Golf: Chichester juniors savour salver success

A team of four junior golfers from Chichester took part in the inter-club competition held at Bognor GC.

They were up against teams from Bognor, West Sussex, Worthing, Hill Barn, Ham Manor and Chichester.

The Chichester team comprised Rebecca Curd (15), the junior captain, Joseph Fradgley (12), Sam Ricketts (15) and Hugo Cockerell (14).

It was a close-fought competition with just one shot between the winning Chichester team and Ham Manor, who came second.

The youngest member of the team, Joseph, was one of only three players who played to their handicap.

Chichester junior organiser Sam Hassall said: “We’re very pleased to have won – well done to the team who did really well.

“This is the first time Chichester have won the Overton Salver so we are really happy and proud to see our name on the salver.”

Chichester have an active junior section and hold regular events on both their 18-hole courses – the Tower and Cathedral courses – plus league matches and events such as the Overton Salver. Junior membership is £100 for a year.

For more go to www.chichestergolf.com or call 01243 528999.

GOODWOOD

When some golf clubs throughout the UK are looking at dwindling membership lists, Goodwood have reported a steady growth in new players because of their credit membership.

So far this year Goodwood have attracted more than 100 new members and their innovative management style is being studied by some major golf resorts as they bid to attract more golfers.

Goodwood introduced a new category of credit membership in 2006 which did not require a hefty financial commitment with joining fees and subscriptions, which has proved to be a deterrent to many would-be members keen to join but unable to fund the outlay.

In 2011 a survey showed British and Irish clubs lost 42,700 members, which accounted for a 14 per cent revenue loss or the equivalent to an average of £11,500 from every club.

Lord March, owner of the Goodwood estate, came up with the idea of members simply paying for the amount of golf they play and avoiding a larger financial burden.

He said: “Members purchase a bundle of credits for rounds of golf for themselves and their guests thus avoiding the annual cost usually associated with club membership.”

Goodwood has enjoyed 93 per cent retention rate of members who themselves have recommended 65 per cent of new members to join.

Lord March added: “Credit membership means golfers, whether they play every day or just once in a while, enjoy all the benefits you would expect from an exceptional golf environment.”

Despite the torrential rain of last week, the two golf courses at Goodwood remained open for play and in fine form.

With their free-draining chalk soil, the courses remained in remarkable condition with buggies still able to be taken on to the course and all areas open for play.

Neil Howie, managing director of Callaway Golf Europe, commented on their Ambassador Golf event on the Downs course.

“The dedication and professionalism shown in getting our guys round was exemplary and I greatly appreciate the efforts made in hosting us.”

Goodwood are offering readers a special deal – you can book a four-ball after midday for just £100.

To book your tee time call 01243 520109 or for enquiries about corporate golf and society golf days, call 01243 775537.

COWDRAY PARK

Cowdray Park Seniors were saddened to learn of the death of popular veteran member Bill Pierce after a long illness.

Bill was a very good golfer in his day. Even when he had to stop playing he still found it enjoyable to join friends at the club each week for a coffee and a chat.

His daughter Caroline was also a good golfer and progressed to the professional ranks and eventually became a successful teaching professional in America.

Bill was born on Merseyside and his pride was Everton FC and when England international footballer Dave Thomas was a member at Cowdray, they used to get together to talk over events past and present at Goodison Park.

* Cowdray Park seniors are ready to host their 2012 open next Wednesday.

New organiser David Imlach has managed to attract 96 entries.

The field comprises players from 37 different clubs, including 19 from clubs which have never previously played at Cowdray Park competitively and 32 home players to accompany each group.

The players come from across the region and even overseas.

Three Cowdray Park seniors entered the Alresford seniors’ open, which attracted a field of 96.

The Cowdray representatives were Richard Histed, county player Dave Hirons and former club captain Harvey Terry.

The field was divided into three sections – for handicaps of 0-15 and 16-28 and Alresford members.

The Cowdray players had a successful day with Terry coming third in 0-15 group and Hirons winning the overall prize and trophy with a score of 35 points.

Cowdray seniors entertained their counterparts from Bognor, who were only too relieved to escape from their heavily-flooded course.

Players were surprised to see how quickly the Cowdray course had recovered from the recent battering from the weather.

Determined to avenge their narrow defeat at Bognor, the home team set off at a rate of knots, with match manager Mike Hancock and Mike Cardiff winning 5&4 and Ian Goodall and Richard Histed triumphing 7&6.

The third match was the closest of the day, with Alistair Proctor and Tony Castley eventually prevailing by 2&1.

Castley scored three consecutive pars to help set up the win, with Proctor using his shots in hand to keep the visitors at bay.

Wally Mitchell and Colin Tebbutt followed with a 6&5 win before Bognor claimed their only win courtesy of Peter Lott and Vic Ward, who won 3&2.

Cowdray wrapped up the victory with 2½ wins out of the last three matches to win 6½-1½.

The match was played in the friendliest of spirits.

Results (Cowdray names first): Mike Hancock & Mike Cardiff beat Roger Selway & Allan Delves 5&4; Ian Goodall & Richard Histed beat David Turner & Gee Fenwick 7&6; Alistair Proctor & Tony Castley beat John Woodhead & Alan Fitzgerald 2&1; Wally Mitchell & Colin Tebbutt beat Jim Barker & Peter Collins 6&5; Barry Overington & George Crouch lost to Peter Lott & Vic Ward 3&2; John Smith & Roy Penrose halved with

Gary Steventon & Hugh Diaper; John Friend & John Newman beat Frank Hodder & Clive Millett 3&2; Gordon Kendall & Mike Holden beat Paul Black & Richard Hedge 3&2.

AVISFORD PARK

Stableford competitions were won by Stephen Porter with 40 points and Lee Passey with 45.

A midweek medal was won by Norman Turner with a nett 68.

The club medal was won in division one by David Rudman with a nett 66 and in division two Alan North with 70. The midweek Stableford was won by Brian Ford with 43 points.

The senior medal was won in division one by Norman Turner with nett 68 and in division two by Kevin D’urban-Jackson with a nett 73.

A Saturday Stableford was won by Wayne Carey with 42 points.

The captain versus secretary match was won 5-3 by the secretary.

The nearest the pins were won by Mark Walden on the second, Andy Adams on the 13th, Paul Napier-Raikes on the 14th and Robert Kuszka on the 18th.

The seniors’ president’s putter was won by Colin Robinson with 39 points ahead of Peter Redford on 38.

Joint third with 36 points were Peter Brown and Kevin D’urban-Jackson.

Nearest the pins were won by Rodger Hill on the second, Kevin Brown on the 13th, Gerry Reid on the 14th, William Billson on the 15th. Billson also hit the longest drive on the eighth.