A new season begins!!

On Saturday 26th March, the first mens competition of the 2011 season was held at Bradley Hall Golf Club with an encouraging field of 155 golfers.

Following the past few days of warm sun and light breezes, it was somewhat of a shock to find a fresh easterly wind blowing down the course and temperatures rising to no more than 6 degrees. However, this did not detract from some excellent returns in both divisions.

Playing a Stableford format on the shortened 'yellow' course with the basic standard scratch of 69 no fewer than 23 participants recorded under par returns. 

In Division 1 (0-15), the early target was set by Mike Oldroyd (14) with 42 points annd being closely followed by Phil Gatehouse (12) and Colin Walker (14) both a single shot adrift. These positions held until late in the afternoon when one of the late starters, Graham Brazier (14) returned what proved to be the winning score with his 43 points.

In Division 2 (16-28), the newly elected Rabbits Captain, Howard Brook (19) also accumulated 43 points and in so doing reduced his handicap to 17, putting him 'in jeopardy' of becoming a Tiger during his year of office!

In second place was Rod Swailes (17), who over the past few years has worked abroad for lengthy periods of time and by playing little golf has seen his handicap rise from a respectable 12. Now retired and receiving regular 'coaching' from his playing companions he has now returned to the ranks of the Tigers!

Leading scores

Divison 1:

G.J.Brazier 43 points

M.W.Oldroyd 42

P.Gatehouse 41

C.Walker 41

S.Ross 40

R.Rowbuck 40

D.Stocks 40

B.Lockwood 40

A.M.Appleyard 40

R.Pursell 39

J.Rhodes 39

Division 2:

H.Brooke 43 points

R.Swailes 42

T.Brearley 40

S.Kent 38

S.Hurlin 38

S.Lang 37

C.Dyson 36

I.Roebuck 36

S.Crossley 36

J.M.Callaghan 36