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