Captain's Blog, 24th April 2024

Bush Hill Park

Captain's Blog, 24th April 2024

A really busy week of golf kicked off last Wednesday, when The Rangers started their new season with an away fixture at Arkley GC. The overall result ended in a well-earned draw on a very tricky away course, consisting of two matches won, two matches lost, and two matches halved. This was my first appearance for The Rangers and specific thanks go out to our skipper for the day, Simon Bennett and to overall Rangers Captain, Martyn Lainchbury for organising everything.

On Thursday, the Spring Kruger Sovereign was contested. While the course has now dried out somewhat, playing conditions remained fairly difficult, mainly attributable to cooler temperatures and strong, gusting winds. Congratulations to Steve Lawson, the winner with 38 points and the only player to achieve a score of over 36 points!

Special thanks go out to our Women’s Captain, Lucy Bidmead, for all her splendid efforts in organising the Golf Sale held in the foyer of the Clubhouse on Saturday lunchtime. Thanks also to anyone who donated any of the items that were sold, where all proceeds went to our joint charity, The Isabel Hospice. Just a reminder that you can donate on our Just Giving page by clicking here.

Seventy participants took part on Saturday in The Bushguarders National Trophy and for the early risers, it felt like we had temporarily stepped back in to winter with temperatures bottoming out at around 3 degrees at 7:30 am! Congratulations goes out to the eventual winner, Eric Kemish who carded a magnificent 43 points, a clear seven points ahead of runner up Nelius Curtin on 36 points.

On Sunday and Monday, twenty-four members from BHP descended on Woodhall Spa for the Captain vs Pro, Ryder Cup Challenge! We played two fantastic courses, experienced great hospitality at the venue, but most importantly, everyone enjoyed fantastic comradery, in what was a truly memorable couple of days. The eventual winners in a closely contested match were the Pro’s Team, and a huge thank you goes out to Danny Hill for meticulously arranging the whole trip.

Having not played enough golf in the previous seven days, Mike Stainton and I stayed on an extra night in Skegness and took advantage our reciprocal arrangement with the other Golf Club’s founded in1895 and played Seacroft GC for free! Click here for the details of all participating Club’s in the arrangement.

On Monday, The Rangers played their second fixture within five days, and I’m pleased to report that under the captaincy of Peter Wafford, the team recorded a resounding win against Chigwell at home, with three matches won and three halved. Well done to all of those who played.

Finally, our First Team progressed to the second round of the Rowse Trophy due to Highgate GC forfeiting the match as they were unable to field a team. I will keep you informed of news of the next round draw as soon as it becomes available.

Have a good week.

Jon Copley
Club Captain