At the AGM many thanks were given to Bob Andrews who has done a sterling job for this year and who will stay on as chairman to support the committee. A warm welcome was also given to James Barclay who takes on the captaincy, with everyone looking forward to another successful and enjoyable year.
In addition, it provided an opportunity for the John Neale Trophy to be presented to Kevin Lark by John’s wife Sue, who kindly agreed to do the honours. Thanks also went to the committee who have worked hard to keep things on track this year to make the Horsham Seniors’ Section a friendly and flourishing group.
After a foggy start the players took pleasure in a sunny Stableford and Order of Merit competition. The turnout was good and was the first of the season towards identifying a summer overall winner with the best scores being ranked according to where each golfer finishes after each OoM round.
Will Pitt was the worthy winner on Tuesday scoring 41 points with eight pars and two birdies. Second was Richard Litchfield with 38 points, and Nigel Jerome and Martin Leake came in third and fourth respectively on 37 points. First place on Wednesday went to John Curran on 39 points, Chris Macauley was second on 38, Derek Jones scored 37 to come in third, and fourth was Colin Varty with 36 points.
Horsham Seniors played a friendly match away at Hurtmore GC as well, playing once more with quite a disparity between the handicaps of the two teams. With excellent players on both sides the match resulted in a well-earned draw 3 – 3.
All the matches were close as Nairon Khan and Will Pitt won 4 – 2, Peter Bayles and Barry Gravett won 2 – 1 and Richard Lodge and Richard Burke won by one hole. Bob Andrews and Keith MacGregor, and Peter Martin and Matt Price lost their matches 4 -3 with Mark Smith and Graham King losing 3 – 2.
As the weather and the course conditions improve, they look forward to a full season of matches ahead.