Report

28 men took on the the challenge at Royal Winchester and also to wave a goodbye to this years Captain Paul Baker. Going out first Paul set the pace scoring 21 points on the front 9, but ran out of steam a little on the back 9 mainly because he sobered up from the night before! He did manage to end up with a very good 41 points. Also performing well this year was Andy Pryce, the first 9 seemed to be the easier as Andy scored 22 points, even with the poor arithmetical skills of next years vice-captain Phil Colmer. Generally the scoring was very good with lots of high scores Pete Smith with 39, and Mark Blake and Phil Burridge both scoring 38, but with a steady back nine of 1 over par it was David (Stick) Greetham winning by 1 with 42 points to secure the coveted Don Marks Shield for 2024.

This year we had 7 guests who all performed well notably Simon Frost who scored 38 points, and Pablo Hazell from Ampfield GC with 36. The sporting talent didn't stop there with Giles White and Matt Le Tissier both showing glimpses of the glory from the other sports, in particular bot hit fantastic shots from distance into the 15th green to a couple of feet!

The live scoring through Golf Genius expertly provided and managed by Jim White was successful yet again, enabling everyone to track their progress on the course and in the clubhouse, this meant for some nervy last few holes for the leaders, but entertaining for the rest.

Unfortunately we had a few regulars missing out for this event with Stuart Marks suffering with a cold sore sore elbow, and a more acceptable reason as Simon Straker had spent 3 days of life support 9 days earlier following some complications for back surgery, we all wish them both a speedy recovery.

After the golf we all sat down for a lovely carvery in the clubhouse, with Paul Baker welcoming the guests in his own true style, and have to say he has been a great captain to have this year. Following presentation of the prizes, he passed on the baton to next years captain for 2025 who is Stuart Marks, able supported by his vice captain who is Phil Colmer.