Spring Meeting 2022

The Spring Meeting returned to Huntercombe on 5th May after 3 years, the meetings in 2020 and 2021 having not been possible due to Covid.  It was a smaller group of 16 this year, but the day was still much enjoyed by all on a fine Spring day (a bit chilly first thing) with the bluebells around this course, high in the Chilterns, looking at their best.  Golfers, though, always take great care not to have reason to walk on the bluebells, perhaps for the reason of not damaging the plants but essentially for the reason that a ball in the bluebells is usually lost.

The Spring Cup, first played for in 1925, is today a stableford competition from the white tees (or yellows if 75 or over and this year with John Bach (SH 49-54) playing from the blue tees  which are reserved for the most experienced golfers.  Charles Walker (SF 70-74) was winner with an excellent 38 points just ahead of Robert Lyons (K 56-60) and Graham Simon (B 66-70) both on 37 (Robert placed second on countback).  Additionally, the morning round includes a scratch medal for the better golfers and played for the Duncan Salver.  This year, the best gross medal score was recorded by Simon Kennedy (SF 86-91), with Clive Pickerill (T 65-70) as the runner up.

At lunch in the charming clubhouse, it was agreed to limit the afternoon foursomes to 11 holes and the winning pair were Charles Walker – clearly on great form on the day – and Ralph Thoburn (B 76-80), making his first appearance at an RGS meeting), just pipping Christopher Johnson-Gilbert (W 68-73) and Richard Cockburn (SF 86-91).

We intend to return to Huntercombe again next year, with a booking of Thursday 11th May prospectively made.

Tim Watts