Fitzwilliam Golf Society

FITZWILLIAM GOLF SOCIETY TOUR TO THE WELSH MARCHES 

 

Sunday 20 - Tuesday 22 May 2018

 

Overview and Day 1

 

This was another great tour, playing at three excellent courses in an area of the country that most had not visited before. The weather on tour was brilliant – especially considering that we were largely in Wales!  The views at each course were fantastic and it was like being on a geography field trip for most of the Tour!

 

Kington Golf Club is supposed to be the highest course in England, although it is really situated right on the border with Wales and we had great views on both sides of Offa’s Dyke and over to Hergest Ridge (of Mike Oldfield fame) and especially repeatedly on the back nine down the course to the south. It was quite a climb to get to the top of the course at the 8th hole. The course has been described as quirky – especially the 18th hole - and it has a lot of ramparted greens – but it is a fun course to play – and it certainly makes you think about your shot-making.

 

We had very good accommodation at the Highland Moors Guest House, run by the very friendly Sue and Adam Green and their staff, in Llandrindod Wells. We ate very well and our first night meal at the Guest House was good – including Welsh lamb.

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Day 1: Kington Golf Club Results

 

Team Competition in groups of 3, 2 better Stableford balls counting, on full handicap, double points at 18th hole:

80 points - Mike Hamment, David Wheeler (guest) and Emma Fitzgerald (guest)

79 points – Charlie Brown, Brian Hodge and Ian Hall

74 points – Matt Hignell, Graham May and Gerry Tucker (with some help!)

73 points – Colin Dunkerley, Fred Hartley and Bob Barltrop

71 points – Henry Croft-Baker, Stuart Lester and Pete Bennett

 

Nearest the pin on the 5th: David Wheeler (a great shot to 12 inches – hit the flag but didn’t drop)

Nearest the pin on the 9th: Bob Barltrop (a fine shot)

Nearest the pin on the 15th: Brian Hodge (this was another brilliant shot – arrow straight into the wind – 200 yards into a stiff breeze – to about 10 feet away)

Nearest the pin on the 18th: Stuart Lester (on the quirkiest hole of the Tour - another brilliant shot – into the wind, but largely downhill – 268 yards – aimed out way left – the ball ran down to the back of the green)

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Tour Overview

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Player of the Tour: Stuart Lester (very consistent each day – and needed to be cut two shots on the last day!)

 

My personal highlights: A great game of golf that I had with Henry Croft-Baker, my partner – against Graham May and Brian Hodge – at Llandrindod Wells – the fantastic views at all of the courses - and the top meal we all enjoyed at Fabian’s Kitchen

 

Well played everyone! And roll on next year – already booked for North Devon for 9-11 June 2019 – staying at the Royal Fortescue Hotel in Barnstaple and playing at Royal North Devon, Saunton East and Saunton West. Make a date in your diary!

 

Mike Hamment

Captain

22 May 2018

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