Spring has sprung – so have golf seniors
The arrival of spring heralds the start of the new season at Horsham Golf Seniors.
The inaugural John Neale trophy marked the changing of the guard as Nigel Croy gave way to incoming Captain Richard Lodge.
Richard won the competition with an impressive 44 Stableford points. Trailing him was Trevor White, taking second on countback from Jerry Briggs, both with 39. The trophy is held in honour of long-term Horsham Seniors Secretary John Neale.
The switch of captain coincides with a change in sponsored charity.
Last year’s charity was JublyBakes, for which Horsham Golf raised over £3,400. This year’s is the Springboard project, based in Horsham, which removes barriers and transforms lives for children, young people and their families. Golfers at Horsham will donate to the charity every time their ball lands in water.
The first match of the new season was at home to Slinfold Seniors. Horsham were led by Richard Lodge, who with his partner Chris Macauley ran out 3&1 winners.
This proved Horsham’s only win. Richard Burke and David Ericson, Will Pitt and Steve Hall and Tommy Ward and Derek Jones all halved.
There were losses for
Nairon Khan and Jim White (one shot), Ian Cherriman and Peter Scofield (4&3), Peter Bayles & Rod Northway (4&2) and James Barclay & Tony Puttock (one shot).
This leaves Horsham Seniors 2½-5½ down after the first leg. The competition is played in memory of Phil Eggit who had strong connections with both teams.
The first internal competitions of the new season were held. The Tuesday seniors competed in a Four Ball Alliance. The winners with an impressive 139 points were Howard Mannion, Colin Goldsmith, Peter Scofield and Will Pitt.
Narrowly beaten into second place on 138 points were Keith Gaston-Parry, Nigel Jerome, John Everett and Jenny Elliot.
The Wednesday seniors played a Three Ball Alliance. Tommy Ward, John Butler and Denis Davis on 87 points were the winners. Nairon Khan, Colin Vardy and Graham Towns came second with 84 points.