Surrey Hills Finals Day 2015 @Surrey Downs

Friday off work… golf… sunny (in October)…  and its the League Finals Day hosted this year at Surrey Downs Golf Club.  Nice. A truely fantastic day, autumn sun was out and we were all out in t-shirts. Players across the course stripping off their base layers after the first few holes was a sight and a half.

Surrey Downs was immaculate.  Greens were superb – receptive, true and consistent … and looked great.  The course in general was in great nick, and to play under sun and a clear blue sky, well, autumn golf doesnt really get much better.

Format for the day is 5-ball scramble, with a player of each of the clubs making up the teams.  Woldingham unfortunately fielded only 6 for one reason or another so Surrey National and a couple of clubs doubled up to make up the field.

Surrey National had a good number to field in the ever popular finals day…  Captain, Mark Wheddon, outgoing Chairman Graham Loveless, Jim Doran, Andy Gorman, Ben Greenhalgh, Danny Betts, Hew Whitefoord, Nick Brown, Scott Yule, John Vicars, Wayne Nowak, Dominic Khan, Steve Wood and  couple of Ben’s mates who were able to make up the numbers.

 

Match report from our group

Jim and I were playing together with Surrey Down’s Matt, Paul from Reigate and Sean from Farleigh.  After I committed the cardinal sin in scramble of leaving the last of the 5putts short for a birdie on the first, we didnt look back.  Matt navigated us round his home course and made some great calls on lines of putts on the green.  Jim made a great call early on to take advantage of some good drives rather than spread them around and we took advantage.

None of us had played in a scramble where things went so well – everyone contributed, all knocked in birdie putts, and as a team we all supported each other on the way round.  Paul hadnt been too hot off the tee but stepped up towards the end of the round, scoring a birdie on the 17th (his drive, wedge and putt).  I knocked a 5iron close on the par5 18th for Sean to slot for an eagle and with Paul having to take his drive on our last hole (the par4 3rd), he put it in a great spot for 140 left,  Sean put it middle of the green, Matt stroked it in.  6 under par for the last 5 holes when its usually a scramble/defending time as we clear up the required drives.

We took the win, with the usual mumblings about handicaps and team selection (especially from Surrey Downs’ Trevor).  A great round enjoyed by all.

Let us not forget TeamWayne who received the now traditional wooden spoon for coming last!

Main event really was the awarding of the League title to Farliegh once again. Team Captain Tony spoke very well, thanking all concerned and highlighting how well the league brings together competitive golf amongst mates across the five clubs.  Well done Farleigh.  Surrey National came 2nd once again… lets see if we can give them a run for their money next year.  Let us not forget the massive win we had against them at home!

A great day. Well done Farleigh and huge thanks to Derek for hosting, Surrey Downs’ Matt for organising the teams… and Surrey Downs itself for putting on such a fantastic day.

A special thanks…

On behalf of the whole squad, not all who could play today, I’m sure we’d all like to say a big thanks to Captain Mark… who did a seriously sterling job over the last two years on organising us all, liaising with the other clubs and captains, and saw us take another strong 2nd place this year to the mighty Farleigh.  Ace job mate.

Let’s not forget Mr Loveless who is stepping down after two years as League Chairman.  Flying the flag for Surrey National admirally in moving the league forward to be thoroughly enjoyed by all.