Monaghan retains Kingsdown crown
Kingsdown Golf Club held its two famous tournaments for the AJ Sharp and Jack Feltham trophies.
Held as two 36-hole competitions over the weekend, the weather was dry and sunny, although conditions were a little challenging with a strong breeze. The format of these competitions was a scratch which has been held for over 70 years and the quality of play was matched by the significance of the event.
Defending champion Ashley Monaghan was fast out of the blocks and finished the first day one under gross with a five shot lead. The comfortable lead was trimmed back on the second day but Monaghan just managed to finish two shots ahead of nearest challenger Paul Dickinson to retain his title.
Monaghan was then unlucky not to also come away with the Jack Feltham Trophy, a 36-hole nett event, as he finished second behind Martin Ford with a combined nett 145.
Commenting on the quality of play, Kingsdown club captain Phil Hodges said: “It was a high class field with some very good scores in deceptively difficult golfing conditions, despite the sunny weather. A great day out enjoyed by all participants.”
■ BATH Golf Club’s end of a very busy period of competitions culminated in Nomads Day on Saturday. This medal competition was played in pleasant, dry conditions with a firm northerly breeze signalling that autumn had arrived.
Scoring wasn’t easy but a return to form and an excellent nett 67 from David Rushgrove proved too good as he won by seven shots from John Sharpe who beat George Riley on countback.
The on course staff are continuing their excellent work, with maintenance ongoing all this week which has restricted access to the course with temporary greens in play until the weekend.