Wet and Wonderful Worplesdon

Pic by Nic Brook, Words by Felix Duckworth.

James Nursey completed in his very own March treble as he claimed victory in the PGS medal round at Worplesdon.

Fresh from captaining the PGS in Suffolk to retain the cup in the match against the Northcliffe Golfing Society, Nursey’s excellent net 71 secured him the Lord Riddell Memorial Trophy, plus the best gross score on the day of 75.

Former Mirror staffer Nursey, playing off four and topping Division 1, was just a stroke ahead of Nev Appleton and Ian Woods, whose net 72 gave him the top honours in Division 2.

Ross Slater took third place in Division 1 with a net 73, while Philip Johnston and Cornelius Bohane tied the places in Division 2 with net 74s.

It’s Nursey’s second victory in the season-opening medal round at Worpleson, which is always an enviable achievement but especially this year after a winter of golf limited by torrents of rain.

Happily, the Surrey course has coped with the deluge better than most and the field of 36 enjoyed even greens, the odd lake (or standing water as it was called on the day), firm(ish) fairways and a warming spell of early spring sunshine as the society emerged from golfing hibernation.

Meanwhile, Patrick Eager carded his very own 80 as the PGS marked his milestone birthday with a presentation of gifts – including fine wine chosen by Paolo – after a generous whip-round from society members.

‘I’m working on shooting my age,’ said Patrick, one of the society’s vice-presidents. ‘I’ve had a fantastic – I think – 38 years in the PGS. I’ve loved every minute of it and I’ve got so much more out of it than I’ve put in.’

The medal round also produced the 16 players to take part in this year’s Emsley Carr matchplay competition. The first round ties are: 

Nic Brook v Kevin Price

Tim Allan v Jono Baker

Peter Dazeley v Nev Appleton

Evan Samuel v Hugo Chambre

Nick Cherrie v Steve Lewis

Ian Woods v Philip Johnston

Neal Adams v Mike Waker

Ross Slater v Kevin Mitchell

The three reserves are Brian Viner, Nick Jones and Colin Hancock. Ties must be played by May 5th!

Pics curtesy of Evan, Nick T, Ian W, Nev, Brooky, Paolo, Felix & Neil W!