GC Club Champions Day

On a hot, humid day with thunderstorms a possibility the club hosted the EACF GC Club Champions tournament which this year attracted 14 entrants from 9 of the clubs based in the region, and which was under the management of local member Terrey Sparks, the Federation’s tournament organiser.

Split into two sections playing singles with 6 partaking in the level play and 8 in the handicap (Advantage) section, due to the humid heat play at first was predominantly slow, but determined and of a high standard. However, following a short rain shower mid-morning the humidity reduced to a more palatable level and the speed of the games increased.

Overall in the level play section, despite attracting several high calibre players, the group was dominated by Ross Bagni of the Leighton Linslade club who being undefeated was the undisputed winner.

In the handicap section, using the recently introduced Advantage rules, play continued at a slower rate as the players got used to the plus and minus positions of the game, but overall they coped quite well. Using the Cross Block format, in Block ‘A’ local member David Boxell was undefeated, winning all of his 5 games, whilst in Block ‘B’ things were not so clear cut with Richard Keighley of Wrest Park and Bill Ironside of Leighton Linslade being on 3 wins each. Based on net hoops Richard was declared the winner of the block by 1 hoop. In the following final tie between Richard and David, despite being a very close game, Richard always held the edge with David nearly turning it around. However, after a very long day in the heat tiredness came into play and Richard ran out the overall group winner 7–5.

Overall it was agreed a very good day's Golf Croquet played on well prepared lawns, and thanks go to the members of the club for providing the refreshments and a very welcome tea.

Report by Terrey Sparks