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.