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Khalid Dazzles on Dazeley’s Day

Photo by Paolo

Khalid receives his prize from our President!
Photo by Paolo Minoli

It may have been President’s Day, but it was Khalid Javed who all but set fire to the Old Course at Walton Heath. Khalid matched the scorching temperatures with a scorching 42 points to claim the Reg Hinder Memorial Trophy.

The rest of the field were just specks in Khalid’s rearview mirror – Ollie McCormack scoring 36 points to take second place and Steve Lewis in third with 35. These players were all from Division 1, with handicaps of 12 or less.

The tightness of the fairways, penal heather and very steep greenside bunkers made it a course best suited to lower handicap players and the scores in Division 2 were noticeably inferior. Neil White’s 33 points was enough to win the division, with Jeff Randall’s 32 points taking second spot, on countback from Nev Appleton.

There was some outstanding scoring in the Foursomes, with Phil Edgar-Jones and guest Anil Gupta, playing off a joint 17 handicap, recording an amazing 40 points. Two points behind were Ollie McCormack and Toby Allodi, who beat Phil Harris and Nathan Rose on countback.

The guests seemed to enjoy the course, sunshine and camaraderie, with some posting impressive scores. Nathan Rose scored 40 points, Toby Allodi recorded 37 and James Bakelmun an excellent 36 off a handicap of three.

All the prizes for the day were generously donated by our president, Peter Dazeley.

And here’s a brief gallery from the day, curtesy of Paolo, Ian Doran and Jonny Bramley:

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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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A letter from our (past) captain

Words by Tony Smith , Pic by Nic Brook

Dear friends,

Thank you to all of you who made it to the Captain’s Dinner at Brasserie Blanc at the Southbank. The fantastic turnout of 51 members and guests created a wonderful atmosphere for the prize giving and our two fabulous guest speakers.

Former captain and trailblazing member, Liz Kahn, gave a compelling account of how life was for her as a journalist and would-be member of our society. It was uplifting to hear how her dogged determination had got her through so many difficult situations. And we also heard a very funny speech from Royal Liverpool captain and PGS member Alastair Machray.

The warm and friendly evening was a fitting end to my year as custodian of the chain of office. I was pleased to be able to thank so many people for the important part they played in helping me through 12 months littered with highlights.

If I could pick out two events which really helped make it such a joy they would be my Captain’s Day and, of course, the Wryter Cup.

We were fortunate enough to have a warm and sunny day on the South Downs as we battled a hilly and tricky set up at Mannings Heath. I was proud to share with so many friends the place I call my golfing home.

The Wryter Cup at Granville, in Normandy, was a most remarkable few days. The French were excellent hosts, the food, drink and camaraderie were all excellent and so was the course. The weather, not so, with 40mph winds and horizontal driving rain on the Monday. 

The record books will show that we didn’t quite get enough points to bring the trophy home but we did return with our pride in tact after giving them a very close run. I am exceptionally proud of everyone in our team, which was a mixture of experience and three rookies. Well done to Ben Todd, Mike Waker and Neil White for embracing the occasion so well.

As I said in my farewell speech, the PGS isn’t just about winning pots of silver. I hope that, more than that, everyone likes to mingle with men and women from the same profession, who love golf and to tell the inane, sometimes serious, often preposterous but always entertaining stories that attracted us all to this profession. 

I am delighted to pass the baton of captaincy to Jamie Weir. 

I know Jamie will have a wonderful year at the helm and I have the upmost confidence in him and his team to regain the Wryter Cup at Royal Dornoch next autumn.

Thank you all once again,

Tony 

Pics by Nic Brook and selfie from a freezing Taunton Railway station by Jamie Weir.

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Fun & Funds at the scramble!

Words Tim Allan, Pic Nick Toksvig

In a field flooded with single figure players, a team of three 20-plus handicappers took the honours at our Christmas Scramble.

With three teams recording net scores of 59 (yes…59!!), the winners on countback were James Bartholomew and his guests Charles Pender and Tom Dean.

James said: “I can hardly believe it! We were planning to leave early, never thinking we’d have a chance in such an illustrious field, but when word filtered out that we were in with a chance we were very happy to stay. What a lovely day!”

The Scramble was played at Worplesdon for the first time, because our usual venue, The Berkshire, was having work done on the clubhouse and could not provide food – always an essential part of our Scramble day!

Worplesdon proved a superb venue for us, with the course in excellent condition for mid-November. The food was excellent and the bonhomie as convivial as always!

James and his team, playing off 15 per cent of their combined handicaps and receiving 11 shots, pipped the two other teams who scored 59 – Evan Samuel with guests Rob Wall, Tom Wood and Maurice Brett, who played off 10 per cent of combined handicap and received five shots; and James Nursey, with guests James Smith, Chatree Selahom and Nick De Villiers, who played off scratch.

Nev Appleton, Tony Smith, Mike ‘Harry Potter’ Waker and Colin Hancock, playing off seven, were fourth with a net score of 60.

After lunch, Ian McIlgorm stepped up to the auctioneer’s rostrum (well, a large table covered with tat) and led us to raise more than £3,000 for the Journalists’ Charity – a magnificent effort by all concerned.

It’s looking highly likely we’ll be back at Worplesdon for the Scramble next year, because The Berkshire have just told us that they won’t allow four-person team Scrambles any more!

The full, confirmed fixture list will be published on the website (pressgs.co.uk) as soon as it’s nailed down, as well as in the newsletter.

 

 

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Nation’s Cup 2025 – First details

The planning for next year’s Nation’s Cup is already well underway, and Nick Buckley is going to captain our team to The Netherlands for the October golf on the amazing Isle of Texel.

To read the brochure giving dates and details for the trip, click on this link: Brochure_Nations_Cup_2025.

Anyone interested, contact Nick at nickbuckley2012@hotmail.com or Jonny Bramley at jonathanbramley63@gmail.com. An amazing time is guaranteed!

 

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Par–Tee in Portugal!

The official team photo the night before the action started in earnest – Mark Lomas was yet to arrive – what could possibly go wrong…

The sun shone, the courses were spectacular and although the hospitality didn’t quite match the high standard set in Italy last year, the PGS team thoroughly enjoyed their recent trip to Portugal.

The European Press Championships (or EMGJ as it’s officially called – European Masters for Golf playing Journalists) were last week held over 2 courses an hour north of Lisbon: Praia D’el Rey and Royal Óbidos.

This is allegedly the ‘serious’ counterpart to last year’s Nations Cup and with only 75% handicap allowance the scoring was understandably low. We enjoyed practice rounds in warm sunny weather over both courses before getting down to business.

Twelve teams from across Europe were competing: UK, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Czech Republic and a strong French team stacked with Wryter Cup regulars.

On day 1 at Praia d’El Rey players were randomly grouped together with other nations – it was the luck of the draw whether you had a friendly Austrian woman who sprayed schnapps into your mouth every time someone made a birdie, or a dour German who didn’t speak all round unless someone went close to treading on his line.

Only one of our team – Christian Fraser – got to 30 points but with the ability to discard our worst 2 scores we were in a respectable 7th place after Day 1.

We were all teamed up with mid-table rivals Netherlands, Austria and The Czech Republic on Day 2 and with the wind getting up, Royal Óbidos with its expanse of water became an even tougher challenge. Overtaking the Dutch was within our grasp but we were also looking over our shoulders at the Austrians and Czechs behind.

Despite a below-par performance from Captain Bubbles, Keith Malone’s 28 and consistent scoring from Christian again, Nev Appleton & Sheena Quinn meant that although we were unable to overhaul the Netherlands we at least maintained 7th.

Very impressive though was France’s Guillaume Michel whose 35 pts (2 over gross) helped the APG to a dominant overall victory.

Once again the PGS led the way in the bar, consistently the last ones standing and while the food and ‘entertainment’ were less than impressive we made the most of it and had a lot of fun over the week.

Looking ahead to the Nations Cup next year, it’s being played in the Netherlands on a traditional links course on the island of Texel, a couple of hours drive from Amsterdam. Unfortunately it clashes with the Wryter Cup which will make it harder to put out a team.

The great news though is that Nick Buckley has offered to Captain the side, and will be very keen to find willing team members.

I guarantee that anyone who makes the journey will have a fantastic time courtesy of the Dutch hosts.

Words by Jonny Bramley

Gallery below from all the team!

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