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BURNHAM BIRDIE BLITZ GIVES NEV NEWS OF THE WORLD CROWN

Captain & winner Nev Appleton congratulates Rick Evans, Hugh Whittow & Andy Glen for following him home… spot the celebratory beer

Words & Pics: Russell Dewey

BURNHAM Beeches proved to be a bountiful birdie bonanza – both on and off the course.

While most of the small PGS field were happy just to marvel at our feathered friends,

including red kites, pheasants, woodpeckers and ducks, PGS skipper Nev Appleton was

busy creating his very own menagerie.

The weight of responsibility of high office – and the ceremonial chains – are supposed to clip

the wings of the PGS Captain, but as blustery showers swept across the Buckinghamshire

course, Nev took flight.

With his unerring trusty two-iron, Nev playing off 11 (including a three-stroke PGS penalty)

spotted five birdies – including three on the spin from the 15th – and despite also racking up

three “blobs” he chalked up an incredible 40 points.

His flock of birdies over the closing holes proved crucial in pipping Oli McCormack, who also

bagged a 40-point haul, off eight, to win Division One and the coveted News of the World

trophy on countback.

A delighted Nev said: “I was very happy with my performance and wanted to win one event

in my Captain’s year. It’s good to be in the mix with some of our finest single figure players –

Steve Lewis, Paul Kelso and Andy Glen – in the march to Morocco.”

Andy, playing off just 4, rattled off four birdies of his own to claim third spot in a round of 73

notching an impressive 37 points.

Those of us off higher handicaps (12 and above) in Division Two had our feathers ruffled by

the undulating fairways and greens, which left even the deer looking perplexed.

However, PGS vice-captain Hugh Whittow continued his good form, after vanquishing

Northcliffe in the annual match in March, by taking the honours with 32 points off 19.

He beat Ben Todd, also 19 handicap, into second place on countback with Ben’s wife

Caroline Day (29) nabbing third spot with 30 points.

Ben and Caroline’s wine cellar had another boost with a second-placed finish in the

afternoon greensomes.

While their fellow Muswell Hill-billies, Kevin Price, Kevin Mitchell and PGS newbie Richard

Fenn, enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the 19th hole, they joined seven other pairings back

out on the course.

Nev, in the company of Evan Samuel, was unable to repeat his morning exploits as the

expected downpour never materialised and the afternoon remained relatively rain-free and

even turned sunny late on.Caroline and Ben (26) powered to 34 points, to take second place on countback from Colin

Hancock and Tony Smith (15).

Andy continued his scintillating form alongside his former BBC colleague Rick Evans to win

the Sir Leicester Harmsworth Trophy by shooting 38 points off their 12-handicap.

Andy also took the Nearest the Pin honours for Nev’s Captain’s Charity in the morning round

– finishing within three feet on the 13th hole. While Jim Murray’s monster tee shot flew to the

Longest Drive prize down the 18th.

But for Nev, life is looking tweet as his plans for our Wryter Cup Morocco migration take wing.

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Purbeck Blows, PGS Roars, Northcliffe Whimpers

 

 

 

Northcliffe captain, Lee Terry (right), a little reluctantly, presents PGS skipper Hugh Whittow with the trophy.

Pic by Ian McIllgorm, words by Hugh Whittow
The Isle of Purbeck was quite simply turned into the Isle of Perfect for the PGS in our annual match against Northcliffe.

Gale force winds swept across the course,  once owned by Enid Blyton, perched high above Swanage and Studland in Dorset.

But the 40 mph gusts presented no problems for the 14 men and two women representing the PGS as they  literally blew away Northcliffe with a record breaking 12.5 point to 3.5 points victory.

History of this 30 year old hard fought encounter shows unpredictable PGS teams have usually performed brilliantly on Day 1 but then collapse dramatically on  Day 2 after  a night  of wine, “something “ and song.

This year it was a far different story.

PGS  Skipper Hugh Whittow enforced a strict 4 pints/ two bottles of red rule!!! and bed before 1am !!!!!

And it worked a treat.

Day 1 GREENSOMES saw an impressive 6.5/1.5 win for PGS and the  Day 2   4 BALL BETTER  BALL resulted in a splendid 6/2 victory.

Skipper Whittow who selected the team based on friendships forged in the PGS  over 35 years was absolutely delighted.

Philippa Kennedy despite suffering a few years of injuries flew in from the West  of Ireland and played brilliantly. She met up with long standing friends she once nicknamed the “monkey boys” because in their younger days their behaviour was so appalling .

Relatively new member Caroline Day (Ben Todd’s wife)also played splendidly

It was great to see another PGS lady member Hayley Barlow . Sadly she opted to play for Northcliffe ( big mistake!)

But Hayley a stylish 7 handicapper will soon be back supporting PGS events.Veteran ex Mirror sports executive, Kevin Price – a leading “monkey boy” nicknamed Whittow Hugh Woosnam at the trophy presentation.  Whittow pointed out it had nothing to do with his golfing ability but more to do with him being Welsh, his size and drinking ability.

Northcliffe Captain Lee Terry who confesses to having links to North London gangsters was not a happy man after the result and grunted “ We were well and truly butchered”.

The PGS team : Philippa Kennedy, Caroline Day, Jonny Bramley, Nick Cherrie , Colin Hancock, Ben Todd, PGS Captain Nev Appleton, Ian MacIlgorm, Nic Brook, John Quinn, Tim Allan, Lee Smith, Kevin Price, Ian Woods and Nick Jones, and Hugh Whittow.

As well as Hayley two other PGS men turned out for Northcliffe : Neil Darbyshire who works for The Mail and Jim Murray who stood in as a last minute replacement for a player who broke his arm.

Photos by Phillipa Kennedy, Nick Cherry & Ian McIllgorm.

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Lew beauty!

Captain Nev (centre) with the victorious Steve Lewis (right) and Tony Smith (left). Picture: Paolo Minoli

Steve Lewis claimed the Lord Riddell Memorial Trophy and the prize for the lowest gross score in our medal meeting at Worplesdon.

Our traditional season curtain-raiser was played in glorious sunshine on a course in superb condition – a very fitting way to get captain Nev Appleton’s year off to a great start.

Lewis scorched round in a gross 75, to record a net 69, with Paul Kelso second in Division One with a net 74 (gross 81) and Hugo Chambre third with a net 76 (gross 78).

In Division Two, Tony Smith pipped secretary Tim Allan to first place with a net 72 (gross 86), one ahead of the Ashridge man (gross 85). The resurgent Kevin Price was third with a net 74 (gross 88).

The top 16 qualified for the Emsley Carr – see the full draw here

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Jeremy Chapman – a personal tribute from his friend and former colleague Tom Clarke

Jeremy with his wife Christa and the winning trophy at an event organised by our friends
at the Association of Golf Writers in 2024

By Tom Clarke

I’m grateful to the Press Golfing Society for wonderful days in the sun and the rain, on courses from Royal Portrush to Vilamoura – but I’m more than grateful to the PGS for launching a friendship with Jeremy Chapman that lasted half a century and changed the course of my working life.

I joined the PGS in 1975. I was honoured to be captain in 1985 when Jeremy was secretary. We partnered well. It was a year of good golf, good weather, good social occasions (our annual dinner was at The Savoy), and growing membership.

Fast forward to 1993 . . . I was parachuted into The Sporting Life to be editor and to “clean out the stables”. It could have been a reference to the dark and grubby offices at the arse end of the Mirror Building in Holborn Circus. It was, in fact, a call to sort out the chaos of working arrangements that were, to be polite, less than professional.

I knew only three people with Life connections: Charlie Wilson, who had been my editor at The Times, was now deputy managing editor of Mirror Group and appointed me to be editor; Monty Court, a close friend since we met at a PGS day and a former editor of The Life (and he’s still going strong at the age of 97); and Jeremy, who was, whatever his actual title, the deputy editor of The Life.

On the morning of Monday, April 5, 1993, I walked into The Life offices for the first time. I was met by a barrier of stony faces. The previous day the owners of those faces had produced an excellent paper with reports, analysis and pictures of the infamous Grand National which was declared void when 30 of the 39 runners ignored the false-start and carried on racing.

I congratulated them, told them who I was and what I hoped to do (no mention of “clean out if the stables” at this stage). They got on with their work but there was a certain tension in the air.

Then, about 2pm, Jeremy arrived for his shift. He came up to me, shook my hand and wished me well.

That moment wasn’t an ice-breaker in my relationship with the rest of the staff but it showed them that one of the leaders of their team had some high regard for me.

For the next five years we delivered a very good paper, making the most of the writing skill of Alastair Down and David Ashforth and others, the race-reporting of Geoff Lester’s team, and the emerging talent of Bruce Millington, Peter Thomas and Chris McGrath – with Jeremy pulling them together with his page designs – by 1994 in our sparkling new offices at Canary Wharf.

That’s Jeremy the deputy editor. There was also Jeremy the golf betting tipster. His countless hours poring over form, mainly on the American circuit, then bringing the stats alive in a very readable way – and providing readers with a bundle of winners, notably Lee Trevino at 8-1 for the 1972 Open and Stewart Cink at 150-1 for a 2021 PGA Tour event.

I must make mention of Christa, Jeremy’s wife for 57 years. She never played in a PGS day but she was a special part of the society for 30 years or more. She was always there at the check-in table, collecting the money, handing out cards and checking them at the end of the day.

Thank you, Jeremy and Christa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The king is dead…

The passing of the mantle
Pic by Paolo

The Captain’s Dinner was a glorious affair (who would have expected anything else with Jamie Weir organising the bash), held at the Bread Street Kitchen in Southwark.

Jamie gave a wonderful speech, detailing the famous jacket he was wearing, his team’s great victory against the French, and proceeded to run a heads & tails golf knowledge test, dropping the odd name along the way.

After this tour de force, Jamie removed his chain of office and placed it on the slim and safe shoulders of Nev Appleton to crown him the new Captain of the Press Golf Society.

An excellent turn out showed the popularity of our out-going skipper and Nev was the first to admit that Jamie will be a hard act to follow.

The evening was a huge success and the great majority of the season’s winners turned up to collect their prizes. Thanks goes to Paolo for giving up much of his evening to record the successes of so many.

And our prize winners were:

 

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The PGS raise £4K for charity & Paolo just avoids the cut!

Auctioneer Ian McIlgorm jollies cash for The Journalists Charity - pic by Patrick Eager

Auctioneer Ian McIlgorm jollies cash from PGS members in aid of The Journalists Charity – photograph by Patrick Eagar

It was cold outside but the generosity of the PGS members and their guests was as warm as ever as they dug deep to raise a whopping £4,085 for The Journalists Charity at our annual Christmas Scramble.

The money was charmed from their wallets by the silver-tongued Ian McIlgorm, who found generous homes for all manner of golfing goodies, all donated by those same members and guests.

The auction followed the Scramble, held for the second year at Worplesdon, where the team of Andy Porter, Adam Piggott, Tony Smith and Colin Hancock recorded a remarkable round of just 59 shots. They beat the second place team of James Bartholomew, Ben Monro-Davis and guests Peter Dean and Charles Pender by one shot.

In third place were Hugh Whittow, Jon Jones, Nick Cherrie and James Nursey, who, according to Paolo’s calculator, were just 0.5 of a shot behind.

Paolo himself was lucky to just miss the cut, by an automated grass cutter, according to this photograph by Nick Toksvig:

Worplesdon Golf Club did the PGS proud with the course in fine condition and the meal as good as we’ve come to expect from the club.

Pics by Nick and Patrick.

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West Hill’s Band of Brothers

‘The finest 18th hole on any course we play,’ Captain Jamie.                  Pic by Evan Samuel, Words by John Quinn

Played just two days after St Crispin’s Day, the best description of our PGS’ gathering on a glorious autumnal day at West Hill should be left to the Baird:

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,

The sun shone, the shadows were long and West Hill again served up the perfect October golf course and conditions.

It was the Dave Reading, playing off of 7, who claimed first place in Div 1 with 35 points, and the Peggy White Vase.

Sun sport production editor Dave was the only player to get close to his handicap on a course where the heather troubled the unwary and the tricky greens held sway.

Dave said: ‘I’ve just returned from the Caribbean and played at the very start of the hurricane, which put me in good stead when the breeze picked up in the afternoon at West Hill. I’ve been a member for two years and this was my first win!

‘I played well last year at West Hill and was still carrying a penalty from that game, so I’m doubly delighted to have won. The course was in perfect autumn condition and the greens ran true. Luckily, I sunk  my fair share of puts, not one three putt all day!’

Nev Appleton came second in Div 1 on count back with 33 points, ahead of Mark Lomas who flew in from Portugal to play in the match.

The course favoured the lower handicappers and Div 2 (15 and above) saw Ian Woods beat playing partner Caroline Day on count back with 31 points. Third was Colin Hancock, just a shot behind.

 

Pics by Paolo Minoli, Evan Samuel, Nev Appleton, Nic Toksvig, Tony Smith, Jonny Bramley & John Quinn

 

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Jamie’s Dorn winners!

ROYAL COMMAND – Captain Jamie Weir surrounded by his team celebrate their Wryter Cup triumph at Royal Dornoch

Inspirational skipper Jamie Weir led his beautifully-dressed PGS team to glorious Wryter Cup victory at the majestic Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

The 16 PGS heroes saw off their APG counterparts 19-13, winning all three sessions to reclaim the Cup in terrific style.

Jamie, who produced a motivational video featuring Hollywood superstar Jamie Dornan and several Ryder Cup legends, said: “It was all I’d dreamed of. I’m so proud of my team and of the way we fought together to win the Cup. It will live very long in my memory – a truly sensational few days.”

The PGS claimed the Monday morning foursomes 5-3 and the fourballs 5.5-3.5 to lead 10.5-6.5 overnight, before sealing victory with an 8.5-7.5 win in the singles.

Ben Todd claimed the coveted Vic Woodman Trophy, awarded to the PGS member who best exemplifies the spirit of the Wryter Cup.

The tournament was played in the aftermath of Storm Amy, which forced the Dornoch starter’s hut to be boarded up for safety. Had we been playing a day earlier, we wouldn’t have got on the course, so powerful was the storm.

But we ended up playing in typical Scottish weather, with several seasons an hour and even some shirt-sleeved golf.

The club were magnificent hosts, although we were just a little too early to see the opening of their much-vaunted new clubhouse. Still, at least that gives an excuse to go back in the future!

PGS 19, APG 13

FOURSOMES: PGS 5, APG 3

Jonny Bramley and Nev Appleton v Guillaume Baraise and Francois Scimeca. PGS WIN 2 UP

Dylan Dronfield and Jamie Weir v Nicolas Doucet and Damien Houles. PGS WIN 2 UP

Tim Allan and Philip Edgar-Jones v Romain Schneider and Laurent Louet. APG WIN 4&3

Andy Porter and Tony Smith v Philippe Millereau and Jean Francois Dessaint. APG WIN 2&1

Mike Waker and Hugo Chambre v Stephane Ruet and Edouard Combette. APG WIN 5&3

Andy Glen and Steve Lewis v Guillaume Michel and Christophe Lassaut. PGS WIN 1 UP

Khalid Javed and Ollie McCormack v Remi Gouriou and Didier Largillier. PGS WIN 5&4

Colin Hancock and Ben Todd v Arnold Cara and Francois Lanaud. PGS WIN 4&2

FOURBALLS: PGS 5½, APG 2½

Jamie Weir and Jonny Bramley v Damien Houles and Francois Scimeca. HALVED

Nev Appleton and Dylan Dronfield v Romain Schneider and Guillaume Baraise. PGS WIN 3&1

Tony Smith and Tim Allan v Nicolas Doucet and Philippe Millereau. APG WIN 3&2.

Andy Porter and Mike Waker v Stephane Ruet and Lauren Louet. APG WIN 5&4

Steve Lewis and Ollie McCormack v Jean Francois Dessaint and Christophe Lassaut. PGS WIN 4&3

Khalid Javed and Phil Edgar-Jones v Didier Largillier and Edouard Combette. PGS WIN 6&5

Andy Glen and Colin Hancock v Francois Lanaud and Remi Gouriou. PGS WIN 5&4

Ben Todd and Hugo Chambre v Guillaume Michel and Arnold Cara. PGS WIN 1 UP.

SINGLES: PGS 8½, APG 7½

Ollie McCormack v Philippe Millereau. PGS WIN 4&3

Steve Lewis v Guillaume Michel. APG WIN 2&1

Jonny Bramley v Christophe Lassaut. APG WIN 4&3

Hugo Chambre v Nicolas Doucet. PGS WIN 5&3

Nev Appleton v Francois Scimeca. PGS WIN 1 UP

Andy Glen v Edouard Combette. APG WIN 2 UP

Dylan Dronfield v Stephane Ruet 5 APG. HALVED

Jamie Weir v Guillaume Baraise. PGS WIN 3&2

Khalid Javed v Romain Schneider. PGS WIN 4&3

Tony Smith v Francois Lanaud. APG WIN 2&1

Mike Waker v Didier Largillier. PGS WIN 2 UP

Phil Edgar-Jones v Remi Gouriou. APG WIN 3&2

Ben Todd v Damien Houles. APG WIN 2 UP

Colin Hancock v Francois Dessaint. PGS WIN 6&5

Tim Allan v Laurent Louet. PGS WIN 2&1

Andy Porter v Arnold Cara. APG WIN 3&2

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Forces for courses – PGS expeditionary team carry out Dutch recce

Photo credit: Roland J Reinders
Words by Nick Buckley
Next year the Press Golfing Society hosts the annual meeting of the European Masters for Golf-playing Journalists (EMGJ) for the first time.
So, with one eye firmly on sharing and learning, a PGS expeditionary force tackled this year’s EMGJ event, the Redexim Nations Cup on Texel island in The Netherlands.
Once the team had landed – via planes, trains, automobiles, ferries and hoppers – the pairings of Nick Buckley (Captain)/ Ben Griffiths, Evan Samuel/ Andi White, Pip Clothier/ Neil White, Jane Malone/ Keith Malone, and Neale Adams/ Phil Harris had a splendid three days.
A practice round on the Tuesday gave the team a first look at the magnificent De Texelse links, rich in dunes, birdlife, lakes and impenetrable flora. The two-day competition which followed consisted of a two-ball scramble on the Wednesday and a better ball on the Thursday.
As is the annual tradition in this event, the PGS performance was better off the course than on it where the team fell just short of their target of a top five finish. All the pairings performed commendably with the Adams/ Harris partnership the stand-out success, bringing in top scores for the PGS on both days.
The event was won by the Austrians, with Denmark second and hosts The Netherlands coming in an impressive third. The PGS would like to send a huge thank you to organisers Cara de Vlaming and Hélène Wiesenhaan for all their support towards next year’s event which will be held at East Sussex National on 11-16 October.
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Northcliffe Thriller – again!

Nev Appleton smiles as his PGS team retains the trophy, presented by glum-looking Brian Viner, Northcliffe’s skipper.pic by Ian McIlgorm

For the second year running the highly anticipated match against the Northcliffe Golfing Society ended in a tie – this time an 8-8, high-stakes thriller on the highest golf course in England.

With the PGS cruising into a 6-2 lead on the first day, the match flipped entirely on day two as the Northcliffe came close to a historic Kington Comeback, edging into an 8-7 lead with one match left on the course.

Happily, match captain Nev Appleton had sent out Big Guns Evan Samuel and Ian McIlgorm in his last pairing and they repaid his faith as their 1-up victory secured a dramatic point and ensured the PGS retained the trophy.

Northcliffe captain and Daily Mail film critic Brian Viner hosted us at his home club Kington, which rises to 1,284ft in Herefordshire and provides panoramic views of seven counties from the peak of its fairways. He also booked three days of bright spring sunshine, which combined with a cold easterly wind and bone-dry turf that would test the very best links golfer.

After what proved to be an essential practice day for half of the 16-strong side, the PGS team donned their newly minted team shirts and bobble hats – specially ordered by captain Nev – for the first day of battle in greensomes.

Nic Brook & Jonny Bramley (2&1) and Tim Allan & Mike Waker (2&1) provided early wins, but the Northcliffe balanced the scoring as losses for Andy Glen & Colin Hancock (4&2) and Steve Lewis & Ian McIlgorm (5&4) meant a 2-2 halfway score.

Then a huge 8&7 win for rookie Caroline Day and Hugh Whittow – inspired by views of the distant Welsh mountains set the tone for the remaining matches as Chris Cutmore & Ben Todd (2&1) and Evan Samuel & Neil White (1 up) battled to gutsy wins. Finally, the captains’ shootout of Appleton and Viner, together with playing partners James Nursey and Jon Worsnop respectively, ended 3&2 in the PGS’s favour and added up to a commanding 6-2 match lead for skipper Nev’s side.

Following a convivial dinner – and the awarding of five nearest the pin prizes generously provided by NGS captain Brian – a chilly and windy day two started with the PGS needing just two points to secure the cup.

What could possibly go wrong!?

First up in the better-ball format was in-form Nic Brook and secretary Tim Allan, but despite a great effort they couldn’t match an inspired performance by Viner, who finished his round a terrific three-over gross and was ably supported by Andy Gregory.

Appleton and Whittow fell just short in the second match, losing on the last to Lee Terry and Barry Theobald, while in the third pairing Felix Duckworth (playing for his Daily Mail paymasters – boo!) took revenge for his first-day defeat as he and Jon Worsnop beat ‘Bubbles’ Bramley and ‘Harry Putter’ Waker 3&2.

With the PGS failing to score in three matches and the already testing wind picking up two or three notches, Appleton was now very aware that his team’s lead had been cut to 6-5.

And with radio silence on the WhatsApp group there was a nervous wait before Colin Hancock and Ben Todd emerged on the 18th tee one down to Garth Burden and Ian McGowan. After a great second shot into the green on the very tricky 18th, Hancock was left with a three-footer for birdie that he dispatched to give the PGS their first half point of the day and make it 6½-5½.

However, the NGS soon levelled the match when Jane Burden and Phil Barber beat Steve Lewis and Chris Cutmore 3&1 and the teams stayed neck-and-neck on 7-7 as Andy Glen and Neil White secured a vital half point on the last against Keith Cottington and Phillip Woods.

With momentum with the Northcliffe, the next match saw them do the impossible by taking an 8-7 lead as Day and our lowest handicapper Nursey were pipped 3&2 by Will Flint and John Wellington.

So as the early groups tucked into a hearty carvery lunch in the clubhouse, Appleton and Viner stalked the edges of the 18th green to watch Samuel and McIlgorm play the last with a slim one-hole advantage over Lisa Heywood and Nick Ratcliffe.

Again the sloping trickery of the 18th fairway proved decisive as both sides hit neatly played approaches to set-up a nervy finish. McIlgorm’s second just fell short of the green while Samuel hit the putting surface in two, leaving an 8-footer for birdie. Ratcliffe matched him, albeit with an uphill 18-footer for his birdie, but the closing stages saw his putt slide pass the hole and McIlgorm leaving himself with a short par putt.

Which left Samuel, whose birdie putt on the fast and slippery green tantalisingly kissed the edge of the cup before rolling on two feet.

After a brief moment with his head in his hands, Samuel reset to hole his fourth shot, win his match and level the fixture at 8-8. And to prove the golfing gods were watching, the sprinklers burst into action as Samuel’s ball dropped, giving the PGS the champagne finish their performance deserved.

Huge thanks go to Brian for hosting a great event and his team for a match played in a terrific spirit. A special mention should go to Evan, who was the only PGS player to notch up two points and was given a fetching hat for his efforts, and Caroline, who played brilliantly in her debut match for the PGS.

And finally also to last year’s match captain James Nursey, who over the two days of competition was the only player to hit the green with his tee shots on the difficult par 3 15th – 199 yards into the teeth of 35mph gusts and with a 100ft drop from tee to green. His two nearest the pin prizes were well deserved.

Nev Appleton

Northcliffe Golf Society V Press Golfing Society at Kington Golf Club, Herefordshire.
Day one result was NGS 2-6 PGS
Day two result was NGS 6-2 PGS
Match tied.

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