Muswell memories are made of this

Words by Tim Allan

The glory days were well and truly recaptured at a resplendent Muswell Hill for the Past Captains, Committee and Veterans Day.

On a beautiful day in north London, the Dazeley Past Captains’ trophy went to Jonny Bramley, who shrugged off a rib injury to score 35 points. The Calamity Jane Putter went to Nev Appleton, with an impressive 36 points around the tight track with lightning fast greens.

It was lovely to see a few familiar faces, including past captains Chester Stern and Ted Graham. We were also joined by Muswell members Ben Todd and Caroline Day, and current captain Jamie Weir’s dog, Twix!

After a very long lunch, we repaired to the terrace and the rest of the day descended into a convivial blur.

Pics by Paolo Minoli and Ian ‘Arty’ McIlgorm

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Ollie in the Mirror Frame as Sword is Cut

Pic by Felix Duckworth

OLLIE McCormack won the Mirror Trophy with a credible 37 points at the PGS’ first outing at the delightful (and good value) West Herts Golf Club – but it was the  biblical weather that stole the show.

The afternoon’s Greensomes were curtailed to just nine holes as the club’s klaxon sounded to call the field in whilst lighting danced around the course. Nick Buckley and Phil Harris still had time to amass 20 points and take the Wilkinson Sword, dumping John Quinn and Hugo Chambre into second place with 18 points, whilst Jonny Bramley and Tim Allan came third on count back with 17.

Eight of the players were so far away from the clubhouse that they didn’t hear the klaxon but had to take shelter from the hailstones before calling the pro shop to learn they were the only golfers still on the course!

Ollie also took the Division 1 title,  second was Ian McIlgorm, whose 32 points was the same as playing partner Nick Jones, who came third. In Division 2, Hugh Routledge 33 points took the honours, beating Kevin Price’s 30 pts, which was one more than Paul Sherwood, in third.

Following pics by: Felix, Nev Appleton, Mike Allen, Jonny Bramley & John Quinn

 

 

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McIlroy’s magic flows over Weir

The beautiful Burnham Beeches golf course– pic by Jonny Bramley

Recently back from watching his countryman make history at Augusta, PGS skipper Jamie Weir channeled his inner McIlroy to take the honours at Burnham Beeches.

Jamie’s 37 points landed the News of the World Trophy and a decent amount of wine.

It was agreed that the Burnham Beeches course, apart from the rain-compressed bunkers, was presented in an excellent condition and is a new and worthy addition to the PGS rota.

Topping Division 1 (0-12 handicap) was Pete Clifton with 36 points, clear of Paul Kelso in second and Andy Glen in third, both with 33 points.

In Division 2, behind Jamie, were Colin Hancock in second and Neil Darbyshire in third, both with 34 points.

The afternoon greensomes finally finished in all but darkness. The worthy winners of the Sir Leicester Harmsworth trophy were Dylan Dronfield and Nev Appleton with 36 points.

Evan Samuel and Burnham Beeches member Jono Baker came second with 35, followed home by Rick Evans and Pete Clifton, who was in the wine for the second time that day.

Following pics courtesy of Evan, Jonny, Tony S,

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Rick Rocks Worplesdon

Reflecting on Worplesdon glory – Pic by Jonny Bramley

Rick ‘Parfitt’ Evans rolled back the years to rock Worplesdon at the opening event of the PGS season.

The former BBC hack finished top of a nearly 40-strong field to claim the Lord Riddell Trophy.

In beautiful Spring sunshine, Rick was one of only two players to play to their handicap beating Adam Piggott on countback with a net 71.

Rick sadmitted his driving was the key to his good score. “I’m chuffed to bits, it was a lovely day and I was delighted to play well. I’m going home to drink this wine in the sunshine before I sober up.”

Rick also took the honours in Division 2, with Phil Edgar-Jones pipping last year’s captain, Tony Smith, to second place on countback with a net 73. With Adam claiming top spot In Division 1, defending champion James Nursey nudged ahead of Bubbles Bramley on countback with a net 72 to take second place. James also shot the lowest gross score with a 75.

For new captain, Jamie Weir, it was luck of the Irish that the first event of the 2025 calendar was blessed with the warmest day of the year so far. Gone were the winter jumpers and out came the summer polo shirts.

Worplesdon proved its pedigree once again presenting itself in terrific condition for the time of year when so many other courses have suffered over the winter. The fairways were running and despite recent course maintenance on the greens, they putted true and fast.

After the excellent lunch new Captain Jamie Weir announced the full Emsley Carr draw.

It is:

Evan Samuel v Tim Allan

Colin Hancock v Nick Cherrie

Neil White v John Quinn

Hugo Chambre v Christian Fraser

Phil Harris v Khalid Javed

Philip Edgar-Jones v Peter Dazeley

Jonny Bramley v Roderick Easdale

Adam Piggott v Tony Smith

The following pics from Paul Harrison, Michael, Nic Brook, Jamie Weir and Jonny Bramley.

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Quiet, Jamie’s Speaking

THIS is your Captain speaking!

And another incredibly exciting year lies in wait with some wonderful venues to look forward to. Captain Smudge’s reign of terror is over, and much like the Trump to his Sleepy Joe I intend to make the PGS great again…

No no, just kidding… Tony’s are impossibly large shoes to fill. In my 15 years as a member of this Society I cannot think of a captain who’s thrown his heart and soul into the role more. If I can be one ounce as diligent and passionate as Smudge, I’ll have done a good job.

This year we’re back at all the old favourites – Worplesdon, Walton Heath, Ashridge, the Berkshire, West Hill – but

we also have two new venues for us all to hack around, in Burnham Beeches and West Herts.

I’m delighted to say my Captain’s Day will head to the stunning South Kent coast and – in my humble opinion – the finest links course in England, Royal Cinque Ports. We will be given a wonderfully warm welcome and for anyone interested in making it a two-day trip please do let me know as Prince’s have kindly offered us a good Deal (no pun intended) for an

overnight stay, dinner and a round at their place too.

Which takes us to the jewel in the crown of any PGS year, the Wryter Cup.

This year, three of the golfing majors will take place at Oakmont, Augusta and Royal Portrush – ranked 8th, 12th and 14th

respectively in the current top 100 golf courses of the world. Well, honour to lead us into battle in the far north of Scotland in October.

Please enjoy the year – I know I will. I’m incredibly proud to be your Captain.

Jamie Weir

N.B. This article first appeared in the Society’s newsletter.

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