Winter 2013 Volume 2 (221)

The only magazine about Artisan golf for Artisan golfers

AGA Chairman – Doug Lumsden

Artisan Golfer

Contents Secretary’s Report ..................................................................................................................................3 Captain’s Report .....................................................................................................................................4 Treasurer’s Report..................................................................................................................................5 AGA Chairman’s Report .........................................................................................................................6 England Golf Report ...............................................................................................................................7 Match Reports .........................................................................................................................................8

Scratch & Seniors Trophy ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Butler Trophy & Intermediate Championship.......................................................................................................................... 9 North South Match....................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Surrey Individuals Final ............................................................................................................................................................... 11 County Championship ................................................................................................................................................................. 13

BB&O .....................................................................................................................................................14 Brookwood Artisans.............................................................................................................................15 Dyrham Park..........................................................................................................................................17 Royal Cinque Port .................................................................................................................................18 Kent........................................................................................................................................................21 Royal Birkdale .......................................................................................................................................22 Obituaries ..............................................................................................................................................23 And finally … .........................................................................................................................................24

The Artisan Golfers’ Association (Affiliated to England Golf) www.agagolf.co.uk for contact details

The Object of the Association is to unite the various Artisan Golf Clubs in the British Isles into one Association and to encourage and help in the formation of clubs.

Patron: Sir Michael Bonallack OBE President: W J F Bryce Vice Presidents: J Bennett J M Brew G Bristowe C E B L Carr P J Cunningham R M F Fenning D J Harrison OBE B G C Huggett OBE C P Humber Col J Hunt D E James R D James D P Leishman Dr D M Marsh MBE Wng Comdr. W E McCrea DFC G Murray J Nudds P Parker T Prior R O Proctor H M J Ritchie OBE D N Sewell T Trude W J Uzielli A R L Warnock R E Wood

Hon Secretary: W Johns (07956 627396)

Hon Treasurer: G Hunt (07403 952762)

Chairman: D Lumsden (07864 847777)

Captain: G Hunt (07403 952762) EG Representative: P Cunningham (07970 954956)

Northern Section President: The Earl of Derby Hon Secretary: P Williams South West Section Hon Secretary: D Lockwood Irish A.G.A President: M Carroll MCC Hon Secretary: S Finn Hon Treasurers: J McAuley & E Carroll

Editor Bill Johns 6 Rennets Close Eltham Heights Eltham London SE9 2NQ 020 8850 1234 or 07956627396 Email editor@agagolf.co.uk

Secretary’s Report Well another season is coming to its end and I have been very fortunate to have been invited to play at several of your clubs over the last 6 months. I thank everyone for the invitations and hope I and the committee have helped your club in some way with the questions you have asked and the answers you were given. As before, the council committee offer you and club members our support and will attend one of your committee meetings or AGM. If you wish us to attend a question and answer session with your members then please let me know and we make arrangements. The competition committee have done another great job again this year and produced some great venues and worked very hard to negotiate reasonable prices which. I witnessed some fantastic golf being played by lots of our players and I had some enjoyable rounds myself. Once again the Artisan Golfers’ Association was represented at Woodhall Spa in the Champion of Champions and the County Championship, which was an added prize to winning the Carr Memorial and the Scratch Competition. I know that everyone had a really pleasurable time in the events run by England Golf Ltd and having the experience of competing in such prestigious events is something they will remember for a long time. I have been involved with some of our sections over the last six months and am pleased to say we have had some good feedback from the clubs and main clubs, but we have again lost another Artisan club due to the current economic climate. Please remember we are here to help you and your clubs in the best possible way we can with professional advice. I would like to thank all the club committees for the work they do and I am sure each club members are grateful for the time these people put in and work with the main clubs to ensure we all fit in to their structures. Last of all I would like to thank all the AGA council committee members once again for all the time they have given up to ensure we provide you, as our members, the best possible events advice and support we can. I wish you all good health and enjoy each other’s company and hopefully a short winter break before we all enjoy the sunshine next season; I also look forward to meeting you in the New Year or at the AGM on 11 January 2014. Bill Johns AGA Hon Secretary

Captain’s Report As we come to the end of the playing season, it gives me time to reflect on my year as Acting Captain which I have enjoyed. The highlights of the year for me are the matches I have been able to play. The first match I played was Oxbridge, and not being a scratch player, I would like to thank my partner, Patrick Cunningham for helping us to return a respectable score. Bad weather unfortunately saw the R & A match cancelled, but thanks to Martin Yates, R&A Captain, who organised a very interesting rules quiz with a short film clip of the game being played at Walton Heath a hundred years ago. I look forward to the revised match. The Irish Match took place in Ireland and details of this can be found under the Match Reports section. The North South Match was held at the venue of next year’s Open, Royal Liverpool, known to many as Hoylake. This was a very special match played in the true spirit of Artisan Golf. I would like to thank the Northern Secretary, Peter Williams, David Locke, Northern Treasurer, and Terry Lewis, Northern Captain who organised everything so well with great communication to enable us all to have such a great day. The Carr Memorial is due to be played at the links course in West Lancashire in May next year and already we have great interest in entries for this event. This event gives the opportunity for the winner to represent the AGA in the Gold Cup at Woodhall Spa. Matches this year were represented by over 60 players from approx 30 clubs. If you would like to be considered to play in any of the matches, please email captain@agagolf.co.uk and everyone expressing interest will be considered. I look forward to playing with you all next year and hope to see as many of you as possible at our AGM at Royal Mid Surrey Artisan Golf Club on Saturday 11 January 2014. Gary Hunt AGA Captain (Acting)

Treasurer’s Report At last year’s AGM and in my last report in the Spring magazine, I made a statement saying we would reap the benefits this coming year of all the hard work and new methods that have been put into place by the Committee over the past couple of years. This will be upheld in the form of the financial accounts for 2012/13. Although the accounts are not finalised, I am confident that when announced to our members they will be more than happy. Due to the stronger financial position, many may be of the view we should invest more in competitions, clubs, matches etc. Although the committee does review all these things, it has been brought to our attention by immediate Past Northern Captain, P Hall that we have the AGA Centenary approaching in 7 years time, so we will keep this in mind in preparing for the future. If any members have any suggestions in respect to the centenary or any other matter, please email any member of the committee (details on the website www.agagolf.co.uk) and we will discuss them Gary Hunt AGA Treasurer

AGA Chairman’s Report A busy year again, started with Oxford/Cambridge match at Temple followed closely with the Seniors Golfing Society at Denham. One lost one won. The competitions have been very well attended and have given us new venues such as West Hill with 108 entries and West Byfleet producing a play off to decide the A.G.A. Champion in Graeme Adamson (Hook Heath) who went on to represent us at Woodhall Spa in the Champion of Champions. Alex Gregory (St Georges Hill) won the Seniors Handicap. The Carr Memorial Winner, Dave Moxey (Dyrham Park), along with the runner up Spencer Devereux (Verulam) also went to Woodhall Spa to represent us in the Fullers Gold Medal. Gerrards Cross hosted the Junior Trophy which was won by Steve DeLarge (St Georges Hill) and The Veterans Trophy which was won by Dave Sharpe (Moor Park) Hadley Wood was the venue for the Butler Trophy won by Graham Dorward (Royal Mid.Surrey) also the Intermediate Championship won by Paul Wells (Moor Park). Our thanks go to Colin Humber for arranging this one. We were very well looked after at all these venues which makes it so much easier. The match against the Irish AGA, in which we lost, was the culmination of a very tiring weekend given that trying to organise ours into a fighting force was very difficult when some were still supping at four am. Druid’s Glen on the Saturday was the most picturesque. Many people to thank. To the venues who made us so welcome, arranged by the competition committee. To the rest of the Council for the support in raising the profile and standards. To Pat for his tireless work in keeping us on the straight and narrow with England Golf. A special mention for Gary, who along with his treasurers role, took on the captaincy to lead from the front. He gave me great support at all of the competitions without fail and sorted out some very tricky situations on the way. His finest hour came at Royal Liverpool in the North/South match win for the South achieved on the last hole/last pairing. Some one said ‘In the Open 2014 I can say I played that hole really well’. Hope to see many faces in the coming season both old acquaintances and new to the pleasures of Real Golf - Artisan Golf. Doug Lumsden AGA Chairman

England Golf Report The Strategic Plan for England Golf for 2014 – 2017 is to reverse the trend of declining membership and improve the effectiveness of planning at Club County and National level which is well under way. From 01 January 2014, category 1 players cannot put in supplementary cards for handicapping VAT issues are still ongoing 293 artisans (21%) have England Golf Cards. This needs to be improved so please ask your member to sign up. Course rating on the new system commences from early 2014 We can now enter a scratch team of 3 members from the same club in the Champion Club of England from 2014 Patrick Cunningham England Golf Representative

Match Reports

Scratch & Seniors Trophy Date: 20 August 2013 Venue: West Byfleet

Par 70 AM CSS 72 PM CSS 72

On a fine Surrey morning we were met in the car park at 07.00 by our guide and starter to show us where we would find everything as we arrived, a pleasant change. Some 52 players from 21 clubs, some new faces who are always welcome and along with a few we had not seen for a few years. With a fairly flat course which made a change from 2012 at Royal Ashdown Forest which was testing to say the least.

The AM scores were quite encouraging: G Copley (Gresham) 73, with G Wheeler (R.M.S) and G Hooper (Littlestone) on 74. After a fine lunch the afternoon provided some very good golf leading to a close finish and a tie for the title which had to be decided in a play of with both players on 145.

Scratch Result:

G Adamson (Hook Heath) 76-69 = 145. (Won on 1st play off hole)

A Gregory (St Georges Hill) 77-68 = 145 G Copley (Gresham) 73-77 = 150

Senior Result on Handicap:

A Gregory (St Georges Hill) 72-63=135 G Adamson (Hook Heath) 72-65=137 S Roles (Triangle), D Sharpe (Moor Park) and G Wheeler(R.M.S) all had 143

A Gregory

Our thanks go to the management and staff at West Byfleet for providing us with the facilities which enabled us to have a wonderful day. Also to Gary Hunt for his help both prior to and on the day. Thanks to Bill Bryce who presented the Trophies.

Graeme Adamson represented the A.G.A. in the Champion of Champions at Woodhall Spa as part of his prize for this tournament.

Butler Trophy & Intermediate Championship Date: 22 August 2013 Venue: Hadley Wood Players: 63 between 3 and 25 Handicap After playing links golf in this competition last year at Littlestone we arrived at this very fine location at Hadley Wood hoping for a more benign course over looking London. Fine rounds in the morning with C Rose (Hadley Wood) and J Fox (Gresham) on 38 and 3 on 37 P Walters (Hadley Wood), P Wells and N Deas (Moor Park) things were well set up for the afternoon. Some good rounds of 37by M Batt (Ridgemount), A Dyer (Coulsden Court) and A Walker (Moor Park) also 36 by G Corr (St Georges Hill) led us into a 3 way tie for the Butler Trophy. G Dorward (Royal Mid Surrey) 33 + 40 = 73, K McDonald (Hadley Wood) 33 + 40 = 73 and P Walters (Hadley Wood) 37+36 = 73. The 2013 Winner was G Dorward, Runner Up K McDonald 3

rd P Walters

W Bryce, G Dorward & D Lumsden

The Intermediate Championship also had a tie between P Wells (Moor Park) 37+ 35 = 72 and J Fox (Gresham).38 + 34 = 72 The Winner was P Wells, Runner Up was J Fox, 3

rd G Corr (St Georges Hill) 34 + 36 = 70.

Many thanks go to Jane at Hadley Wood and her staff for very fine food and the course in immaculate condition shame about the Mozzies! (Shorts a No No) also Colin Humber for setting up this enjoyable day. Thanks to Bill Johns and Gary Hunt for assisting and to Gary Abbott and Paul Norman (Wallasey) and Andy with all the lads from Littlestone who travelled the miles to be with us.

North South Match Date: 31 May Venue: Royal Liverpool

Result: Win for the South

The Winning Team from the South

Presentation of Trophy by Judge Warnock

G Hunt & A Warnock

G D Lumsden Competition Secretary

Surrey Individuals Final So another year closes as the winter draws in. At the start of the season there were 67 individuals entered into the competition, 65 matches were played over 6 months which culminated in two finalists. The two leg final was contested by Gary Copley, playing off 2 handicap, from Gresham and Robert Parker, playing off of 9, from New Zealand. As per last year I was away enjoying life in Cornwall for the 1st leg and on my return was informed that Gary was taking a 3 hole lead to Gresham, after playing the 1st leg at New Zealand. The day of destiny duly arrived, Tuesday October 1st, and both players were primed in anticipation. The game was refereed by Les Sharpe and the game teed off promptly. The game was well in progress by the time I had arrived but the lead that Gary had enjoyed from the 1st leg had been eradicated and the match was all square after the 27th hole. So battle continued on the next 4 holes with Gary re-asserting his lead by going back to 3 up with 4 to play. The 33rd was halved, and with a shot hole looming on the 34th Robert was sitting within striking, and strike he did by winning the hole. So now Gary was 2 up with 2 to play going up the 35th. Robert teed off then Gary, and the following supporters looked on with interest. Would Gary hold his nerve and win the hole or would Robert take the initiative, win the hole and take the game to the last hole? Alas, the game did not progress any further with both players shaking hands on the 35th green. Victory went to Gary from Gresham. Although not a game of superlative golf, it was still a game of intrigue with both players at times producing quality shots, putts and golf. Above all, the game was well supported and played in true Artisan spirit and Camaraderie. Congratulations go to Gary Copley and commiserations go to Robert Parker, and my thanks go to everyone who has played in and supported this competition, not only this year but also previous years. Special thanks go to Les Sharpe who refereed both legs for me. After the game we all adjourned to the Artisans Clubhouse where the players, referee and supporters enjoyed a splendid range of refreshments provided by the Artisans. The Trophy and Prizes are to be presented at the Surrey AGM at Walton Heath on Wednesday 4th December 2013.

Robert Parker (New Zealand) shaking hands with Gary Copley (Gresham)

Thank you all for your participation and support for the competition. Nigel Barks Organiser

Irish Match Report Our team congregated at Dublin Airport and consisted of players form Kent, BB&O, Surrey, Hertfordshire and Lancashire. It was probably the strongest team to visit the Emerald Isle to try and retain the McAuley/Cunningham Trophy, which has never been done before. We were met by gentleman Jim McAuley, Willie and Sean the coach driver and set of for the Martello Hotel. Once booked in we set off for Bray Golf Club where we were paired up for a 4 ball better ball competition. The winners were Paul Walters and Paul Phillips of Hadley Wood. On Saturday we broke with tradition and paid to play at Druids Glen, billed as the Augusta of Europe. We had nothing but praise for this wonderful golf course. I can honestly say it is the prettiest golf course I have ever played. The BB&O boys, Derek Clarke, Michael Monaghan, Darren Smith & Dave Swift won the best three scores from the competition. The following day we played the International Match at Woodbrook, the venue for the 1975 Irish Open. 8 singles matches where out highest handicap was 7 followed by 8 better ball matches. The Irish took a 5-3 lead after the singles. We had a great win in the first better ball with Paul Walters and Paul Phillips winning over a strong Irish pair. However the final score was nine and a half to six and a half. The games were played in great spirit which continued in the clubhouse for dinner and drinks. For those not flying home early, we had another round at Newlands Golf Club followed by evening flights home. I would like to thank all the team that travelled and the gallant effort of Doug Lumsden, our ambassador for the AGA. Thanks too, to our immediate past captain, Adrian Doyle, who picked the great team. Many friendships were made and although we were disappointed to lose, the overall winner is Artisan Golf. I look forward to nest year’s match which is planned to be played in the North of England.

AGA IAGA

S Deveraux (2) Lost to D Nolan (7) 4&3

D Swift (4) Lost to R Bulgar (5) 4&3

S Bushell (5) Lost to D Vella (7) 2&1

B Alty (5) Beat S Rooney (8) 3&2

D Sharpe (5) Lost to E McGlynn (8) 5&4

M Monaghan (6) Beat D O’Toole (6) 3&1

A Douglas (6) Beat D Nolan (7) 3&1

L Collom (7) Lost to A Connolly (9) 2&1

AGA IAGA

P Walters/P Phillips Beat L McDonagh/K Maloney 1up

S McKenna/T Lewis Lost to A Scully/M Hobson 4&3

D Smith/D Clarke Beat D Byrne/M Haddock 2&1

D Shepherd/K McDonald Lost to N Flanaghan/R McLoughlin 3&2

G Gravestock/G Monaghan Halved E Dovey/T Doyle All square

A Farmer/D Purkiss Lost to F Duran/M Meaney 2&1

G Hunt/D Meadows Lost to K Shortt/D O’Toole 1 down

D Charlton/C Crouch Beat P Finn/J Plunkett 2 up

Gary Hunt

County Championship Kent retained the county League Shield. Every county won at least one game which can only bode well for next year’s fixture. Although Kent won overall, there was great win by Sussex against Kent who won 4-1 away.

P W D L F A Pts

Kent 4 3 0 1 12 8 6

Herts 4 2 1 1 10 10 5

BB&O 4 2 0 2 9.5 8.5 4

Surrey 4 1 1 2 8.5 11.5 3

Sussex 4 1 0 3 8 10 2

Gary Hunt AGA Captain (Acting)

BB&O The Berks, Bucks and Oxons year begins with our AGM and all looked promising with representatives from all 10 clubs attending, just to remind you this years meeting will take place at Flackwell Heath on Friday 08 November at 7pm. The AGM is an important time for all clubs to vent their views and suggest ways in which we as an organisation can improve, its good to see everyone getting involved. Our first golfing get together is 'the Spring meeting' which took place at the Berkshires on 31 May. This event was nearly cancelled a few years ago due to lack of interest but it is of credit that the committee listened(AGM), changed the format and resurrected our spring meeting as a team competition, which now makes it a very well supported day, 60 golfers(15 teams of 4) best 3 of 4 scores counting. It always helps when you can book and play on a course as fantastic as the Berkshires, with beautiful weather and also when the home clubs secretary gets a hole in one and buys everyone a beer (well done Tim Cox) but Derek Clarke, Darren Smith, Dave Mahoney and Tim himself should take a bow for organising a must attend day. Team Winners: Forest 119 points P Hewitt, P 'Rambo' Richardson, S Cox, A PagnellL Individual: M Smurthwaite (Forest): 40 points B Shotton (Forest): Runner Up Our county championships was moved to Maidenhead this year, the venue proved to be a big success with another 60 strong field, played on a course presented in fantastic condition and on greens that approached Augusta standards, as many testified afterwards. Superb weather welcomed us again and the hospitality offered by the host club was as good as any we've had, all rounded of by a personal thank you from Maidenheads club captain for choosing his course, a very nice touch. No holes in one this time but a brilliant day was had by all. Scratch:

1. M Hurdwell (Fernhill) 2. M Perkins (Temple) Runner up

Senior H/cap:

1. B Palmer (Maidenhead) 2. F Bayle (Fernhill) 3. R Lawrence (Maidenhead)

Junior H/cap:

1. B Crocker (Temple) 2. P Ruffles (Gerrards Cross) 3. M Hogan (Harewood Downs)

Sen. AM: D Taylor (Maidenhead) PM: R Sweeney (Maidenhead) Jun. AM D Gomm (Gerrards Cross) PM A Mc Arthur (Maidenhead) Douglas Johns Over 50s B Palmer (Maidenhead) Team: Fernhill - M Hurdwell, G Brown, F Bale, N Walter

The county team finished exactly mid table behind Kent, but with a lot of new players gaining experience and feel we look forward to next year. Congratulations to Andy Lawrence and his team from Maidenhead for winning the Thames Valley league by one point on their final game of the season. See you all next year, Michael Monaghan. BB&O

Brookwood Artisans The Corinthian Spirit abounds on the rolling fairways of West Hill where the famous Brookwood Artisans have plied their trade for well over 50 years. This spirit is epitomized in Harold ‘Aitch’ Higgins our longest serving member racking up close to 50 years himself. This season the Brookwood Artisans have been captained by the bashful Barney Barnes completing a hat-trick of tenures in the post etching himself into the annals of Artisan history. The season blessed for the most by magnificent weather has breezed by since March …. Around two dozen trophies have been competed for and 19 matches with fellow Artisan Teams have been played home and away from Banstead Downs to Temple (High!) with an away day to the picturesque West Sussex parkland course of Bognor Regis thrown in, it made for a busy summer. Things are on the up at Brookwood, the surge in membership towards the end of last season has lead to a rejuvenated clubhouse spirit (not that it ever lacked one). The clubhouse roof is shortly to be refurbished and plans are being made for an internal overhaul. Relationships with the parent club could not be better despite the Artisans dishing out a thrashing for the second year running in the Welcome Cup. Work on the practice facilities at West Hill commenced in October and is due to be completed in Spring 2014, this will provide a modern driving range with up to 6 bays. The Competition Season was dominated in the early months by the irrepressible Shaun Fitzpatrick who picked up the Presidents Cup following victories in the Buchanan Trophy and Carroll Cup. Other notable victories went to; Martyn Williams a maiden win to pick up the George Storr Memorial Trophy, Boom Boom Boland raised this year’s Hobbs Flag (his only victory this year following his near clean up last season), Tim Hannon another maiden winner in the Veterans Cup. Club proby Vaughan Williams resplendent with more tattoos than a premiership footballer and sponsored by Oxfam picked up the Club Championship though the Crombie was beyond him! Hot favorite for this year’s Crombie is the never short of a word Neville Glover who has already picked up a couple of trophies including the Scratch Cup for the lowest gross score of the season a magnificent 76, he awaits the winner of the other delayed semi. Top Tiger was the ever so nice South African Gary Bamforth and Top Rabbit was bouncing Boothy (Simon Booth). Steve Arundle rode into Bognor stirrups and all and walked away with the booty his third singles away day victory and followed up picking up the away day pairs with Gerry Higgins (Hon. Sec). Illness and injury has sadly robbed us of a couple of clubhouse fixtures …. Mick ‘Marmite’ McDonnell and Alan ‘The Bandit’ Baldwin, we wish them both a full recovery and a warm welcome back soon. Finally a word about next year’s Captain John ‘Suntan’ Lenton AKA ‘creosote’ a top man and legend who managed to play three rounds of golf with a snapped achilles! John looks forward to welcoming our many Artisan friends next season and especially at our Artisan Open Day.

Paul Boland with his haul of Trophies from last Season Always a smile from Bar Steward Tink Medhurst

with Brian Reynolds Pulling the strings behind him.

Sean Fitzpatrick carried off this year’s Presidents Cup Neville Glover with his mouth closed !

The Home of Brookwood Artisans! Next Year’s Captain John Lenton

Simon Booth Brookwood Artisans

Dyrham Park The culmination of another season which both in H.A.G.U. and A.G.A. it has been a busy year.

Chris Moody the H.A.G.U. Junior Scratch defending champion last year went all the way to the final only to lose to Andy Greyson from Verulam, well done both.

Having representatives at all the events this year, the long mileages to Woodhall Spa, Littlestone, Royal Ashdown Forest and Denham made it much easier when they only had West Hill, West Byfleet, Hadley Wood and Gerrards Cross to visit. How lucky are we to be able to play such wonderful courses.

I will never hear the end of it if I don’t mention two stalwarts who enter everything they can, who did actually win something this year. Considering that one of them is bordering on the 80 mark and still doing 36 hole competitions when people half his age reckon they can’t do it, the quite remarkable Doug Scott.

His partner in all of this is Nick Foster who finds time between confiscating either your Telly or your B M W (He is not fussy which) to repay any debts you have, to enter most competitions.

The result of the H.A.G.U. Autumn Trophy meeting at Mid Herts show the bold heroes won on the count back against formidable opposition.

Doug Scott and Nick Foster (Dyrham Park) 42 Won on the back 6 from:

Paul Dillon and Lee Edgell (Moor Park) 42

Bob West and Tom West (Moor Park) 42

Lee off 7 or 8 will need to shape up to beat the oldies.

Hope to welcome you at events in 2014.

Doug Lumsden Chairman Dyrham Park

Royal Cinque Port The remaining competitions of 2012 saw a total of 22 members taking part in the ROB Tray which resulted in Oli Hook securing his maiden win, so congratulations to him; it’s likely to be the 1

st of many. The Heathcote Foursomes was won by the quiet and shy Steve Pells with

Dean Skirrow carding a 70 in difficult conditions. The Billy Love Putter was won by Dave and Peter Mackay with 38 points and Gary Skirrow won the Pro’s prize with 35 points, during a rich vein of form (makes you wonder how many more he could win if he was able to putt!!). The Bridgeland Scratch Cup was won by Wacker Wakefield with a 76 beating Lee McCaughan on countback and the Cribben Cup, for handicaps 16 and above, was won by Graham Herbert with a 78. We all turned up very much looking forward to our annual thrashing of the Parent Club in November but the mood was tempered by the news later in the day that Pixie Peter Mackay had been taken ill, which was later diagnosed as a mild heart attack. The result of the match was a 6.5 to 5.5 win for the Parent Club and much discussion took place in the bar about the ‘honourable half’ after 15 holes with us leading by one hole, maybe a steward’s enquiry is required!! The last competition of 2012 Franks Match (involving high and low handicaps) played in squally showers and a strong wind was won by Oli Hook and Lee Martin with an excellent total of 40 points. The snooker, following Frank’s match, was won by D Stockdale and P Langley beating L McCaughan and A Wales in one of the longest single frames on record but an enjoyable evening was had by everybody. Thanks to Ada Wales and Dave Mackay for organising the event which is a nice way to end the golfing year. The season’s curtain raiser, as always, was the Johnny Love Classic, a competition which involves combined scores with a hidden partner, you only find out who you have been paired with once all players have completed their rounds. This year the competition was won by Shaun Minnock (34) and James Bledge (39), playing in his first competition, combined score of 73. The first medal competition of the season Chequers Cup played in windy and cold conditions was won by Shaun Scott with an excellent 71 and the Blanch Cup took place the following week with Lee Martin taking the trophy with a score of 39 points. The Sunley Bowl was won by Steve Pells with a 69. The Newman Shield, named after Lt. Col. Newman who won a VC in the First World War, was eventful when Peter Mackay now taking over the mantle of most shots on 1 hole when he carded a 19 on the 3

rd where he had real problems

getting out of the fairway bunker on the right side. His new nickname is Paul Hardcastle! The competition was won by Steve Burton with a score of 69. The Dave Smith Senior Salver Foursomes saw a magnificent 40 members taking part with an excellent buffet being provided by the Smith family, thanks to them for their generosity and to Mick Thomsett for the excellent curry. Martin ‘The Assassin’ Smith tried to take out Graham Herbert and Barry Barnsley when he hit them both with one shot on the 15

th. The competition

was won by Barry and Graham with 40 points so they ended up having the last laugh! The Veterans Trophy for 50 and over members was won by Snowy Gilmore (yes he is over 50!) with an excellent 40 points which included 4 birdies. The Mrs Love Memorial, which is a competition where we play the outward 9 stableford and the inward 9 medal, had another excellent turnout of 32 members taking part in this popular competition and we thank the Love family for their continued support with the donation of the personal trophies. This year was eventful in that Aide Hill was the winner of all sections for the 1

st time but he

could only receive the individual winner trophy and one of the donated ones. In total he had 6 birdies, including 4 from the 3

rd hole so a great round with the appropriate handicap cut! The

Presidents Bowl (bogey competition) played over the weekend at the end of June resulted in an overall win for Graham Herbert with a level score, he also won Sunday with same score and Dave Mackay took the Saturday prize with a +2.

The Jolly Sailors match which involves us playing in a foursome with the ladies of the Parent Club was won by Ann Hannah & and Phil Langley with a score of 40 points (picture attached). Peter Webb Littlestone Invitation held on Saturday 18

th May

The team of Shaun Scott, James Bledge, Myles Young and Aide Hill travelled in confident mood that the trophy would return to Deal and this confidence was justified when we achieved a clean sweep of all trophies, the 1

st time this has happened and we won the team prize with

the best winning score ever of 112 points; Shaun scored 35, James 34, Myles 38 and Aide 39, which took the individual prize for highest stableford score and Myles won the best scratch score with a gross 76. The whole team can be justifiably proud of their achievement in winning for the 1

st time since 2005.

The nominated charity for our annual fund raising competition was Help for Heroes, in memory of Drummer Lee Rigby. A total of 68 members and guests raised the excellent sum of £1,331.50. The competition was won by Phil Langley and James O’Hagan with a score of 36 points and nearest pin prizes went to Steve Pells, Ben Smith and Andrew Reynolds, Club Professional. The Jock Mackay Trophy saw another great turnout with 28 members taking part and the winners Dave Mackay (Jocks son) and Aide Hill scored 35 points. Thanks to Dave and Peter for the haggis meal afterwards and raising the toast to their late father who was a great supporter of our club. The presentation evening held in April (picture attached) was made more special by the presentation of a tankard to George Brailsford, in recognition of his 50 years unbroken membership and the presentation of a silver salver to Ken Watson in recognition of over 30 years as club secretary (is this a record in Artisan circles?) which included three terms as Captain. The final of the singles knockout was contested by Paul Lansdown and Dean Skirrow, with Paul winning his 1

st KO competition by 1 hole after sinking a 10 foot putt on the 18

th to halve

the hole when Dean thought he would take the match down the first extra hole and the foursomes was won by Shaun and Gary Skirrow who beat Aide Hill and Terry Holden on the 1

st extra hole to win the title for the 1

st time.

Matches against other clubs Our traditional first match of the season saw us welcome our friends from Gresham with thermals and hand warmers being the order of the day given the bitterly biting easterly wind. Thanks to Gary Skirrow for keeping the hut open, it was great to have something hot and to get out of the wind for a short while. We won the match by 11.5 to 4.5 and looked forward to the return in September and that 1

st elusive away win! The return match in September was

the same as last year another close fought affair which ended 3-3 so still no away win! We welcomed our long standing friends from Littlestone in May and at last we had some sunshine and warmth, although it got cooler for the later starters. We won the match by 8.5 to 3.5 and very much looked forward to the return on the 15

th June to determine the winners of

the Tony Clarke Cup. The 3

rd match of the season saw us welcome our friends from the oldest golf club in England,

possibly the world and a hard fought match saw us maintain our unbeaten start with a 6-6 draw, losing the last match on the 18

th. Luke Stockdale and Graham Graves recorded their 1

st

wins for the club so well done to you both. The return match at Littlestone was a close fought match which ended with us losing by 7 matches to 5 but our earlier win meant we were able to retain the Tony Clarke Cup by 13.5 matches to 10.5. Following our disappointing result in the home match when we only managed to secure the draw we travelled to Blackheath hoping to turn the tables and returned home with a great 3.5 points to 2.5 win.

The annual Caddies Cup match against our local rivals St George’s Permit players took place over 2 weekends in July and a great 4 matches to 1 win in the foursomes at Sandwich was consolidated by a 8.5 matches to 1.5 win in the singles at Deal to retain the trophy, which was 1

st played in 1936, by 12.5 to 2.5. The best result in the singles was secured by Carl Brown

who won on the 18th after being 5 down with 7 to play; Aide’s putting was deadly with his

opponent saying ‘anything within 10 feet was a gimme!’ Our friends from Denham enjoyed a beautiful summers day on their return to Deal so a BBQ was the order of the day and thanks go to Chopper for manfully slaving over a hot stove and to Sharon and Amy for the excellent buffet. We had a comfortable 8 matches to 2 win in the golf and probably just as important Dave Pinkney was the individual bombers champion and we won the team prize. In recent years we have added 2 new matches to our fixture list against Langley and Sundridge Park, two more great courses for us to play. The away match at Langley Park in August was a great win by 4.5 to 1.5 played on a different type of course and in rainy conditions which persisted throughout the match and we completed the double in this fixture with a comprehensive 9.5 to 2.5 win. Thanks to Rhanie and Dave for doing the catering in the absence of Sharon, it was much appreciated. The away match vs Sundridge was close fought match which saw us lose by 3 matches to 2 with Shaun Scott and Martin Fry continuing their unbeaten run over 4 years with 3&1 win. The last match club match of the year saw Sundridge travel to Deal with the weather forecast looking horrendous but the 1

st few matches managed to get in before the heavens opened

and some ‘honourable halves’ were agreed although some manfully continued until the sun broke through and we secured a win by 7.5 matches to 4.5. We would like to would like to thank all clubs on behalf of the lads from Deal for your hospitality, friendliness, good golf and lovely food throughout 2013 and look forward to renewing our rivalries throughout 2014, as always we hope for good weather but we are all assured of a warm welcome. Thanks also to the Artisan Association committee for all they do behind the scenes and to Bill Johns and his support staff for managing the Kent Scratch team selection process and fixtures which resulted in Kent retaining the trophy (Copy of picture showing Deal lads with the Shield)

Kent Scratch L to R Shane McCaughan, Simon Bryant,

Lee McCaughan and Snowy Gilmore

Steve Collins Club President, winners Phil Langley & James O'Hagan with Club Captain Shaun Skirrow

Jolly Sailors L to R Pippa Lark Lady Captain, winners Phil

Langley and Ann Hannah with Club Captain Shaun Skirrow

Barry Barnsley RCPAGC

Kent As the season finally comes to its end for 2013 it was Kent Artisan County Scratch team that came out winners for the second year in a row of the Artisan County Scratch League. They started off the matches with a tough match against BB&O which was played away at The Berkshire Golf Club in a really close match Kent came out winners by a 2-3. Next match came not long after where Kent played Herts at Littlestone Golf Club in the normal windy conditions Kent managed to gain a 4-1 win to put them in a table topping position. Next saw the Kent team play away against Surrey at Walton Heath Golf club. The Kent team was aware of the task they faced as the match was played on the New Course and off the Purple tees. The Kent team played some of their best golf of the season and managed a 1-4 win which I, as the non Playing Captain, was extremely proud of the way our players dealt with the tough task they faced, like most away matches it is very difficult to gain a win and this was very special. With the league now in our hands after 3 good wins and as the other counties all dropping points we played Sussex at Sundridge Park Golf Club. Sussex played some great golf to win 1-4 and put an end to our unbeaten run. I would like to thank all the Captains Michael Monaghan (BB&O), Brian Hudson (Surrey) Larry Colum (Herts) and Nick Cooling (Sussex) for making this year’s County Scratch League a pleasure to play in again with the fantastic courses and food after each match. I would like to thank each parent club for allowing us to play the matches within their own club times and last of all the players that took part. Although Kent won the League this year the real winners are everyone involved in Artisan Golf and the great camaraderie that is within the AGA. Looking forward to doing battle again next year and sorry lad’s it looks like another trip to the seaside for one of your away matches. All the best Bill Johns Captain Kent Artisan/County Scratch Team

Royal Birkdale 2013 has been a busy year for The Royal Birkdale Artisan Section. Refurbishments to the clubhouse in time for the Senior British Open were undertaken by the membership with an all hands on deck attitude, some more hands on than others. Special thanks must go to Peter Ball and John Conway. With every tournament held by the parent club, extra duties are required, many thanks to all the guys for the effort , bunker raking at 5am, divoting every night along with other various duties, it was much appreciated by all at RBGC and course manager Chris Whittle. The end of May brought a trip South to visit Walton Heath and St Georges Hill. Heavy rain at Walton Heath on the New Course dampened the spirits of a few but once again the golf and hospitality was fantastic. Thanks to Captain Danny Couchman and Peter Lucas for their time and effort in organising the fixture. St Georges Hill saw a new day and a stark contrast in weather. After a couple of much needed 'hair of the dogs' we met up with Captain Darren Clutterbuck and his boys for a good game at a stunning setting. Again we were more than accommodated for by Darren and all the St Georges boys, many thanks. I was fortunate enough to be invited by Captain of the Northern Section Terry Lewis to play in the North v South fixture held at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Having never played before at RLGC and indeed in this fixture I can heartily recommend it to everyone. Thirty six holes of golf at a great venue in top condition with great company, many thanks to all involved in organising the day. We should all endeavour to support these fixtures. Having entertained Aldridge Artisans in 2012 we ventured to Little Aston Golf Club for the reciprocal fixture in late June. Unfortunately we had the cheek to scrape a victory in the match which apparently is a rarity in these parts. Thanks to Captain Rob Evans and Aldridge Artisans for a wonderful fixture. A special mention goes to Bob Cox, I can only hope I can play like him IF I reach that age, a Gentleman and real pleasure to play with. The après golf entertainment back at The Royal Hotel and nightclub was interesting to say the least, highly recommended. Prior to the Senior Open our annual day out was held at Pleasington Golf Club, Blackburn. On what was probably the hottest day of the year. 10 holes in the morning followed by 18 in the afternoon left a lot of red faces around the dining table that evening. After being pipped by a point for the individual prize by Mark Halsall I took solace in the fact I had won him earlier in the player auction, best 7 pound I've ever spent, although it was soon spent over the bar. Although we no longer contest in the Merseyside League, it does leave us scope for friendly matches. We had the pleasure of entertaining Walton Heath, St Georges Hill and Beaconsfield this year and from all accounts a good time was had by all on and off the course. Thanks to all the members who supported the team. The annual fixtures at the Parent Club, Gents and Ladies, were a great success once again. It is always nice to hear their appreciation for the work we do on the course and sample their first class hospitality. On a sadder note our longest serving member, Don Jenkins passed away with over 60 years in the Royal Birkdale Artisans and at over 90 years of age. A former single figure handicap but no longer playing golf, he still turned up every Sunday morning for his breakfast, coffee and a chat. The changes that he must have witnessed at the club and in Artisan golf over the years must have been immense, add that to the many changing faces it’s no wonder he called most people 'doins'. He will be deeply missed. It’s been an honour to serve as Captain, thanks to all who have made it so enjoyable. Best wishes from all at Royal Birkdale. Steve Matthews

Obituaries Frank Doyle

It is with sad news that let my fellow artisans know of the passing of one of the I.A.G.A.'s greatest artisans Mr Frank Doyle on December 2011 Frank was an artisan in Dun Laoghaire Golf Club. He was secretary of the I.A.G.A. For a good number of years, Frank was a true gentleman with great gift of remembering your name no matter if you were a guest or an artisan at all the competitions that he helped run though his time as secretary which he organised to perfection. He always had a smile on his face that was Frank’s character. It was a sad day when he lost his fight to an illness he had fought so bravely for many years. He will be missed deeply by all his fellow artisans on both sides of the water god bless Frank a true I.A.G.A. Legend. Derek O'Toole Chairman I.A.G.A. Alan West It is with great sadness that I inform you all of the recent passing of Alan West. Alan was a very keen golfer and had been a member of Maidenhead Artisans Golf Club for over 40 years, he voted in as Captain of the Club in 1996 and he was granted Honorary Membership for his service and dedication in 2011. A great competitor Alan managed to get his Handicap down to 7 which put him in the top 2% of Amateur golfers worldwide, he was The Club Champion 4 times and won well over 50 in house competitions the last being in 2007 at the grand age of 69, he also achieved an unprecedented 7 holes in one!!! Alan will also be remembered for his time that he gave to the club when not golfing, he was Match Secretary for 20 years and held several other committee posts during his time including Treasurer for the BB&O Artisans County Union, with all his involvement it's incredible how he found the time but he would be up the club 2 or 3 times a week to have a tidy up or put the bottles out (and maybe sneak a quick pint). His love of the sport did not end there as he was also a keen and accomplished caddie, being asked for by members at Sunningdale, Wentworth and Swinley Forest amongst others. Alan knew a lot of players around the county, forged through all the various matches and competitions he played in, who I’m sure along with all his fellow members at Maidenhead Golf Club not only remember Alan as the determined and competent golfer he was on the course but as the Gentleman he was off it. John Brannan Secretary Maidenhead Artisans

Peter Dutton Great sadness in having to report the passing of an absolute pillar in the golfing world in so many ways. Peter was a great inspiration to others both in The Cheshire Union and was a past President of The English Golf Union along with being a Vice President for us in the Artisan Golf Association for around 30 years. I was very fortunate to be asked to attend his memorial service at Prenton along with our President Bill Bryce.. To hear of his busy lifetime and how he touched so many people in the packed to the door congregation left us in no doubt of the stature of the man. One quote on the day typified him was ‘no matter how many times the family moved house he insisted in being located no more than a short pitch from the golf club house.’ Doug Lumsden AGA Chairman

And finally … Thank you to all those who have submitted articles for this issue. It is good to see reports from so many counties clubs letting your fellow artisans know what is happening in your area. It would be good to see a few more clubs telling us their news. Articles for consideration for the spring issue should be emailed to editor@agagolf.co.uk by the end of March 2014.