The Horsington Open was held for the second year running on Monday 27th October at Folke Golf Centre, Alweston.
This fact alone gives the organisers the right to call it Horsington’s “Annual” golf charity event. The event is billed as a fun day for all-comers.
18 Golfers took to the course to battle it out for the coveted Horsington Open Claret Jug over 9 holes, on a pleasant early autumn morning, which meant that fallen leaves were a minor factor.
Chris Dibben, from the Winky Seniors had the task of defending his title against some stiff and keen opposition. Some people had even trained for the event! The course was in beautiful condition, but was a more difficult challenge that last year’s venue, Henstridge.
The eventual winner was Kevin Wagland from the home team, the Half Mooners(Handicap 28), with a score of 21 points under the Stableford System. He narrowly pipped last year’s winner Chris Dibben (Handicap 23) by 1 point. Kevin has not played for several years, but we wonder what his handicap was before he took a break.
Third was Frank White (Handicap 9) from the Winky Seniors with 17 points. The Winky Seniors also took the team prize, with a total of 67 points.
Other prizes:
Longest drive AND nearest the pin – David West (handicap (14), who also came 4th
Putt of the Day – Neil Edwards (Handicap 28)
Best Newcomer John Macdonald (Handicap 28) with a score of 14
Best injured player Howard Bentley – Marchant (Handicap 28) – 11 points.
Wooden Spoon – Paul Mann (Handicap 28). This was despite having briefly been the holder of the nearest the pin prize AND beating event organiser Richard Gaunt by 2 points. Richard claimed the organiser’s right to award a prize to whomsoever he wanted to and to demonstrate there was absolutely no favouritism when it came to awarding prizes.
The Horsington Open made a small profit of £64.00, which has been donated to St Margaret’s Hospice.
Well done to all competitors, and thanks to Folke Golf Centre, who were excellent and generous hosts.
The Horsington Open 2014 – Order of merit
Kevin Wagland 21
Chris Dibben 20
Frank White 17
Mike Parfitt 15
Derek King 15
John Macdonald 14
David West 14
Colin Constable 14
Ray Phillips 13
Phil Bennett 13
Nick Maynard 13
George Wagland 13
Andrew Tarling 13
Neil Edwards 11
Howard Bentley-Marchant 11
Glyn Parry 6
Paul Mann 5
Richard Gaunt 3
