17 players took part in this years Mel Smart Memorial that was held at Normanton G.C. We welcomed 3 new players who said they all had a great day and so heres hoping we see them again in the future.

The Mel Smart Memorial is now the only 18 hole medal competition we play which always provides a real challenge of the game. The course was in good condition with the greens running real fast and the green keepers must have been having a laugh with some of the pin positions. The 3rd on the ridge and the 18th, right at the front of a rapidly sloping green been just 2 of them.  The weather was dry for almost all of the play although the wind did blow to add to the challenge for many.

On to the prizes, starting with the nearest pins on the par 3’s. These were taken by Chris Copestake on the 2nd, Paul Price on the 4th, Adam Galloway on the 10th and finally Alan Ashbee on hole 12.

5 players had 2’s which shows some great golf. These players were Billy Milne, Adam Galloway,Nigel Owram, Alan Ashbee & Chris Copestake.

The top 3 players of the day were Dan Fentaman finishing 3rd with a score of 70, including his 1st ever Eagle. 2nd place went to Paul Huddlestone with a super score of 69. Winning this years trophy with an incredible score of 67 was Andy Rothera.

Well done to all who won something.

Thanks to Normanton Golf Club for their warm welcome and kind hospitality and thanks to you for the continued support of the society.

The last 3 fixtures come pretty quickly now and our next outing is now just 10 days away at Horsforth Golf club where we shall play for the Webster cup. The cost for this will be £31 plus £5 for the sweep in cash on the day. For Horsforth Members the cost will be a bacon sarnie and a coffee plus £5 sweep. Please meet at 11 o’clock.  Full details can be found on the events section of this website.

Cheers all…

Happy Swinging.

After 3 postponed dates, Tuesday 11th June finally saw the start of this years season after the disastrous weather problems and of course the sad passing of Dave Saynor, who a pint was raised in his memory before the prize presentation.

A warm welcome our new members, Alan Johnson, Joe Cooper & Elliot Stocks. Great to have you along and we hope to see you again to our future fixtures.

A strong field of 22 turned out to tackle both the 6 hole Repton course & the 18 hole Hartree course at Rudding Park. The 6 holes were a warm up to zone in the short game which saw plenty of balls swallowed up by the water but a good laugh was had by all.

We then moved on to play for the Hickling Trophy on the 18 Hawtree course which had some long challenges but with wide fairways meant the big dog was used a plenty, however any wide wide shot was punished with knee high rough in many places. The greens didn’t appear too attractive however they did roll pretty quick and there were 2 new holes which I’m sure are temporary while a couple of other holes are being re designed.

The weather just about behaved and although it wasn’t the warmest, it did stay dry for us thankfully.

On to the prizes and the 4 nearest pins on the par 3’s were taken Joe cooper on holes 5 & 8, Lee Worth on hole 11 & Dave Colley on hole 14. Dave also made his 2 on that hole and was the only player in the field to do so meaning he took the whole £22 twos sweep.

In 3rd place on a count back with 35 points (20 on the back 9) was Lee Wetherill. In 2nd place with a great 36 points was James Pickersgill.

The winner of the Hickling Trophy for 2024 with a super score of 38 points was Paul Huddlestone.

The handicaps were reset to the WHS index as per the 3 year agreement made at the 2022 AGM which means there was plenty of movements both up and down after the first event of the year. Please see the relevant results page for the full update.

Onto our next fixture and the one that is fast being proven to be the most popular on the calendar, the Richmond Open. This will take place on Thursday 11th June and full details can be found on the events page. This is a 27 hole competition and a great value day out. Please meet at 0900. The cost will be £51 (including subs) plus £5 on the day for the sweep.

This year we are going to try a new format called “Medalford”. This is where the 9 hole net medal score will be taken from the afternoon stableford score. The player with the LOWEST score will be the winner.

Thanks once again for your continuing support to the society. As said before it really does make the organisation worth it.

All fixtures are now booked for the upcoming 2024 season. Please see events section for the details.

Also the AGM minutes are written up and published please use the search bar in type 2023 AGM.

Handicaps will be updated on the 1st March in line with the 3 year reset.

A lucky dry & sunny day welcomed us at Normanton G.C. for this years captains day hosted by Mike Pottock.

22 golfers trend up to support  Mike on is day and he made it a success in his meticulous organisation. 9 holes were played in the morning followed by a bacon sandwich before taking to the course in the afternoon for 18 holes on a well presented course with super quick greens. The evening meal was a delicious steak pie with chips which was enjoyed before the prize presentation. Thanks to Normanton G.C. and particularly the kitchen staff for their friendly hospitality.

Plenty of prizes were on offer for both the 9 & 18 holes and so here goes with the winners……

The morning nearest pins were taken by Roger Worth & Steve Patrick on holes 2 & 4 respectively.

The afternoon nearest pins were taken by Aidy Hope on hole 2. No one hit the green on hole 4. Hole 10 was taken by John Kay with Richard Ellis taking hole 12.

Nearest in 2 on hole 4 was won by Dan Fenteman leaving the controversial nearest in 3 on hole 14  or 15 depending which you played was taken by Ian Dyson (hole 14) and Dave Colley on 15!!!!!

The days scoring competition was played for over the full 27 holes and in 4th place with a total score of 53 points was James Hardy. 3rd was won by Lee Weatherill, pipping James on a count back of the afternoon 18, winning 35 to 33.

In 2nd place with a fine score of 57 was Lee Worth.

The winner of the 2023 captains prize and the most consistent golfer of the day with a super combined score of 61 was Dan Fenteman.

Well done Dan and well done to all who won a prize.  Thanks of course to Mike for organising the day and finally thanks to everyone who turned out in support of /mike and the society.

Our next outing is at Shipley Northcliffe to play for the Mel Smart Memorial. this will take place on Tuesday 29th August meeting at 1015 for the usual /bacon sandwich. Full details can be found on the events section of this website.

After a little controversy about the numbers attending Horsforth G.C. for the Webster cup, we eventually settled at 22 players turning out on fine but breezy day up by Leeds & Bradford Airport.

The day started with a fine & dandy bacon sandwich before we headed out to play 18 holes of Stableford golf. The course was in great condition however there was a whisper that someone had an issue with a bunker or 2. Sound advice was given however from his playing partners who simply said “don’t go in” and I have to say that it is good advice! The greens were not super fast but they did run true, offering good chances to get the ball to the hole. On whole there was positive feedback from all and it could be on the list for a return visit next season.

Onto the important section… The Prizes…..

Nearest the pins were taken by Lee Weatherill on 7, Ian Dyson on 9, Jon Kay on 11 and James Hardy 15.

Nearest in 2 taking the captains prize on the 5th hole was Steve Pattrick.

The 2’s club was visited by Lee Worth & Ian Dyson.

Onto the main trophy and a valiant defence of the trophy by Kim Ross saw I’m finish in 3rd place with a good score of 37.

In second place, beaten on a count back was Ian Dyson on 38 points meaning the winner with a super back 9 score of 21 was James Hardy. Well played James and also everyone else who won a prize.

Our next outing will be at Pike Hills on Friday 14th July and all the details can be found on the events page of this website.

Until our next outing, Keep Swinging!!!!!!!!!