Fighter Command and the Technical Training Command including many well-known golfers. Fighter Command had such players as F/O R. Neill and Cpl J. B. Stevenson, Scottish international, Sqn Ldr. R. H. Oppenheimer, an English international, and Sqn Ldr. P. H. F. White, a Cambridge Blue, while Technical Training Command included Sqn Ldr. C. H. Beamish, the golf champion, and LAC. G. B. Fairbrother, who recently won the open competition at Lytham. In the morning the teams competed in a two-ball foursome, in which Fighter Command won all four matches, and in the afternoon the teams were opposed in singles. The foursomes resulted follows, the first-named players each match representing Fighter Command: Cpl J. B. Stevenson and Sqn Ldr. H. E. Walker (6 and 4) Sqn Ldr. C. H. Beamish and Grp Capt. M. O. Piggott O. Sqn Ldr. R. H. Oppenheimer and Sqn Ldr P. H. F. White (5 and 4) LAC G. B. Fairbrother and Wg Cdr. M. P. Ellis. F/O R. Neill and F/O R. B. Hunter (3 and 2) 1, F/O L. A. Green and Sqn Ldr. H. D. Gough. LAC. A. T. Tyldesley and Sqn Ldr. S. McAughey (3 and 2), Flt Lt. J. W. Owen and Flt Lt. E. S. Ellerbeck.

Newspaper Article 2nd Oct 1945

R.A.F. WIN BATTLE AT ST ANDREWS

Cpl. Charles Ward returns to his R.A.F. station with cheque for £200 in his pocket. Carefully stored leave days have paid handsome dividend in cash and prestige. And Ward he enjoyed it “no end.” His triumph in the 1500 guineas Victory Tournament (with aggregate of 298) was his first win in a major tourney. He is looking forward to lots of golf when the R.A.F. demob. Group 23.

Ward is stationed at a satellite station to Loughborough R.A.F. rehabilitation centre, where injured airmen are trained to recover normal use of their limbs. A Lancaster load of his mates flew to Leuchars to support him in the final rounds. Only 5 ft. 5 in. tall, he swings fast and hits hard and straight. A wee golfer, but awfu’ guid,” was a Andrean’s description.

Only one shot behind was young Max Faulkner, tall, well-built R.A.F. P.T. instructor. A good golfer—and a modest one. ” I very proud to finish second to such a fine golfer ” was his comment on Ward.

When Ward appeared to be tensed and faltering in the morning round and finished with 77 Faulkner jumped into the lead, his 74 placing him at 223 for the three rounds.

But Ward’s final round was a model. Cool and confident, he made it par nearly all the way. Out in 34, with easy ” birdies at the fourth and ninth, he met no trouble until the long fourteenth, where he had the bad luck find his ball in a sclaff mark. However, he greened his third and got his par 5. Bunkered near the green the fifteenth, lie recovered wdll, but required a 5. He all but holed good putt for ” birdie ” 3 to the sixteenth, and failed with a missable one at the Road hole when a fine chip gave him a good chance of ” makin siccar.” His 4 to the Home hole was good enough, however.

Faulkner, whose powerful, confident game had impressed spectators in the morning started off in the afternoon with nine 9 par holes. A hooked brassie at the long fifth was his one poor shot.

It seemed that nothing could stop him but after taking three putts at the eleventh he was short with his second to the twelfth and took 5, following that by failing from about a yard the thirteenth. He dropped another shot at the fifteenth, and again missed a short putt at the sixteenth, making amends the road hole by chipping up and holing out in a birdie 4. A little more boldness with your putter might have seen the tourney end differently, Max.

Cpl Ward – Winner

Charles Ward was born in Birmingham, England. Like many players his age, Ward’s best years were denied to him by World War II, so it was fitting that he should win the very first professional event played after VE Day, the Daily Mail Victory Tournament at St Andrews. After his victory he returned late to his base at RAF Wallingford and as a punishment, was confined to barracks.

Dundee Courier – Saturday 22 September 1945

Personalities of RAF Golf

S/Ldr Cecil Beamish, the Rugger International, was second in the singles and won the foursomes with F/Lt Edward. In a cheerful group are S/Ldr Beamish, F/Lt B. Evans, Air Commodore K.Cross DSO, DFC,MBE who is another well know Rugger International and S/Ldr D.L. Gould

As Reported by D.R. Stuart – The Tatler & Bystander Sept 12th 1945

R.A.F. Inter-Group Golf At St Andrews

Teams of eight a side drawn from 18 Group Coastal Command and 47 Transport Command competed over the Old Course, St Andrews, to-day, in the semifinal round of the R.A.F. Golfing Society Inter-Group Championship.

Singles were played in the forenoon and four-ball matches in the afternoon.

Number 18 Group, in which were some well known Scottish amateur players, won the singles five matches to one, two matches being halved.

DETAILS.

Flight-Sgt T. Burton. 18 Group Coastal Command, lost to L.AC. J. C. Wilson, 47 group Transport Command (3 and 2), L. A.C. Hastie drew with L.A.C. J. Meikle; Flight Lieut J. Tait beat Flight Lieut. C. G. Griffith (4 and 2), Cpl K. Milne beat L.A.C. Cummings (2 and 1), Cpl. D. Clark beat Sgt. R. J. P. Richardson (5 and 4), L.A.C. S. C. Armour beat Flying Officer A. Riddiford (2 and 1), Cpl J. T. Johnson drew with Sgt. T. H. Connor, L.A.C. J. Naven beat Sgt. Haining (3 and 2).

Reported By: Dundee Evening Telegraph – Wednesday 17 Oct 1945

DISCHARGED R.A.F. MAN WINS GOLF PRIZE

The Failure of Prominent Players

Reginald Home, a 36-year-old Romsey golfer, yesterday became the “unofficial” match-play champion, defeating Percy Alliss, twice winner and Ryder Cup player, four and three in the eighteen holes final of the £2000 tournament at Walton Heath, Surrey.

His success was the culminating surprise of an event in which prominent players were toppled to defeat by comparatively unknown men.

Barely five feet six inches, but possessing powerful wrists which he uses to advantage in his iron shots, Home secured the record first prize of £600 before a gallery of more than 3000 by a sound display over the heatherbound course.

After four years with the R.A.F. and lack of golf practice, he said he hardly expected to win the event.

His wife who followed every stroke of the match despite an attack of rheumatism, said —” I was more nervous than Reg.” Horne was discharged from the R.A.F. early this year, having previously spent three months in hospital through a shell splinter injury at Dover.

Alliss found the bunkers a menace to his indifferent long game, and at the first five holes his ball landed in five of them. He had been two up at the fifth mainly by good putting, but on the homeward half his game cracked badly. Alliss’s ball to the eighth green finished in a spectator’s scarf which had to be removed before the player could play his approach to the holeside.

Horne took the lead for the first time with a twelve yards putt for a birdie 2 at the eleventh, and he won the next two holes, where Alliss was off the line from the tee.

There was much more fire in Home’s play, and after a halved fourteenth he clinched the match at the next where Alliss failed from three feet for half.

In two close semi-finals Horne beat T. E. Odams one hole, and Alliss defeated Reginald Knight, the conqueror of Henry Cotton, by similar margin.

Reported By: Dundee Courier – Saturday 28 July 1945

RAF Golf Semi Final at Hollinwell

R.A.F. Golf Semi-Final At Hollinwell Hollinwell to-day was the scene of one of the semi-finals of the R.A.F. golf championship, the competing teams of eight-a-side from Fighter Command and the Technical Training Command including many well-known 1 golfers. Fighter Command had such players as F./O. R. Neill and Cpl. J. B. Stevenson, Scottish international, Sqdn.-Ldr. R. H. Oppenheimer, an English international, and Sqn.-Ldr. P. H. F. White, a Cambridge Blue, while Technical Training Command included Sqn.-Ldr. C. H. Beamish, the golf champion, and L.A.C. G. B. Fairbrother, who recently won the open competition at Lytham. In the morning the teams competed in a two-ball foursome, in which Fighter Command won all four matches, and in the afternoon the teams were opposed in singles. Thp foursomes resulted follows, the first-named players each match representing fighter Command: Cpl. J. B. Stevenson and Sq.-Ldr. H. E. Walker (6 and 4) 1, Sq.-Ldr. C. H. Beamish and Gp Capt. M. O. Piggott 0. Sqn-Ldr. R. H. Oppenheimer and Sqn-Ldr. P. H. F. White (5 and 4) 1, L.A.C. G. B. Fairbrother and W./Cdr. M. P. Ellis 0. F.O. R. Neill and F.O. R. B. Hunter (3 and 2) 1, F.O. L. A. Green and Sqn Ldr. H. D. Gough 0. L.A.C A. T. Tyldesley and Sq.-Ldr. S. McAughey (3 and 2) 1, F.-Lt. J. W. Owen and F.-Lt. E. S. Ellerbeck 0.

Reported By: Nottingham Evening Post – Tuesday 02 October 1945

Workers Playtime

As Reported in Flight 25th Jan 1943 Pg 101

RAF Golf Tournament at Moor Park

The R.A.F. Golf Tournament at Moor Park Group Captain Jamie Rankin D.S.O. and Bar D.F.C. and Bar was driving from the first tee on the High Course in the first half of the tournament. He is a Scot and ranks as one of the great fighter aces of this war. Flying Officer B. L. Gilbert D.F.C. who prefers to play in his service cap. ivas putting in some hard concentration on the green at the seventeenth hole

The Tatler – Wednesday 17 October 1945

1946

Amateur Championships

The amateur championship at Royal Mid- Surrey last week was a grand reunion. All the old, familiar faces, all slightly aged and the general level of erratic golf was another reminder of what we have missed in these last six years. But only the purists among the spectators minded the indifferent play; it was enough for most of us to saunter round this lovely course in a crowd which was reassuringly pre-war. Ian Patey, the 37-year-old chartered accountant from Hayling Island, the winner, reminded me strongly of Padgham tall, slow, deliberate and utterly unfussy. Kenneth Thom, the loser by 5 and 4, was a finalist in the boys’ championship just before the war, is 24 and still in the R.A.F. He intends to turn professional. Thom is fine to watch from the tee and through the green with his irons and altogether a better looking player than Patey. He lost because he couldn’t keep straight, and despite some brilliant recoveries from sand bunkers, he further spoiled his chances by putting which would have made a rabbit blush. But we shall hear much more of him. Patey, a Hampshire champion, was out driven at almost every hole, but he kept down the middle and his brassey shots were a dream. There were no preliminaries about these he simply walked up to the ball and hit it. And for most of the match he was safer on the greens. Both players were over fours. The memorable shots of the match were from Thom a high iron shot to within inches of the pin at the short 11th, and a magnificent recovery from a bunker at the 14th, where the match ended, when from more than 150 yards he put the ball to within a few feet of the pin.

A tense moment at the 19th hole in the semi-final of the Amateur Championship. R. Pattinson, of Flackwell Heath, is playing on to the green after over-driving. He missed a short put and was beaten by I. II. Patey of Hayling Island.

The winner Ian Patey, 37-year-old chartered accountant, who won the Amateur Championship at Royal Mid-Surrey by 5 and 4. K. G. Thom ‘who reached the final, was a finalist in the Boys’ Championship just before the war. He is in the Royal Air Force.

Bertram D. Carris Addington playing in his match with Sam Kennedy whom he beat in the first round. J. F. Pennine, of Ashdown Forest, is driving over the 2nd tee in the first round, in this photograph. P. B. Lucas, of Sandy Lodge was beaten by K. G. Thorn Hendon in the sixth round of the championship by 2 and 1. Lister Hartley, of East Berks, playing an iron shot in his first round match with V. Smith who beat him.

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Friday 10 May 1946

1st RAF Golfing Society Annual General Meeting Held Post WW2

1946 – RAF Khormaksar – Robertson Golf Championship

By Kind Permission from Mel Lockie

RAF Khormaksar – Winner of the Robertson Cup

By Kind Permission from Mel Lockie

Patey Five Up on Thom in Amateur Golf Final

Two six-footers, Kenneth Thom, 24 years old R.A.F. Sergeant, and lan Patey, 37, a Hampshire player, contested the 36 holes final of the English Amateur Golf championship at Royal Mid-Surrey, Richmond, today. Referee was J. H. Taylor, who goes into retirement this weekend. after 47 years as professional to the Royal Mid-Surrey Club. This will be my last big game,” he said to a reporter. A stiff easterly wind was blowing when Thom hit the first ball. He got in the first blow, holing from eight feet for a “birdie” three ‘one under par). On the next two greens, however, he missed from two feet. and lost both holes.

Thom – Erratic

Thom was erratic, and another missed putt at the sixth placed him three down. Patey was sometimes 30 yards behind in the drives, but his approach work was superb. Thom got a hole back at the seventh. but lost the next. Patey rolling home a six-footer. Patey was at the u:.ck of the ninth green in two, and he won ‘his hole easily in four to turn four up with a score of 37 against 41. The cards read: Patey.-4, 5. 4. 5. 3. 4,5, 3. 4. Thom.-3, 8,5, 6, 3. 5, 4. 4. 5. more. Pater was back in 43 for a round or 80, while Thom took 44 to be round in 85. Figures: Patey, 6,4, 5. 3. 5, 5. 3. 7, 5. Thom: 7,3, 4,4, 6,5, 3,6, 6. – FINAL ROUND Thom. playing considerably better, won the first two holes of the final round.

As Reported in Coventry Evening Telegraph, 4th May 1946

Inter-Services

From the 23 May 46 RAFGS committee meeting minutes, it was reported that the RAF team had beaten the Army for only the second time in the Society’s history. The RN was unable to arrange a team.

From the 13 Dec 46 RAFGS committee meeting minutes, it was agreed that other ranks could play in Inter-Services matches. It is not known whether Army & RN agreed.

R.A.F. Golf Tourney at St Andrews

4th Oct 1946 – RAF Tournament – St Andrews

Golf tournament was held by 18 Group, R.A.F., at Andrews today 4th Oct 1946. Competitors played 36 holes over the Eden course for two trophies, scratch and handicap tankard. The group includes most Scotland’s stations. Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal Simpson, took part in the competition. At the end of the first round Corporal Hamilton had leading scratch score of 83. Best handicap returns were Squadron Leader Hink-Edwards (13), 71; Flight-Lieut. Brooks (11), 73, and Squadron Leader Harrower (12), 77.

As Reported in the Evening Telegraph Oct 4th 1946

R.A.F. OFFICERS’ GOLF SUCCESS

In the Belton Park Competition Group Capt. S. L. Blunt, commanding officer, and Sqn Ldr W. Laing, both of Spitalgate R.AF, won the Aveling-Barford Hospital Golf Cup at Belton Park on Sunday. returning 9 up. 38-hole four-ball bogey competition. It attracted players from as far afield Woodhall, St. Ives. Blankney. Stamford. Wollaton Park, Chilwell and Rauceby. and a record entry of 90 was received. Gp Capt Blunt played oil handicap of 18 and his partner off seven. Joint runners-up were E, Bailey (handicap 13) and J. Barnes (18), and B Shipman 11 and A. E. Cooper (19), both pairs finishing 8 up. Other leading scorers were: O. A. Singleton (7) and H. Wvnne (6), S. E. Dauncey (scratch) and P Bradley (4), P. L. Hanford (9), and H. G. Crowder (18) all up. The organising secretary was Mr. L. R. Featherstone.

As Reported by: Grantham Journal – Friday 31 May 1946

Golf Stars At Hoylake Keen Fight For Match Play Title; Tomorrow’s Div III Games

When the 64 qualifiers for the £2.000 professional golfers match-play championship start their four-day test at Hoylake, tomorrow, some famous names will be among the “absent friends.”

Charlie Ward and W. J. Branch failed to qualify in the Midland section, Alt Padgham and Arthur Havers met the same fate in the southern section, and others whose names have been household ones will be missing. To balance that, there are plenty of younger players, some of whose chances are strongly fancied.

Prophecy, always a gratuitous form of folly, is more difficult with match than stroke play, so I’m taking the prudent course of making no ” forecast’:

Max Faulkner, who won the Southport-Dunlop tourney in May, and who spends his spare time milking cows on his father-in-law’s farm in order to strengthen his wrists, is strongly fancied , as also is bluff Fred Daly, the Irish Open Champion. Faulkner’s first round opponent is Reginald Knight, Henry Cotton’s young assistant and former munition worker, who had the honour of beating his mentor in this tourney last year at Walton Heath.

Frank Jowle, of Lees Hall. did a 72 at Southport and Ainsdale in a gale on the first day of the Dunlop, and finished seventh. He meets Reg Whitcombe, Open champion in 1938, who is almost twice his age. Norman Sutton, still affectionately remembered by all West Cheshire members, is up against a tough opponent in Bobby Locke, who played brilliant golf in the torrential downpour in the final round of the challenge match at Southport and Ainsdale last Wednesday.

TEST OF STAMINA

Reg Horne jumped into the limelight when he won the event last year, but has not been so prominent since. He meets W. E. Booy (Fulford Heath). Horne was discharged from the R.A.F. just before the war ended following injuries received through a shell splinter. I haven’t seen him in action, but am told he is a sound and stylish player and steady as a rock with his putter, which is where one needs it most.

Harry Rimmer, of Bidston. meets Sam King; Norman Von Nida. amazingly long hitter for his size. who shortly returns to Australia (“to see the sun once more.” he told me) meets J. J. Busson (Pannal), the former Ryder Cup player and member of a big golfing family. J. Bullock (Holyhead), who has been on the verge of success for some time, is opposed to W. Firkins (Stourbridge), and Dick Burton, the former Open champion, tries conclusions with big Bill Shankland one of the most powerful hitters in the game.

With the course stretched to 7,078 yards, and next to no run on the ball this tourney is going to be a real test of hitting as well as staying power, and may well produce as winner another new name to add to those lesser known ones which have come to the front during the past year or so.

The Liverpool Echo – September 1946

RAF Germany – Bad Eilsen 1946 to 1954

H.G. Bentley Breaks Record

As Reported by Flight 10th Oct 1946

1947

The W.A.A.F Golfing Society Formed

The W.A.A.F Golfing Society established itself in July 17th 1947 and had their first Society Meeting at Beaconsfield, Bucks GC.

SEMI -FINALISTS in the British Women’s Championship at Gullane

L-R, Mrs. Valentine, Miss Jean Donald, Mrs. Zaharias and Miss J. Gordon.

As Reported by: Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Friday 20 June 1947

The First Women’s’ Inter-Service Golf Tournament

The A.T.S., the W.A.A.F., and the W.R.N.S. played the first Inter-Services Women’s Golf Tournament on the lovely course at Beaconsfield Golf Club, Bucks, recently. Conditions were ideal for play, and after a very keenly-fought contest the

Lady Katherine Cairns, younger sister of Earl Cairns, playing for the A.T.S. She is a Senior Commandant

The W.R.N. S. team: (standing) Miss Jean Macintyre, Wren Woodhead (res.), lst/O. J. C. Sutton, P. 10. Wren Pearle, lst/O. E. G. Lucas; (seated) Miss B. Somerville, Miss W. Morgan (captain) Miss E. V. Paine and Miss C. Macgeagh The A.T.S. team, including Ch. Comdt. Henderson, J./Cdr. Parks, S./Cdr. Style, Miss M. Gourlay, Lady K. Cairns Miss J. Gordon and Miss Hampson

The W.A.A.F. team standing Miss Wallis, Sgt. Miller (res.), Miss Williams (res.), Miss Dix-Perkin and F./O. K. Whitehead (seated) I S./O. Davies, Miss Kathleen Garnham, Miss Jean Donald (captain) and Miss Enid Wilson.

Miss Kathleen Garnham (W.A.A.F.) driving from the tenth tee, watched by her opponents, Miss M. Gourlay (A.T.S.) and Miss J. M. Macintyre (W.R.N.S.)

W.A.A.F. won with 7 points against the W.R.N.S. 7 and the A.T.S. 6. Teams were seven a side and thirty-six-hole three-ball matches were played.

Reported by:The Tatler – Wednesday 01 October 1947

WALKER CUP

Laddie Lucas, Max Faulkner and Ronnie White represent Great Britain in the 1947 Walker Cup

Golf Gossip

I AM looking forward to my trip to America, my first since 1931, for many reasons. To go as captain of our best professional team is a great honour, and to have an opportunity of seeing that wonderful golfing country once again is too wonderful to be missed. There is so much “to catch” up upon, for 16 years is a long absence. I want to meet all the great players many I do not know, they have arrived since I last met the visiting U.S. Ryder Cup team over here in 1937. I want to see the big courses, the club-houses, the municipal courses, to meet Ernest Jones, whose “swing the club head teaching method,” similar in many ways to my own, has been the rage in America for some years. I want to see the big club-making factories, the golf ball-making plants, in fact I can see and feel myself as one big sponge just absorbing all there is during a short visit, for I only intend to stay some five weeks. Bobby Locke’s American Tour Bobby Locke, still in America as I write, though I learn he is coming here for a few days on his way back home to South Africa, has had a most successful season. He has gained a lot of prestige (and weight) by his fine golf, and has upset much form,” to the delight of American sports-writers. His loose swing, curious stance, and wonderful putting have upset the latest American theories as exploited by the very strong athletic golfing stars of to-day (which is much different, by the way, from the Ernest Jones system). Locke’s temperament and his slow deliberate play have been much admired too, whilst his tournament record is terrific. The larger ball, which suits Locke, requires a firmer putting stroke than that we have learned to use for the smaller ball, to keep it on its line, and as the greens are generally much slower there is every reason to be up with every putt give the hole a chance technique,” which on certain greens here I often feel does not pay a good dividend. Jimmy Demaret, one of the leading U.S. Tournament players and chosen for the Ryder Cup match at Portland, says of Locke Locke is very straight off the tee, and he rarely gets in trouble with his irons. But his putting is what kills his opponents. He is absolutely the greatest putter I ever saw. Off the tee and down the fairway he hits the ball with a flat swing which keeps it pretty low compared to the more lofty shots of us Americans. I won’t say he’s been more lucky than the rest of us during the past year, but I do know that he’s encountered a minimum of trouble. That can’t go on forever. Sooner or later every one of us pros runs into a streak where things go wrong. If that doesn’t happen to Locke pretty soon we’ll just have to say that he isn’t human. There’s one other asset Locke has which is invaluable whether you’re a pro or an amateur that’s his temperament. Whether he had it originally or acquired it lately I don’t know, but after what he went through in the war (more than five years with the Royal Air Force)

I imagine golf comes pretty easy to him.” Norman Von Nida, I learn, is to make the winter tour, so is Locke, who is returning to U.S.A. in January with his family he is satisfied that there is his best hunting-ground. These brilliant Empire golfers of the younger school are making hay while the sun shines. I hope they will not set themselves too hot a pace. The Ryder Cup match course at Portland, Oregon, is some 6,400 yds., and is considered by a friend to suit us I do not know what this means, but it certainly is not long on paper by our standards. The World’s Largest Public Course I want to see Griffith Park golf course, the largest public course in the world, where on two fine courses 800 golfers play every day the wear and tear must be terrific, and I am certainly puzzled as to how the green- keeping is done. The professional, Paul Scott, has a full-time job running his business, which must be unique in the size of turnover. There is a 13-year-old-girl golfing prodigy I may meet in Southern California. She won the Los Angeles City Women’s Champion ship by 6 and 5 over 36 holes, doing an 82 before lunch for a two hole lead, and then going out in 35 to increase her lead to five up. Her name is Marlene Bauer, and she has set tongues wagging in America Little Miss Pigtails they call her. Reading of the stymies in my match against Fred Daly, a reader writes, I consider the ball nearer to the hole should not be penalised by letting the further away ball play first, for that ball plays to go in or stymie. Hence the rule should be, when both balls lie on the green, the nearer b’all should play first, then turn about.’ I think this would keep the fine art of going in for making stymies out of the game.” This is a bit complicated as a suggestion. Recently the stymie has worked against me it did at Birkdale in the recent Daily Telegraph event, but it may average out one day. One has to take the rough with the smooth. At Birkdale in the recent Daily Telegraph Tournament which was won by a very strong couple, Chas. H. Ward and Ronnie White, local amateur ace, the golf was excellent, but somehow the big excitement I expected was missing. I think it was because the pairs were drawn for out of the hat it might be more interesting if the professionals were asked to pick their partners because some amateurs clearly had stage fright at being paired with the paid players. It was a well- run tournament and the sort of event that is different and it does give the amateurs a better chance of competing with and against the best players in the country.

As Reported By: Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Henry Cotton, Friday 24th Oct 1947

INTER-SERVICE GOLF MATCH

A pleasant and successful inter-Service golf meeting was held by the courtesy of the Captain and Council at Belvoir Park Golf Club yesterday. The results were;— 1. Army. 17 points; 2. Royal Navy, 12 points; 3. Royal Air Force. 7 points.

Inter-Service Results – 1947

As Reported by Belfast News-Letter – Wednesday 17 December 1947

Leuchars Pair Beaten In R.A.F. Golf

1947 – 18 Group Championship at St Andrews

The station golf championship of No 18 Group RAF was held St Andrews today. In the first leg Kinloss beat Leuchars by one hole. Leuchars were represented Flying Officer I. Knight, who yesterday won the individual championship, and Corporal J. Duffy. Kinloss pair were A.C. H. Munro, runner-up in the championship, and Flying Officer Shillito.

1947 – Air Marshals Vs Generals at Ascot

Air Marshals Vs Generals at Ascot 1947

Cpl James Adams – Adams Unplaced.

James Adams. British Ryder Cup player, finished well down the list in the Orlando, Florida, open golf tournament with a 72-holes aggregate of 286. He had a final round of 71. Dave Douglas, Jimmy Demaret and Herman Keiser tied for first place with 274.

Prince Hardit Singh Malik, beaten in the final, is going to Canada as High Commissioner for India. He was an Oxford Blue

The Tatler – Wednesday 10 September 1947

1948

Henry Cotton Compete in Open Championship with Charles Ward

By Kind Permission of British Pathe Library

1948 Fixtures List

1948 RAFGS Fixtures and Team Captains List

1948 Committee Members

Costs for serving members at UK courses

Henry Cotton 1948 Open Championship

The Golf Clubs Used by Heny Cotton in the 1948 Open Championship

INTER-SERVICES 1948 – AC MICHAEL PEARSON

In the Inter-Services Tournament at Royal St George’s, which the RAF managed to win. A few days later a letter arrived from the Air Ministry. It read – “Dear AC Pearson, Congratulations on your contribution to the RAF’s fine win at Royal St George’s. Signed Marshal of the RAF Tedder.”

R.A.F. Golf Title for John Niven

Flt Lt John Niven (West of Scotland) won the Royal Air Force golf championship by defeating Cpl Sydney Ball (Cheshire) by 5 and over thirty-six holes in the final at Virginia Water, Surrey, yesterday.

Aberdeen Press and Journal – Friday 10 September 1948

NOTICE: The W.A.A.F. Golfing Society

The W.A.A.F. Golfing Society holds its Spring Meeting and trials at Beaconsfield G.C. on Thursday, April 29th. It is hoped that Miss Molly Wallis (English Champion) and Miss Jean Donald (Scottish Champion) will be among the entrants. Intending competitors -should send their names at once to Flight Officer K. H. Whitehead, R.A.F. Regional Welfare Office, H.Q. Southern Command, Wilton, Salisbury. (Telephone Salisbury 2241, Extension 157). Happy striking to all.

Reported by: The Tatler, Apr 14 1948, page 23

RAFGS Win Inter-Command Championship – Doug Sewell

By Kind Permission from Wayne Sewell, Worplesdon GC, Jan 2020

1949

Paddy Hine – Easy Win

1949 – 23rd Annual Boys Golf Championship

Paddy Hine (Peter Symonds School) had an easy 7 and 5 win over lan Ganson (Buckhaven High School) in the first round of the *23rd Annual Boys’ Golf Championship over the Old course at St. Andrews today. Paddy partnered Roy Mason (Buxton Artisans) in the International foursomes against Scotland yesterday when they gained England’s only win. Roy and another Derbyshire lad, Brian Foster (Chevln) have also entered for the championships.

As Reported by: Derby Daily Telegraph – Tuesday 23 August 1949

Beamish reaches last Eight in Irish Amateur Open Championship

Londonderry Sentinel – Thursday 22 September 1949

1949 RAFGS Handbook

From the 1949 RAFGS Handbook, it was stated that the IS Tournament was to be held at Sandwich 16-18 May. The 27 May 49 committee meeting records that the RAF defeated the Army & RN. The meeting also recorded that Flt Lt Max McCready had just won the British Amateur Championship; the committee sent him a telegram of congratulations.

Flt Lt Henry Cotton Raises £14 for the RAF Benevolent Fund (Source Flight Magazine)

Walker Cup Representatives 1949

The Walker Cup is a golf trophy contested in odd-numbered years by leading amateur golfers in two teams: United States, and Great Britain and Ireland. The official name is the Walker Cup Match. It is organised by The R&A and the United States Golf Association.

In 1949 the Walker Cup Team had 4 representatives that had served in the RAF. Reported by USGA JOURNAL: AUGUST, 1949

1949 (Aug. 19-20): USA 10, GB&I 2; Venue: Winged Foot G.C., Mamaroneck, N.Y.

• James Bruen, Jr., Ireland
• Joseph B. Carr, Ireland
• R. Cecil Ewing, Ireland
• Percy B. Lucas, England**
• S. Max McCready, Ireland**
• Gerald H. Micklem, England
• Ernest B. Millward, England
• Arthur H. Perowne, England
• Kenneth G. Thom, England**
• Ronald J. White, England**
  

Percy B. Lucas

The Captain of the British side, Mr. Lucas is the most prominent left-handed golfer in competition today and has competed internationally since 1936, when he played on the English teams against Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France. He was a reserve on the Walker Cup Team that played at the Pine Valley Golf Club in 1936 but did not get into the competition. He did, however, reach the third round of the USGA AmatE’ur Championship at Garden City Goll Club, bowing to Scotty Campbell. Popularly known as Laddie, he is a graduate of Cambridge and served six years in the Royal Air Force, earning the D.S.O. and Bar, the D.F.C. and the Croix de Guerre and retiring as a wing commander. He won the Boys Championship in 1933, the Herts Amateur in 1946 and 1947, the St. George’s Challenge Cup in 1947 and the President’s Putter in 1949. In the 1941 British Amateur, he was defeated by Ted Bishop in the fourth round. Last spring, he was defeated by Ronnie White at the 20th hole in the third round.

S. Max McCready

Mr. McCready defeated Frank Stranahan and Willie Turnesa on successive days to win the British Amateur last spring and earn a place on the Walker Cup Team for the first time. He was comparatively unknown as a golfer before the war. Although he was a reserve for the British side in 1947, he did not get into the competition. During the war, Mr. McCready served seven and a half years in the RAF. From 1940 to 1942, he was a flying instructor at Maxwell Field, Alabama, and he later saw service as a pilot in England and North and South Africa. Although he is employed in the tobacco business in London, he was born and educated at Belfast, Northern Ireland, and represented Ireland against England, Scotland and Wales in 1947 and 1949. He won the Jamaican Amateur in 1948. He is 31 and married. Mr. Lucas, who is 33, was a member of the 1947 Walker Cup Team. He and Leonard Crawley defeated Bud Ward and Smiley Quick in -foursomes. Dick Chapman defeated him in singles. He lives in London and is a company director, and is married and has one son.

Kenneth G. Thom

Mr. Thom earned his place on the Team by going to the semi-finals of the British Amateur last spring, and he carried Max McCready, the subsequent winner, to the 20th green before bowing. Although he was runner-up in the Boys’ Championship and a quarter-finalist in the British Amateur in 1939, he did not establish himself as an internationalist until after the war. He served through the war as a warrant officer and bomb aimer in a Lancaster. In 1946, he was runner-up in the English Amateur. In 1947 and 1948 he won the Middlesex Amateur, and for the last three years he has represented England against Ireland, Scotland and Wales. He is making his debut in Walker Cup competition. Mr. Thom who is 27, lives in London and is occupied with road transport. He is married.

Ronald J. White

A veteran of the 1947 Walker Cup Match, Mr. White helped the British to two of their four points. With Charles Stowe, he defeated Frank Stranahan and Dick Chapman in foursomes; and he also overcame Fred Kammer, Jr., in singles. Last spring he won the English Amateur and the GOLF ILLUSTRATED Gold Vase, but he was defeated by Ernest Millward in the fifth round of the British Amateur. Mr. White is a solicitor and lives in Birkdale, Lancashire. He was a pilot in the RAF during the war and was retired with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He has represented England in international matches for the last three years, and captained the winning team last spring. He is 28 and married.

1949 – BRITISH AMATEUR CHAMPION – MAX McCREADY

Source: RAFGS Committee Meeting Minutes

Max McCready with 1949 Amateur Champion  Trophy (at Portmarnock) -Provided by: Brendan G Cashell  

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

July 1st RAFGS Summer Meeting at Moorpark

OTHER FORTHCOMING MEETINGS – 1949

FIXTURES for the R.A.F. Golfing Society have been announced. The spring meeting will be held at the Berkshire Golf Club, Ascot, on April 26th, 27th and 28th; the Moor Park Club, Herts, will be the scene of the summer meeting on July 1st, and the three-day autumn meeting will begin on September 6th at Walton Heath.

The Ladies’ Section (formerly the W.R.A.F. Golfing Society) will play its championship the autumn meeting. From Air Headquarters, Iraq, it is learned that the R.A.F. Golf Club at Habbaniya has been re-formed, and a new nine-hole course opened.

Laddie Lucas & Ronnie White Play to 20th Hole

Aero Golfing Society Vs RAF Golfing Society

As Reported by Flight 7th April 1949 Page 411

ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUB

Air Commodore Beamish new The Council of Royal Portrush Golf Club have unanimously appointed Air Commodore George R. Beamish, C.B., CBE., as President of the Club, in place of the late Major Sir Emerson Herdman, H.M.L. At the same meeting Sir Anthony Babington, was elected a trustee of the club.

As Reported by Belfast Newsletter 15th March 1949

British Amateur Golf Championship

Flt Lt P.J. Urlwin-Smith beaten by L Martin (USA)

Handicap 1 – RAF Officers Golfing Society Handbook – 1954

As Reported by Yorkshire Evening Post – Monday 23 May 1949

Royal Malta GC – Gp Capt J.D. Miller Wins IIG Bank Handicap Challenge Cup

Royal Malta GC – IIG Bank Handicap Challenge Cup

Sponsored in 2011 by IIG Bank this trophy has been played for since 1891. Originally it was played for alongside the Scratch Challenge as a fallback competition but is now our third major and keenly contested for.

Amongst the early winners are many decorated servicemen including:
1892 Arthur C. Grieve who served as midshipman aboard H.M.S. Victoria and lost his life when the ship sunk following a collision with H.M.S. Camperdown at Tripoli, 22nd June 1893.
1893 Reverend Horace Septimus Wansbrough, Royal Navy Chaplain served on HMS Howe.
1895 Admiral Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, (1836-1920) 3rd Baronet Seymour, of High Mount, co. Limerick. He was based in Malta as Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean Fleet 1893-1896.

Some of the early years show two names. Whether the trophy was played for twice or they tied for the trophy is not known.

Individual aggregate 36-hole medal.
Played over two consecutive days (Saturday and Sunday).

Peter Alliss & Mills National Service

1950

BEAMISH STILL WINNING

Beamish hit top form to beat ex-Army champion ST. ANDREWS GOLF Squadron-Leader C. H. Beamish (Royal Portrush), the former R.A.F. champion, hit top form in dismissing the former Army title-holder, Major A. A. Duncan by 3 and 2, when the British Amateur Golf Championship, was continued to-day at St. Andrews.

He shot out to the turn in 35 strokes to be four up and holed out in birdie two at the short 11th to increase his advantage to five. lie lost the long 14th to a birdie four and missed the green with his second at the 15th to become three up. but a half at the 18th settled the issue in his favour.

The sun was shining when the first couple played off in the third round this morning, but an hour later the sky began to cloud again. J. P Coulter (Cupar), a native of Comber, who defeated B J Scannell Woodbrook) the second round was narrowly beaten by E S. Nugent- Head (Addington)

Coulter reached the turn, in 38. with a single hole lead but he missed short putts at the 12th and 13th to be 1 down. He squared the game at the 15th after a great recovery from a bunker, but he lost the 17th when it looked as though he were going to win it.

Nugent-Head was on the notorious road with his second but he made a brilliant recovery and sank the putt or birdie 4 to win the hole and become dormie.

Both putted badly on the home green. and the hole WHS. halved in 5 and Coulter was out by a single hole.

Belfast Telegraph – Wednesday 24 May 1950

Jean Donald Victory

As Reported by the Belfast Newsletter – 14th June 1950

2 Consecutive Holes in One

Wing-Commander T. R. Vickers, of Wye. Kent, did two consecutive holes-in-one at the 3rd and 4th on the R.A.F. Changi golf course in Singapore yesterday. The third hole 100 yards and the fourth 130 yards.— Reuter.

Belfast News-Letter – Wednesday 14 June 1950

Aero Golfing Society Vs RAFGS

As Reported by Fight 23 March 1950

MAX FAULKNER DISQUALIFIED

Max Faulkner, assistant to Henry Cotton at a Surrey, a Ryder Cup golfer, and one of the more experienced tournament players, was disqualified tor a title of the new rule governing an unplayable ball during the opening round of the “Silver King” £1,350 professional tournament at Moor Park, Herts, yesterday.

The incident clouded the complete success of the first day’s play in the new season, and has robbed the event of one of the leading personalities. Faulkner, however, had only himself to blame, and the committee which met to consider the matter had no other course open to them.

Faulkner pulled his drive to the 282-yard 17th hole on the West Course, and, thinking the ball might be out of bounds or lost, he immediately played a provisional tee shot When he found his ball from his first drive lying in bush, he deemed it unplayable. Instead going back to play another drive—as the rule demands—Faulkner proceeded to hole out with his provisional ball. Faulkner declared after his disqualification: “I’ve read the new rules until my head is dizzy. I knew the rule, but I knew the ball would be unplayable without going forward. I played the provisional ball immediately only in order to save time. The rules have been framed I thought to save waste of time. But they are not. The worst of it all is that I lose any chance of winning the Harry Vardon Trophy, for on the points award system, even if I won every tournament for the rest of the season, I couldn’t top the averages now.”

As Reported By: Western Morning News – Thursday 20 April 1950

From the 1950 RAFGS Handbook, it was stated that the IS Tournament was to be held at Royal St George’s 15-17 May. The result is not known.

RAF Seletar Golf

The RAF Seletar golf course has reopened after 8 years. Work began to restore the course in Feb 1950, financed by the RAF Welfare Fund.

The course was formally reopened, (probably on 1st June 1950), in a game between Air Marshall F.J. Fogarty, OC FEAF and Air Commodore H.Proud, OC RAF Base Seletar. Air Commodore Proud won by one hole!

Cup Winners

1954 J/T J. Patterson
1955 LAC Johnston
1956 D. Strong
1957 Cpl Hewitt
1958 Cpl Eadon
1959 Cpl Elliott
1960 WO Foley
1961 Flt Lt G. C. Lynch
1962 Chf Tech J.M.C. Amesbury
1963 R. Chapple
1964 R. McGovern
1965 L. Waters
1966 A. Maclachlan
1967 P. Nicholls
1968 D. Mapletoft
1969 W. Ranyard
1970 P. Davis
1971 not competed

RAF Seletar Trophy

Provided by RAF Seletar Golfing Memories

Kiwi Wins RAF Golf Championship at St Andrews

Flight-Lieutenant G. T. Hussey a New Zealander who served throughout the war and rejoined the Royal Air Force only two months ago, won the R.A.F. Golf Championship at St Andrews yesterday when he beat Flight-Lieutenant J. Garden (Benson) by eight and seven in the 36-hole final.

Hussey had seven inspired holes —from the tenth to the sixteenth —in the morning round to lay the foundations of his big win. garden was out in 37 and held single hole lead. Then Hussey did the next seven holes in 3,4,4,5,4,4,3, winning them all to gain six-hole lead, which he held the halfway stage.

The handicap tournament was won by Pilot Officer M. H. Rhodes (Middleton George) who beat Flying Officer R. L. Kerr (Topcliffe) two and one after being dormy six.

The foursomes tournament against bogey was won by Squadron-Leader R. P. Breen (Water beach) and Squadron-Leader G. H. Duncan (Air Ministry), who were all square. The runners-up were Corporal J. Shipman and L.A.C. K. F. Clark (Watton), who finished one down.

The Courier and Advertiser Friday Apr 21 1950

Paddy Hine – Shows Potential to be a Great Golfer

As Reported by Henry Longhurst in The Sketch, May 24th, 1950

R.A.F. CHAMPION IN TIE FOR LEAD

Squadron Leader C. H. Beamish, the R.A.F. individual golf champion, shared the lead in the qualifying stage of the championship played over the Old and New Courses at St Andrews yesterday. The holder and Flight-Lieutenant J. Garden both had scores of 78 on the Old Course and 77 on the New for aggregates of 155. The better inward half of 37 over the Old Course decided the tie for the Denys Field Challenge Cup in favour of Squadron Leader Beamish. There was a record entry of 120. St Andrews was in one of its unkindest moods, and the rain and wind of the morning round was reflected in the high scoring. The two leaders, along with six other qualifiers, will contest the match-play for the individual championship.

The other qualifiers were:— A/C G.B. Wolstenholme 81, 79—160: Flt Lieut. J. Niven 82, 80—162; Group Captain A. J. Biggar 81, 84—165; Flying-Officer R. Henderson 86, 80—166; Flt Lieut. G. T. Hussey 82, 85— 167; S.-Leader R. T. Mason 86, 81 —167.

Dundee Courier – Wednesday 19 April 1950

G.B. Wolstenholme Defeats Cecil Beamish in RAF Championship

As Provided By Evening Telegraph & Post – April 1950

1951

1951 British Walker Cup

Raymond Oppenheimer, Alex Kyle, Max McCreadie, Ronnie White all ex-RAF

Reported by the Sport & Country – May 1951

1951 British Walker Cup – Report

GOLF WINNER ASKS TO BE DISQUALIFIED

Alex Kyle, the British Walker Cup golfer, has written to the Yorkshire Golf Club’s Committee asking them to disqualify him from the Yorkshire Open Championship which was played at Moortown and Sandmoor last week because he inadvertently committed a breach of the rules. Kyle. with a round of 89 at Moortown and 77 at Sandmoor, won the Bairstow trophy by being leading amateur. In his letter he said that he allowed his caddie to hold back a bush to enable him to play a stroke, but he had only afterwards discovered that he had transgressed in doing so. The committee will consider the letter at their next meeting.

Ex-R.A.F. Pilot Wins Newlands Golf Trophy SINGLE-PUTTED 14 GREENS

War-time R.A.F. pilot, Pat Soutter, Hamilton, now a partner in the family legal practice, won the 36-holes Newlands Golf Trophy at Lanark on Saturday by a stroke, with rounds of 71 and 73 to aggregate 144. His first round of 71 equalled the course record set up a month ago by Scottish boy internationalist, Edwin Gibson, Lanark.

Record-equalling rounds were also played by R. R. Jack, Dullatur, and J. Gray, the Cambuslang left-hander, a former winner, who were joint runners up, and K. I. McLeod, one of the three golfing brothers of Old Ranfurly.

McLeod blew up second time out, taking 80, but won the first round special prize. Second round special prize was won by J. F. Milligan, Hamilton, after a play-off.

Single Putts on 14 Greens

Soutter’s unerring putting contributed largely to his win. He 3-putted only once, and that at the first green in his first round. All over, he had single putts on 14 greens. In the morning, be had three consecutive birdies at the 3rd, 4th and 5th holes.

As Reported by: Carluke and Lanark Gazette – Friday 06 July 1951

RAF Bridgnorth – Festival Golf – Lowest Score Record

By Kind permission of Gwynne Chadwick (RAF Bridgnorth)

1951 – 80th Open – Royal Portrush

Max Faulkner wins the only Open Championship played in Northern Ireland at Royal Portrush

Max Faulkner Winner of the Royal Portrush Open Championship-Click Here

DALY, BEAMISH, GLOVER OUT OF AMATEUR-PRO GOLF FOURSOMES

The three and two defeat of Open champion Mat Faulkner and Irish international Cecil Beamish by Ken Bousfleld, a Ryder Cup player, and Harry Bennett (Buxton) was one of the surprises of the “Daily Telegraph” amateur-professional golf foursomes which began Ganton, near Scarborough, yesterday.

As Reported in the Northern Whig & Belfast Post October 5 1951

BEAMISH IN SEMI-FINAL

Wg Cdr C. H. Beamish, the Irish holder of the Belgian Amateur title, and his International partner, Mias J. Gordon (Slanmore). reached the semi-finals of the Central England mixed foursomes golf tournament at Woodhall Spa (tines.), on Saturday. Other semi-finalists are:—F/Lt. G. Hussey and Mias J. McIntyre (Lindrick). Dr. and L. Jones (Cleethorpes), Adrian Gee and the Hon. Mrs. J. Gee (Chevin).

As Reported by Belfast News-Letter – Monday 15 October 1951

Assistants Professional Championship – Peter Mills Assistant at Fulwell GC

Kindly Provided by Keith Fitzgerald – Historian at Fulwell GC

Peter Mills Wins Southern Assistants Championship

Kindly Provided By Keith Fitzgerald – Historian Fulwell GC Middx.

1952

Reg Horne Leads Tournament

As Reported by Coventry Evening Telegraph – Friday 18 April 1952

Tie forces play-off in R.A.F golf competition at Belton

THERE was a tie for first place in the R.A.F. Spitalgate Cup, an 18 holes bogey Stableford competition, Belton Park Golf Club on Sunday, between P. Whitton and H. H. Morris and F. Cullen and G. H. Dickinson. Both pairs returned 42 points and there will play-off.

Twenty couples entered and other returns were; J. B. Allan and P. Jessop. 41 points; C. Whitton and J. L. Ayres. 38; R. J Berry and A. Pettit. 38; Shipman and J. S. Parker. 38′ G. R. Lee and E. Hardy. 38; H. S. Sharp and L. C. Burningham. 37; W D. Wilkinson and J. W. Oxford. 36; H. C. Cross and L, D. Toogood. 34; R. T. Whitton and E E.G. Odds, 34; F. Hobson and W. T. Branson 33; C. S. Rees and G. W. Lager. 30: F. B. Gauntlett and S. Knight 28

THE GRANTHAM JOURNAL, FRIDAY. JULY 5th, 1952.

Inter-Services

From the 4 Apr 52 RAFGS committee meeting, it is recorded that the RN had proposed that Inter-Service matches should be discontinued.

Tom Haliburton

Thomas Bruce Haliburton (5 June 1915 – 25 October 1975) was a Scottish golfer. He finished tied for 5th in the 1957 Open Championship and played in the 1961 and 1963 Ryder Cups. He died, playing golf, at Wentworth where he had been the professional for over 20 years.

During World War II, Halliburton was in the Royal Air Force. He married in 1941 and became a corporal in the same year.

Haliburton was initially an assistant for four years at Haggs Castle Golf Club in Glasgow before moving to Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club. In 1939 he became first assistant to Henry Cotton at Ashridge Golf Club. After a series of moves, he became the professional at the Wentworth Club in 1952 where he remained until his death in 1975.

In 1952 he set a world record score by scoring 126 for the first two rounds of the Spalding Tournament, although he eventually finished fourth. He was in the British 1961 and 1963 Ryder Cup teams.

In the 1963 Open Championship at Royal Lytham, he scored 29 for the first nine holes of the opening round, an Open record, equalled by Peter Thomson later on the same day. Tony Jacklin equalled the record in 1970 and Denis Durnian beat it, scoring 28, in 1983. In 1969 he became chairman of the British PGA. He was the non-playing British captain in the first PGA Cup at Pinehurst, North Carolina in 1973. His last tournament was a Pro-Am at Helensburgh Golf Club in 1974.

TOM HALIBURTON For the lowest- ever round in tournament golf in 61 at the time. In the first round of the £1350 Spalding Professional Golf Tournament at Worthing, Tom Haliburton, of the Wentworth Club, went round the 6376-yards course in 61. This was the lowest-ever in British tournament golf.

IRISH CLOSE GOLF Drew and Beamish fall to Donnellan

IRISH CLOSE GOLF Drew and Beamish fall to Donnellan – it was day of surprises in the Irish Close Amateur championship at the Royal Belfast course, Craigavad yesterday. The chief giant-killer was 18-year-old Barry Donnellan (Dundalk).
Donnellan in successive rounds eliminated Cecil Beamish Royal Portrush beaten finalist in the Irish Open Amateur Championship earlier this year, and Norman Drew (Bangor) the Irish Open Champion.

Donnellan. boys’ champion of Ulster. Leinster, and Connaught last year, beat Beamish 2 and in the morning, and in the afternoon vanquished Drew at the 19th after a tremendous struggle.

Another ” outsider to reach the quarter-finals was 38-year-old Pat M Polin (Fortwilliam) a Belfast trolly-bus driver, who after beating H. M. Hadden (Royal Belfast 3 and 1. had and 4 victory against J. Caldwell (Portmarnock)

M Polin (Fortwillam), Ferguson, and J. G. M’Ervel (Malone) are the only Ulstermen left in the last, eight, for John Glover (Queens) the former British boys’ champion, surprisingly lost by and 4 & 3 to 22 year-old T. W. Egan Monkstown’ in the sixth round.

In the previous round Egan had dismissed M Power (Muskerry) and shot to within a yard of the pin and sank his putt for a ‘birdie” four, to lake the hole.

As Reported in Whig and Belfast Post September 1952

Tom Haliburton & Jean Donald – Beaten

Miss Jean Donald and Tom Haliburton, the holders, failed to survive the first round of the Sunningdale (Berks.) open handicap golf foursomes to-day, being beaten by 3 and 2. The Scottish pair were receiving three strokes from Norman Isow and Eric Brown who. combining splendidly. proved much too strong for the holders and won 3 and 2 after being flve up with five to play. The result was not so surprising after Miss Donald has been ill since her return from South Africa with the British women’s team.

FIRST ROUND RESULTS Isow and E. Brown beat Miss J. Donald and T. Haliburton (holders). 3 and 2. G. Knipe and D. Smalldon beat B M. Atkinson and J. Sheridan, one hose. D. K. Mansell and T. Collinge beat T. R. Walton and P. Jowle. 5 and 4. I. Cowper and P. Mills beat Miss J. 8. Mcintyre and J. R. M. Jacobs one hole. A. J. Baker and W. C. Hotton beat Lt.-Colonel A. A. Duncan and G. T. Duncan one hole. A. A. McNair and A. Lees beat Miss J. Bisgood and W. J. Cox 2 and 1. Miss M. Paterson and H. Thomson beat W. P. Keene and A, J. Harman 2 and 1. G. P. Lowland and P. G. Allott beat Vicomtesse de Saint Sauveur and Mrs. I. Cowper one up. R. Quilter and A. J. Lacey best Miss N. Cook and R, M. Turnbull 2 and 1.

Reported by The Coventry Evening Telegraph – 26th March 1952

Yorkshire PGA Tour Event – Professional Tommy Gardner

Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer – Thursday 29 May 1952

As Reported by The Citizen Jul 26, 1952

1953

2 Professionals Posted to RAF Kasfareet

For Further Details See Roger Mace – Click Here

Re-Produced by Kind Permission of Roger Mace

From the 3 Sep 52 RAFGS AGM minutes, it is recorded that the RAF Sports Board had advised the RAFGS that golf would be excluded from Inter-Service Sports from 1953. The AGM approved a motion which deplored the decision and urged the authorities to revise it.

Cecil Beamish took the Honours – Amateur Championships

As Reported by the Nottingham Journal 1953

Hesketh Member Harry Bentley appointed Walker Cup Chairman of Selectors

Harry Bentley represented GB&I in the 1934/1936/1938 matches

Prue Riddiford (Nee Hayward) Sussex Golf Champion

The Tatler – Wednesday 02 September 1953

1954

Inter-Services

Provided by Keith Fitzgerald, Fulwell GC Historian

Royal Air Force Germany Golf Club Brüggen

The golf course is located on a former military site which served the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an important base in Germany from 1953 to 2001. The barracks and airfield were constructed in a remarkably short space of time between February 1952 and July 1953 and were named after the community of Brüggen, which had the nearest railway station.

A golf course is obviously a necessary part of the infrastructure on a British airbase. Construction began in August 1954 and the golf course was opened soon after, on 9.5.1955. The first tee off was made by Marshal of the Air Force, Sir William Dickson. The first clubhouse, a wooden construction, was inaugurated on 29.10.1955. In 1987 the clubhouse was extended and modernized. With its typical British charm, it serves our members and guests as a clubhouse and meeting place to this day.

Following German reunification, the Royal Air Force decided to halve its presence in Germany and this heralded the end of the airbase in Elmpt. The last Tornado squadrons withdrew in 2001.

Received from Golfing Operations Manager – David Hampson and Maxine White, Clubsekretärin, www.golf-in-elmpt.eu

Royal Air Force Changi – Golf Club

RAF Changi Golf Club Sgt Bob Curry (Left) Vice Captain and Wg Cdr George Jamie (Right) Captain-1954-56

RAF Changi Golf Club Members 1954-1956

RAF Changi Golf Club Members

RAF Changi Golf Club Members

By Kind Permission of Royal Air Force Changi Association

Lincs Vs RAF Golfing Society

Lincs Vs R.A.F. Golfing Society 51. At Woodhall Spa. Scores : . Foursomes: J. W. Ellmore and Dr.L.Jones beat Flt Lieut. K.Hall and Flying Officer P.Hine 3 and 2; A.M. Tew and P. Butler lost to Flt Lieut R.D. Shrivel and Pilot-Officer P. Wilson 5 and 4; R.F. Cottingham and J A. Feasby lost to Flying Officer P.S. Dewes and R. Proctor 4 and 2: M. Bowman and A. Frearson lost to Group Captain F.E. Nuttall and Wg Cdr. J.H. Neal 5 and 4.

Singles: Ellmore halved with Hall; Tew beat Hine 2 and 1; Jones beat Neal 3 and 2: Butler beat Wilson 1 up; Cottingham beat Dewes 4 and 3; Bowman beat Shrivel 3 and 1; Frearson lost to Proctor 3 and 2; Feasby lost to, Nuttall 2 down.

As Reported by: Lincolnshire Standard and Boston Guardian – Saturday 08 May 1954

Jean Donald wins Women’s `Open’

Although she faltered to take an 82 in her fourth and final round. Miss Jean Donald (North Berwick) scored her expected success in the national women’s open golf tournament with a 72 holes aggregate score of 313 strokes, at Walton Heath, Surrey yesterday.

The former British international, who became a professional last January, increased her overnight eight strokes lead with a splendid 78 third round,over the tough heather-bound Old course.

Miss Donald opened well in her final round only to fall away in the middle when her driving became erratic. In fact she had to pull out her best golf to finish one better than par 4,4,4, to beat Mrs. Alexander Keiller (Sunningdale) the English International by 4 strokes.

As Reported in Western Mail – Saturday 31 July 1954

Tommy Frost Vs David Shields in Montrose Finals

17-year-old Tommy Frost Vs David Shields in Final

Tommy Frost, 17-year-old Montrose golfer, and 24-year-old David Shields (Downfield) meet in today’s 36-hole final of the Montrose Open Tournament.

First round will be played at 9.45.

The undulating green at the short sixteenth proved the decisive one in both semi-finals yesterday. Frost approached it two up and three to play against Allan Norrie (Carnoustie). Frost was at the side of the green with his drive, and his chip dropped for birdie 2.

Minutes later Shields was yards from the pin with his drive. He stood one up on Dave Allan (Carnoustie), who had been neck-and-neck with him all the way.

Shields putted confidently with his hickory-shafted club for a birdie, and then halved the seventeenth.

Tommy Frost, already Montrose Victoria champion, first entered the tournament when he was 14.

At 15 he won the handicap event, and last year he reached the second round of the scratch cup.

Although Shields was born in Dundee, his parents are Montrosians, and he has spent many summer holidays on the golf courses.

David has just finished at St Andrews University and has obtained a commission as an education officer in the R.A.F. He has been competing at Montrose for six years.

Yesterday’s results. Scratch Section.—Third Round—T. D. Frost (Montrose Victoria) beat Tom Tennant (Carnoustie) and 2; D. G. Allan (Carnoustie) beat D. M. Lindsay (Downfield) 1 up; A. Norrie (Carnoustie) best Geo. Crichton (Edzell) 19th; D. C. Shields (Downfield) beat J. B. Webster Edzell) 2 and 1. Semi-Final.—Frost beat Norrie and 2; Shields beat Allan 2 and 1. Handicap Section.—Third Round—A. Forbes (Montrose Victoria) beat I. M. Gray (Victoria) 1 W. Donaldson (Bellshill) beat N. J. C. Maclean (Bothwell Castle) 4 and 3: J. 8. Walker (Montrose Mercantile) beat F B. Murray (Arbroath Artisans) 19th; .1. McDonald (Mercantile) beat R. M. Nisbet (Victoria) 5 and 4.

Tommy Frost (Joins RAF 1957)

1955

RAF Germany – Bad Eilsen 1946 to 1954 & RAF Bruggen 1955 to 1999

RAF Germany Strokeplay Champion

RAF Germany – Matchplay Champion

Diss Beat RAF Again

Diss Golfers Beat R.A.F. Again Diss Golf Club visited East Dereham Course on Sunday for a return match with the R.A.F. Swanton Morley. Diss won by seven matches to three. The course and weather were perfect. Results (Diss G.C. names first) were: Afternoon: James and Betts beat Allen and McCall 1-0; Leggett and Bury beat Parkinson and Birks 1-0; Whittaker and Mackay lost to Peach and Morris 0-1; Aylett and Minns beat Heathcote and Counel 1-0; P. Bartrum and Bailey beat Goodfellow and McCarthy 1-0. Evening: James and Betts beat Allen and McCall 1-0; Leggett and Bury beat Parkinson and Birks 1-0; Whittaker and Mackay lost to Peach and Morris 0-1; Aylett and Minns beat Heathcote and Counel 1-0; P. Bartram and Bailey lost to Goodfellow and McCarthy 0-1.

1956

RAF Golf Society Championship – West Hill

The R.A.F. Golfing Society held a meeting at West Hill. The winners of the nine-hole Stableford Foursomes were Sq. Ldr. D. Baxter and Sq. Ldr. J. Niven left-hand picture). Air Marshal Sir Philip Cooke, a former R.A.F. cricketer, partnered Flt. Lt. J. C. W. Daniels centre picture). The 1st Division Handicap winner was Sq. Ldr. L. Hill with a score of 37 points.

As Reported By: Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Wednesday 28 November 1956

Midland Players in Amateur Golf Final Wolstenholme v. Bennett

G.B. Wolstenholme, of Kirby Muldoe, Leicestershire, a British Walker Cup candidate, and H. Bennett. of Buxton High Peak, the Derbyshire champion. will meet in the final of the English amateur golf championship over 38 holes at Royal Lytham and St. Annes to-day. Wolstenholme, who is 25. gave his best display of the championship when he beat A. Shepperson. ‘of Coxmoor. the Nottinghamshire titleholder. by 5 and 4. In recording his best and biggest victory, Wolstenholme was three under 4s when the match ended. Bennett could not boast of similar prowess in winning his semi-final by 3 and 1 against William Nabb, of the home club. Bennett. however, will face Wolstenholme with the knowledge that he has scored a victory over the Leicestershire man. It was in the English championship of 1951 and Bennett went on to reach the final and lose at the 39th hole to O. P. Roberts. Wolstenholme qualified for the semi-final yesterday when he beat H. J. Roberts. of Stourbridge runner-up in 1943 by two holes. Against Bhepperson. Wolstenholme turned two up having lost the ninth to a ” birdie ” 2. and he increased his advantage with another success at the 10th. Shepperson got back the 11th thanks to a long putt but Wolstenholme accomplished the next three holes in 3. 3. 4 to win all of them and settle the match.

Birmingham Daily Post – Saturday 28 April 1956

1957

Sunningdale Foursomes

GOLF SEASON OPENS The Wentworth foursomes opened the season’s big golf tournaments over the course at Sunningdale, Berkshire. Spectators on the final day saw G. Wolstenholme and A. Lees beat M. F. Bonallack and G. Gledhill by one hole M. F. Bono Hack driving off from the fifteenth tee in the semi finals against IV. A. Slark and R. P. Mills A/Cdre. and Mrs. T. C. Miller enjoyed the games Mrs. C. E. Nisbet, Mrs. E. IV Denison and Mr. A. IV. Aithen watching the play Mr. G. Wolstenholme and Mr. A. Fees, both of sunningdale, were winners of the 1957 Foursomes Mr. R. p. Mills and Mr. IF. A. Slark, semi-finalists Brig, and Mrs. J. Appleby were by the scoreboard Desmond. O’Neill

As Reported by The Tatler – Wednesday 27 March 1957

1957 – RAF Inter Services Team

Flt Lt P.B. Hine, AC A Thompson, LAC N Johnson, Flt Lt J. Cook, SAC S.W. T. Murray, Sqn Ldr J. Garden, Sqn Ldr J. Niven, LAC D. Harrison, Sqn Ldr W.E. McCrea

Kregel Wins Again

Reported By: Flight 25th Jan 1957

Tommy Frost Wins RAF Championship

GOLF Tommy Frost Wins R.A.F. Title Twenty-year-old Tommy Frost, Montrose. who is at present doing his National Service, last week added to his golfing honours by winning the Scottish R.A.F. championship. In the 36-hole final at Tumhouse he had a one stroke win over Flying-Officer A. Brown, a brother of professional Eric Brown, who learned his golf at Montrose. Tommy went round in 79 and 73 on the 72 par course, despite the windy conditions, while Brown took 78 and 76.

Tommy, who is a fighter plotter at R.A.F. Buchan, played in the contest last year but withdrew after the first round because of a sore hand. It was the first time he had played two rounds in eight months.

Tommy was born in Dumbarton but his parents, Mr and Mrs J. H. Frost, 4 Panmure Place, brought him to Montrose when he was eighteen months old. He took up golf seven years ago and first entered the Montrose amateur championship when he was fourteen. A year later he won the handicap event and in 1954 he won the tournament. beating D. C. Shields, Downfield, by the record margin of 10 and 9 in the 36-hole final. Tommy was seventeen then and was the first Montrose player to win the tournament since 1949.

In the same year he won the championship of the Victoria Club and the Angus and Montrose junior titles, and gained his county “cap” when he was chosen to play for Angus against the Lothians.

Football is Tommy’s other great sporting interest. Before being called up, he was goalkeeper for Montrose Vics, and last week he was ‘keeper in the Buchan team which beat Northolt at Uxbridge in the final of the R.A.F. junior cup.

As Reported by Montrose-Standard April 1957

The Royal Air Force Vs The Aircraft Industry – Wentworth East & West Course

Pictured 2nd from Left AM Sir Douglas Macfadyen

Pictures above kindly provided by AM Sir Ian Macfadyen.

1958

R.A.F. CHAMPION – SAC David Harrison

The R.A.F. Singles Championship was won for the second year in succession by S.A.C. David Harrison, who defeated S/Ldr. William McCrea by 2 and 1. Harrison finishes his National Service this summer and goes to Oxford in October.

Reported By: Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – Wednesday 14 May 1958

Peter Mills

Mills never won a major tournament although he was joint winner of the 36-hole Bowmaker Tournament at Sunningdale in 1958. He completed the front-9 of his second round in 28 (3-3-3-2-4-4-4-3-2) to equal the British tournament record.

Peter Mills Bibliography Click Here

1958 Inter-Services Team – Winners

Flt Lt A.D. Mercer, Flt Lt J. Cook, AC R.S. Fidler, Flt Lt R.D. Shrivell, Flt Lt R.W. Acton, SAC D.J. Harrison, Wg Cdr C.N. McLoughlin (Manager), Gp Capt Beamish, Sqn Ldr J. Niven (Captain), Wg Cdr J. Garden, Sqn Ldr W.E. McCrea

1959

RAF Tengah Golf

RAF Tengah Golf AGM 1959 for Course Development

Provided by Sean Bermingham – May 2019 (West Drayton GC)

Pennink Captain

Frank Pennink (Royal Ashdown Forest) was elected England International Captain at the annual council meeting of the English Golf Union in London. Pennink succeeds Gerald Micklem (Wildernesse), the British Walker Cup captain who has resigned the captaincy and his place on the selection committee in view of his appointment as next chairman of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club selectors.

As Reported By: Western Mail – Thursday 05 March 1959

RAF Golf Team – 1959

Flt Lt K. Hall, Flt Lt J. Cook, Fg Off A. Brown, LAC R.S. Fidler, LAC M.S. Holiday, LAC I.B. Duncan, Wg Cdr C.N. McLoughlin (Manager), Gp Capt. C.H. Beamish, Wg Cdr. J. Garden (Captain), Sqn Ldr. W.E. McCrea, Flt Lt R.D. Shrivell

Sqn Ldr Bill Igoe & Sgt Tom Haliburton Win Gleneagles Foursomes

RAF Players: Tom Haliburton, Bill Igoe; Dai Rees; Peter Alliss; Harry Bentley

W.I. Tucker

W. I. Tucker (second from the left) shows the Monmouthshire Individual Golf Championship Cup, which he won for the eighth year running, to the other prizewinners after the championship meeting at St. Mellons Golf Club. In the picture are (left to right) Ron Roden, of St. Mellons G.C., the second best net score; W. I. Tucker, the champion from the Monmouthshire G.C.,Abergavenny; Charles Gifford, the county junior champion, of Tredegar Park G.C., Newport, the best net score; and Tom Branton, of the Chepstow G.C., the runner-up in the championship.

Inter-County Championship – Doug Sewell

DOUGLAS SEWELL and George Evans paved the way for Surrey to defend the Inter-County Championship for the third time, when the finals are played at Ganton (Yorkshire) next month. With fine contributions of 142 and 146 respectively over the High Course at Moor Park Sewell and Evans helped Surrey to a total’ of 910 and victory by 20 strokes in the South-Eastern qualifying competition.

Scores:
Surrey 910 (D. N. Sewell 71. 71; G. Evans 74, 72; D. W. Frame 75, 81 ; W. A. Slark 75, 77 ; I. Caldwell 78, 74; J. R. Thornhill 84, 78).

Blesma Foursomes- Sewell Wins

WALKER CUP player Douglas Sewell and Mrs. A. D. Spearman won the scratch prize in the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association open mixed foursomes 36-hole medal event at Roehampton for the second year running. They had rounds of 75 and 73 for a total of 148. Second were Miss Mavis Glidewell and W. A. Slark with 153 (76 and 77).

Miss Glidewell and W. A. Slark, 76, 77= 153; Mrs. Allom and G. Micklem, 80, 78 = 158 after a tie with Miss E. Price and D. Caird, 79, 79 = 158. Handicap Aggregates: Miss P. Wright and L. Williamson (33), 71, 66;t= 138; Mrs. P. Morrill and B. Norman (22),70, 72=142; Mrs. P. Valdinger and H. Pendry (23), 71.
Married Couples: Mr. and Mrs. J. Chambres (21), 147 net. Best 18 holes (including limbless players): Mrs. A. C. Critchley and Gp.-Capt. Douglas Bader, 82 net; Countess of Hardwicke and Earl of Ancaster, 86 net.

Morning Scratch: Mrs. Roberts and G. Hartley, 79; MISS E. Price and D. Card, 79.
Morning Handicap: Mr. and Mrs. V. Berger, 74 net; Mr. and Mrs. P. Wilson, 74 net.

Afternoon Scratch: Miss J. Brierley and N. Isow, 76; Miss P. Bennett and R. Pickering, 83. Afternoon Handicap: Mrs. G. Morris and J. Toner, 681­ net; Col. and Mrs. W. Menzies, 72 net.

Provided by Golf Illustrated Archive 1959

English Vs French Amateur – West Hill

The English and French amateur teams who played a match at West Hill.

(Front, left to right) M. F. Bonallack, P. Chassagny, D. M. Moffat, D. W. Frame and J. P. Dupont. (Middle, left to right) J. P. Cross, G. B. Wolstenholme, J. Leglise (French captain), J. J. F. Pennink (English captain), H. de Lamaze andA. H. Perowne. (Back, left to right) M. Bardana, T. Godillot, R. Lagarde, M. J. Burgess, J. P. Hirigoyen, J. de Peyerimhoff, A. Thirlwell, G. Morgue d’Algue, P. Maeght and D. N. Sewell.

RAF Representatives in Bold

1960

RAF Golf Championship – Gp Capt Beamish chasing a 4th RAF Championship Win

Irish International, Gp Capt C.H. Beamish today made a bid over the Old Course at St Andrew to win the RAF Golf Championship for the fourth time.

His opponent in the 36 hole final was Flt Lieut. Donald Andrew of Sheffield. After the first round the match was all square both having a score of 74.

RAF v German National Team, Krefeld

RAF Won 8 Matches to 4

RAF Team 1960

Tom Haliburton and William Igoe at Wentworth

The Duncan Putter – Iestyn Tucker

The Duncan Putter is a 72-hole scratch competition held at Southerndown in April every year. The Duncan Putter is the first of the Welsh Order of Merit events and gives International and Walker Cup selectors a chance to assess early season form. Competitors come from Wales, the UK and increasingly from Europe, too.

The second Duncan Putter, 1960, was won by Iestyn Tucker, front left.

RAF Jever

A Swift FR5 of 2 Sqdn burst a tyre on landing at Jever and ended up on the Golf Course, on the pilot’s mess bill that month he got charged a Green Fee!

By Kind Permission of John Mackenzie (RAF Jever 1960)

1961

German International Amateur Championship

The first International Amateur Championship of Germany (German International Amateur Championship) for men took place in 1913. From 1985 to 1991, the traditional tournament was held only every two years. Members from the RAF have won this Trophy 6 times. Harry (HG) Bentley won the tournament 4 times, Guy Wolstenholme in 1956 and Mike Holliday in 1961.

1961-Mike Holiday – German Open Championship Winner

RAF Team v Germany at Bruggen

Front (L-R): Flt Lt A D Mercer, Flt Lt R D Shrivell, Sqn Ldr W E McCrea, SAC M S Holliday. Back (L-R): Flt Lt R C W Stokes, SAC R Long, Flt Lt N C McLean, ?, Cribbes.

Inter-Services Golf Tournament 1961

Flt Lt R.C.W. Stokes, SAC R. Long, SAC M.H. Lygate, SAC A.W. Cribbes, Flt Lt N.C. McClean, Flt Lt R. Shrivell, Sqn Ldr W.E. McCrea, Gp Capt. C.H. Beamish, Flt Lt A.W.K. Hall, SAC M.S. Holiday

Bill McCrea’s possession of the recently won Royal St George’s Challenge Cup, having beaten fellow RAF team member Michael Holliday in a play-off. Bill went on to retain the Cup in 1962 and 1963. Previous winners included HG Bentley (1932), Laddie Lucas (1947), Philip Scrutton (1949, 1951, 1955, 1957 & 1958) and Jack Nicklaus, 1959.

1962

RAF Team

Back (L-R): Flt Lt A D Mercer, ?, Flt Lt J L Mitchell, ?, Flt Lt N C McLean. Front (L-R): ?, Sqn Ldr W E McCrea, Gp Capt C H Beamish, Flt Lt R D Shrivell, SAC M S Holliday.

SAC Mike Holliday, Runner Up Dutch Amateur Open

Douglas Bader – Disabled Ex Serviceman of BLESMA – Golf Handicaps Plus

By Kind Permission of the British Pathe Library

1963

RAFGS Autumn Meeting – Wentworth GC 1963

Mike Holiday – RAF Golfing Championship

RAF Team 1963

Back (L-R): SAC M S Holliday, Sgt J F Paul, Flt Lt R W Acton, Flt Lt N C McLean, ? Front (L-R): Flt Lt J Cook, Flt Lt A D Mercer, Sqn Ldr W E McCrea, Gp Capt C H Beamish, Flt Lt R C W Stokes

Welsh Amateur Championship – Winner Iestyn Tucker

Iestyn Tucker is presented with the Welsh Amateur Championship Trophy in 1963 by Mr.R.L.Edwards, Captain of Southerndown Golf Club.

He joined the RAF on leaving school in 1944 until 1947 and joined the Monmouthshire Golf Club in 1948 where he started a remarkable journey in Welsh Amateur golfing history.

He first played for Wales in 1949 and represented his country 168 times over a period of 30 years.

Tucker played in his first final of the Welsh Amateur Championships in 1951 and proceeded to play in eight finals – the last one being in 1976 when he also won the Stroke Play Championship.

He was the Welsh Seniors Champion in 1982/84 and 89. He also won the Duncan Putter at Southerndown five times between 1960 and 1976.

Tucker was a Gwent County Player for 31 years and Gwent Amateur Champion 17 times representing the Monmouthshire Golf Club with notable victories at club level in 1959 – 1969.

He was included in the Walker Cup Squad from 1957 – 1961 and in 1978 was appointed Chairman of the Welsh Selectors and a Walker Cup selector in 1979.

Despite all of his commitments, Iestyn played in Monmouthshire Club Competitions between 1952 and 2008 and his name is inscribed on the honours boards no less than 41 times including 15 times Club Champion and four times runner-up.

He was the Club President for 13 years before standing down in March 2009 when the outgoing Captain, Bryan Davies, spoke of Iestyn’s status as ‘a giant amongst his golfing peers and one who was an example to us all’.

Tucker’s long association with the Welsh Golfing Union was recognised in 1987 when he was elected President and subsequently an Honorary Member in 1999.

As Reported in Abergavenny Chronicle

1964

Bill McCrea Selected for Home International Golf Championship at Carnoustie in Sept 1964

Bill McCrea – Selected for 1964 Home International at Carnoustie

Trophy Donation by Mr Egerton Johnson

A trophy was donated to the RAF Golfing Society by Mr Egerton Johnson. The trophy was to be known as the “Egerton Johnson Trophy” which was decided to be competed for at the Spring meeting , Foursomes, Stableford. Mr Johnson presented the Trophy at Hoylake in 1965.

Ian Denver Wins Bahrain Open Championship in 1964 and 1965

Ian Denver (IBDCC)

The following is a quotation from the programme of the 20th Bahrain Open in 1983:

Bahrain Open Championship Trophy

Dr. Peter McGregor, who became a well known figure in Gulf golfing circles, was one of the main instigators for creating an ‘Open’ golf championship in the Gulf. As a result of this in 1964 a group of some 60 golfers teed off at Awali Golf Club in the first Bahrain Open Golf Tournament. The handicap limit was 20 – play started at the civilised hour of noon and there were really only three or four players who seriously considered they had a chance of winning. One of them, Ian Denver, tied with McGregor after 36 holes of play. In those days, the decider was a play-off over what are now [1983] holes 7, 8, and 9. Denver birdied every one to win and set the precedence for dramatic finishes. Now, the 1983 Open has more entries in the five handicap and below category that the entire field of 1964. Even with the lowest handicap in the Gulf, nine, we have a large entry of 149 and almost a dawn start.

Transcript By Ian Denver Provided by IBDCC

Ian Dever – Interview

By Kind Permission from the International Bomber Command Centre Digital Archive (IBDCC)

1965

Golf Championship – BILL McCREA OUT

ULSTER will be without international golfer Bill McCrea when they bid for inter-Pro honours at Ballybunion a fortnight hence. McCrea, a 43-year-old wing commander, now based with the R.A.F. in Germany, today notified the Ulster selectors at Portrush that he would not be available for the trip. “I find it impossible to get time off”, cabled McCrea, who took his baptism for Ireland in last month’s successful European Cup campaign.

As Reported in The Telegraph – Tuesday 13th July 1965

1966

Iestyn Tucker Captained Wales 1966 to 1968

Doug Sewell – Smashes Record

Douglas Sewell (Hook Heath). 27-year-old England international and Artisane’ champion with 69. broke the Moortown. Leeds, course record by one stroke in the English Open . Amateur Golf Stroke Play Championship today.

Sewell’s 36 holes total of 142 gave him a four strokes lead over his nearest rivals

Second round scores and totals
142 — D. Sewell (Hook Heath) 74.
146 — M. J. Cooper (Malden) 74, M. F. Bonallack (Thorpe Hall) 72.
146 — G. Huddy (Lindrick) 75. W. A. Slark (Walton Heath) 76 G. B. Wolstenholme (Kirby Muxloe) 76.
151 —M. H. Darroch (Porters Park) 75. J. Taylor (Bolton Old) 77.

Ryder Cup player Eric Brown (Buchanan Castle) strode out In front of the held with a second round of 69 over the West (Burma Road) course at Wentworth. Surrey. today, for a 36-holes total of 136 in the Daks stroke-play golf tournament.

It gave him an early six strokes lead In addition to setting difficult target for the rest of the field.

Second round scores and totals WEST COURSE 13a— E. C- Brown (Buchanan Castle) 69. 144—G. W. Low (Enfield) 76. 147—N. C. Coles (Burhill) 73. 149—D. J. Rees (South Herts.) 76. BAST COURSE 144 —B. J. Hunt (Hartsbourne CC) 71. 146—8. G. C. Huggett (West Sussex) 74. 147 P. E. GiU (Addinaton) 78. 148— P. J. Butler (Harborne) 72. T. B. Haliburton (Wentworth) 73.

1967 – S/L Frank Pennink (1913-1984 )

Frank Pennink worked solidly in golf administration, becoming President of the English Golf Union in 1967

Wolstenholme takes easy to the top

GUY WOLSTENHOLME, of St. George’s Hill, the 36-year-old lanky PGA close champion, held the lead at the half-way stage in the Penfield f 4,000 golf tournament at windy North Shore, Blackpool, yesterday. He followed his record-breaking first round of 67 with a 69, and his 36-holes total of 136 gave him a one-stroke lead over the 27-year-old Australian, Stan (“Apples”) Peach, from Perth, a new• corner to the British circuit, who bad a 68 for 137.

In third place wet the 31-year-old Irishman, Hugh Boyle (Jacobs Golf, Centre) who is in a strong position to make the Ryder Cup team to meet the Americana at Houston, Texas, in October, having taken 68 for 138.

Wolstenholme. the former Walker Cup star looking confused after spending us months on a world tour—he won the Kenya Open and finished second in four MINT NAM other tournaments—putted superbly on the wind-swept greens.

He went off to a dying start. with three birdies in the first five holes getting down putts of 15 feet at the ssecond eight feet at the next, and wedging to within two feet at the fifth.

Newcastle Journal – Saturday 06 May 1967

1968

Ladies Golf – Avia leaders drop behind

Jill Thornhill (Walton Heath) and Gillian Cheetham, overnight leaders. failed to master the squally conditions and dropped to fourth place in the third round of the Avia women’s international golf foursomes at Berkshire to-day. The ran up sixes at the second and third holes and had to settle for an 83—total 242. In the lead, six strokes better, were Ruth Porter, the Curtis Cup player and fellow international Ann Irvin, and Susan Lantridge and Prue Riddiford.

RAF Golf Marathon

As Reported By – Aberdeen Press and Journal – Monday 24 June 1968

1969

Alex Holmes as Hertfordshire County Champion won the County Champions Tournament and The President’s Bowl at Luffenham Heath.

Harry (HG) Bentley was Captain of the British Seniors team which included Alex Kyle.

1970

Ted Davies won the Welsh Amateur Matchplay Championships.

Matt Lygate was awarded his first Scottish Cap.

David Harrison won the Golf Illustrated Gold Vase at Sunningdale for the 2nd time. The 1st winner was Bobby Jones in 1930. Other RAF winners were : -Robert Sweeny, CJ Anderson, Ronnie White, Guy Wolstenholme & Doug Sewell.

Max Faulkner won the PGA Seniors Tournament.

Jon Marks was RAFGS Champion, the 1st of 9 such successes.

AVM Beamish was appointed Inter-Services Team Captain

The RAFGS were entered into the Piskey Trophy

RAF Upavon Golf Club

The first recorded Captain was Wg Cdr N Taplin in 1970 with the first Club Championship being played in 1971 and won by Flt Lt P Groombridge.

As Reported By: Upavon Golf Club

1971

RAF Chief Technician Keith Schofield from Sealand plays at Killarney

Their handicaps ranged from nine to one. had been experiencing on their home courses throughout the summer. The scores made the handicaps look flattering. Our lone local player, RAF Chief Technician Keith Schofield, from Sealand, Who plays off five at Mold, returned 88 and 91 gross, for a 169 nett. Killarney’s beautiful course on the shores of the famous lake proved an ideal setting for the tournament . . but its charm concealed golfing terrors which proved too tough for many of these low-handicap men. The course was playing to every inch of its 6,714 yards. The nearest anyone came to the standard scratch score of 72 was the 77 of eventual winner, 16-year-old Swansea schoolboy Kim Loosmore, and the former British boys’ champion, Neville Dunn, from Northumberland, who plays off one. Conditions were difficult in the morning round of the 364m1e final, with steady mind and a strong wind. But they eased in the afternoon when I expected the quality to improve. It didn’t. ith no run on the fairways and the greens soft, playing conditions were very different from What most of the players He bad trouble on the greens in the morning, When three putts were the general order of the day. But he got going in the early stages of the second round until he ran up a disastrous ten and eight on successive holes, the Bth and ninth, both par fours. drop ten shots on two holes was a shattering experience, so he did well to finish in 91. Pars on those holes would have made him joint third. The winner, who still had a year to go at school, raised a few eyebrows by having his “manager ” with him as caddie and general advisor.

GOLF SCENE Michael Charters
Reported by: Liverpool Echo – Tuesday 12 October 1971

Wg Cdr Bill McCrea was appointed Inter-Services Team Captain

RAF Seletar Cup

The RAF Seletar Club Trophy “Royal Island Cup” was donated by the RAF Seletar Golf Club to the RAFGS which would be competed for annually to the member of the Society wo returns a best handicap score over 72 holes at the RAF Championship Meeting.

Golfers at Staff College Bracknell

Party includes Bill McCrea (2nd from right) and future MRAF, Sir Michael Beetham (3rd from right)

CECIL BEAMISH – The AVM Goes Out in Style

“In most of the RAF Golf Championships since the war, the man to beat has been Air Vice Marshal Cecil Beamish, former Irish International and present Director of RAF Dental Services in MOD. He won the first of his 6 RAF titles as a sqn ldr in 1949 and has held the title in every rank up to air cdre. This year – in his last championship, for he retires next May*, he was out to record a win as an AVM, particularly as the Championship was held at St Andrews, the home of golf.

At the halfway stage, however, he seemed to be well out of the running, for he was 10 strokes behind Wg Cdr W E McCrea (Bracknell), also an Irish International and twice previously RAF Champion, whose rounds of 73 and 72 had left him 6 shots clear of the field. But on the second day, the Air Marshal turned on one of his greatest performances: a magnificent morning round of 70 closed the gap between himself and McCrea to 4 strokes and, despite a visit to the infamous Swilcan Burn on the first hole, he recorded a fine 73 in the afternoon round. His 4-round total of 298 looked good enough for some time but McCrea put together a final round of 74 to give him a total of 295 and a 3-shot victory.”

As reported in the RAF News on 26 June 1971.

*Editor’s Note: the 1971 Championships proved not to be Cecil’s last – he actually retired in 1973 after achieving the prized record number of victories (7) over a period of 24 years (1949-1973) in 5 different ranks, making him the most successful RAF golfer in our history!

1972

RAF Golfing Association Formed

The RAF Golfing Association was formed 01 May 1972 by a decision from the RAF Sports Board letter AF/2451/69/DSRG (R.A.F) to cover the interests of serving RAF members. As a result of this decision the following trophies were handed over to the newly formed RAF Golf Association.

The RAF Individual Championship Cup presented by His Grace the Duke of Sutherland

The RAF Inter-Unit and Station Team Championship Cup

The RAF Inter-Command Team Championship Cup

Max Faulkner

Faulkner slips out of Trophy Max Faulkner. One of Britain’s most experienced golfers, was disqualified from the £8000 John Player Trophy tournament at Bognor Regis, yesterday. He failed to sign his card after a 73 in the pre-qualifying round, one stroke inside the limit. Faulkner 53, and an Open champion, said: “I have never done anything like that before. It was all my own fault.” Roger Brown, a former England boy International, had a record six under par round, despite a seven at the last. At Ham Manor, Worthing two young Midland golfers, Paul Herbert of Nuneaton, and David Llewellyn, of Olton led the pre-qualifying round with one under par.

Bibliography

As Reported by Birmingham Daily Post – Wednesday 24 May 1972 British National Newspapers

RAF Golf Association Formed

It was decided in November 1972 to form a R.A.F. Golfing Association at the earliest opportunity and that there should be links between the newly formed R.A.F Golf Association and the R.A.F. Golfing Society.

RAF Akrotiri Team

RAF Akrotiri at NEAF Championship 1972

Photos Provided by Sean Bermingham

Iestyn Tucker Completes Medal Round in 59 Strokes at Cardiff GC

1973

AVM Beamish was victorious in RAF Champs. He won in every rank from Pilot Officer to AVM, except for Flt Lt when WW2 intervened. He beat Joe Moseley in the final. (Source: RAF News)

When playing in an RAF East Midlands Open, C/T Keith Schofield & FS Des Tuson each recorded a hole-in-one with the same ball at Peterborough Milton. They partnered each other in Foursomes in the afternoon. (Source: RAF News)

1974

Royal Malta Scratch Challenge Cup Won by Flt Lt Ian Skellern

Royal Malta Golf Club – Scratch Challenge Cup

The Scratch Challenge Cup has been played for since 1891. In some of the early years there are two names on the honour board for a particular year, whether this indicates that the competition was held twice or if two people had the same winning score is not known.

Individual aggregate 36-hole medal played off scratch.
Played over two consecutive days (Saturday and Sunday).
First day draw, all off the 1st tee in groups of three in ascending sequence of exact handicap.

Second day draw, groups of three in descending sequence of score with the worst scores off the 10th tee if necessary to ensure a reasonable finish time.

As Reported by Royal Malta Golf Club

RAF Man’s Golf Success at Upton

The 1974 November monthly medal competition was played at Upton recently. The 13-24 section was won by Terry Smith with a net score of 45 off his 24 handicap. Terry Smith is one of many stationed in North Wales and who learnt his golf at the Saturday having kept his membership he day morning lessons given by is able to play whenever he the professional Peter Gardner manages to get home for the

When Terry left school he chose the RAF as his career. During his initial training be had little time for golf but be is now stationed in North Wales and having kept his membership he is able to play whenever he manages to get home for the weekend.

Seven other players in this section equalised or bettered the standard scratch for the day. Joint second were Mike Dent and Colin Johnson both with scores of net 66.

Other leading scores were: P. Nelson 87-20, net 07; M. T. Maloney 82-15, net 67; D. F. Jones 88-21, net 67; T. Kearns 88-21, net 67; S. Hazelhurst 86-18. net 68.

The scratch to 12 section was won by G. G. Cottrell with 80-12, net 68. Second was Gordon Cotterell with 82-12, net 70. Other leading scares were: R. P. Thomas 84-12, net 72; Hilton Hardy 79-6, net 73; Tom Muir 84-9, net 75.

Cheshire Observer – Friday 29 November 1974

1975

RAF Akrotiri – Golf Team 1975

RAF Cyprus Team 1975 Vs Army Vs Civil Service at Episkopi Golf Course

Photo Provided by Sean Birmingham

RAF Machrihanish Golf Day for RAF Benevolent Fund

122 holes of golf were played in a day at Machrihanish. (Source: RAF News)

RAF Changi Golfing Society

RAF Changi GS event – Neil McLean was RAF Champion. (Source: RAF News)

1976

Report of RAF v USAF match at Lindrick (Source: RAF News)

In the RAFGS v Henley match, Air Marshal Durkin recorded a hole-in-one
(Source: RAF News)

Golf Crown to Arrows Leader

Dickie Duckett Wins the Individual Title at the RAFGS Golf Championships at Hunstanton

1977

Douglas Bader in Northern Charity Tournament

WAR hero Douglas Bader will join three Ryder Cup players and Inverness golfers in a pro-am tournament at Culcabock on June 12 aimed at raising money for two local charities. The event’s organisers general manager of Inverness Caledonian Hotel Mr Andrew Smart and golf impresario Mr Derek Pillage Have invited 50 professionals and 99 local amateurs to compete.

Comedy scriptwriter Johnny Speight was guest amateur at last year’s event which raised £800 for the Provost’s coal fund. Proceeds from this year’s competition will go towards the Provost’s fund and to the Royal British Legion home m Island Bank Road.

Details of the tournament were announced by Mr Smart and Mr Pillage who said Tommy Horton, Norman Wood and Guy Hunt all Ryder Cup players would head the list of professionals.

It is hoped that Max Faulkner, winner of the 1951 British Open and an admirer of Douglas Bader, will take part.

A variety of special prizes have been lined up for the pro-am; three £1000. cheques for aces at nominated holes and whisky for nearest-to-the-pin shots at others. “Last year’s tournament was a great success and we aft! hoping to do even better this year,” Mr Smart said yesterday.

Alf Craven gives up golf at 92

RAF Team at Burnham and Berrow

1977 Burnham & Berrow RAF Team

Back: Roy Pickerill. Malcolm Robertson, Dale Thomas, Brian Cramb. Front: Ian Skellern, Chris Macleod, Neil McLean (Captain), Harry Archer, Dickie Duckett.

1978

Prue Riddiford – Last 16 Women’s Golf Championship

Prue Riddiford Reaches Last 16 of English Women’s Golf Championship

1978 RAF Golf Champion

Brian Cramb wins the 1978 Golf Championship wit a score of 297 over 72 holes at Fulford Golf Course. Runner Up was Wg Cdr N. McLean with a score of 298 and 3rd was Sqn Ldr Ian Skellern with a total score of 300. (Source RAF News)

Golfers Hit Jackpot

RAF win the Inter-Services Golf Championship at Royal Cinque Ports led by Wg Cdr N. McLean, Sgt Brian Cramb, Air Marshal Sir Peter Terry and Flt Lt Paul Taylor. (Source RAF news)

RAF Germany Golf Champion

Sgt Paul Luke wins the RAF Germany Match Play Championship at Gatow. (Source RAF News)

John Jacobs OBE

John Jacobs was awarded Honorary Membership of the European Tour

1979

RAF St Mawgan – Inter – Station Golf

L-R Flt Lt Dave Willoughby, MAEOp Geoff Britton, Wg Cdr Lionel Grindley (Captain), Cpl Mick Feeney, Flt Lt Martin Christy and Cpl George Edwards

Christie wins the Rothman’s Cyprus Open Golf Championship for 3rd year running

Sgt Ian Christie (P&SS Akrotiri) winning in Cyprus, – Rothman’s Cyprus Open Golf Championship (Source: RAF News)

18 Gp – Golf Champion

Cpl Mike Feeney wins the 18 Gp Golf Championship (Source: RAF News)

1980

RAFGS Results

1981

RAF Germany – Gutersloh League Winners

2nd Right Front Sean Bermingham (Snr), Rod Shimwell Front Centre, Front Row Right, Eddie Montgomery, Back Row 2nd Left, John Begonzi, Centre Back Row Station Cdr Sir Mike Stear, John Morgan 2nd Right Back Row

Photo Provided by Sean Bermingham

RAF Team v TAC at Homestead AFB, Florida

RAF Vs TAC Homestead AFB 1981

Back: Charlie Baker, Ian Christie, Ian Skellern (Captain), Ken Hinkley-Smith (Treasurer), Mick Feeney, Dale Thomas, Paul Taylor, Ron Ashford (Chairman). Front: Dickie Duckett, Neil McLean, Brian Thomas, Terry Brady, Peter Norman (Sec), Chris Macleod.

RAF Team at Royal Cinque Ports

Back: Roy Pickerill, David Backhouse, Brian Cramb, Dickie Duckett, Terry Brady, Paul Taylor. Front: Chris Macleod, Ian Skellern (Captain), Harry Archer, Neil McLean.

1982

RAFGS Results

1983

BAC Golfing Trophy

Sgt Rod Shimwell is pictured receiving the BAC Golfing Trophy from the station commander of RAF Lossiemouth, Group Captain Peter Oulton.

John Mumford – Double Aces

1983 RAFGS Newsletter

• Sqn Ldr John Niven wins Scottish Open Seniors Championship at Royal Burgess
• Flt Lt John Whitworth wins English Seniors Championship at Lindrick
• Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader dies

1983 Alan Mathers – Fife Schools Championship

1984

RAF Gutersloh Vs BFBS Challenge Trophy – Winners

TAC Teams Based at RAF Turnhouse

TAC/ACC Challenge

1984: TAC Team – RAF Turnhouse.

Dotted around include Rick Smart, Robbie James, Roy Shrivell, Ian Skellern, Dickie Duckett, Harry Archer, Mick Feeney, Roy Pickerill, Dale Thomas, Ley Hulme, Ken Hinkley-Smith, Peter Scott, Geoff Purdy, Terry Brady, Neil McLean.

The white-haired gentleman near the centre of the picture and wearing a dark top is USAF Col Tom Portanova, who turned out to be a top class sleight of hand magician.

1985

Sir Henry Cotton & Max Faulkner

Sir Henry Cotton was awarded Honorary Membership of the European Tour

Max Faulkner OBE was awarded Honorary Membership of the European Tour

RAF Team at ACC based at Langley AFB

1985: RAF Team at ACC based at Langley AFB

1985: RAF Team at ACC based at Langley AFB

Back L-R: David Backhouse, Hamish Sutherland, Duncan Beaumont, Mike Rudd, Brian Cramb, Mick Young. Front: L-R: David Baker, Terry Brady, Barry Nunn, Peter Scott, Ken Hinkley-Smith, Roy Pickerill, Mick Feeney, Ian McGarva.

Father & Son – Captains at RAF Laarbruch and RAF Gatow (Berlin)

Flt Sgt Dave Conway RAFP 4th from Right and Brother David Conway Linguist RAF Gatow

By Kind Permission of Francesca Page (Nee Conway)

By Kind Permission of Francesca Page (Nee Conway)

RAF Police (Germany) – Inter-Unit Team Golf Championship)

By Kind Permission of Francesca Page (Nee Conway)

RAF Laarbruch Police Championship

Chris Wilkinson, Dave Conway, Keith Markham, Ken Phillipson and Lofty Simpson at RAF Laarbruch

1986

TAC/ACC – 1986 was the first year in which a visiting team (TAC) won on away soil, which they did on 3 occasions (1986, 1992 and 1995) compared to the RAF’s one successful away victory in 1994 at Langley.

1987

TAC Challenge – Langley AFB

1987 TAC Challenge – Based at Langley AFB

Dotted around include Ian McGarva, Mick Young, Dave Backhouse, Mark Blaber, Ken Hinkley-Smith, Paul Taylor, Rod Shimwell, Dickie Duckett, Brian Cramb

1988

TAC/ACC Challenge

TAC / ACC – 1988 was the first year in which a team (RAF) won a clean-sweep of all 3 major trophies which they repeated in 1990, 1999 and 2001. Despite having the better overall record for RAF-ACC Challenge victories (ACC 15, RAF 10), the TAC/ACC achieved only one white-wash (2004).

1988: TAC Team

Dotted around include Rick Smart, Lance Kiggell, Ian McGarva, Hamish Sutherland, Mick Feeney, Jimmy Wilson, Brian Cramb, Duncan Beaumont, Paul Taylor, Ken Hinkley-Smith, Mark Blaber, Rod Shimwell.

1989

RAF Inter-Service Team at Fulford

IS Champions: Back: Hamish Sutherland, Rod Shimwell, Ian Skellern (Captain), Mark Blaber, Lance Kiggell. Front: Mick Young, Ian McGarva, Chris Emmott, Dave Rigby

1990

Harrier Force Contribute to RAF Benevolent Fund

IV (AC) Sqn Raise 4501 DM for Benevolent Fund and Reach for the Sky Appeal – Inter-Squadron Golf

L-R Wg Cdr Malcolm White OC IV (AC) Sqn, Steve Baxendale, Gp Capt Ian Stewart Station Commander RAF Gutersloh.

Source: Zeitung 47

RAF / TAC 1990 Match Held at Sleaford

TAC/ACC Challenge

1990 TAC Selection Letter

RAF GERMANY GOLF CLUB – Annual RAF Match Vs USAF

Combined Services – Cpl Ian McGarva Selected for Hong Kong

GOLFERS SHOW DRIVE!

CAPTAINED by Lieut.-Cdr. Alan Bray, the Combined Services golf team for
a visit to Hong Kong included two players from each Service.

The others were Lieut. Phil Guest, current Navy champion, W02 Ian Gray and Staff Sgt. Steve Mariner (Army), and Sgt. Duncan Beaumont and CpI. Ian McGarva (RAF). Air Commodore Peter Scott, RAF Director of Sport, was manager.

The tour included a match against the Hong Kong international team. The result was a narrow defeat (3)4 to 2Vz) for the CS players, who acquitted themselves well despite jet lag.

The Hong Kong Open Amateur Championship took up the final four days. Ian Gray won the event back in 1984.

Top class amateurs from all over the world took part. Guest lead the tournament after three rounds, with

Beaumont, McGarva and Gray still well in contention a few strokes behind. Bray and Mariner were finding some parts ot the course not so easy.

Round four saw more steady rounds from all the players except Guest, who did not quite get going. He eventually ended up sharing fourth place with Beaumont, who pipped him on count back.

McGarva finished seventh, Gray ninth and Bray and Mariner in the mid-twenties an excellent performance considering the calibre of the opposition and the fact that over 100 competed.

Sponsors Wilson Sporting Goods staged a long driving competition on the fourth day and the OS team captain was invited to nominate two of his team to take part. The 10 competitors each had six drives. Six foot four inch McGarva was the first serviceman to hit and covered a prodigeous 295 yards, which was the winning distance. The much slighter Guest, last man to hit, reached 291 yards and was runner up.

The team members wish to thank their sponsors — Cathay Pacific, GEC Avionics and the Combined Services and single Service Sports Boards.

Finally, it was a highlight of the pre-championship social programme for the UK visitors and many others to dine at the home of Mr Hari Harilela, Overseas Vice-President of the CS Golf Association and a great benefactor of sport in general.

1991

RAF Inter-Service winners at Ferndown

L-R: Al Mathers, Barry Nunn, Graham Bassi, Dave Rigby, HRH Prince Andrew, Ken Hinkley-Smith, Ian Skellern, Mark Blaber, Lance Kiggell

1991 RAF Germany Team

(L-R): Jerry Gegg, Rod Shimwell, Dixie Dean, TBD, Jim Watson, Terry Brady, TBD, Mal Wray, Paul Holliday, Chris Peacock, Tim Bevan, Graham Bassi.

TAC/ACC Challenge

TAC 1991 Selection Letter

1992

Switch is on course for Robbie

ASK most golfers to name the top 10 courses in Britain, and Wentworth and Walton Heath would sure to be high on their list. This weekend Robbie James leaves his Job as secretary of Wentworth to take-up the same position with their equally famous Surrey neighbours. “Yes I am very lucky to be associated with two of the most famous golf courses in Britain, if not the world” said Robbie.

Following a lifetime of service to the RAF, Robbie James took over at Wentworth at the beginning of May last year, when long time secretary Richard Doyle Davidson switched to Special Projects Director for the club.

Robbie, former secretary of the RAF golf association certainly had a daunting first year Youngsters lead hunt for medals in charge, with the Volvo PGA Championship and the first Toyota sponsored World Matelots* , plus the responsibility of preparing and administering the European ladies Team Championship and the Peugeot Assistant Championship.

“They all proved lots of hard work but they were all really enjoyable and satisfying” he said. “It was a steep learning curve but thankfully I had Richard Doyle Davidson’s vast experience to guide me. “I have had a really absorbing and challenging year at Wentworth and I have learned such a lot that will stand me in great stead for the future.

“In the end however I realised that I would be more suited to a members owned dub rather than a proprietary concern. It is the environment I am most familiar with.

“Walton Heath is one of the premier members clubs in the country and has great history and tradition. It is a great opportunity for me and a challenge to see if I can live up to the trust they have put in me. I certainly leave Wentworth with mixed emotions as I have made so many good friends here and I have learned such a lot in the past year on bow to provide the best possible service for members and guests alike.”

As Reported by By John Whitbread; Herald & News, Thursday June 25th 1992

RAF Team v TAC, Moray GC

Back L-R: Dave Rigby, Lance Kiggell, Mick Feeney, Ian McGarva, Chris Peacock, Jim Lord, Terence Smith, Graham Bassi. Front L-R: Mal Wray, Al Mathers, Mark Blaber, Duncan Beaumont, Ian Skellern, Ken Hinkley-Smith, Chris Emmott, Gordon Smith.

USA Team – TAC Moray 1992

RAF Team, Officers’ Mess, RAF Lossiemouth.

RAF at Lossiemouth

Back: TBC, Mick Feeney, Ian McGarva, Hamish Sutherland, TBC. Middle: Rick Smart, Duncan Beaumont, TBC, Jimmy Wilson, Mark Blaber, Rod Shimwell, Mick Young. Front: Ken Hinkley-Smith, Ian Skellern, Paddy Hine, Paul Taylor, Brian Cramb, TBC.

RAF Germany Team – 1992

Back row (L-R): TBD, Graham Bassi, Andy Leask, Al Taylor, Andy Huskinson, Hamish MacBeth, Chris Peacock, TBD, Glynn James, TBD. Front row (L-R): Dave ?, Bob McArthur, Paul Holliday, Jerry Gegg, Rod Shimwell, Eddie Montgomery.

1993

Royal Cromer Versus RAF Coltishall

Royal Cromer first became associated with Royal Air Force Coltishall during the second world war. Distinguished fighter ace, Wing Commander Laddie Lucas, son of one of the Club’s most prominent members, P.M. Lucas, (Honorary Secretary 1892 – 1902 and Club Captain 1893), was posted to command the RAF Coltishall Spitfire wing in 1943. He later wrote,

“Often in those times I would fly my aeroplane low over the course just to be satisfied that the holes I remembered from the halcyon days were still there…..and then there was that blessed sight of the Cromer cliffs, with the course nestling above them, as we returned – sometimes anxiously on a protesting Rolls-Royce Merlin engine – across 120 miles of swirling North Sea”.

In 1993 the Club and R.A.F. Coltishall, represented in equal numbers, took part in a match versus U.S.A.F. Lakenheath. This home and away feature was known as the “Mini Ryde Cup”, the home team hosting the meal, often at the Officers Club, U.S.A.F. Mildenhall. One match in progress at Cromer was halted midway, with all U.S.A.F. personnel ordered to return to base immediately. The date was the infamous 9/11. Matches continue to take place.

Provided by: History of Royal Cromer Golf Club Established 1888

Ex RAF Navigator Plays Blind

Blind golfer is up to par!

A MORAY man is proving that blindness is no handicap when it comes to golf. Ex-RAF navigator Eric Bedford has only very limited sight in his one eye. But he scores better than many sighted golfers. Eric (47) plays the Muiryshade course at Forres three times a week and relies on his playing partners to give him the yardage and line up his shots.

Despite his visual handicap, he still plays comfortably to his golf handicap of 19. usually manage to shoot a score in the 80s,” he said. “It helps the fact that I know the course well.” Formerly stationed at RAF Kinloss, Eric lost an eye to disease five years ago.

His other eye has also deteriorated to the extent where he can barely see the golf ball at his feet. Regular partner Joe Kelley said; “He sinks more putts than he misses.” Eric will soon have a four-legged partner to walk the course with him. He hopes to get a guide dog within the next few months and official have already given special permission for it to accompany him on the course.

As Reported in Aberdeen Evening Express 4th Dec 1993

1994

1995

1996

RAF Inter-Service Team Selection – Little Aston

1997

RAF Bentley Priory Golf Day – Fundraiser

RAF Bentley Priory raised £718 for the Foundation of Study of Infant Death. The event was held at Elstree Golf Club.

1998

A Clean Sweep -Paul Holliday and Trophies

A Great Golfing year in 1998 for Paul Holliday

RAF Champion, Seletar Trophy, 1 Gp Champion, RAF Marham Station Champion, RAF Marham Golf Club Champion, Battle of Britain winner and A.N.Other…

RAF Golf Championship – Magic

Three players – Steve Beveridge, Alf Ruddle and Paul Keating – all hit a Hole in One on their 36th hole, the 194 yard par-3 18th on the Saunton West Course during the 1998 RAF Golf Championship? Really!!!

1999

RAF Northwood Play Charity Match

RAF swings into action PERSONNEL from RAF Uxbridge took part in golfing and bowling competitions to raise £450 for the burns unit at Mount Vernon Hospital. They played in the golf tournament at Farnham Park Golf Club in September and a ten pin bowling competition was held at the Acton Super Bowl in November. RAF Uxbridge station charities committee donated a further £45 to make up the £450 total for the bums unit at the hospital, in Rickmansworth Road. Northwood.

As Reported by Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette – Wednesday 20 January 1999

Plaque Unveiled for Max Faulkner at Bexhill

RAFGS Results

Mark Blaber Wins RAF Championships

CRUDDEN BAY – RAF championship – 298 J/T Mark Blaber (RAF Bruggen) Scores 78. 72. 73. 75 to win the championship

Aberdeen Press and Journal – Saturday 10 July 1999

2000

RAF Ladies – Another Successful Year

This has been an extremely successful year for ladies golf in the RAF due, in part, to the hard work and dedication of all players. An unprecedented 3-in-a-row Inter-Services win, the 5th win in 6 years, is well worthy of note. Several new players have been introduced to the world of ladies golf and the word is spreading.

RAF Ladies – Cyprus Tour

After the success of the tour to Hawaii last October, an unofficial (self-financed) tour to Cyprus was organised 6-17 Apr. As is customary, enabling as many players as possible to benefit from travelling with an RAF Ladies Squad, 50% of the team taken to Cyprus were not in the Hawaii squad. Four matches were played; 2 were drawn, 1 won and 1 lost before the ladies went on to play in the Cyprus Open by kind invitation. After 2 days in the gruelling sun, the ladies managed to pick several of the honours. Ros Ewer was gross champion, with Sue Roberts taking best net. Cynthia Fowler took 4th gross and nearest the pin. A very enjoyable and successful tour.

The journey to Florida begin at Gatwick, and required a change of plane at Atlanta for our connecting flight to Fort Walton Beach (Eglin AFB). We had been warned that Foot & Mouth checks were being stringently adhered to on entry into the USA (shoes, golf balls, clubs, etc), but in the event no checks were carried out. The tedium of a 3-hour layover at Atlanta airport was unexpectedly broken when Seve Ballesteros, having been spotted in the departure lounge, agreed to have his photograph taken with the RAF Ladies Golf Team!

After travelling for almost 19 hours we were relieved to arrive at Eglin AFB, our host base for the duration of the tour. Eglin is the largest active Air Force base in the world comprising 724 square miles of land ranges and facilities and more than 86,500 square miles of water ranges in the Gulf of Mexico. Of the 10 auxiliary airfields, three remain active today; Eglin Main, Hurlburt Field and Duke Field, named in honour of airmen who died on active service during the Second World War.

Five matches were to be played at various courses in and around Eglin: Eglin’s own Eagle and Falcon courses, Shalimar Pointe, Hurlburt Field and Emerald Bay. Our opposition had been selected by the Eglin Golf Club Deputy Manager, who had based her core squad on 8 golfers equal in handicap to ours thus ensuring a competitive series of matches, played off scratch in a 4 ball-better-ball format. With the daily temperature already in the 70’s by 0700, early tee times were imperative.

Practice rounds had been arranged for the Sunday and Monday on the Eagle and Falcon courses, respectively, and everyone appreciated the opportunity to experience golf Florida-style. After the waterlogged courses, winter tees and greens, and preferred lies back home this was an absolute joy! The courses were beautifully manicured, and lush plantations supported an amazing variety of wildlife. Ospreys, Red Cardinals (recorded as the lesser spotted ‘red canary’ by one of our team – ornithologists beware!) and Blue Jays were the most commonly seen birds, whilst turtles, deadly Water Moccasin snakes and rattlesnakes inhabit the lakes and forests.

Our first match (Tuesday 3rd April) was played on the Falcon course, the more difficult of the two Eglin courses. Natural contours were used to good effect coupled with narrow, tree-lined fairways and there were few even lies. Unfortunately, a problem with the greens had seen the grass cut to almost soil level, resulting in lightning fast surfaces – so much so that the locals felt that the greens were quicker than those at the Masters. This elevated the art of chipping and putting from difficult to virtually impossible – local knowledge proved to be a great asset! Despite an excellent individual round by Ruth, birdies by Justine and an eagle by Ros (must have been the new clubs), the match was ultimately lost 2½ to 1½ – first blood to the Eglin Ladies.

A thunderstorm warning threatened to prevent the next morning’s play, but by the time we arrived at Hurlburt Field’s Gator Lakes course the sky had begun to clear. Gator Lakes is aptly named, taking its name from the water hazards that come into play on 13 of the holes and the alligator population they support. It certainly concentrates the mind when your ball came to rest near the lakeside, and even more so should your ball have landed in a hazard! For once decisions on declaring a ‘lost ball’ were instant. This time all the RAF pairings had solid rounds with a few birdies here and there, and we avenged our defeat of the previous day with a clean sweep 4 – 0 win.

Our next match, at Shalimar Pointe on Thursday, called for an early start and we were duly on the road by 0630. Whilst the majority of the journey to the course had been along the coast, Choctawhatchee Bay was only visible from the Clubhouse area as the Shalimar Pointe Golf Course goes inland. Playing at just over 6500 yards with layered, undulating greens, the course provides a test for all standards of golfer. Although the greens were difficult to read, birdies galore by Marian, Fiona, and Sue together with a steady team performance saw us take the match 3 – 1. This had been a crucial game as this was our last of the week and we wanted to lead into the weekend. That evening, following an afternoon round of golf by a couple of the younger fraternity, on a recommendation we headed for a local Japanese restaurant where the evening saw us sat round enormous hotplates watching our food being prepared by a double act of Bruce Lee look-alike chefs – highly entertaining and a highly recommended experience.

No matches had been organised for the weekend so it was a time to relax and ‘do the sights’. On Friday we hired a pontoon from the marina at Eglin, which gave us an opportunity to explore several inlets, known as bayous. Rocky Bayou contained an Aquatic Reserve and was said to have a resident school of dolphins. This proved irresistible and we set out to find them. Accompanied by pelicans and cormorants we eventually found them just inside the Reserve and were spellbound as they broke surface quite close to the pontoon. Spotting a mother and calf was the icing on the cake. After a day on the water none of us felt like going out to eat so provisions were purchased and we had a BBQ outside the accommodation. The remainder of the weekend was spent in New Orleans taking in the sights and sounds of the Vieux Carré (French Quarter). Being the home of Jazz, there were innumerable street bands, live music could be heard emanating from every bar and bistro, and the sidewalks were crowded with all manner of entertainers and pavement artists. In no time it seemed as we were back at Eglin – there was still a golf series to be won!

Monday 9th April saw us at Emerald Bay Golf Course, described as one of the area’s premier courses, and its water-guarded fairways and small greens tested the skill levels of both teams. This was a course to tempt the long hitters although the punishment for an errant shot was severe. Some inspired golf kept the sides evenly matched with neither team giving the other any head way. Birdies, single putts, chip-ins etc were recorded and, ultimately, the match was halved – probably the fairest result !. The 5-match series now stood at RAF 2½, Eglin 1½.

The following day we were back at Eglin’s Eagle course for our final match and, this time to allow players the opportunity to test their individual skills, the match was played as a Stableford with all points going towards the final team score. Being the ‘easier’ of the two Eglin courses we were confident of sealing the Series victory we so keenly desired. Sue Roberts was the RAF’s top scorer with an excellent 40 points (4 shots below handicap), although this was beaten by one of the Eglin ladies with a score of 45 points (off a handicap of 14!). The RAF, with the better all-round team performance, won the match by 3 points (277 v 274). Consequently, the RAF won the Series 3½ – 1½.

The following day we were heading back to the UK, sad to leave Florida but already looking forward to our own golf season. We met some colourful characters and made several new friends and, having played golf 7 out of 10 days, are fully ‘loosened-up’ for the summer! Each course was challenging and different, match play skills were honed and a great deal was learnt about course management (surprising what a difference a few ‘gators can achieve!). Undoubtedly, the tour was a resounding success, and it will have given us a firm footing for the matches ahead.

Spring Meeting

The Past and Present Spring Meeting was held at Sleaford Golf Club on 5 May 00 in an 18-hole Stableford format. There was an excellent turn out, 24 players, with handicaps ranging from 8 to 40 and some new faces all showing promise for the future. One of the newcomers, Rachel Groombridge, won with 39 points, with Bridget Cartwright in 2nd place on 37 points. Rosemary Mortimer took the ‘Past’ prize with 35 points.

Individual Championships

The Individual Championships took place, in tandem with the Men’s Championships, at Woodhall Spa Golf Club over 3 days. The extremely difficult Hotchkin course provided a stiff challenge for the ladies over 54 holes. The weather was not kind with very wet and windy conditions prevailing. Bridget Cartwright took the gross prize with some consistent play throughout. Ros Ewer took 2nd prize with Gill Cooper in 3rd place. The best net was won by Fiona MacLeod followed by Michelle Burgess and Justine Stringer in 2nd and 3rd respectively. The event was extremely well organised and the Club made us very welcome, offering excellent facilities.

Inter-Services

The Inter-Services were also held at Woodhall Spa Golf Club and it was hoped that the course knowledge and course management learnt at the Individual Championships would stand us in good stead. Keen to defend last year’s title and win the Championships for an unprecedented 3 d consecutive year and the 5h win out of the past 6 years, the squad made the most of the practice day available before playing the Army. The team comprised the following: Cynthia Fowler (10) Marian Evans (10) Captain Fiona MacLeod (17) Gill Cooper (10) Bridget Cartwright (9) Mandy Wright (8) Michelle Burgess (11) Justine Stringer (14) Ruth Atkinson (17) Reserve The Navy had already beaten the Army by 6 1/2 – 2 1/2 on day 1. The RAF Ladies beat the Army by the same margin on day 2, then went on to beat the Navy team by 7 – 2 to retain the trophy. A victory which seemed all the more important as 3 of our key players, Cynthia Fowler, Gill Cooper and Mandy Wright were all competing for the last time before retiring from the Service.

RAF Benevolent Fund Golf Day

Once again the RAF Ladies entered a team of 4 for the RAF Benevolent Fund Golf Day which was held at Castle Combe, Wiltshire on 12 Sep 00. Fresh from their Inter-Services success, the team were made very welcome and received a special mention at the dinner. Although the team as a whole was just outside the prizes, Justine Stringer won the Individual ladies prize, with Bridget Cartwright coming a close 2nd. Sue Roberts won nearest the pin, leaving only Mandy Wright empty handed. Once again this was a superb event and very well organised.

2001

Father and son excel at the ‘home of golf‘

WARRINGTON golfers Christopher and Liam Pucill had a dream day at the ‘home of golf’ on Saturday.

The father and son team from Orford locked horns with some of the most talented golfers in the country on what is arguably the best golf course in the land – St. Andrews.

And they performed admirably to finish 12th in the international final of the Famous Grouse Shotgun Foursomes.

Now in its 17th year, the event attracts entries from almost 100,000 golfers from 787 clubs so it was a great effort by the Poulton Park team to reach the final and score an impressive round of 80 – six shots behind the eventual winners Prem Sachdev and Binod Shrestha from the Gokarna Golf Club in Nepal.

Christopher, aged 39, said: “All things considered I thought we played very well. Liam’s driving was excellent and my putting was very solid.”

The Warrington duo reached the final after winning their club qualifier.

As Reported in Warrington Guardian 18 Oct 2001

Inter League Champions 2001

RAF Coningsby have produced yet another winning performance at a major Royal Air Force Golf Association Competition. Competing in the Inter League Champions Competition held over 2 days at Woodhall Spa, Teams from around the Royal Air Force vied for the honours in the first competition of the 2001 RAFGA Golfing Calendar.

Nine RAF Station sides, who have been placed as the top team in their individual leagues from last year, had the honour to play the Bracken and Hotchkin Courses at the home of the English Golf Union. Playing in the best weather conditions since the event was first held in 1999, the players only encountered slight dampness under foot on the Bracken course. And even with overnight rain between rounds, as the players moved to the Hotchkin course for the second day, the well drained land gave no excuses for poor play.

The 9 competing teams were RAF Coningsby, Cosford, High Wycombe, Kinloss, Leeming, Marham, Ramstein, St. Athan and Wyton. Each team had 6 representatives who played in the 2 round handicap stableford competition. The best 5 scores from each day counting towards the overall winners.

After the first day’s competition, Ramstein were the Club House leaders on 151 points with St. Athan in 2nd place on 149 points. As day 2 progressed, Coningsby moved from 3rd place, and 7 points adrift, to overhaul the leaders. Showing strength and consistency, they ended the competition with a clear 16-point margin between themselves and Ramstein in overall 2nd place.

The overall positions for the competition were:

1st Coningsby	4th Cosford	7th Marham
2nd Ramstein	5th Kinloss	8th Wyton
3rd St Athan	6th Leeming	9th High Wycombe

RAF Coningsby – Inter League Champions 2001

Ramstein – Runners Up 200

RAF Champion – 2001

Steve Yorke wins RAF Championship.

Steve Yorke has been crowned the 2001 Royal Air Force Golf Association Individual Golf Champion. In competition against 59 of the finest golfers in the RAF, the sergeant from Abbey Wood produced consistency and durability to win this years Championships by 5 clear strokes from Dave Marshall in 2nd place and Mark Blaber in 3rd.

Dave Marshall

Fulford Golf Club on the edge of York provided the venue for this 4 round scratch stroke play challenge, played on the course that dates back to 1906. The rough was at its most vigorous for a parkland venue. Fairways had been narrowed and the large deep greens manicured to provide the smoothest of surfaces to putt on. Most unusual for a competition that has the reputation for dumping inches of rain on the competitors and blowing gales, this year, the near perfect weather conditions provided only a light breeze and temperatures that hovered between the high 70s and low 80s.

In trying to assess whom would be potential contenders for the trophy first awarded in 1922, Steve Yorke had entered the Championship in what he described as the lowest of forms. Dave Marshall had produced the results only a month earlier by winning the Personnel and Training Command Championship, and although Mark Blaber hadn’t been seen since his early departure from the ACC Challenge, the week he was available, he had produced some stunning scores.

Mark Blaber

As the Championship got underway the 1st round saw Paul Keating, who is now at Northwood, going out in the first group and submitting a 76. This was followed by West Drayton’s Chris Audin, some 6 groups back, who then set the true pace with a 73. It was not until one of the last groups came in, that Leuchars Steve Davis managed to equal the 73. Benson’s Paul Hughes set himself up well with a 75 followed by Cyprus player Geoff Ascroft with a 76. Brampton’s new boy Mickey Ward and Digby’s Pete Brewer both shot a creditable 77 together with Coningsby’s Deano Lewis, Linton’s Mike Rudd and Steve Yorke.

Played on the same day, the 2nd round saw some individual performances to be proud of. As the players went out in the same order as the 1st round, a few competitors demonstrated consistency in their game. Mike Rudd produced a second 77 and Deano Lewis improved his score by 1 stroke, to post a 76. Geoff Ascroft only dropped a stroke from his morning round to score a 77. Mark Blaber bettered his score by 2 for a 77, and Pete Brewer jumped 3 strokes to submit a 74. Captain of the RAF Team Gordon Scarratt from Kinloss also entered a 77, but Dave Digby, John Duke, Coltishall Paddy Mournian and Baz McKee all carded 76. Although, much earlier in the round the target had been set by 2 fine scores of 71 from Wyton’s Dave Marshall and Steve Yorke.

The top 30 and ties qualify for the 3rd and 4th rounds, and with the cut made at 167, 34 players were left to compete in the Championships over the remaining 2 days. At the commencement of the 3rd round Steve Yorke had a 3-stroke lead over Pete Brewer. Chris Audin was in contention 4 off the lead on 152, and Dave Marshall, Geoff Ascroft and Deano Lewis were on a total of 153. Mike Rudd and Paul Keating were 1 stroke further adrift on 154.

Chris Audin

Round 3 on Tuesday morning saw conditions remain favourable, if a little humid. This enabled some fine golf to be played by a number of contenders. Based at RAF Leuchars, St Andrews player Chris Peacock together with Dave Marshall both produced 75s. Chris Audin kept in touch with 74, and Steve Yorke produced a round containing excellent course management and self-discipline to shoot a 73. RAF St Mawgan’s Mark Blaber shot a great 71, but the round belonged to Tom Devany. Submitting a splendid 2 under par 70, this was to be the best score of the whole Championships.

To help the non qualifiers get over the disappointment of not being around for the final day, a Stableford competition is held for the non-qualifiers on the Tuesday, and this years event was won by Boscombe Down’s Keith Thompson. After this, all the non-qualifiers said their farewells, including a number of competitors who had travelled great distance to compete. Paul Boulonois had entered from Cyprus and John Coady had flown in from his work on the ASTOR project team in Texas. Nevertheless some positive aspects can be taken from the experience. Not least the knowledge that to attain the level required to make the cut requires high levels of commitment and dedication together with keeping it on the short stuff!

As the final days play approached players went into their pre-match routines. Yorke was again paired with Audin, and although 5 strokes separated them, on a course that contained a mixture of narrow fairways, overhanging trees and some of the toughest rough on any parkland course, a thoughtful and measured approach was required.

No excuse could be made for poor play because of the weather. A light breeze and temperatures in the 70s enabled more praiseworthy golf. As competitors positioned themselves just in case Yorke slipped, Brampton’s Rod Shimwell ground out a 75. Keating scored a 74 but Audin slipped with an 81. Lewis managed a 76 and Ascroft found the transition from ‘browns’ to ‘greens’ no problem, as he scored a 74. These players made the top 10, but with automatic selection for the team to represent the Royal Air Force in the Inter Services coming from the top 5, Mike Rudd had already stated his intentions. He was gunning for a result on his home course and shot a splendid 73 to qualify in 5th place. Being 1 of only 5 players to post all scores in the 70s, Pete Brewer entered the fray with a fine 75. Mark Blaber also shot a 73, but Dave Marshall headed the round and finished in 2nd place with a fine 72.

As the dust settled players were able to reflect on a great Championship, at a wonderful location. Mike Rudd had won the Seletar trophy for the best net score by a member of the Royal Air Force Golf Society, and he had also picked up the Hine trophy which is awarded to the best gross player over the 4 rounds who is older than 40 years. Also of mention should be Coningsby Aaron Ashcroft who won the Portanova trophy which is awarded to the best gross player over the 4 rounds and who is under 25 years. With all scores counted the other presentations were made. A terrific 74 was in the bag, which gave a total of 295, only 2 strokes over the standard scratch score for the 4 rounds. Under significant pressure, Steve Yorke had retained his 5-stroke lead to become the Royal Air Force Individual Golf Champion of 2001.

Aaron Ashcroft

Qualifying Scores

Non Qualifying Scores

Ladies Team – Off to Florida

The RAF Ladies Golf Team undertook a tour to Florida during the period 31 Mar – 12 Apr 01. The aim of the tour was to develop a new core squad whilst enhancing the individual’s course management and match play skills.

Those selected for the tour were:
Marian Evans (Captain) TGDA, Ros Ewer Rosie Hall, Ruth Atkinson, Sue Roberts, Michelle Burgess, Justine Stringer, Fiona Luscombe

2002

RAF Ladies Triumphant – Winning 2002 Inter-Services

RAF v Royal Navy

A solid start for the RAF, with comfortable straight wins over the weaker Navy team. A very good start for Inter-Services first-timers Sue Roberts and Fi Camm.

The singles were much more keenly fought, with the Navy determined not to just roll over. However, easy victories for Ros Ewer, Alex Mournian and Jackie Trangmar (on her debut), plus a half from Michelle Burgess, gave the RAF the victory they needed. Ruth Atkinson and Fi Camm had close matches, but unfortunately were unable to overcome their opponents.

	Foursomes
Ros Ewer & Ruth Atkinson	Won	4&3
Michelle Burgess & Alex Mournian	Won	2&1
Sue Roberts & Fi Camm	Won	3&1
	Singles
Ros Ewer	Won	7&6
Michelle Burgess	Halved
Alex Mournian	Won	4&2
Ruth Atkinson	Lost	2&1
Fi Camm	Lost	1 Down
Jackie Trangmar	Won	5&4

RAF v Army

This match was billed to be a very tough one for the RAF as the Army team certainly had the stronger team on paper. As ever, the rivalry was no less heightened with the Army Captain, Sue Lambert, as determined as ever that her team would win – she’s been saying that for the last 10 years to no avail!

The Army were soundly beaten 6&5 by Michelle and Alex in the second match, but drew level with a 5&4 victory over Sue and Fi. The morning decider rested on the shoulders of Ros Ewer and Ruth Atkinson. It was not looking promising after 12 holes when they were 5 down with 6 to play, however, Ros and Ruth picked up their game on the 13th, while the Army appeared to sit back resting on their laurels.

Outstanding performances from the RAF, notably with Ruth’s approaches and putting, ensured that the match was clawed back to all square going up the par 5 18th. Having agreed to play a percentage shot to the heart of the green, instead of the tightly positioned pin, Ruth hit the shot of the day – over the bunker, pitching 3 feet from the pin and leaving Ros a 12 footer for birdie. The Army had already played their 3rd on to the green, but were at least 30 yards from the pin. They proceeded to 3 putt, while Ros left a straight 12 inch return putt for Ruth to wrap up the match.

In the singles matches, the RAF comprehensively took the first 3 points with easy wins for Ros, Michelle and Alex. This was enough to take the championship, however, a gritty performance from Fi Camm ensured an extra half a point, giving a final result of 5 1/2 to 3 1/2.

Foursomes

Ros Ewer & Ruth Atkinson	Won	1 Up
Michelle Burgess & Alex Mournian	Won	6&5
Sue Roberts & Fi Camm	Lost	4&4

Singles

Ros Ewer	Won	4&3
Michelle Burgess	Won	5&3
Alex Mournian	Won	5&3
Ruth Atkinson	Lost	2&1
Fi Camm	Halved	Halved
Jackie Trangmar	Lost	3&2

The performance of the RAF was outstanding, particularly with 3 newly capped players. The excellent esprit de corps and determination shown by the team were no doubt the winning factors in this event. Congratulations go to all the players on their performances and thanks also go to everyone who came and supported the team throughout.

Reported By: Flt Lt Ros Ewer

Chris Audin has become the 75th Royal Air Force Individual Golf Champion.

Chris Audin has been crowned the 2002 RAF Individual Champion. The event was held at Trevose Golf Club in testing conditions.

Playing in the most testing of conditions, Chris, who was the overnight leader after round 3, from Dave Marshall and Chris Peacock, pipped Mark Blaber to win his first Championship.

Trevose Golf and Country Club in Cornwall provided the setting for the 4 round competition. One is unlikely find a more welcoming and friendly club and as the owner Mr Peter Gammon looked on, along with a vast contingent of club members and RAF players, Chris Audin put the finishing touches to his last round of 75 to win by a stroke with an overall total of 306.

After the first two rounds, and at 171, exactly 30 players made the cut. As the qualifiers set about posting a 3rd round score, the non-qualifiers entered a scratch stableford competition. Nick Beer won this with 31 points.

Weather over the 3 days of competition tested the players to the limit. Gale force winds combined with driving rain for the first 2 days forced higher than usual scores, but the players persevered and, as the last round concluded in strong winds, the sun managed an appearance.

Paddy Mournian produced some great golf to win the Seletar Trophy which is for the Best Net Player who is a Member of the RAF Golf Society.

Tom Devany picked up the Hine Trophy as the Best ‘Over 40’ gross player

And a young Jim Parker won the Portanova Trophy for the under 25s.

The top 5 players were an automatic selection for the Inter Services in September, so joining Chris Audin will be:

• Mark Blaber
• Paul Holliday
• Dave Marshall
• Chris Peacock

After the late loss of sponsors, The Royal Air Force Golf Association was most thankful to General Dynamics and Mr Rick Peacock-Edwards who provided last minute support to such a prestigious event.

As Chris Audin received the Championship Trophy from Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire and the Red Arrows flew by, Chris was able to reflect on consistent scoring and an ability to respond under great pressure.

RAFGA – 1st of the Schemes Hole in One

Mick Kelly – RAF leeming Sept 02 – 4th Hole – 176 Yards – 4 Iron

Sgt Mick Kelly of the Engineering Standards Cell at RAF Leeming has become the first RAFGA member to receive the Membership Schemes new Hole-in-One Award. Sgt Kelly, a 7 handicap golfer, scored his first ace in the annual “Woodham Spoon” – Captain versus Ladies Captain – competition at Woodham Golf Club, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham.

Sgt Kelly achieved his ace on the par 3 4th hole, his shot with a 7 iron (light wind from behind!) covering the 176 yards exactly.

He says “I struck the shot lovely and as soon as I looked up I thought it was a good shot. I have always thought that if you are going to get a hole-in-one, you really want to see it drop into the cup. Unfortunately I didn’t!. I watched it pitch onto the green and thought,. Yeah that’ll do, and started looking for my tee peg. Then the 2 ladies in my group, who were on their tee 40 yds ahead, started shouting that it had gone in. Although very pleased to get an ace I wish I’d watched in into the hole.”

“Some of us think that we’ll never be lucky enough to hole out from the tee but you just never know. When it does suddenly come out of the blue, tradition dictates that you put your hand into your pocket back in the bar. In my case, the celebrating (and buying) carried on through the next days competition as well, so the RAFGAs hole-in-one award of £100 is a very welcome bonus indeed. Well worth the annual subscription.”

Sgt Kelly is picture receiving his cheque, and a commemorative certificate, from the Deputy Chairman of the RAFGA Membership Scheme, Sqn Ldr Keith Watt.

Mens – Inter – Service

Under clear blue skies and exceptional temperatures for mid September the Navy today made its presence felt on the RAF Team. The first match of the 2002 Inter Services Championships took place against the Navy on the Wentwood course playing a mixture of championship and white tees.

By taking a commanding lead in the morning foursomes by 3 to 1 this set the Navy up for an early lead they were never to loose. The afternoon singles were drawn 4 each and this gave an overall win to the Navy of 7 to 5.

Representing the RAF for the first time, Paddy Mournian proved a worthy addition to the team. He won his foursomes match with Rod Shimwell, and then produced a point from his afternoon singles. Although disappointed with the overall team result, the singles performance should give the Coltishall player a great deal of personal satisfaction.

After the match Captain Dave Marshall reflected on a fair result and commented that although the team lost today, players had to focus on achieving a superior result from the match against the Army tomorrow.

Results from RAF v Navy Match

Morning Singles

Holliday	Half	All Square
Marshall	Won	5&4
Blaber	Lost	5&4
Brewer	Lost	4&3
Mournian	Won	1 Up
Shimwell	Lost	1 Down
Andrew	Half	All Square
Peacock	Won	5&3
		RAF 4 Navy 4

Afternoon Foursomes

Blaber/Peacock	Lost	3&1
Marshall/Andrew	Lost	4&3
Mournian/Shimwell	Won	2&1
Brewer/Yorke	Lost	5&4
		RAF 1 Navy 3

Overall Result   RAF 5   Navy 7

Day 2

On a day that had the start of one of the most critical matches played between the RAF and Army delayed by 3 hours, 10 members of the Inter Services Team representing the Royal Air Force showed their true grit and spirit.

Beating the Army on Day 2 at Celtic Manor was an absolute necessity and producing a win of 8 matches to 4, enabled the RAF to keep hope for winning overall. Admittedly, everything will depend on the Navy loosing 5 to 7 against the Army, but the RAF guys produced some quite staggering results to achieve the dominance over the usual Army team. Again a rookie, this time Deano Lewis, produced a 100% record on his first day of play representing his Service.

The original tee time for the second RAF match was set for 8 O’clock, but the mid September weather put paid to that. Thick Fog would not burn off until late morning holding up play, and eventually the Championships started at 11 O’clock with the singles. This produced a 5 to 3 lead for the RAF Team and, once in the winning way, an afternoon and evening result from a much shortened 12 hole foursomes contest, produced a 3 to 1 result and a hope of glory on the final day.

Results from RAF v Army Match

Lewis	Won	3&2
Yorke	Half	AS
Blaber	Won	5&4
Marshall	Lost	3&2
Mournian	Lost	1 Up
Shimwell	Half	AS
Andrew	Won	2&1
Peacock	Won	3&1

RAF 5 Army 3

Afternoon Foursomes (12 holes)

Shimwell/Holliday	Won	2 Up
Blaber/Peacock	Won	4&3
Marshall/Lewis	Won	1 Up
Andrew/Brewer	Lost	5&4

Overall Result RAF 8 Army 4

RAF LEUCHARS GOLF CLUB CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Captain of the RAF Golf Team, Dave Marshall, lead a successful challenge on the Lincolnshire county side as the Royal Air Force Golf Team posted an amazing win 8 to 7″. ” Although down 1½ to 3½ from the morning foursomes, with great team spirit and some inspired golf from all players, the RAF team overtook Lincolnshire in the singles with a fantastic 6½ to 3½ victory in the afternoon.

2003

RAF Lossiemouth – Champion

RAF Lossiemouth win the HQ 1 Gp Championships. Mal Wray is the HQ 1 Gp Individual Champion.

Ladies show the way!

The 2003 Inter-Services Ladies’ Golf Championships

Golf Day at Lakeside Lodge – A novice’s perspective – Cpl Jane Cocks

The Times JP Morgan Fleming – Corporate Golf Challenge – WO Sue Roberts

Extract of RAF Active (Opens in pdf Viewer)

RAF Leeming Golf Society

Chf Tech Mark Cheeseman winning the Player of the Year Award. Leeming Bedale were also runners up in the North Yorkshire Golf League (NYGL) Knock Out Cup.

2003 – The victorious RAF Team v ACC at Nairn

Front Row: Chris Audin, Paul Holliday, Dave Marshall (Captain), Neil Sheppard (Sec), Rod Shimwell, Pete Brewer. Middle Row: Mike Bown, Al Taylor, Steve Davies, Baz McKee, Paddy Mournian. Back Row: Geoff Ascroft, Hamish Sutherland, Mark Oliver, Chris Peacock.

2003 – RAF and ACC Teams with the Ryder Cup (Royal Dornoch)

The matches were all played at Nairn, but the sponsored events stretched across the North of Scotland to Dornoch, Elgin, Moray, Gleneagles and Boat of Garten.

RAF CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING -THE BERKSHIRE

Jon Marks’ score at the RAFG Championship Meeting at The Berkshire in 2003 included a gross 66 on the Red Course, which has 6 Pars 3s, 6 Par 4s & 6 Par 5s. Jon birdied all the Par 5s, including the 18th with a 50 foot putt, resulting in a card of only 3s & 4s. He then parred all 18 holes on the Blue Course, for a gross 36-hole total of 138.

C DIV CHAMPS 2003 – BLANKNEY

The first ever STC ‘C’ Div Golf Championships took place at Blankney GC on Tuesday 29 April with a field of 48 players, an excellent field considering how many people were still detached on operational duties. The format for the event was a Stableford competition played over 36 holes, for handicap 15 – 21 (higher handicap players could participate, but would have to play off 21). There were both Individual and Team prizes to play for and with the course in excellent condition some very good scores were expected.

The windy weather conditions meant the course played a lot tougher than anticipated with no one scoring over 40 points in either of the rounds (this also indicated that there were no bandits in the field). The top score in the morning round went to Chris Perkins from Marham with 39 points followed closely by David Young (Northolt) and Dave Sweeting (Waddington) with 37, and Tat Myatt (Marham), Tiny Spires (Lyneham) and Alan Antrobus (Neatishead) with 36. The afternoon rounds were equally impressive with Mark Miller (St Mawgan) 38 points and Mick Stephens (Lossiemouth) with 37. Chris Perkins added another good score of 36 points to his morning round and looked as if he had done enough to become the Individual Champion. He was, however, just pipped on count back by the 2003 Champion Alan Antrobus who managed to match Chris’s morning round of 39 points.

Chris Perkins made up for his disappointment of just losing out in the Individual by helping Marham and team mates Tat Myatt and Kev Coxon win the Team event with a score of 206. Runners-up were David Young, Doug Smith & Jerry Wilson from Northolt with a team score of 196. There were also prizes handed out for Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin. Everybody appeared to enjoy the day and it is planned to continue with the same format next year.

RAF Supply Championships

The eighth annual RAF Supply Golf Championships were hosted this year jointly by RAF Cottesmore and RAF Wittering. The event produced an entry of 90 competitors from every far-flung outpost and was held at Greetham Valley Golf Club from 25 to 27 June. This Supply golf event seems to become more successful and enjoyable with each succeeding year and we are at the stage where we may be obliged to limit the numbers. Greetham Valley boasts two courses, The Valley and The Lakes, and the event was blessed with wall-to-wall sunshine for the entire three days. Both courses were in magnificent condition and the greens, while holding, putted like linoleum. The chairman of the Greetham Valley Golf Course, Mr Frank Hinch, and the greenkeepers deserve our thanks for presenting the courses in such pristine condition and for acting as such good hosts. The championships were, as always, closely contested and at the end of the first medal day RAF Lyneham held a narrow two-shot lead over the local favourites, RAF Cottesmore. The second day was a Stableford competition and the RAF Cottesmore team came good with a cracking performance. SAC Ali Hatton scored 42 points (with three twos on the card), Sgt Bob Green 38 points, Flt Lt Bill Kirton 38 points and SAC Richie Young 35 points. This was sufficient to win the team trophy by a margin of 16 points. WO John Nelson from Lyneham won the individual trophy for the score over two rounds just pipping Bob Green from Cottesmore by a one shot margin – they don’t come any closer than that. Mr Bill Neill of RAF Marham won the scratch event after two well played rounds. The Lakes and Valley courses at Greetham are both undulating and boast a variety of water hazards which are prone to catch out the unthinking and the unwary. On both courses the 18th holes call for well-struck shots over a lake into the green. This is difficult in itself but an additional factor is the crowd of RAF spectators who line the back of the green ready to jeer or cheer depending on the quality of the shot – not holes for the fainthearted! One’s mind harks back to the days when the championships were held at RAF Bruggen (which is sadly no longer available to us) when balmy, sunny conditions were almost guaranteed each year. However, conditions over the entire three days at Greetham were perfect with sunshine and light breezes. All the competitors not only enjoyed the two days golf but also the socializing with former comrades, much reminiscing and a few sherbets. RAF Cottesmore hosted a ‘meet and greet’ reception on the Wednesday evening and RAF Wittering hosted a Chilli supper on the Thursday, with Greetham Valley Golf Club putting on a sumptuous buffet carvery on the Friday. The main sponsor of the event is Banner Business Supplies who are the MOD’s official supplier of stationery and Andrew Slater, the MOD General Manager, attended the reception but
unfortunately was unable to play in the event. Other notable sponsors were Chris Borrill of Thales Sensors and Steve Shaw from BAE Systems. Chris and Steve played both days and performed admirably only just missing being in the prize-list. For 2004 we hope to have a full sponsors team and we reckon they will figure in the prizes. It is no exaggeration to say that any RAF station would find it very difficult to organise this golf event without the sponsorship assistance we receive from Banner Business Systems, BAE Systems and Thales Sensors – our sincere thanks go to all of them for their generous contributions and playing support on the course.

The Cottesmore Team

John Nelson

As Reported By: by Bob Millar RAF Active

2004

RAF Individual Championship 2004 Results

Mark Blaber & Ross Ewer Out in Front

Ladies Results Click Here

Mens Results

Strike Command A Division Championships

The STC A Division Golf Championships were held at Torksey GC on 17/18 June with a field of 44 players. The relatively small field was due in part to the continuing operational pressures and the recent 2-week RAF event against the Air Combat Command. The A Division is for players in the handicap range of 7 and below, and includes both individual and station competitions. The players compete in 2 rounds of medal play on the first day, followed by a cut. The second day has another 2 rounds of medal play for those who make the cut, and 2 rounds of Stableford for those who do not.

The course was in outstanding condition and certainly lived up to its reputation as an inland links course, with firm and fast greens and chip-and-run approaches. Torksey looked after the players and STC Committee impeccably, and confirmed their status as a premier location for serious competition.

The weather on the first day was spectacular in its extremes. The morning round was hot and strength sapping, yet Andy Edgar from RAF Marham produced a net 69, just edging out Mick Kelly from RAF Leeming on countback for the 1st round medal prize. Come the afternoon, the wind changed, the rain started, the sky darkened and lightning closed the course for half an hour. Despite these distractions, Mark Oliver from RAF Brize Norton shot a creditable 70 to take the 2nd round medal prize. The weather on day two was wet, which lasted – predictably – until the last player finished, when the sun reappeared. Brian McEwan from RAF Marham shot 70 to win the 3rd round medal prize in the morning and Tom Devany from RAF Cottesmore finished the day with 70 to win the 4th round medal prize. The morning Stableford competition was won by David Barnes from RAF Brize Norton with 34 points, and the afternoon competition on countback by Matt Munro from RAF Leuchars with 32 points. Andy Clemson won the combined Stableford on countback with 64 points and Andy Whyte won the individual net competition with a fine score of 288.

RAF Kinloss (Al Taylor, John Westwood and James Bell) won the Team Event with a score of 463, narrowly beating RAF Brize Norton (Nick Andrew, Mark Oliver and Andy Peacock) who scored 466. If the Team Event was close, the Individual Event was neck and neck. The final round started with only a few shots separating the leaders but in the end it was down to 2 people. Runner-Up Nick Andrew’s final score of 298 was beaten by just one shot to give the title of STC Champion to Al Taylor with 297.

Final Scores

Individual – Runners Up

A Division – Individual Runners Up – Nick Andrew (Above)
Individual Winner – Al Taylor (Photo Not Available)

Team Winners

RAF Kinloss – Al Taylor, John Westwood and James Bell

Team Winners – Al Taylor, John Westwood and James Bel

A Team Runners Up – Brize Norton

Strike Command – Division B Championships

Although the weather forecast was not inspiring, the STC B Div Championships went ahead at Sleaford GC on 21/22 May with a field of 73 players. Previously, the STC Championships had been divided into 2 handicap groups, but this often led to players being balloted out as numbers exceeded playing capacity. Consequently, the Championships were spilt into 3 handicap divisions this year. The B Division was for players in the handicap range 8 to 13 and included both individual and station competitions. The format was also altered to reflect the lower handicaps and to align the event more closely with the A Division. The players were faced with 2 medal rounds on day 1, followed by a cut. The top half went on to play 2 further medal rounds on day 2, with those that missed the cut playing a Stableford and Texas Scramble.

As is often the case at Sleaford, the wind proved to be a dominant factor on the outward 9, especially for holes 2, 3 and 4. Fortunately, the heavy rain that many experienced on the practice round did not return to affect the competition play. However, day 1 saw some impressive scoring with Eric Wealleans from RAF Leeming picking up the winner’s prize for the first round with a net 67. As players began to get a better feel for the course and conditions, Mick Farrell from RAF Neatishead scored an impressive 65 in the afternoon. Following the cut at 151, Darren Pybus picked up the medal round 3 prize with a net 67. With fatigue starting to set in and although the wind increased during the final afternoon, Chris Ashton from RAF Odiham struggled through to win the round with a net 69. RAF Neatishead won the Team Event with a joint score for the first 2 rounds of 437, closely followed by the RAF High Wycombe team with 439.

The individual competition was closely fought. The lead changed regularly, with some excellent golf in the challenging conditions. After the first day’s play Mick Roche, from RAF High Wycombe, was in the lead largely due to a fine net 64 in the second round. However, John Wotherspoon, from RAF Odiham, played some very consistent golf and won through in a very close finish to become the STC B Division Champion with a final net score of 281.

• Team Winners:- RAF Neatishead (Andy Stark, Keith O’Neill and Mike Farrell)
• Runners Up:- RAF High Wycombe (Scott Millington [not pictured], Phil Clementson & Mark Sampson)
• Individual Winner:- John Wotherspoon
• Individual Runner Up:- Mick Roche

Photos Not Available

League Championship – Cosford Triumph

Yet another new name is engraved on the RAFGA Goodrich League Champions Trophy.

RAF Cosford and the team from Lilleshall has triumphed over the rest of the Royal Air Force league teams to earn a win in the closest fought contest since the conception of the competition.

Held at the famous Woodhall Spa complex, the west midlanders turned form on its head as the team fought from joint 3rd place after the first days play on the Bracken course to win by 2 points over Brize Norton.

Marham had set the early pace and were 5 points clear after the opening Stableford round. Brize Norton and Boulmer were in the gap on 156 and 150 respectively. Cottesmore followed 1 point behind Cosford and Kinloss were a further 5 points adrift. Then, with an absent Benson for reasons only they know, Henlow propped up the competition on 143.Mick Drummond – Captain Lilleshall Team

Andy Edgar had set the pointer for players to achieve a high individual score. Submitting a stunning 38 points contributed well to Marham’s day 1 lead. Doug Cooper of Brize Norton helped his team with an excellent 37 points.

Both days provided some excellent weather and, with only a chilly start to day 2 the playing conditions were at their best. A special mention should also be made about the excellent presentation of both courses. For the time of year, the Hotchkin and the Bracken were in equally fine condition.

Tuesday play saw only 2 teams keep their positions. Brize held 2nd place and Kinloss stayed at 6th. Cottesmore dropped to the bottom of the pack, whilst Boulmer dropped the same distance to 5th and the favourites Marham moved down to 3rd spot. Henlow moved up 3 slots to 4th, but the surprise package of Cosford charged to the top.

Goodrich had saved the competition by providing essential support in sponsorship and, looking around the clubhouse at the faces of the all golfers who had the opportunity to savour the delights of the Lincolnshire gem, everybody fully appreciated the generosity of the company.

A terrific team effort by Cosford had seen the final round provide 2 players with tremendous scores. Both Andy Crawford and Greg Pinchin scored 36 points and were only beaten by Paul Jackson who scored 37 points.

PTC Championship

Congratulations to Chris Audin, the 2004 PTC Champion. Chris was a late entrant but produce two consistent rounds at Minchinhampton to take the title with Dave Marshall a close second. Liam Pucill was the second runner-up. 

2005

RAF LADIES GOLF TOUR EGLIN AFB 23 APR – 6 MAY 05

The RAFW Golf team consisting of 9 players travelled to Florida to play golf as part of their early season development with the assurance of good weather and a wide selection of courses to provide experience. We arrived at Eglin Air Force Base on the northwest Gulf coast, and settled in to the impressive Visiting Airmen Quarters (VAQs).

For the first official practice we met our American sponsors the Eglin Ladies Golf Team at Eglin AFB course. We played an intra team stableford on the Falcon Course and most of the team improved upon their previous experience. Notably Bev Oliver scored 39 points in a round, which included a 2-stroke penalty and (sshhh) an air shot. Fi Camm was second with 34 points and Sam Cairns took third place with 32 points.

After hastily re-scheduling, following a torrential thunderstorm, the team played a match against 4 of the ladies from Eglin. We had our first experience of the Eagle course playing 4-ball better ball match play. Unfortunately the course was undergoing the seasonal maintenance whereby the greens are dressed to kill off the winter grass and encourage the summer grass to grow, which involves the use of copious quantities of very fine sand. Putting on the sandy surface provided some interesting problems.

The results were: Michelle Burgess and Sue Cobb lost 5 and 4

The team played in the Eglin Ladies weekly medal on the par 72 Eagle course. This was a late replacement for the Tournament at Foxwood which had been cancelled because of the weather. Again we contended with the sandy greens, but the combination of brushing and the local wind had improved the surface slightly. The match versus the Eglin ladies was decided on the nett aggregate medal scores of each pairing, to even up the team one of the Eglin Ladies was co-opted on to the RAF team, which proved to be a winning combination of Rosie Hall and Audrey Bailey. Rosie Hall’s excellent 67 and Audrey’s exceptional 62 were without doubt the best rounds played throughout the tour. The results were:

• Rosie Hall (67) and Audrey Bailey (62) aggregate 129 won by 23 strokes
• Sue Cobb (81) and Ros Ewer (78) aggregate 159 lost by 3 strokes
• Sue Roberts (86) and Fi Camm (76) aggregate 162 lost by 17 strokes
• Liz Wright (73) and Sam Cairns (84) aggregate 157 lost by 2 strokes
• Michelle Burgess (79) and Bev Oliver (87) aggregate lost by 8 strokes

EGLIN 4 RAFW 1

After the match we enjoyed a BBQ lunch with the Eglin Ladies at the home of Bobby Harvin. Her husband beat a hasty retreat to the golf course and we then indulged in some supposedly calorie free dishes of local culinary specialities brought to the lunch by several of the ladies. After lunch a prize giving and a non-contributory raffle ensured that we all received gifts to remember our visit to Eglin. We all agreed that their hospitality was unsurpassed and were pleased to present the Eglin Ladies section with tokens of our appreciation.

The second scheduled rest day found the team travelling to Tyndall AFB in readiness for a game on the Tyndall AFB course the following day. Turbulent weather struck the Gulf States with spectacular thunderstorms and a deluge of rain that made driving (cars) extremely hazardous and at times impossible. It was reported that over 4in of rain had fallen during Saturday in to the early hours of Sunday morning.

Our approach to the Tyndall AFB Golf course clubhouse passed waterlogged fairways with the greens and tees appearing as small islands in mini lakes throughout the course. We decided to cancel our game at Tyndall and return west to seek a golf course to play. This happy decision brought us to the Holiday Golf Club at Panama City Beach. Not only was the course flat, it was very well maintained and the greens were true. As a fun round, a team stableford was played with the addition of doubled points on the alternate use of a coloured ball. Carrying the coloured ball to the end was critical to the result and the water hazards by and on every fairway gave considerable cause for thought over shot making. Out of the party, 3 teams of 3 participated with the honours going to Fi Camm, Sam Cairns and Ros Ewer followed by Sue Cobb, Rosie Hall and Bev Oliver.

The Fort Walton Municipal Course had been recommended as a good course to play and so it proved. The appearance of the course, the well-appointed clubhouse and our first sight of an alligator soon dispelled any concept of the course being similar to municipal courses in the UK. The greens were the truest we played on throughout the tour. It was decided to play an individual bogey match and accumulative stableford scores (best score 1st 6 holes, 2 best scores 2nd 6, 3 best scores 3rd 6) for the teams.

The results were:

• Liz Wright +4
• Fi Camm +3
• Ros Ewer +3
• Bev Oliver -1
• Rosie Hall -2
• Michelle Burgess -3
• Sam Cairns -3
• Sue Cobb -3
• Sue Roberts -3

Teams

• Sue Cobb, Sue Roberts, Rosie Hall – 90 points
• Michelle Burgess, Fi Camm, Ros Ewer – 90 points
• Sam Cairns, Bev Oliver, Liz Wright – 86 points

Emerald Bay, a par 72 course, was probably the most difficult course played with a considerable number of water hazards, tight fairways and slick greens. The format for the day was a medal competition. Decisions on shot making were critical as a stretch of water awaited any degree of inaccuracy either in direction or length. Most notable player of the day was Sam Cairns, a high handicapper, whose steady game from tee to green and superb putting resulted in an excellent score. She was pipped for 1st place on count back by yet another excellent round from Rosie Hall, and the team members were delighted by their success.

The results were:

• Rosie Hall (19) 74 (CB)
• Sam Cairns (24) 74
• Fi Camm (17) 79
• Sue Roberts (14) 80 (CB)
• Michelle Burgess (7) 80
• Sue Cobb (20) 82
• Ros Ewer (6) 84
• Bev Oliver (19) 92
• Liz Wright (23) N/R

The Eglin Ladies arranged a competition at the Tanglewood Golf and Country Club some 1½ hours travelling time from Eglin AFB. On this occasion gentlemen from the Eglin GC expanded the number of players to 28. An individual stableford (UK scoring) was played in enjoyable surroundings and in good company. The lighthearted atmosphere and good competition made for a pleasant last playing day of the tour.

The RAF scores were as follows:

• Liz Wright 39 points
• Ros Ewer 34 points (CB)
• Fi Camm 34 points
• Sue Cobb 33 points
• Rosie Hall 31 points (CB)
• Michelle Burgess 31 points
• Sue Roberts 30 points
• Sam Cairns 27 points
• Bev Oliver 23 points

Our thanks are due to Michelle Burgess who determined the composition of the teams the competition formats and each day calculated the individual and team scores and results with only the aid of fingers and toes. Her daily announcements were awaited keenly and with baited breath as she provided apt comment on the level of our achievement. Her final act was to evaluate the order of merit for the whole tour by attributing scores to each daily competition place for each player. Congratulations go to Fi Camm who consistently scored in the upper half of the competitions and is rightly named as player of the tour. She was closely followed by Rosie Hall and Ros Ewer who were only a few points behind.
The RAF Ladies golf tour 2005 in Florida USA was a notable success. In 11 days 9 golf competitions were held with varying and interesting formats and on courses that provided a variety of challenges.

Retrieved from Archived RAF Active Site

RAF TEAM ACHIEVE WIN AGAINST OXFORD UNIVERSITY

Playing at the Oxford City Golf Club, the RAF Team have beaten Oxford University in the inaugural match between the 2 teams.

Mixed Fortunes for RAF Team

Playing the annual matches against the Civil Service, RAF Golf Society and Lincolnshire County at Woodhall Spa the RAF had mixed results.

Using the famous Hotchkin course, the match against the Civil Service was a close fought event. Although loosing the morning foursomes 1½ to 3½ the afternoon singles were only lost by 1 point. The match against Lincolnshire saw honours even in the morning rounds, but the county side proved far to strong in the afternoon winning the singles 10 matches to 8. The match against the RAF Golf Society saw a more pleasing result with a win of 10 points to 5.

Deano Lewis provided a solid performance throughout his matches and was the only player to compete in all the games and not loose.

During the Society match Liam Pucill attracted slight attention with a ‘hole in one’ at the 8th during his match with Mark Rimmer. Striking a 5 iron 192 yards without deviation the ball went straight into the hole! He now awaits his £100 prize from the RAFGA Membership Scheme. For the record, he also won his match 7&5.

Lossiemouth Triumph at League Champs

RAF Lossiemouth has just been crowned 2005 League Champions after an exciting finish to the annual competition. Played over both courses at the home of the English Golf Union, the players did their Scottish station proud with a fine example of solid representative play. The first round was played over the Bracken Course at Woodhall Spa with Waddington setting the early pace. Lossiemouth were only 6 points adrift as the 8 teams started the second day on the Hotchkin Course. In near perfect weather conditions for the time of year, high scoring proved hard to come by, but the Moray team proved the long journey south had been worth every minute of the hours on the road. And, as the team travelled back up the A9 on the following Saturday, all players could feel they had contributed to a truly great team performance.

PTC Spring Meeting 2005

The PTC Spring Meeting was held 21 Apr 05 at Sleaford Golf Club. Yet again Sleaford were excellent hosts and the staff went out of their way to ensure the day went smoothly.

With a field of 45 players, glorious sunshine and a well-presented course, the scene was set a for good day’s golf and a great start to the season.
The early lunchtime scores were impressive. Phil Farrow was the club house leader with 73, 3 shots clear of Martyn Dove and Steve Penrice on 76.
The afternoon round also produced some impressive scores. Baz McKee who was 4 shots back after the 1st round shot an outstanding 1 under par 71. Simon Gray with a morning round of 78 consolidated it with a very good 74 and a worthy runner-up and best net winner with 138. Baz McKee with two great rounds of 77 and 71 won the event with an overall score of 148.
Alistair Maxwell kindly took time out of his busy schedule to award the prizes. All players thoroughly enjoyed themselves on a day that produced the usual stories of what might have been.

RAF Henlow Wins First County Title

As Reported by the RAF News

2006

2006 Individual Championships Results

Dave Marshall & Sarah Purdy

Dave Marshall and Sarah Purdy have been crowned the 2006 RAFGA Individual Golf Champions after an excellent 3 days of competition at The Nairn Golf Club.

In fabulous weather conditions and at a superb venue with outstanding tees, fairways and greens 2 worthy champions have been produced.

Sqd Ldr Mike Lumsden – English Mid Amateur

Squadron Leader Mike Lumsdon was invited to represent Belgium as part of a 6-man entry in the English Open Mid-Amateur Championship known as the Logan Trophy at Hayling Golf Club, Hampshire, England.

HOLE IN ONE ON SAME ROUND

FORMER RAF squadron leader Mike Rudd is flying high and why not.

The two-handicap golfer got the brace to beat all one-shot wonders when he bagged two holes in one in one round. Indeed, Rudd posted his ace achievement with the same five iron and within five holes of the inward nine at his favourite Fulford Golf Club.

The dream double left the one-time flying ace speechless.

He told The Press: “To get one hole in one is big enough, but to get two in the same round well, it’s phenomenal. I was gob-smacked that’s the only way to describe how I felt.”

And he was equally stunned in that his momentous hole in one extravaganza was the first in the history of Fulford in the very year that the Heslington-based club is celebrating its centenary.

Rudd’s rampage on the back nine at Fulford came in the last of the two-round club championship and an incoming card that read: 1, 6, 4, 5, 1, 5, 7, 4 and 4.

After what he described as an awful’ opening round of 84, his second round was meandering along until he reached the par-three tenth.

“The five-iron was quite a good shot. I was pleased as soon as I hit it. Neither myself, nor the lads I was playing with, Chris Dale and Barry Hughes, saw it go in the hole, but we thought it might be close, When we got near and I saw that I had not shot through the green, then I knew it was in and there it was.”

Five holes later on the 14th, Rudd, who had struggled against a crosswind throughout the championship, opted to hit a three-quarter shot at a lower arc. Again his five-iron was a delight, he and his two playing partners watching it roll sweetly into the cup.

He recalled: “One of the lads said you’re not going to do it again are you? Then, when it went in it was kind of weird. There were no high fives or anything. In fact it was quite quiet, but from then on in my head was not quite on the golf. I was still thinking about those two shots.”

The double ace was his fifth in all his years of playing golf, the last ace in 1989 at Temple GC, near Maidenhead.

The only downside for Rudd is that he has no longer got the ball with which he completed his Fulford two to savour.

He explained that he was determined to remind himself to hang on to the memorable ball, but then he played it on the 16th and with his second shot he clipped the top of a tree, which spiralled the ball into the rough.

Currently the ground-staff at Fulford have been detailed to have a search for the history-making ball whenever they are anywhere near the offending 16th.

And back in the clubhouse was drinks all round thanks to Rudd, though he added that he had the safeguard of being in credit via Fulford’s hole-in-one weekly sweep.

Of the championship itself, Matthew Kelly retained his crown with a three-over-par 147 of which his morning round of 70 established a new record for the championship course at Fulford. Second was David Leaf on 150 (76 74) with Jamie Miller third on 152.

Junior member Daniel Leaf, playing off five, took the best nett prize with a score of 148.

Reported by The Press, Tony Kelly, June 2006

Number 1 Group Championships

Number 1 Group Championship golfers ventured to a very damp Holme Hall Golf Club in mid-May, a former RAF Champs venue, but the inclement weather could not dampen the spirits of competitors as the plucky field persevered under the grey Lincolnshire skies. Cottesmore’s James Bell produced the best 36-hole return including a final round of 73; little did he know that his final stroke – a chip-in for a birdie, would be enough to earn him the individual scratch trophy by the finest margin from the present RAF Champion, Deano Lewis. Superb sponsors Steve Nicholl from BAES and John Fryatt from MBDA were both on hand to present Bell with his just reward.

Holme Hall staff played superb hosts and furnished a course in excellent shape for this annual Team and Individual 36-hole event. The morning round saw four players jockey into contention with Al Moss on 73 at the front pursued by Bell and Jim Conway on 74 and Lewis a further shot adrift. The rest of the field had understandably spread out as they grappled with the difficult weather on the testing course. Worse conditions arrived as the afternoon round got under way and the expected forecast brought uncomfortable deluges which forced the morning round average higher by nearly 3 strokes. Moss (80) and Conway (82) were two who could not match their first round but Bell and Lewis both managed to card impressive 73s; it was Bell’s teasing 18th hole chip-in which proved invaluable as Lewis could only spectate from the clubhouse.

In the nett competition, Ian Lishman (H’cap 14) took the honours, and in doing so, defeated numerous single figure ‘big-guns’ with his 3 under par nett 139. The fact that both Bell and Lishman were from Cottesmore meant that they, along with Phil Murphy and Stu Davey, romped back to Rutland with the Team honours too, collecting some impressive prizes on the way. Seven strokes back were Coningsby A who mounted a sturdy title defence; their defeat allows them to hand the responsibility for arranging next year’s event to the worthy Cottesmore Team. Coningsby’s tremendous organisation was gratefully appreciated by all participants and, no doubt, the Rutland base will seek to invite generous sponsors BAES and MBDA to help make the 2007 Championships as thoroughly enjoyable as this year’s competition.

STC Strike A Results

STC Strike A Results Click Here

RAF Cyprus Championship 2006

The 2006 Royal Air Force (Cyprus) Golf Championships were held at the Joint Services Golf Club (Episkopi) where the course was groomed to perfection by Mr Tony Fox and his team of green keepers. The first 2 days were played in absolutely perfect weather conditions but on the final day the strong swirling winds totally changed the makeup of the course and provided a stiff test of golf for the 58 competitors, made up of both serving and ex-serving personnel.

2007

RAF Individual Champions

Darren Gould has been crowned the 2007 RAF Individual Champion. Darren from RAF Leuchars carded a 1 under par 71 and a 72 on the first day and followed it up with a 78 on day two. He led the field by 9 shots heading into the last round and was paired with last years’ winner and RAF Captain Dave Marshall. Darren finally won the event by 1 shot after and excellent battle with Dave who finished in second place.

Karen Swanston are the 2007 RAF Ladies champion with a total score of 259.

Strike Command Championships

STC A’s – Fulford – May 2007

Scratch Champ, Darren Gould with a score of 225 – Fulford

Paddy Mournian, Net Champ with a score of 222 – Fulford

2nd Scratch, Dean Lewis with a score of 232 – Fulford

3rd Scratch, Ben Spoor with a score of 235 – Fulford

Team Champs, RAF Coningsby; 475 – Fulford

Strike Command ‘A’ Team – Slideshow

PTC Championship Results

Dave Marshall has been crowned the PTC Champion for the third consecutive year with an excellent 36 hole score of 142 on the Avening Course at Minchinhampton Golf Club. In excellent weather and on a well-prepared course Dave recorded a 70 in the morning and a 72 in the afternoon. Ross Caldwell in second place shot 149 and the winner of the net competition was Richie Walters with a net score of 141.

In his presentation speech, Alistair Maxwell passed on the thanks of all players to Rob Noel for organising the event and to Minchinhampton Golf Club for hosting the competition and for the excellent facilities provided throughout the day.

Deano Lewis Wins 1 Group Champs

After missing out on the title last year by one-shot Deano Lewis wins this years 1 Group by the same margin

RAF Vs Norfolk

The Norfolk men put on a show of strength in depth when 18 of them turned out for the annual encounter against the RAF side.

The three-phase match at Sheringham was the first of their series of warm-up events and county second team captain Kevin Pratt remarked: “It was so good to see so many players out there.” The Norfolk men put on a show of strength in depth when 18 of them turned out for the annual encounter against the RAF side.

The three-phase match at Sheringham was the first of their series of warm-up events and county second team captain Kevin Pratt remarked: “It was so good to see so many players out there.”

The teams played a fourball betterball, followed by a foursomes match and finally a singles.

The RAF, captained by Norfolk player David Marshall, got off to a fast start and their early advantage was enough to see them emerge as overall winners. But Norfolk came back strongly and the final result was decided only when the last singles was played out.

The fourball series was claimed in emphatic style by the RAF who won

4-1. Marshall led from the front when he and his partner scored six birdies in the last eight holes. Meanwhile, Norfolk’s solitary success was an impressive one with Alex Beckett (Costessey Park) and Simon Locke (Royal Norwich) winning by 8/6.

The foursomes were closer, finishing 3-2 in favour of the RAF.

County champion

Dan Henderson and Craig Butler, both from Royal Norwich, were Norfolk’s top scorers with a 5/4 win.

By the time the singles were played Norfolk had shaken off any winter rustiness and romped to a 6½-3½ win. Pratt produced a fine 6/5 scoreline and Henderson beat Marshall 3/2.

In the end, Norfolk hopes rested with Simon Peckford of Thetford. If he could win the last hole to win his match it would square the scoreline overall. But he had to settle for a halved game and the RAF triumphed by 10½-9½.

“It was very competitive and a good comeback by Norfolk with some good golf played,” said Pratt.

Results. (Norfolk names first).

Fourball: Dan Henderson & Danny Chapmean lost to David Marshall & Stu Halliday 3/2. Alex Beckett & Simon Locke beat Chris Peacock & Richard Larratt 8/6. Joe Conway & Mark King lost to Billy McLeod & Ben Spoor 4/2. Steve Pratt & Dean Parker lost to Paddy Mournian & Liam Pucill 4/3. Kevin Pratt & Martin O’Brien lost to Mal Wray & Ross Caldwell 1 down.

Foursomes: Henderson & Craig Butler beat Wray & Halliday 5/4. Mark Eglington & Chase Davis halved with Marshall & Larratt. Conway & Stephen Chick lost to McLeod & Mournian 1 down. K Pratt & Stuart Ballingall halved with Spoor & Peacock. Simon Clark & Simon Peckford lost to Pucill & Caldwell 5/4.

Singles: Henderson beat Marshall 3/2., Eglinton beat Halliday 1 up. Clark lost to Larratt 2/1. Butler lost to Wray 1 down. Davis beat McLeod 3/2. K Pratt beat Mournian 6/5. Conway lost to Caldwell 1 down. Chick beat Pucill 3/1. Ballingall beat Spoor 4/3. Peckford halved with Peacock

As Reported by Eastern Daily Press

2008

South West Championships – Southerndown

RAF Championship 2008 Results

The RAF Individual Championship was held at Fulford Golf Club 30 Jun 08 to 02 Jul 08. 3 Days of fine weather and a golf course that was prepared to a very high standard set the stage for a field of 69 players to battle for the title.

This years’ men’s champion is Liam Pucill who shot 289 for 72 holes, 7 under the SSS and 3 shots clear of RAF Captain Dean Lewis who also won the Hine Trophy. The Portanova Trophy was won by Darren Gould and the Seletar Trophy was awarded to Stu Halliday.

Rachel McAlpine won the ladies event from Michelle Burgess in second place.

Fulford Golf Club extended a very warm welcome to all players and were excellent hosts for the event. A full report along with scores and photographs will follow shortly.

Match Results – Click Here

RAF Inter Region Championship

RAF Inter Region Championship Report 06-June-2008

Central Region have been crowned the first Inter Region Champions after 3 days of match play golf at The Lincoln Golf Club (Torksey) 2 – 4 Jun 08.

The whole event was sponsored by Goodrich and Sam MacLeod (UK Managing Director) was on hand to present to the trophy. Many thanks to Sam and Goodrich for their support.

10 players from each region; South East, South West, Central and North battled for points against each other playing foursomes matchplay in the morning and singles in the afternoon.

The second day of the event was hindered by heavy rain which saw a delayed start to the afternoon singles matches some of which were suspended until day 3 due to bad light.

In the end it was down to North and Central regions to contend for the title on day 3. As there was only 1 point between the two teams, Mal Wray (Central Region Captain) only needed a half to secure the title but in the end took the point with a 9 matches to 6 matches win over North who fought very hard.

Many thanks to all the members and staff at The Lincoln Golf Club who pulled out all the stops and closed the course for the event to ensure it went well. The catering was exceptional as was the assistance from all staff. The Greenkeepers are worthy of a special mention as they were on hand, during the very heavy rain, to ensure the greens remained playable for the foursomes matches. Without their dedication day 2 of the event would have been called off.

On behalf of all the players I would like to thank Phil Crossland who ran the event and managed the rain delay exceptionally well.

2008 RAF Match Results

2009

SE Championships Studley Wood

RAF ‘A’ Team Vs Army – 27 July 2009  – Studley Wood

The RAF ‘A’ team played a strong Army developmental team at Studley Wood Golf Club on Mon 27 Jul 09. The 10-man teams played 4-ball better-ball in the rain of the morning, followed by singles matches in the sunny afternoon on an excellently prepared Studley course. After the morning session, the RAF ‘A’ trailed by 2 matches to 3 but were quietly confident entering the afternoon singles, in much improving weather. However, the strength and experience of the Army team, including the current Army champion (who, in Rick Smart, is uniquely also a past RAF golf champion) and at least one other former Army champion, proved too much for the hard-battling RAF players. The Army team dominated afternoon proceedings with only John Duke, recently returned from Cyprus, picking up a victory while Glen Roberts was unlucky not to convert his 1/2 point into a win. Unfortunately, captain for the day and RAF golf stalwart, Mal Wray, playing his last competitive RAF match was forced to withdraw during the afternoon round with a recurring wrist injury. Our best wishes go to Mal Wray as he leaves the RAF.

Morning 4-ball better-ball:

• Adam Thornhill & John Duke (Lost 1 down)
• Jago Jones-Rogers & Neil Warwick (Won 4 & 3)
• Nat Simpson & Steve Beveridge (Won 6 & 5)
• Alex Stones & Glen Roberts (Lost 4 & 3)
• Mal Wray & Mark Slinger (Lost 1 down)

Afternoon Singles:

• John Duke (Won 6 & 5)
• Glen Roberts (halved)
• Remainder of team (Lost)

Final Match Score:

• RAF ‘A’ = 3.5 pts; Army = 11.5 pts

RAF Vs Army – July 2009 – Studley Wood

RAF Vs Army – 2009 – Studley Wood

RAF Team Manager, Cass Singleton with Chris Colley (Pride) & Army Manager, Paul Vernam

Inter-Region Torksey – 2009

This year’s event took place over 1- 3 June 2009 at the Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey.

Following the completion of the Regional events some 40 golfers, from the North of Scotland to Germany, had been selected to represent their respective Regions in the second running of this event. Day 1 arrived with a fair breeze and scorching temperatures. The North opened their challenge by taking on the South-East with the Central and South-West regions playing each other. The results went to form with the North and Central regions winning 10–5 and 13–2 respectively. The second day would see the 2 winners playing that days losers.

Day 2 arrived and unlike last year’s near washout the sun was still out: however, with little wind to cool the players, it was hotter than the previous day. The matches again went the way of the form book with the North beating the South-West 9–6 and the Central boys turning over the South-East 9½-5½.

The final day saw some much welcomed cloud cover as some players looked rather crispy on the outside. The North and Central were playing a winner-takes-all head-to-head and, after the morning foursomes, the two teams could not be separated at 2½ points each. However the afternoon session was a different story and with the Central team taking the singles 7–3. Accordingly, the Central region won the match 9½-5½ and with it the trophy for the 2nd year in succession. In the bottom of the table clash the South-East comfortably beat the South-West 12½-2½. At the back of the field the RAFGA Execs recorded a sneaky victory against the Sponsors.

Inter Region Slideshow

Inter Region Torksey 2009

Wg Cdr Dave Chowns and Central Region captain, Paul Holliday, with Russell Coleman and Dave Marshall of Goodrich.

Inter Region Torksey – Winning Team – Central Region

With the conclusion of another great competition our thanks must go to the event Sponsors Goodrich, Chemring Countermeasures and the RAF Sports Lottery. Thanks must also go to the Staff and Members of the Lincoln Golf Club who again made us feel extremely welcome. Finally, those players who qualify from the respective regions are invited back for next year’s competition which will be held over the period 2–4 June 2010 again at Lincoln Golf Club.

Full Results

2009 RAF Championships – Trevose

The RAF Golfing community descended on North Cornwall for the first time since 2004 and returned the Championships to Trevose after a 7 year gap.

61 Men, 7 Ladies, Sponsors from Chemring Countermeasures, Thales and EADS DS as well as 2 DSBs (yes 2) attended this years Championships. I cannot confirm that this is a first for golf, to have 2 Director Sports Board (DSB) at an event; however, I can confirm that it has not happened in recent memory as AVM Chris Davison has been DSB for the past 8 years. It shows the high regard that the AVM has for RAF Golf that he chose to spend 4 days with us doing his handover to the new DSB (Air Cdre Barry Doggett).

Trevose issues have been well understood over the past few months and it had not been an easy decision to leave the Championships where they were. Credit must go to the Director of RAF Golf (Stu Halliday) for making that brave decision and whilst they were not the best greens I’ve ever seen they certainly were not the worst. The Head Greenkeeper, Neil Taylor hand cut the greens to 3 mm each morning and double ironed them making sure that they rolled true and quick and as such they did not detract from the competition.

Monday morning saw the start of a busy day with the first of the men teeing off at 07:40 with a calmer wind than the practice day and in an opposite direction. The forecast was for dry, warm conditions however; in line with the first day tradition the early starters saw rain. At lunch tales of woe abounded the clubhouse (especially regarding escaping some of the new bunkers) however “Local Lad” Steve Davies lead the field with a 4 under par score of 68 and could have been better but for a bogey on the last. Chris Audin (the winner at Trevose in 2002) shot a creditable 73 and was the nearest challenger with Steph Usher on 75 and Ian Graham, Alex Stones, Billy MacLeod and Martyn Dove a shot back on 76.

The afternoon saw the sun come out and with the Trevose course definitely playing “Linksy” the key to making the cut would be distance control and bunker play. Some noticeable names were in danger of not being in the top 30 and ties.

Davies retained his lead but after having RAF old boy Mark Blaber on his bag for the afternoon his score of 80 brought him back to the field. Chris Audin was now in joint second with the RAF Captain (Dean Lewis) who had improved from his morning round with a 3 over par 75. Darren Gould had not yet managed to go “Deep” but his afternoon score of 73 was 8 better and moved him up 15 places to 4th. Adam Spear shot the rounds other low score of 73 and following his morning round of 81 moved up some 20 places.

The pre tournament betting list showing the top 7 was shaping up however there were two noticeable names missing; Stu Halliday and Billy MacLeod had both made the cut but following an 83 each they were off the pace. With the cut at 168 some 31 golfers would contest a further 2 rounds for the right to be crowned this years Men’s Champion.

Day 2 saw calm and dry conditions with the sun out and the temperatures rising. The Non-qualifiers went out in a scratch stableford competition which was won by Mal Wray with a 4 over par score with Ian Robinson and John Crawford one shot back. Mention must go to Nige Bottomley who finished 4th in the Stableford competition with the assistance on a Hole-in-One on the 225 yard par 3, 11th (with a 3 wood). This left the Membership Scheme worse off and his card is on its way to Keith Watt for the money.

The VIPs and Sponsors had gone out after the stableford and with the main competition not teeing off until 13:00 it would be interesting to see how the greens played following half a day’s growth. Round 3 is the traditional “moving day” and some players needed to score low to push for Inter-Service selection. The searing heat of the afternoon was proving to be too much for some but no hole attracted a double figure score as in the previous 2 rounds or would do in the last.

The best score of the round saw 3 players shoot a 74. Chris Audin continued to push the leader, Steph Usher moved in to the top 3 showing the potential that others had recognised in him throughout the season and Stu Halliday was moving ominously up the field but his round one 83 had left him 10 shots back. Steve Davies shot a 75 leaving him 3 shots clear. Ian Graham remained in the top 10 with his 3rd round of 76 and Andy Moss was creeping up the leader board and showed no ill effects from the bruising he had received whilst getting stuck in a window as he took the unconvential route of entering his accommodation through the window rather than the door.

The afternoon round also saw a first for a while; 10 VIPs, Officials and Sponsors marched out on to the course to watch the action from the various vantage points that Trevose offers. This was welcomed by the players and as all started to congregate around the last few holes the hold up on the 15th tee gave the players the opportunity to talk to the Sponsors without distracting them from the job at hand.

To Day 3 and Round 4; with the leaders teeing off at 10:00 the greens and light wind would offer no excuse although the inevitable pressure of winning, being in the top 5 and potential Inter-Service selection for any new boys might.

Stu Halliday continued his impressive run with a one over 73. Billy MacLeod shot the low round score (level par) 72 as did the RAF Captain, Dean Lewis. Stu and Billy both rueing their Day 1 scores but in true Scottish style shrugged it off as one of life’s mysteries. Both did however; secure top 5 places thus guaranteeing selection for the Inter-Services. Gordon Scarratt, back in his first Champs for a while shot a 74 to secure a top 10th place.

The disaster of the day has to go to Steph Usher who slipped out of contention with a disastrous 5th hole in which in the finest traditions of golf and sportsmanship he called a penalty on himself when others may have not. It is not for me to single out one specific player but over the past 18 months I have witnessed this individual develop into a RAF Golfer with huge potential and someone who will play Inter-Service golf without doubt. So take away from this experience that it was one bad hole out of 72.

With Lewis as the clubhouse leader on 302 the Northern Region Director, Ian Robinson, was seen sprinting up the 18th. There had been no dramas to date so the assembled masses wondered what the problem could be. “What are the rules on a play off”? he asked. This hadn’t even entered the thou