Move over Augusta – real action is at Heath
Golfers around the globe may have been following events in Augusta but at Mannings Heath it was their own Masters event that really mattered as 89 members teed off from the orange tees for the first time this year.
Miraculously, Heath's first 'major' of 2024 was enjoyed over two days of fine, dry weather and even occasional sunshine.
And there was plenty of bright golf to match with Gerard Weide and Aaron Barnes both opening with 40 points on Saturday and a minimum 30 points required to make the top-50 cut.
Lying 32nd after that round with 32 points was 23-handicap Ed Barnes but an astonishing Sunday card
of 45 points with seven pars, a birdie and even a blob swept him to the top of the leaderboard and the trophy with aggregate
77.
Niall McCullagh was his closest challenger with 75 (39/36) and John Crooks took third with 74 (38/36).
The Colin Cloy Cup for those missing the cut or unable to play both days was won by Neville Dudeney, off 14, whose card included ten pars and a birdie. Tony Nash pipped Andy Bone for second on countback after both signed for 35.
The weather gods were back to their usual mischief on Monday buffeting the seniors with gales, rain and hail as they battled for the Les Hillman Cup.
Only six of the 39 entries managed 30 points or better so Andrew Stewart's 37 off 15, including seven pars and a birdie, was a notable triumph.
William Ward reached the turn with six pars and 22 points but had to settle for 34 and and Ian Spreadbury claimed third on 32.
Heath's ladies contested their St Andrews Foursomes competition for the Blunt's Cup, this year over 14 holes.
Debs Battle and Tina Norris earned points on every hole bar one and their 24 points was just enough to pip Lynne Jones and Rosemary Martin by a point. Mina Burton and Sybille Shababi took third on countback from Marion Gibson and Meriel Jolley, all on 21.
Julia Hoskins and Carolyn Kimberley travelled to Pyecombe for the second round of the Daily Mail Foursomes but despite a brave fight on unfamiliar territory were beaten on the 17th.