ROMILEY

GOLF CLUB

May & June, 2019

Elliot Symonds

Winner 25th/26th May, 2019

All Winners’ Trophy

Girls’ Golf Rocks Rocked!! Sunday, 12th May, 2019

For some time now flyers have been dotted around everywhere and we have heard people talking about the Girls Golf Rocks event that took place here. After months of planning and preparation, it did not disappoint. We could not have asked for better weather; an absolute necessity when hosting a golf event for children. It was even more pleasing to see the event fully booked with 20 girls aged from 6 to 13 taking part. After a short get-together with all the parents and children to explain what would be happening, myself and my amazing helpers, Diane Houghton and Heather Denton, took the girls up to the practice ground where all the games and activities were set up. This included a miniature driving range, chipping target practice and various putting games. For the next two hours the girls were able to experience every game that had been set out for them. They all seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. Hopefully, this experience has provided them with more awareness of golf and what this fantastic sport that we love can offer them. A special thank you to all those who helped arrange and organise the day: Lady Captain Janet McRoberts, Anne Harrison, Elsie Heyward, Diane Houghton and Heather Denton. The help you provided was fantastic and without you this day would not have been possible. Alex White Professional

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Dunham Forest Match, Sunday, 12th May, 2019

First Round Victory

Sunday saw our Dunham Forest team back in action in the first round of this year’s prestigious knock out competition after we, thankfully, received a bye in the preliminary round. Looking to build on last year’s runners up finish and our biggest ever squad of qualifying players, I think that this time round we were looking forward to getting our campaign under way against our first round opponents, Crompton and Royton GC. Playing at home I truly believe we can beat anyone but it is always nice to do it the easy way. And that is exactly what happened as we won 4 of the first 5 matches on the way to a comfortable 5 –2 victory.

It is great to get our first scalp and, as Team Captain, it was a great performance by everyone involved. Special congratulations go to Henry Beischer playing in his first match and to Rob Edwards, a returning RGC member, for returning to the team after several years’ absence. Well done, guys! Alex White, Team Captain and golfing correspondent

Denton Exchange Day, Saturday, 11th May, 2019

1st Colin Granby Ken Wykes Eddie Howson Steve Lawton 76

2nd Ian Smith Steve Hogg Geoff Ellam Duncan Challen 75

3rd Colin Davies Mike Clarke Brook Snape Billy Whittaker 75

Ladies’ Medal, Thursday, 16th May, 2019

1st Rebecca Byle 87-14=73 2nd Pauline Walker 93-18= 75 3rd Diane Houghton 92-17=76

Professional’s Prize to the Ladies, Thursday, 30th May, 2019

1st: Denise Booth 2nd: Rebecca Byle 3rd: Hilary Craven 85-11=74 88-14=74 90-14=76

Evening Mixed, Friday, 17th May, 2019

9 & DINE

It’s back, the fun filled, action packed 9 hole competition where the ladies and men join forces in teams of four and battle it out over varying formats, followed by drinks, a meal and presentation.

The season’s first 9 and Dine was played on a Friday evening (usually Saturday evenings) and a fantastic turnout assured that the starting sheet was full, demonstrating the continued popularity for this event. Once again it was superbly organised by Anne and Steve Harrison (with help from Graham in the Pro Shop), and it is thanks to them that the 9 and Dines continue.

Despite the absence of the Steward/ess (due to take up post early June 2019) the catering was provided by Café 29, and was overseen by Rose whilst Zak covered the bar. A big thank you is due to them for ensuring the evening passed off smoothly, despite experiencing a very busy afternoon with a Vets’ match v Davenport also taking place.

The course was in good condition, the weather stayed dry and everyone teed off on time.

Result

Steve got the presentation under way by announcing that the scoring was generally good but there was one stand out score from the eventual winners.

The winners with 51 points were BBBB’s team of himself (Birthday Boy Bill Barrow) and with Joan and Carl Mellor. Not a bad way to round off the week for Bill and Carl as that week they had been to Nefyn with the Romiley Brash Lads and Forest Pines as guests of Werneth Low Vets section, and picked up a bit of cash winnings along the way!

In second place with 49 points after a card play off were Ray and Sandra Hayes with Steve and Anne Harrison.

In third place with 49 points were Harvey Purcer and Lady Vice Captain with Gill Walker and Phil Normanton.

The next 9 & Dine takes place on Saturday, 29th June. Look out for the starting sheet on the noticeboard to ensure your place. As always, guests are more than welcome to play, or just enjoy a meal or both.

Steve Denton

May Monthly Medal, Saturday, 18th May, 2019 Division One

1st Brook Snape 72-2=70 2nd Matt Reid 76-5=71 3rd John Allman 74-2=72 Division Two

1st Brian Valentine 81-12=69 2nd Richard Hale 82-11= 71 3rd Joe Smith 80-8=72 Division Three

1st Lee Hopkins 87-18=69 2nd Stephen Reel 88-19=69 3rd Kevin Bennett 87-16 = 71 Division Four

1st James Peover 94-23= 71 2nd Billy Whittaker 94-22=73 3rd Ken Wykes 95-22=73

Romiley Golf Club Juniors v Reddish Vale Juniors

1st Round, Derbyshire and Cheshire Junior Knock Out

Sunday, 19th May, 2019

Congratulations to a young, talented and improving team from Reddish Vale Golf Club. Their 4 –1 victory was well deserved with Alex Jones being our Club’s only winner. The last match out was our Junior Captain, Brook Snape, playing the Reddish Vale Junior Captain, Daniel Myers. Brook would be rueing his win the previous day when his handicap went down from 2.0 to 1.4. His opponent, Daniel, was playing off 4 and is just 13 years old. Brook felt he played out of his skin but lost on the 18th. A titanic match. Despite losing, Aaron Bardsley and Dylan James came off smiling and put their loss down to “a learning experience.” Our other team member was Brad Snape who, as soon as he had finished, raced off to go and open the bowling for Romiley Cricket Club.

Reddish Vale Golf Club Juniors

Callum Smith, Josh Beeby, Harry Darby, Daniel Myers (Captain)

Cole and Luke Parkinson (front)

Romiley Golf Club Juniors

Brook Snape, Brad Snape Alex Jones, Aaron Bardsley, Dylan James

Romiley Vets v Davenport Seniors … 17.05.19

The warm, sunny weather of recent days had been replaced by cloudy skies and a cool breeze as the teams met. For most it was back to warmer clothing, although Harvey Purcer and Steve Harrison were brave enough to display lengths of leg beneath their shorts; later others regretted not following their example as the sunshine made a welcome return.

The course looked good from the start and further exploration led the visitors to be fulsome in their praise of the conditions, the fairways, greens and bunkers (!) all exciting envious comments from the Davenport members. In the first match, Chairman Chris and Steve Harrison had a tough battle with their opposite numbers before narrowly missing out. Barry Johnson with Frank Forrester and opponents followed, and the home pair were successful, registering the first Romiley win of the day. Myself and Kevin Ogden, desperate to atone for our miserable performance when paired at Houldsworth, set off well. Kevin won 2 of the first 3 to put us in control and, despite a worrying visitors’ fightback around the turn, we broke away later to seal a very good 3 & 2 win.

The stories from everywhere were mixed and hopes that Chris could finally break his duck were high, only to be dashed towards the end. Later, in the dining room, Chris welcomed the visitors (a little belatedly, it must be admitted) and delved into his capacious black book of stories, providing us with a selection of four, including advice to ladies about how to react in an emergency (apply to him for further details)!

When called upon to give the result, the Chairman of Davenport announced that rare thing, a genuine honourable draw – 4 v 4. Ah well, it’s a step on the upward ladder! This was after an imported, but still tasty, meal of lasagne, garlic bread and salad followed by a choice of gateaux. All in all, it was a good day… and has the corner of this troubled season finally been turned ?

Keith Selby

Peter Allan Chris Steve

Leary Burck Broster Harrison

Romiley Golf Club v St Anne’s Old Links GC, Sunday, 19th May, 2019

Let us start with a rare occurrence at St Anne’s Old Links GC - Romiley actually won!! 4 games to 3. It does make the day so much better. On the Sunday morning each pairing from the clubs play a “friendly” 9 hole match against their afternoon opponents in the match proper. For our Professional, Alex White, it was a sad occasion as it was his last game at St Anne’s representing Romiley GC. The return match is on Sunday, 22nd September, 2019, by which time he will have settled into his new home and job. However, Alex did finish with a win with his partner, Mr President, Peter Milnes. New members, particularly, should make sure they keep an eye on the boards in the locker room to check the dates for next year’s St Anne’s Old Links match. As long as they can play in both the home AND away match they would be most welcome. It is certainly one of the highlights of the year and an event treasured by both Clubs. Colin Davies, your reporter, confessed that he took advantage of the match by staying over on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and managed to squeeze in 81 holes. Your editor is exhausted just typing it out!

David Stanhope Colin Davies Dave Blood

Captain, St Anne’s GC VC, RGC Captain and Chairman, RGC

Alex White John Murray Peter Milnes

Pro, RGC St Anne’s, Organiser Supreme President, RGC

Romiley Vets at Chapel-en-le-Frith Away Day, Thursday, 23rd May, 2019

24 RGC vets gathered at Chapel-en-le Frith GC in an Exchange Day. Our peerless organiser, Ian Bainbridge, ensured a fabulous day on an excellent course. As always he did it with nonchalant ease.

This regular trio of John Knighton, Nigel Ingle and Malcolm Booker were worthy winners of the team prize.

John Knighton was the individual winner and was the first to choose from the 19 bottles of wine available to the first 19 scores!!! Al Martin was an excellent second.

Paul Quinn set an exemplary example of “casual smart” draped in his Pierre Cardin jacket and ensemble

The last 5 from the 24 players had a special surprise as the Vets’ Chairman, Chris Broster, had provided a large keg of Speckled Hen. A random draw was made of their five cards and the happy winner was none other than your editor, who later tried to convince his wife that it was first prize.

View from the first tee as Joergen Frederiksen trudges to his drive.

John Glynn Mike Hanson Chris Broster

modelling the Brash Lads’ polo shirt. as were

many others.

The devilish 14th where you are tempted to go for the flag…. And fail.

Ladies’ Coronation Foursomes, Thursday, 23rd May, 2019

1st: Barbara Leith and Jan Harman, 39 points

2nd: Sandra Hayes and Sharon Dineen, 36 points

3rd: Heather Denton and Angela Slate, 36 points

Archie Preston, First round, Friday, 24th May, 2019

Regrettably, last night’s match didn't produce the result we were hoping for and Leyland go forward to the next round of this year's competition. On a wonderful late spring evening, basked in sun and a slight breeze, Romiley looked superb and Leyland members thoroughly enjoyed playing here with many asking about our Open competitions. However, with Romiley losing four matches of the first five, the remaining matches were called in to the clubhouse to enjoy a sandwich buffet and congratulate Leyland on their very good team performance. Not easy coming to Romiley; but it certainly showed they had fully researched their lines and knew where to drive and where not to go.

Alas, we shall have to dust ourselves off, enjoy the season and be fresh to go again next year. Many thanks to all members who were part of this year's Archie Preston group and sorry that our journey ended so soon. Best wishes to all Steve Hogg Team Captain

17 / 05 / 2019

All Winners’ Trophy, Round One, Saturday, 25th May, 2019

1st Elliot Symonds 89-25=64 2nd Kevin Jones 82-15= 67 3rd Nick Gorman 89-21=68

All Winners’ Trophy, Round Two, Sunday, 26th May, 2019

1st Duncan Challen 78-7=71 2nd Mark Worsley 74-2=72 3rd Kevin Jones 88-15=73

All Winners’ Trophy, Aggregate, Sunday, 26th May, 2019

Golf is a game of fractions; of small margins; of slices of luck which all play out over 36 holes. The players who came 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the first day were all grouped together on the second day and Nick Gorman and Kev Jones told your editor about Elliot’s second round. On the first day, Elliot could do little wrong and was joyous about a fine round. The second day was different as he struggled for control of his swing. “I’m throwing this away!” was racing through his mind. He had taken 8 shots on the 4th and 9 shots on the 6th. Elliot was also conscious that the guy who came second on Saturday, Kev Jones, was playing very well… . The crucial moment came at the 8th hole. Elliot’s first drive had gone into the trees on the right. “I had better take a provisional,” he said. This time his drive soared to the left and looked to be hard to find. “I had better take another provisional!” was said through gritted teeth. That drive soared far to the right and looked out of bounds. “No choice here,” says Elliot as he prepared to be 7 off the tee. This went straight, if not far. “Come on, lads,” suggested Nick, “we have to have a look.!” And so they did. Lo and behold the FIRST ball was inches in play. Elliot scrambled out and managed to put down a 7 on his card rather than a much larger score that had threatened. This was a weekend that will be etched in Elliot’s memory.

1st Elliot Symonds

64+74= 138

2nd Kevin Jones

67+73=140

3rd Duncan Challen

71+71=142

Happy 80th Birthday to Jill Woolstencroft

Jill began playing golf as a girl but took it up seriously at the age of 17. She then met and married David and introduced him to golf. Her children, Robert and Sarah, play also, and grandson Charlie, who plays off scratch, is coaching his 20 year old sister, Emma, who is keen to learn, hits a mean ball and has great potential. Jill and David have played golf all over the world. In fact, Jill thinks she may be in the RGC record book for playing the most courses. However, Jill still loves to come back to Romiley and never tires of playing here. She has been a very active and keen member of the Ladies’ Section and was Lady Captain in 1996/7. She is a valued team player in the matches and supports all the mixed events. Celebrations began with cake and Prosecco for the ladies after the Thursday game, and festivities continued the following week with the family in Spain—on a golfing holiday, of course. Happy Birthday Jill, and we hope you play well with your new clubs and enjoy your golf for many more years to come.

Lady Captain Janet McRoberts presenting Jill with flowers and a card

The Lottery Committee enjoy sitting in the shade of our Golf Club’s new gazebo which is the latest purchase from the profits from the monthly draw. In it to win it!!

Audrey Jones, Anne Harrison and Joyce Glynn

Romiley’s very own “Watership Down” captured by Lady Captain, Janet McRoberts, at the

5th at 5 p.m. on Friday, 31st May, 2019.

Stableford and Rabbits’ Trophy, Saturday, 1st June, 2019

1st Ollie Shore 39 pts 2nd James Peover 39 pts 3rd Chris Stones 39 pts

Rob Lewis

Winner of The Rabbits’ Trophy

Blades Mixed Greensome Foursome, Sunday, 2nd June, 2019

Winners

Joan and Carl Mellor 64.8

Second Third

Judith and Geoff Dixon 65.2 Ros and Richard Hale 66.2

Mr and Lady Captain

The only Two of the day!

Vets v Bramall Park G.C., Friday, 31st May, 2019

HOORAY!!! We finally won a match ! After a rather disappointing start to the season resulting in my position coming under serious threat from the vetstapo, we had a resounding 6-2 victory over Bramall Park Seniors. The two losing pairs have been summarily ‘deleted’ from all future fixtures. (Only kidding).

My partner, John Morris, and I both played really well but neither of us could sink a winning putt and remained either 1 down or all square until the 13th when we finally got one to drop. We then won the 14th, 15th and 16th to win the match 3 and 2. Thanks, John, you were a great partner and we meshed perfectly.

We played against their Day Captain, John (Gilbanks) and his partner, John (Lafon), meaning, unfortunately, instead of two Ronnies, I had three Johnnies to deal with all the way round! I have never said the words “No, sorry, not you. No, sorry, the other one!” or “No, sorry, the one with glasses on”, so many times in my life. Still they were really nice guys and we had a really close match up to the 13th.

After a shower and a drink, I began collecting the results and soon realised that this very special team

had broken my duck at last. Thank you to all who played, especially Harvey and Steve who stepped in at the last minute; you did a great job.

Thanks to Joergen for all the work he does organising these matches and thanks to the new caterers, Sharon and Dave, for starting the day early and serving us a really excellent meal.

Thanks to Jimmy ‘the Vice’ for collecting the money and to Mike for coming in to pay the caterers. Thanks also to Duncan, the greens staff, the ‘Brash Lads’ and the ‘Brash Ladies.’ The course is in the best condition I’ve seen it for years.

The next match is at home against Disley on Friday 14th June.

Let’s keep up this winning streak!

Vets’ Chairman

Chris Broster

Does winning once constitute a “winning streak?” (editors)

John Morris

John Gilbanks John Lafon

Bramall Park GC

Maxitours Golf Come to Romiley!

Tuesday, 4th June, 2019

Tim Maxwell

This summer, Tim has organised 24 events at golf clubs in Lancashire, Cheshire and North Wales from 3rd May to 28th October. Events are open to all recognised golf club members with active handicaps who play in the correct spirit and uphold the spirit of the game. Romiley was full from the start in the morning until 3 in the afternoon. It was good to see so many visitors at our Club. There were 23 teams of 4 players each. The Bramhall team of Simon Wemsley, Ian King, Darren Whittaker and Neil Worthington was the winning team, having made the most of the dry and still conditions. Tim, as always, writes an amusing and full report on the day, which can be accessed on his web site:-

https://maxitoursgolf.com/

Why not join our Captain, Dave Blood, in these superbly organised events?

Barbara Lancaster, sad to leave

The waitress that the ladies took to heart for her kindness, was presented with a beautiful planter. Barbara has gone beyond the call of duty to provide salads and other goodies on a Thursday whilst the Club waited for the new caterers to take over and it was much appreciated. Unfortunately, she has trouble with the stairs on mixed events and didn’t feel she could continue. Let’s face it, up and down those stairs carrying plates of food is hard work, especially for 80 odd diners. Thank you, Barbara, for everything, and we wish you well in the future.

Handicap Cup, Round Three, Wednesday, 5th June, 2019

1st Martin Clark 81-12=69 2nd Clive Cooper 97-28=69 3rd Mike Hanson 80-11=69

John Glynn Audrey Jones Phil Roberts

Editorial Team

Look to your left as you stand on the 18th tee and you will see the picture on your right. On the left is how it was before work started on it, Thursday, 6th June, 2019. Photos by Eric Jones