August Junior Medal

The August Junior Medal was played yesterday in tricky conditions with a strong wind blowing. Ten players competed for the medal. The winner with a superb nett 67 was Will Green (12hcp). Runner-up was Jack Unsworth (11hcp) who just beat Chris Richardson (22hcp) on countback after both carded a nett 70. Fourth place went to Conor Dick (4hcp) who scored nett 71 and also the lowest gross of the day.
Full result - click here.

The monthly Junior medals (as well as the Junior Club Championship) are the main counting events for the Junior Masters trophy presented at the end of the calendar year. With four medals still to count, this year's trophy is still very close with probably six players still in contention. Joe Bell currently leads the way just 3 points ahead of Conor Dick, closely followed by Charlie Butler and Max Nicholls.
For full details - click here.

NRGC vs Hennerton GC

Newbury Racecourse GC beat Hennerton Golf Club at the Racecourse today by 3 1/2 - 2 1/2 in very windy conditions. All the players enjoyed the challenge and all the matches were very close.
I would like to thank Hennerton for the matches played this year and we will add the fixture to next years calendar as both games were played in a friendly manner and enjoyed by all.

I would like to thank all the members for playing in the matches during my term as Vice Captain and it was nice to finish with a win. I will give full support to all the matches again next season, if I get selected to play of course.

Thanks also to Fiona and her staff for all the great food served this year and the green staff for making the course playable.

Anyone interested in taking on the role as Vice Captain for next season please feel free to come and have a chat.

John Graham

Thursday Evening League

Today was the final day of this year's Thursday Evening League. Starting from last May, 10 teams of 8 players have played 9-hole Stableford rounds on Thursday evenings, culminating in today's 18-hole finale and prize giving.

The standard of play has been high throughout the 14 weeks with many players receiving double-digit reductions to their TEL handicap. John Baron, Shaun Irlam, Charlie Butler, Lizzie Swallow and Ian Martinez received 10-shot reductions during the competition, Sandy Deacon and Ian Folwell earned 11-shot reductions and Matt Baillie a whopping 12-shots. Many players got down to single-figure handicaps, but special mention to Lizzie Swallow and Joe Bell who got down to zero, Lloyd Childs and George Stockley to -1 and particularly Charlie Butler and Ian Martinez who achieved -5. Imagine having to shoot gross 66 to score 36 points !!!!

On to the prize winners ...

Over the course of the 13 weeks of Thursday 9-hole evening rounds there are prizes awarded for the best 5 individual scores. Always a tight and challenging part of the competition, this years winner was Matt Baillie with a superb score of 102. Runner-up was Lizzie Swallow who just beat Sandy Deacon on best average score after both tied on 100 points.


Today's finale was also an 18-hole individual competition. The winner was Tony Grove with 39 points. Second with 38 points was Matt Heffy. Third place was decided on countback with Alan Irlam just beating Max Nicholls and Paul Hyde after all three scored 37 points.


Finally, the league itself. This was a very close competition this year and the result was not decided until all today's scores were processed. In the end, it was a repeat result of last year with team Easily Second (101 points) just beating Allsorts by 3 points. Colts and Fillies claimed third spot another 3 points further back.
For full details - click here.

Thanks to Nick and Lorraine for organising this unique and successful event and we hope it will be as successful again next year.

NRGC vs Witney Lakes

Apologies to all but the match due to be played on 4th September has had to be cancelled due to Witney Lakes being unable to field a team. We will try again next year.

NRGC Junior Ryder Cup

NRGC vs Hennerton GC

Date: Sunday 29th August 2010
Venue: Newbury Racecourse

Team and Tee Times (all from 1st tee)
11:00 John Graham & John Butcher
11:08 Russell Bowers & Andrew Buchanan
11:16 Dean Butler & TBA
11:24 Jim Purvis & Jeremy Twaits
11:32 Dave Warwick & Roy Whiting
11:40 Jon Miller & Mark Richardson

£10 per head
Tea/Coffee on arrival
2 course meal served afterwards
Smart casual dress to be worn around the club house

Any queries - please contact john.graham@nrgc.co.uk

AGM

NEWBURY RACECOURSE GOLF CLUB

16TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 16th Annual General Meeting of the members of Newbury Racecourse Golf Club will be held in the Club House on Wednesday 22nd September 2010 at 7.30pm.
Members wishing to submit resolutions for this meeting must do so in writing to the Secretary (Nick Mitchell) by Wednesday 1st September 2010.

John Graham will assume the position of Club Captain as laid down by the constitution.

Maria Tillett will assume the position of Lady Captain as laid down by the constitution.

Nominations for the following committee positions, each proposed and seconded, should be submitted to the Secretary (Nick Mitchell) in writing by Wednesday 8th September 2010.

• Vice Captain
• Lady Vice Captain
• Senior Captain
• Handicap Secretary
• Competitions Secretary
• Junior Organiser
• Treasurer
• Junior Captain
• IT Officer
• Press Officer
• Admin Officer

Nomination forms may be obtained from any Committee member or ask at the Clubhouse.

Thursday Evening League Final Day

After another successful summer of Evening League matches, the final week is almost here. Next Thursday 26th Aug is the last of the evening games closely followed by the final day on Saturday 28th August. The final day is an 18-hole event with all players from each team eligible to play. Each team has been allocated four separate tee-times from both 1st and 10th tees. The points scored on this day will count towards the league but not the "Best 5" competition. The league is the closest it has been for a few years with the top 8 still in contention.

For tee times on the final day - click here.

How-Did-I-Do

For those that don't know, at NRGC we use a system called Club2000 to administer our Membership, Competitions and Handicaps. One of the benefits of using this system is the information available to you on-line via How-Did-I-Do (HDID).
For example:

• Access to your online playing record
• Print your own CONGU handicap certificate
• Access to detailed competition results, course stats and handicap lists
• Personal competition results and handicap change notification via e-mail
• Detailed analysis of your competition rounds - hole-by-hole
• And much more.

... and all this is FREE !!!

You just need to register on the HDID site.
Go to http://www.howdidido.co.uk/ click on the "Register" button in the left column, fill in a few details and away you go. Why not try it !?!?

Racecourse Cup

The Racecourse Cup Stableford was played today from the White/Red tees. Although there was a stiff southerly breeze blowing, conditions were favourable for scoring and the leaders took full advantage. The winner was Jeremy Twaits (21hcp) scoring 42 points. This is Jeremy's second win of the season having already captured the Bogey Competition trophy. Runner-up was Club Captain John Butcher (17hcp) who scored 40 points just beating Ian Folwell (14hcp) into third place on countback.
Full result - click here.

August Weekday Stableford

Nineteen players (17 men and 2 ladies) competed in this months Weekday Stableford on Thu 19th and Fri 20th August. The scoring was outstanding with the top three players all scoring 40+ points and receiving handicap reductions for their efforts.
The winner was Gary Crosby with an incredible 47 points. Runner-up was Chris Richardson with 44 points followed by Jamie Prater on 42 points.
Full result - click here.

Quiz Night

Parker Hart Four-ball

Eighteen pairings competed for the Parker Hart Four-ball Trophy today. Following nearly a week of on-and-off rain, the weather was really kind to us - warm and sunny (at times). Unfortunately, due to some unexpected "obstructions" on the 18th fairway, the competition had to be played over 17 holes. As this was a better-ball strokeplay event, to prevent everyone being disqualified by the computer, each pairing was given a nett par 5 for the 18th.
The winners were father and son team Tony & Danny Glover who just pipped John Baron and John Day on countback (front 3) after both teams scored a splendid nett 64. Third place went to father and daughter team of Trevor & Lucy Mortimer on nett 65 with Mark & Chris Richardson one stroke further back.
Full result - click here.

Scratch Team vs Donnington Valley

The team played at Sandford Springs today.
Could not be closer with every match ending in a 1 hole win, but another frustrating day losing 5-2. George and Lloyd lost the last hole to lose 1 down, Conor and Curtis lost the last 2 holes to only win 1up and Tony and Joe made a birdie at the 18th to lose 1 down. The last hole cost us a 5 - 2 win)!!

Chris Moore.

Junior Club Championship

The 36-hole Junior Club Championship was played yesterday in a strong westerly breeze testing all the players. Although only a small-ish field, the eleven players (10 boys and 1 girl) represented the "cream" of Junior golf at Newbury Racecourse and the scoring on the day did not disappoint.

After round 1, it was clear there would be no run-away victory by anyone. Lloyd Childs led the way with a superb level par gross 71 closely followed by Charlie Butler and Conor Dick both on 72. Joe Bell and Lizzie Swallow were also in contention just 3 off the lead both carding gross 74. The nett prize was also very close after round 1 with Lloyd Childs, Max Nicholls and Charlie Butler separated by just one shot.
With a few holes to go in the second round, it looked like a play-off might be required, however it was not to be. After the scores were registered, 3 shots separated the top five places. Charlie Butler was the eventual winner on 144 (72+72). Runner-up was Conor Dick (72+73). Third was Lloyd Childs (71+75) closely followed by Lizzie Swallow and Joe Bell who carded identical rounds (74+73).
The nett prize went to the ever-improving Max Nicholls on countback from the luckless Conor Dick - both scored 135. One shot further back were 3 players. Guy Farrier claimed third place, again on countback from Charlie Butler and Lloyd Childs.

Full gross result - click here.
Full nett result - click here.

Thank-you to all the people who made this event a success.

Wendy Seymour 24/3/1962 - 31/7/2010

It is with great sadness that we report that following her long, brave fight, Wendy who was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday morning 31st July 2010. Wendy was a loving wife, caring mother and fantastic friend to so many and will be sadly missed by all. She will be will be forever in our thoughts and we will treasure all her lasting memories.

A message from Paul and Dan:
At this sad time please try if you can to think of the good times and remember that time will ease your sorrows. With deepest sympathy, God bless you Wendy.

Wendy is now back in the Chapel of Rest and the funeral will take place next Monday 16th Aug 2010 at 2pm St Georges Church, Wash Common, Newbury. The committal will take place at West Berks Crematorium, Thatcham at 3pm. A reception wake will take place afterwards at the Newbury Golf Centre.

All arrangements by Camp Hopson Undertakers 01635 522210.
I have set up a web page in memory of Wendy anyone wishing to make a donation can do so on her page. http://www.justgiving.com/wendy-seymour

Paul Seymour.

Seniors Fourball Salver

Eighteen teams contested the Seniors Fourball Salver today. After a wet day yesterday, we were treated to a nice, warm and dry day today. This mixed gender strokeplay competition was played from the white/red tees with 3/4 handicap and, as usual, the scores was very good.

The winners were Raymond Bilton & Lesley Cratchley with a great score of 65. Runners-up and two strokes behind (67) were Rod Spring & Marian Taylor. Third place went to Andrew Buchanan & Monty Norman one stroke further back (68).
Full result - click here.

Men's Member/Guest Day

This year's competition will be held on Sunday 19th September 2010.
Closing date for entries is 12th September.

As in previous years, the format is Fourball Betterball Strokeplay off 3/4 handicap from the white tees. Entry fee is £44 per pair to include tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival and a 2-course carvery meal after play.

For more details and an entry form click here.

Seniors vs Theale

On Friday 6th August, NRGC Seniors played the inaugural friendly at home against Theale Seniors and, after a close competition, the result finished 4-3 in favour of the Racecourse.
Winning pairings were: Jim Green & Derrick Perrin (2 & 1), Raymond Bilton & Steve Thompson (7 & 5), John Christopher & Barrie Heath (2 & 1) and Ray Tillen & Richard Hook (3 & 2). Nearest the pin went to home player Jim Green, with Theale's Eddie Thorpe taking the longest drive.

August Medal

With perfect weather and the course in excellent condition, 29 men and 10 ladies competed for the August medals today. Once again there were some very good scores returned.

Division 1
The winner of the top division this month was Jim Purvis (10hcp) scoring a nett 65 - Jim's first medal at the club. Runner-up was Shaun Irlam (11hcp) with nett 68. Two shots behind in 3rd was Club Champion Curtis MacGeever (4hcp) who just beat Phil Knight (11hcp) on countback. Curtis's gross 74 was the lowest of the day.
Full result - click here.

Division 2
The second division was decided on countback with Tim Mcauley (14hcp) just beating last month's medal winner David Warwick (13hcp) on the back 9 after both carded nett 65's. David's 78 was the lowest gross in this division. In third place was Ian Folwell (15hcp) with nett 66 followed by last month's runner-up Geoff Denner (17hcp) on nett 69.
Full result - click here.

Division 3
Jeremy Twaits (22hcp) captured his second Div 3 medal of the year scoring nett 68 and recording the lowest gross in this division. Runner-up was Aubrey Phillips (21hcp) on nett 71 followed by Mike Lucey (23hcp) with nett 74.
Full result - click here.

Ladies
More great scoring in the ladies section this month. Sandra Chamberlain (20hcp) took the honours with a superb nett 64. Following her win in the Newbury & Crookham Ladies Championship yesterday, Ladies Club Champion Lizzie Swallow (4hcp) fired another splendid round of nett 65 to take 2nd place. Third place went to Karen Hugo (27hcp) who carded a nett 69.
Full result - click here.

Scratch Team vs Weybrook Park

The team played at Caversham Heath on Sat 7th Aug.
Golf can be a cruel game. We matched Weybrook player for player ... hole by hole ... sadly resulting in a very close 6 - 1 defeat.
Ian hit 2 great shots when 2 up with three to play and watched them both go just long into very difficult places resulting in a halved match. Charlie and Conor battled back from 3 down to go one up only to see the game snatched at the death. Tony and Jim were 2 up and had a few bad breaks to lose 1 down.
Weybrook Park are a very strong side and this performance proves that we are now as good as any side in our division.

Chris Moore.

Monty says "Thank-you"

You may remember that one of our senior members (Monty Norman) undertook the "longest day" challenge back in June.

This entailed playing four rounds of golf (72 holes) at the Racecourse in one day.

With help from some of the other members who played alongside him at various times of the day, Monty successfully completed the challenge.

Monty raised £900 for his chosen charity (Macmillan Cancer Care) and has asked me to to say a big thank-you on his behalf to all the members of NRGC who sponsored him and helped him on the day.

Well done Monty.

Seniors August Medal

The August Senior Medal was played today. Conditions were nice at the start and the end of the rounds, but in between there were heavy thunder showers. Play was suspended due to lightning for a while and a number of players then went back out to complete their rounds.

Twenty-eight players competed for the medals and as there were only three lady competitors it was played a a single mixed-gender medal. Eleven players didn't complete their rounds due to the adverse weather conditions.

Runaway winner of the gold medal was Monty Norman (19hcp) with a superb nett 64. Six shots behind was runner-up and winner of the silver medal Barry Heath (17hcp). Gordon Turner (28hcp) was third with a creditable 72.
Full result - click here.

Deanwood Park GC vs NRGC

NRGC played our annual away match at Deanwood Park GC today, 10 men and 6 ladies took part, unfortunately we lost 6 - 2, with wins for Bob Stevenson & Roy Whiting as well as Andrew Buchanan.
The atmosphere was fantastic and all the friends from each club mixed well together to ensure a stress free day was had by all, a point echoed at the presentation and raffle draw.
This was the best organised away match I have played in and I enjoyed my round and food afterwards.
I would like to thank Tony Grove again for collecting the monies due for the match, and to all my players who turned up again and supported me and the club again.
I will be placing the sheet up for our men's match at home to Hennerton GC on the 29th Aug, 11am first tee, and the mixed match at Witney Lakes, 10am first tee, which will also include 4 juniors, I will be giving preference to the players who supported me at all the matches during the year for both these matches.
Thanks again to all the players for making the day enjoyable.

John Graham.

Scratch Team v Wokefield Park

The team played at Sandmartins on Sat 31 July.
The club has finally 'notched up' a 7-0 win against Wokefield Park (first in the history of the club).
This result has taken us to 3rd place in the league, only 4 points from 'top spot'. A win against the leaders Weybrook Park next week COULD put us in the lead
The TEAM are playing for each other and are developing a "will to win" mentality and it is good to see the younger players becoming more resilient to the 'various pressures' of foursomes. I believe promotion is now within our grasp.

Chris Moore.