Freshwater Bay Golf Club

Ron Long Memorial Trophy

2009-06-20T13:27:00.001+01:00

This week’s domestic competitions at Freshwater Bay were limited to the Veterans Ron Long Memorial Trophy due to the hosting of the Island Championships at the weekend.

Good scoring over the Yellow Tee Course saw the CSS drop to 66 and still the winner Gerry Bolton managed to reduce his handicap to 14 thanks to his 40 points. Second place was taken by Ivan Butt (19) on 38 with Steve Goodman (21) scoring 37 points to take third place from Frank Gregory (21) on count back.

Whitehead and Hallam take Centenary again.

2009-06-15T14:53:00.000+01:00

The Mid Week Stableford played at Freshwater Bay on Wednesday 10^th June saw some solid scoring from the winners with Simon Smith (5) taking first place in Division 1 with 40 points ahead of Hugh Morrison on 38. Andy Rann won Division 2 with 39 points off of his steadily decreasing handicap of 23, while Rob Jackson sneaked second place on count back from Dennis Smith, both players returning 34 points.

This week’s Veterans Medal was a little bit different to the norm as it was played off the harder White Tees rather than the usual shorter Yellow Tee course. The expected high level of scoring was maintained with Tim Deville taking pride of place with a net 65 off of 24 handicap, closely followed by Chris West (12) in second on 66 and Wally Shennan (14) third on count back from John Davis on 67.

The high scoring continued for the Centenary Invitation played on the Saturday with Jim Whitehead and his guest Nick Hallam taking the trophy with 48 points on the back nine from Chris Boulter and Shaun Botha, this is the second time Jim and Nick have won the event being previous winners in 2005. Third place went to John Burke and Paul Brown on 47 whist mention in dispatches must be made of Fred Smith who amassed 28 points on the back nine all on his own helped out by a hole in one on the 17^th for a mere 5 points.

Sunday 14^th June saw the Wightwash Trophy, another better ball stableford like the Centenary the previous day, flying into the hands of Dave Wright and Richard Leppard, scoring 45 points to beat Simon Smith and Dick Downes on the back nine, Chris West and John Veal came a creditable third with 43 points.

Philcox and Cooke take Seniors Titles

2009-06-09T17:02:00.000+01:00

On the Junior scene at Freshwater Bay this year’s Carisbrooke Cup was comprehensively won by George Faulkner (28) with 45 points ahead of David Hartley and Connor White on 37.

At the other end of the age spectrum the seniors played for the Derek Worsley Memorial Trophy for the first time with Seniors Captain Brian Whelan officiating at the presentation which was attending by Derek’s wife Carol and son Douglas. The trophy was aptly won by Trevor Philcox (18) scoring 39 points just ahead of Ray Cooke (19) on 37.

Saturday 30^th saw the closest of all finishes with three 16 handicappers returning net 65s in the EGU Gold Medal Qualifier, Steve Sargeant came out on top on count back from Malc Williams in second place and Mike Black in third.

Division 1 of the Sunday Stableford was much clearer cut with Rick Penn (12) taking first place with 40 points, father and son Simon Smith and Kasey Tuckey tied on 38 points with 5 handicapper Simon picking up second place on count back from 9 handicap Kasey. In Division 2 Gary Holmes (17) finished top on 37 points ahead of Barney Barnes (17) in second and Peter Warr (21) in third with both players returning 34 points.

The Senior’s Mike Breakspeare Memorial played on Friday 5^th June was won by Ray Cooke (19) with 40 points followed by Frank Gregory (27) in second carding 37 points.

The weekend saw Stuart Morris take first place in Division 1 on both days, in the Saturday Stableford he scored 39 points off of 13 handicap to finish in front of Kevin Miles (15) on 38. On the Sunday he won the Par Competition playing off of 12 and still finishing 4 up, Nick Riby (12) and Robbie Faulkner (9) tied for second and third spots on plus 1. Division 2 of the Stableford was won by Brian Potter (17) with 36 points ahead of Dave Morey (16) on 33, while Division 2 of the Par saw Cliff Sanders and Andy Rann tie on plus 4 with 21 handicap Cliff sneaking first place on the back nine from Andy (24).

Kasey opens the scoring with 63

2009-05-26T20:21:00.000+01:00

Kasey Tuckey (9) took the opening competition at Freshwater Bay Golf Club this week shooting a net 63 in the Wednesday Medal, Hugh Morrison (14) sneaked second place on count back from Myles Taylor (6), Gordon Day and Dave Wilkins who all finished with 69s in Division 1. Andy Rann picked up first place in Division 2 with a 66 off of 25 handicap beating Frank Gregory (27) on count back, Tim Deville (24) finished third with a 69.

Saturday saw a Par Competition with both divisions being won with scores of 2 up, Malc Williams (16) winning Division 2 on back nine from Brian Potter (17) followed by Gordon Day in third on 1 up. Division 1 was similar with Bill Hinchen 2 up off of 7 handicap and second place being decided on count back, Ian Ball (14) narrowly losing out to John Crosbie (9) both players finishing 1 up.

Malc Williams again come to the fore on Sunday in the stableford winning Division 1 with 37 points, Keith Wright (8) piped brother Derek (3) to second place, both players returning 36 points. Best score of the day came from Martin Brett to win Division 2 with 38 points, second and third places being decided on count back with Cliff Sanders easing ahead of Peter Warr both scoring 35 points off of their 21 handicaps.

A smaller field with only one division due to a poor start weather wise on Bank Holiday Monday saw Dave Cooke (19) take first place in the Stableford with 36 points ahead of Ryan Harmer (13) in second on 34 and Gary Holmes (17) finishing third holding off Tony Hammonds with the same score.

Weather forces scores up and entries down.

2009-05-17T12:08:00.000+01:00

Due to difficult weather conditions at Freshwater Bay Golf Club this week entries were low and the scoring was accordingly high. Kasey Tuckey won the mid week stableford with 39 points off of his 9 handicap ahead of Dennis Smith (19) second on 36 and Gordon Day (15) third with 35 holding off Rob Jackson on count back.

The Monthly Medal fared even worse with Stephen Cooke taking the honours scoring a net 78 playing off of 12, ahead of his father Gary (14) on 84.

Due to the course being closed for Walk the Wight from 10 am a Breakfast Tournament was organized which then had its start delayed due to monsoon conditions, Adam Keen ran out the winner in the end with 21 points, a point ahead of Miles Oldershaw in second on 20.

The ever popular Fristab away day was staged this year at Southampton Municipal and was comprehensively won by Richard Leppard with 38 points ahead of Keith Wright in second on 36 and a plethora of players on 35. Numerous prizes were awarded for nearest the pin, longest drive and a total of £55 was raised for the Captains Charity mainly on fines for players not wearing the appropriate tie.

Shaun Clark takes Cheverton Cup

2009-05-11T17:49:00.000+01:00

The major competition of the month so far at Freshwater Bay Golf Club the Cheverton Cup was hotly contested on Sunday 3rd May and eventually lifted by 20 handicapper Shaun Clark. Prizes in his Division 2 also went to Andy Rann (26) returning a 65 and John Meredith (22) on 66. In Division 1 Jim Whitehead (8) came out on top with a 66 ahead of three players tied on 67 – Simon Smith (5), Brandon Thompson (4) and Chris Pink (12).

The Bank Holiday Monday saw a fun competition open to all members, the team of Myles Taylor, Keith Wright and Derek Wright returned an excellent 82 points in the Yellow Ball Stableford to finish just ahead of Rob Jackson, Bill Hinchen and John Wisker on 77 in second. Third place was secured on the back nine by Simon Fisher, Stuart Morris and Cliff Sanders scoring 74 points and holding off the top ladies team of Mo Couse, Rita Smith and Shirley Clarke on count back.

A smaller than usual entry in the Saturday Stableford due to a hard fought match between the Club Captain’s Team and a team of Past Captains being played at the same time, needles to say the canny elder statesmen came out resounding winners 4 ½ to ½. Back in the Stableford Kasey Tuckey (9) scored 37 points for first place ahead of Dave Morey (15) on 35 points in second beating Mike Black (16) and Martin Brett (28) on the back nine both with the same score.

This week’s Junior Stableford saw the top two players both cut a shot with Tom Stockley (26) finishing first ahead of Sammi Keen (10) with both players scoring 38 points.

Hole in one helps Simon Smith to medal victory

2009-04-27T20:45:00.000+01:00

The major competition of the last two weeks at Freshwater Bay was the Monthly Medal played on Sunday the 19th in which the CSS rose to 69 for the 43 entrants. Brandon Thompson and Barry Crook finished in third and fourth place respectively both returning net 68s, Kevin Garret took second with a 65 but first place went to Simon Smith with a 63 and he also took home the prize for the lowest gross with his 68 helped out by a hole in one at the 1st hole.

Andy Rann (27) managed to equal Simon’s score of 63 playing in Division 2 of the mid week medal and taking first place three shots ahead of Richard Couse (17) in second and third placed John Herbert (21) on 69. The scoring wasn’t quite so good in Division 1 with Myles Taylor taking the honours returning a net 67 off of 6 handicap, with Richard Frost also playing off 6 in second on 68, John Veal (15) eased Dave Morey out of third spot on count back both players returning a 69.

Two Junior Stablefords were held at the end of the week with typical high scoring in both, Kasey Tuckey (11) ran out the winner of the first with 39 points ahead of Ryan Harmer (14) on 38. In the second event Kasey narrowly lost out to Steven Cooke (13) on the back nine with both players returning very creditable 41s ahead of Conor White (29) in third on 40 points.

At the other end of the age scale scores were even better with Peter Cooper (16) taking the Veterans Monthly Stableford on count back with 42 points leaving Graham Ellis in second place playing off of 25. Third place went to Peter Marsden with 38 points keeping himself in the hunt for the Ogle Tankards with 170 points, three points behind the leader Dennis Smith on 173.

The Better Ball Stableford played on Saturday 18th was also a close run thing with Ian Ball and Gordon Day coming away the winners with 45 pts beating father and son duo Robbie and George Faulkner on count back 27 to 25. Robbie and George had their revenge though, joined by Russell Macgregor they trounced the field in this week’s Sunday Arizona Shuffle with 81 points a full 15 points clear of nearest rivals Tony Keen, Pete Miller and Paul Gardner on 66, third place went to Miles Oldershaw, Richard Couse and Tony Hammonds who narrowly lost out on count back.

40 points was required for first place in both the First and Second Divisions on Wednesday with Gordon Day (16) fighting off John Veal (15) on count back, Paul Gardner (16) took third place ahead of Pete Miller (14) on the back nine with both players carding 39 points. Division 2 was clearer cut with Shaun Clarke (22) in first place on 40 points ahead of Ivan Butt (19) in second on 38 and Justin Clayton (17) third with 37 points.

On Friday 24th the Veterans tried their hand at playing from the back tees with Mike Dowsett (18) holding off Chris West on count back for the prize money, both players returning 35 points in tough conditions.

The weather conspired to make matters worse on the Saturday with the best score of the day being 75 carded by Malc Williams (16) and Kevin Miles (15) with Malc running out the winner on count back.

Thompson lifts two pairs titles.

2009-04-14T17:12:00.001+01:00

A busy Easter week culminated in Brandon Thompson lifting two pairs trophies, one with Sammi Keen and the other partnering Kevin Garrett. Meanwhile we entertained over 20 new beginners to the game with instruction in the new covered driving facility and guided introductions to the course, if you know of any prospective members that missed the event and would still like to participate after the event then please contact the Club on 7528955.

The first competition was a mid week singles stableford played on the 8th April with the CSS rising to 68 for the 38 entries. Best score of the day was returned by John Herbert (23) amassing 41 points winning Division 2 ahead of three players on 15 points with second place going to Dave Cooke (19) on count back from Graham Ellis (25) in third and Andrew Rann (25) in fourth all scoring 35 points. Scoring overall was slightly higher in Division 1 with Adam Keen (11) taking first place with 39 points ahead of Hugh Morrison (15) in second on 38 points. Third place went to Kasey Tuckey (11) beating Chris West (12) on count back, both players returning 36 points.

The Stableford on the Saturday saw the CSS drop this time to 67 due to the consistent high scoring from the 41 entries. Round of the day went to Nat Riddett (6) returning 44 points and a gross 67 to take first place in Division 1, second and third was decided on the back nine between two players returning 40 points – Brandon Thompson (5) came out ahead of Gary Cooke (14). Chris Tansley scored 42 points to win Division 2 ahead of fellow 18 handicapper John Sexton in second on 40 with David Hartley (15) finishing in third on 38 points as did Mike Hailes (16) in fourth.

The inaugural Freshwater Bay Lifeboat Trophy was played on the Sunday following being postponed from the Friday due to fog and inclement weather, the American Greensomes event was won by Brandon Thompson and Kevin Garrett returning 45 points ahead of second placed Father and Son pairing of Tony and Mike Black with 44 points. Geoff Smith and Chris West managed to sneak third place on count back from Robbie and George Faulkner in fourth with Peter Cooper and Steve Orchard in fifth all recording 43 points.

Of the 68 players in Ernie’s Two Ball Scramble on Easter Monday Brandon again came out on top this time partnering Sammi Keen to finish 1.5 shots ahead on 57.3. Second place went to Kev Garrett and Kevin McArthur scoring a gross 63, net 59.8 off of their 3.2 handicap allowance to beat Adam Keen and Nat Riddett on count back returning exactly the same gross and nett. The trophy presented to the Club in memory of Ernie Cooke, first played for in 2004, saw a fitting fourth place go to his son Paul partnering Miles Oldershaw to a nett 61.

Three Ball Scramble won by tenth of a shot.

2009-04-07T16:43:00.001+01:00

The Sunday Medal saw Nat Riddett (6) take first place in Division 1 with a 66 recording the lowest gross of the day with a 72, second place went to Barry Crook with a 69 off of 12 handicap. Third place was decided on count back with Keith Wright (7) holding off John Veal (15) both returning a nett 70. In Division 2 the top three players tied on 67 with Dave Cooke (20) finishing in prime position on ahead of John Riddelsdell (19) in second and Tony Hammonds (25) in third.

The Saturday Stableford saw Brandon Thompson winning Division 1scoring 41 points off of his 5 handicap, Barry Crook (12) took second with 38 points narrowly easing out James Sanders (7) with the same score. Ryan Harmer (15) matched the Division 1 score of 41 points but 34 was good enough for second place for John Wisker (21) and John Sexton (18) finishing in third place on 33.

On Wednesday the fun three ball scramble was won by Rob Jackson, Richard Couse and Dennis Smith scoring a nett 59.35, a mere tenth of a shot ahead of John Herbert, Gerry Bolton and Ray Cooke in second place on 59.45.

Gary Cooke takes Warren Cup

2009-03-31T15:34:00.000+01:00

A fun 3-2-1 Team Stableford on Sunday finished off the week at Freshwater Bay with Tony Hammonds, Nick Riby and Shaun Clark taking first place with 85 points from Graham Wells, Chris Tansley and John Burke in second on 83 points. Bill Hinchen, Chris West and Hugh Morrison managed to hold onto third place scoring 80 points and beating Chris Boulter, John Meredith and John Riddlesdell on count back.

Kevin McArthur (10) took pride of place in Division 1 on Saturday scoring 38 points in the stableford ahead of Kev Garrett (5) in second with 36 points and Derek Wright (3) in third on 35. In Division 2 Mike Hailes (16) ran out the winner with 37 points beating Keith Kimber (17) on count back, Malc Williams (15) took third place on count back from Kevin Miles and Gary Holmes with all three players scoring 34 points. Nothing changed at the top in this the final round of the Warren Cup with Gary Cooke taking the trophy with 229 points from his son Steven on 227, long time leader Richard Couse finished in third with 226 and Chris Tansley in fourth on 223.

In the Mid week medal Wally Shennan was the only player to break 70 scoring a nett 67 off of his 14 handicap, Keith Kimber (17) came second with a 72 and Malc Williams (15) finished third on 73 on count back from Gary Cooke. In Division Two the best they could manage was 74 nett with the first three places being decided on count back, Ray Cooke (19) first, Brian Whelan (27) second and Bob Godden (20) in third.

Brandon's comeback continues.

2009-03-24T11:00:00.001Z

Conditions conspired to bring the normally high scoring down this week but didn’t stop Hampshire star Brandon Thompson continuing his come back from knee surgery and winning one and coming second in the other of the two weekend events. Completion of the new covered practice/teaching facility is almost complete and Freshwater will be celebrating with an Free Open Weekend on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th for any one interested in taking the game up – please phone 752955 for further details. So as to involve all Island golfers in the celebration we will be offering 2 for 1 green fees in April for all island residents as well as 2 for 1 menus at Fairways End and 2 for 1 coaching from our PGA Pro James Veal.

Highest score in Sunday’s Stableford was 39 points returned by Mark Debuse (8) to take Division 1 followed by Brandon Thompson (5) second on 37 and Barry Crook (12) in third scoring 35 points. In Division 2 two players finished on 39 points with Malc Williams (16) taking first place on count back from Cris Keith (19), third place went to Dennis Smith on 38.

Also played on the Sunday was the final of Rolies Winter Knockout a better ball Matchplay event with Nat Riddett and Adam Keen running out the winners on the 18th hole after being 3 up 6 play with a somewhat round the houses four from Nat sealing the fate of opponents Gary Holmes and Tony Keen (Adam’s father).

Saturday saw a dreaded Par competition with young Ryan Harmer returning the best score of the day to win Division 2, carding a round of 4 up off of his 16 handicap. Dick Leppard (19) finished second on 2 up and Martin Brett (27) took third place 1 up on count back from John Sexton. In Division 1 Brandon Thompson took the honours 3up playing off 5 handicap ahead of fellow five handicapper Kevin Garrett on 2 up and third placed Stuart Morris on 1 up.

In the Junior Medal Tom Stockley returned an excellent nett 59 to reduce his handicap by 5 shots to 27.

The scoring in mid week Stableford was again slightly lower than usual with the highest score coming from Andy Rann picking up Division 2 with 40 points off of 27 handicap, second place went to Chris Boulter (18) on 39 points and Shaun Clark (22) finished third on 38 points. Thirty seven points was all that Division 1 players could mange with Malc Williams (16) finishing top of the heap on count back from John Mew (14) in second and Chris West (11) in third with three more players finishing a shot adrift on 36 points

Oustanding 58 from Paul Gardner

2009-03-17T09:42:00.000Z

Outstanding round of the week at Freshwater was returned by 19 handicap Paul Gardner in the Medal on Sunday, a nett 58 that no one could get within 5 shots of was ample enough to give him first place in Division 2. Pete Miller (16) finished in second with a 63 and Kev Miles (15) took third place on 68 easing out James Brett on Count back. In Division 1 the scoring was of a similar standard with Richard Frost and Myles Taylor finishing second and third respectively both playing off 6 and carding 66, pole position went to Tony Keen (10) with a nett 65.

On a some what more light hearted note the Saturday competition was a South African Three Ball Stableford with Geoff Smith, Fred Smith and John Sexton running out the eventual winners on 160 points, Tony Keen, Ian Ball and Chris West finished in second place on the same score by losing out on back nine count back – makes you wonder how they felt after amassing 120 points on the front nine!

Played alongside on the Saturday was the Junior Stableford in which three competitors managed to slash their handicaps by a total of seven shots, Sammi Keen (14) romped home with 46 points ahead of George Faulkner (35) on 43 points and Ryan Harmer (16) on 41.

Earlier in the week a Two Ball Scramble was staged with Bill Hinchen and Hugh Morrison taking pride of place on 60.8 substantially ahead of Chris West and Chris Tansley in second place scoring 65.0.

Nat Riddett holds off comeback king Brandon Thompson in Monthly Medal

2009-03-17T09:39:00.001Z

The Mid Week Stableford on 4th March saw the CSS drop to 66 following some solid scoring from the 38 entries, with best score of the day going to Division 2 winner James Brett returning 40 points off of his 18 handicap, Dave Richards (21) took second on 38 and Paddy Hodgson (18) third. In Division 1 Gordon Day (16) finished in first place with 38 points closely followed by Dave Wilkins (15) in second on 37 with 7 handicap Keith Wright in third losing out on the back nine.

Friday 6th March saw similar scoring in the Veterans Stableford following a short delay to let the frost clear the main greens with Peter Marsden (21) taking first place ahead of Keith Brown (18) in second on 37 and Jim Payne (23) with 36 points in third beating John Mew (14) on count back. After four rounds of the Ogle Tankards Dennis Smith still retains the lead on 137, John Mew in second on 133 followed by this months winner Peter Marsden on 132 points.

The Monthly Medal played on the Saturday saw some ferocious scoring from the 39 entries with the top twelve breaking par, Nat Riddett (7) ran out the overall winner with an excellent nett 63 and sharing the honour of the lowest gross with second placed Brandon Thompson (6) with both players returning 70’s. Quite a feat for Brandon as this was his first competitive game following two knee operations to rectify a football injury. Chris West (12) finished in third on 65 easing Richard Couse (17) out on the back nine, Miles Oldershaw (9) took fifth place on count back from Paul Gardner, both carding 66’s.

Tougher conditions prevailed on Sunday for the Stableford competition with the CSS rising from 68 to 70; best score of the day coming in Division 2 from Paul Gardner returning 37 points off of his 19 handicap. Dennis Smith also off 19 shot 36 points for second place ahead of Tony Hammonds (25) on 34, with Frank Gregory in fourth losing out on the back nine. In Division 1 Chris West cut to 11 handicap from the day before still managed to pick up first place with 35 points, ahead of Ian Ball (13) in second scoring 34 points, Miles Oldershaw finished fourth on 33 points losing out to Graham Wells (10) on count back

Fine weather brings players out in force

2009-03-02T20:38:00.002Z

Good weather combined with main greens in fine condition brought the Freshwater Bay members out in force this week with 42 entries in the Mid Week Medal, 54 in the Saturday Stableford and the Sunday Medal lagging behind slightly with 32 competitors.

The Medal played on Wednesday 25th February saw some fine scoring in both divisions with nett 64 being the overall best of the day shared by Keith Wright (7) and Chris West (13), Keith managed to take first place in Division 1 on count back. Kasey Tuckey carded a 65 off of 11 handicap to take third place, with Derek Wright (2) returning the lowest gross of the day 67 and taking fourth place with nett 65. Commiserations go to Dave Morey who also finished on 65 but didn’t figure in the prizes losing out on the back nine.

Division 2 was almost as closely fought with Chris Tansley (18) also bringing home a 65 to take first place from Andy Rann (28) in second on count back, while Peter Cooper (16) sneaked third place from Ray Cooke (19) with both players scoring 67.

The card play back system was again bought into play for Division 2 of the Saturday Stableford with no less than four players tying on 38 points, Shaun Clark (22) came out on top with John Riddelsdell (19) in second, John Sexton (17) in third and lastly in fourth place Gary Holmes playing off of 17.

Division 1 was a little clearer cut, at least for the first three places, with Frank Ing returning 40 points from his 13 handicap to take first place ahead of James Sanders (7) on 39 and Bill Hinchen in third on 38 also playing off seven. Bertie Everson (13) managed to sneak fourth spot on the back nine from Richard Frost, Hugh Morrison and Nat Riddett all scoring 37 points.

These scores go through to the final month of the Warren cup with the lead being held by father and son, Gary and Steven Cooke tied on 227, Richard Couse third on 221 and Chris Tansley fourth with 215 points.

Sunday the 1st March saw a Medal Competition with scoring of a similar caliber especially in Division 2 where 65 shared all three places, 14 handicapper Gary Cooke taking first place on the back nine from Ian Ball also off 14 and David Hartley (18) in third. Division 1 went to John Burke (12) with a 66 ahead of Chris West (12) on 67 and Kasey Tuckey (11) in third place with a 68.

Juniors get half term off to flying start

2009-02-24T15:08:00.000Z

To start the school half term week Freshwater Bay Golf Club held a Junior Stableford in which the top three players all reduced their handicaps, first place went to Ryan Harmer playing off 17 returning 40 points and beating Connor White (30) on count back, with Steven Cooke (12) picking up third place carding 38 points.

Wednesday 18th February saw a Better Ball Stableford convincingly won by Peter Scott and John Herbert with an excellent 45 points, Colin Thompson and Frank Ing finished second with 43 points and Andy Rann and James Brett took third place with 41 holding off two pairs on count back, neither Chris West and Tony Keen nor Brian Whelan and Roger Pitcher could match the new boys 23 back nine.

A lighthearted South African Two Ball Stableford was played on the Saturday open to all combinations of members with Past Captain Bill Hinchen partnering promising Junior Lady Sammi Keen to an outstanding 92 points a massive 14 points clear of their nearest rivals. Geoff Smith and Chris West returned a creditable 78 points only to be beaten on the back nine for second place by Kevin Garrett and Kevin McArthur. For those of you who have never had the dubious honour of playing a South African before you simply multiply the points you score on a hole by that of your partners, hence two nett pars would be 2 x 2 = 4 points. However this game is not to be taken too seriously as can be vouched for by Club Captain Barry Hunter who’s playing partner didn’t score a point for the first six holes and so negated any points Barry scored as well! Best ladies pair was Jan Smith and Barry’s wife Elaine finishing in 9th place out the fifty entries.

Sunday reverted to a normal Stableford with five players breaking the 40 point barrier, four of which were in Division One with Simon Fisher (14) taking pole position on 41 points ahead of Ian Bal (15) in second, Derek Wright (3) and Colin Thompson (15) in third and fourth respectively with all three players carding 40 points. Division Two was won with 41 points again this time from 19 handicap David Hartley, Cris Keith also off 19 beat James Brett (18) on the back nine to take second place with both players returning 39 points. Chris Boulter (18) finished in fourth on 37 points holding off Richard Couse, Geoff Smith and Ray Cooke on count back.

The scores from the Sunday competition take the Warren Cup into its final month with Gary Cooke retaining the lead on 227, closely followed by Richard Couse and Gary’s son Steven with both players a mere two points behind on 225.

All the glory and none of the money!

2009-02-17T14:21:00.000Z

This weeks round up from Freshwater Bay starts with the Mid Week Stableford played on the Wednesday 11th with Chris West taking first place in Division 1 with 41 points off of his 13 handicap, second place went to Derek Wright (30) with 40 points and Steven Cooke beating Kevin Garrett on count back for third, both players returning 38 points.

Division 2 was won by up and coming James Brett (19) returning the best score of the day with 42 points, Rob Jackson (17) finished second with 39 points and Pete Bryan (20) third on 37 points.

On Friday 13th Bob Godden (21) won the Veterans Stableford with 36 points with Jim Payne (23) in second on 35 points. John Wisker (23) managed to take 3rd place beating no less than four players on count back, Wally Shennan, Graham Ellis, Peter Scott and John Mew all scoring 34 points. These results go through to the Ogle Tankards which after three rounds sees Dennis Smith in the lead on 103, with John Davis second on 99, John Mew 97 in third and John Wisker in fourth place having returned 95 points.

The Stableford played Saturday 14th again saw Derek Wright in the Division 1 frame this time with 41 points reducing his handicap to 2.5, three players finished with 40 points Kasey Tuckey (11) picking up second place with the better back nine, Miles Oldershaw third off of 9 handicap and Gary Cooke (15) in fourth place. Gary is the new leader of the Warren Cup on 227 following his 40 points, with Richard Couse climbing to 222 in second place and Chris Tansley close by in third place on 219.

The Monthly Medal on Sunday 15th saw a John Wisker (23) a full five shots ahead of the rest of the field, unfortunately John wasn’t feeling too confident when he arrived and didn’t enter the sweep so took all of the glory and none of the money - losing three shots off his handicap to boot! Second place went to Malc Williams (16) with a 67, third to Chris Tansley (18) with a 68 holding off Hugh Morrison (14) on the back nine also with a 68, Miles Oldershaw collected the prize for returning the lowest gross.

Play continues inspite of tough conditions

2009-02-09T19:45:00.000Z

Tough conditions brought scores down in the mid-week stableford played on Wednesday 4th February, with the CSS rising a shot to 68 for the yellow tee competition. The eventual winner was Freshwater’s Vice Captain Chris Tansley carding 37 points off of 10 handicap and beating Miles Oldershaw (9) on count back. Rob Jackson finished in third place with 34 points playing off of 17.

The Warren Cup hots up with two players Chris Tansley and Gary Cooke closing to within four shots of leader Richard Couse on 219 who is unable to play at present due to a wrist injury.

Saturday’s Medal played on main greens after a delay for the frost to clear was won by Derek Wright carding an excellent 70, net 67 off of a three handicap with Keith Wright (7) in second place with a 69. Chris West beat fellow 13 handicapper Steven Cooke by a shot to take third place with a net 70.

A fun three ball scramble was played on Sunday, despite the poor forecast, with Derek and Keith Wright again taking the money, this time joined by Adam Keen to return a gross 60 reduced to a 56.85 nett from their 3.15 handicap. Each player has to play three tee shots and you are only allowed 15% of your combined handicap. Second place went to Kev Garret, Chris West and Dennis Smith scoring a nett 59.75, a mere 0.2 of a shot ahead of third placed Gary and Steven Cooke accompanied by James Brett on 59.95.

Last of Jan - First of Feb

2009-02-04T09:54:00.000Z

The last competition of January at Freshwater Bay Golf Club saw a fun Yellow Ball Stableford on Saturday 31st with the excellent score of 75 points taking the honours. The winning three man team comprised of John Meredith, Doug Weedon and Paul Gardner with second place going to Simon Fisher paired with father and son combination of Cliff and James Sanders on 73. Third place was taken by another dad/son partnership that of Gary and Steven Cooke accompanied by Barry Crook who together returned 71 points.

Sunday the 1st of February brought forth a cold windy morning that reduced scores far below normal expectations, low enough in fact to make the event a reduction only competition. First place never the less was ably won by Malc Williams playing off 16 handicap and scoring 33 points, two shots ahead of Steven Cooke (13) and John Riddlesdell (19) on 31 with Steven taking second place on count back.

The results of the stableford count towards the 2009 Warren Cup awarded for the best six stableford scores over the winter months. So far seven players have completed six or more rounds with Richard Couse taking a four point lead on 219, a very creditable average of 36.5 points, ahead of Gary Cooke on 215 and Vice Captain Chris Tansley on 211. One player to watch out for is Steven Cooke who has only completed five rounds so far but has carded an average of 35.8 points.

Ralph Tiller Life Membership

2009-01-26T14:51:00.000Z

Ralph Tiller, one of Freshwater Bay Golf Club’s longstanding members, was honoured at the recent Annual General Committee with the award of life membership. Past Captain Tony Black paid eloquent tribute to Ralph’s accomplishments on behalf of the General Committee who had proposed him for the rarely given honour. A member since the mid 60s Ralph was instrumental in the purchase of the Club and Course by the members in 1976 and one of the instigators of lengthening the course by reclaiming the now 9th and 10th holes. Another of his successes was the establishment of the 10 hole Fristab competition which is still running every Friday night form April to October. Ralph’s playing pedigree includes representing Freshwater in the IWGU League, numerous appearances in the coveted Rosebowl Match and he was made Vice President of the IW Golf Alliance for his contribution to their re-organisation with the addition of the Seniors Alliance. In accepting the Life Membership Ralph thanked the Committee and Members for granting him Life Membership and thanked his wife for not giving him too much “ear hole” for playing golf over the years. He concluded by commenting on the great atmosphere at the Club and by saying that in his eyes Freshwater course was the best challenge on the Island, if you could master the game here you could play anywhere.

Derek Wright 65

2009-01-26T14:44:00.000Z

Round of the week at Freshwater goes to Derek Wright playing in the Wednesday Medal carding a gross 65 giving him a nett 62 off his 3 handicap, which included no less than five birdies. Derek picked up first spot in Division One but was by no means was way ahead of the rest of the thirty strong field with Steven Cooke only two shots adrift on 64 off of 15 handicap in second place from his father Gary (14) in third with a 66. Division Two where even closer with Gordon Day (17) first with a 63 and Seniors Captain Brian Whelan (27) in second on 65, Pete Miller finished in third on 66 off of 16 handicap.

Not to be out done by his elder brother Keith Wright won the monthly medal on Saturday 24th when conditions were some what tougher. Keith (7) returned a nett 68 to edge clear of three players on 69 with Dave Morey (15) finishing in second place on count back from two in form players Gary Cooke (14) third and Derek Wright (3). Three further players tied a shot back on 70 - John Burke, Hugh Morrison and Mike Hailes – but commiserations must go to Ian Ball who carded the best nett of the day with a 64 and had to be disqualified for not signing his card.

Captains Drive In

2009-01-26T14:37:00.000Z

Despite an horrendous weather forecast Sunday bloomed with blue skies and sun shine, although a little on the chilly side, some 95 members attended Freshwater Bay Golf Club’s Captains Drive In. Out going Captains Bill Hinchen and Rita smith had the easy job of playing a ball up the 18th fairway whilst the incoming Captains had the unenviable task of trying to hit the renowned 18th green into a blustery wind with out of bound down the right and the green thronged with members. Kevin Garret must have had some inside knowledge to pick up the bottle of scotch for putting his peg nearest to where Club Captain Barry Hunter’s ball would finish, with Ian Andrews collecting a bottle of wine for predicting that Sue Keen, Captain of the Ladies Section, would completely clear the 18th green. Members were treated to mulled wine and a meal after which Club Captain Barry announced that the day had got the Club’s 2009 Charity, EMH Hospice at Home, off to a rousing start of £350. On behalf of the members Vice Captain Chris Tansley thanked the Captain for his hospitality and for organizing such a great start to the year, especially as Chris himself managed to pick up no less than three prizes in the 10 hole stableford including nearest the pin on the 14th.

First prize in the hidden pairs went to Hugh Morrison and Sean Clark returning a commendable 41 points, with John Meredith and John Sexton in second with 39 and Roger Thomas and Chris Tansley scoring 38 to take third spot.

In the singles Tansley improved on his third place in the pairs and picked up first place with 22 points beating Sean Clark into second on count back. John Sexton finished in third place with 20 points holding off Dave Wright, Ryan Harmer and John Veal on tie break.

The mid week stableford on the 14th January saw Frank Ing take first place in Division One scoring 41 points, a single point ahead of Steven Cooke with 40 and Gary Cooke in third on 39 points. Father and son Gary and Steven continue their battle of handicaps with them both being cut to 15.

In Division Two the scoring was not quite so good with Mike Dowsett scoring 36 points off his 18 handicap to pinch first place from Gordon Day off 17 returning 35 and Ray Cooke collecting third place with 32 points.

Saturday’s Division One of the Stableford was ably won by Derek Wright scoring 38 points and reducing his handicap back down to 3. Frank Ing finished in second beating Derek’s younger brother Keith on count back after both players returned 37 points.

In Division Two Gary Cooke stole a march on his handicap race with his son by carding 40 points and getting cut to 14, Mike Black playing off 16 finished in second with 38 points and Dick Leppard third with 36 points off of his 19 Handicap.

12th January 2009

2009-01-26T14:35:00.000Z

As soon as the thaw out from the excessive cold spell was underway Freshwater Bay members took to the course in a Stableford Qualifier competition played on the main greens. Scoring was consistent with both divisions being won with 35 points and the Competition Standard Scratch rising to 70.

Keith Wright too first place in Division 1 with 35 points off his 7 handicap closely followed by 15 handicapper Steve Sargeant in second with 33 and Pete Miller in third scoring 31 points off of 16. The scoring in Division 2 was identical, John Riddlesdell taking first place off with 35 points playing of 19, while two 18 handicappers finished in second and third spots - Dick Leppard finishing with 33 and Ray Cooke 31.

New Years Day

2009-01-26T14:33:00.000Z

The New Year was heralded in traditional manner at Freshwater bay Golf Club with the Peter Guy Memorial Trophy; a greensomes event played on the 1st January each year. Eight pairs finished within 3 shots of the eventual winners Dougie Weedon and John Meredith, who returned a net 66. Second place went to Frank Ing and Colin Thompson finishing on 66.6 a mere 0.2 of a shot ahead of Club Captain Bill Hinchen and his partner Hugh Morrison.

Friday 2nd January saw the first senior event of the year with Glenn Carter taking the Veterans Monthly Stableford with 37 points, John Davis finished second on 36 points beating Brian Whelan, Jim Payne and Peter Marsden on count back all returning 36 points. Sixth placed on the day Dennis Smith leads the Ogle Tankards, awarded for the best six scores returned in the Veterans Stableford in the twelve month period starting December. A 43 and 34 gives Dennis total of 77 points, six points ahead of John Davis in second on 71, with third and fourth placed Peter Marsden and John Mew in the mid sixties.

The Wright Way To Win The Men's Open

2008-05-26T16:27:00.001+01:00

In spite of a small entry the scoring in the Medal played on Wednesday 21st May was of a high standard, Pete Bryan took first place with a nett 65 playing off 19 while Dave Morey (15) picked up second place beating Mike Dowsett (18) on the back nine with both players shooting 66.

Saturday the 24th May saw the Men’s Open comprehensively won by home player Keith Wright and his brother Brian, who used to be a Freshwater player before defecting to Osborne a few years ago, with a useful 41 points. Second place was taken by Steve Sargeant and Pete Miller on 39 points closely followed by Gary Holmes and Pet Bryan with 38 points and fourth place going to Chris West and Geoff Smith on 37. Chris also featured in the prizes with nearest the pin on the 14th, although his entry on the marker sheet stated the distance as a long way away! The prize for best away pair went to Richard Daniels and Malcom Prouten of Westridge.

One of the other Wright brothers featured in the frame for the stableford on Sunday 25th May, this time it was Derek playing off of 4 handicap returning 41 points to take first place in Division 1. Second was John Crosbie (8) with 38 points while Les Mew (13) took fourth place scoring 36 points but losing out on count back to Keith Wright (6) who took third.

In Division 2 Richard Couse (19) took pride of place with 39 points, despite not scoring on two holes, second place went to Richard Leppard (18) on 35 points and Dave Cooke (20) finished third with 33.

Stephen Cooke wins EGU Gold Medal

2008-05-19T06:23:00.000+01:00

The May Monthly Medal played on Saturday 17th included the qualifying round for the English Golf Union Gold Medal where the winner goes forward to the national final played at Woodhall Spa and competes to be England’s Handicap Golfer of the Year in front of the Setanta TV cameras. This year the Freshwater representative will be Steven Cooke who returned a nett 64 off of his 24 handicap, the rest of the scoring was tight with the next five players all within two shots of one another, John Crosbie (9) took second place with a nett 65, David Hartley (19) was third on 66 whilst fourth place went to Malc Williams (16) on 67 – beating Jack Ince and Kasey Tuckey on count back.

John Crosbie was in good form earlier in the week as well where he returned the best score of 31 entries in the Mid Week Stableford on Wednesday 14th May, second place in Division 1 went to Barney Barnes (16) with 37 points one point behind Crosbie’s 38. Third place was secured by Keith Brown on 33 points holding off two of the Wright brothers (Keith and Derek) on the back nine with the same score.

Division 2 was won by Pete Bryan (19) scoring 37 points and piping Dave Richards (20) on count back, Dennis Smith finished third scoring 34 points from his 20 handicap.