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Febuary 2023 Willmotts January 2023 Update January has been a challenge with weather with a number of days of restricted golf with no buggies and the January Stableford first made a non qualifier and then cancelled. Hopefully February will be a better month. A number of course drainage projects are under construction which we hope improve drainage around the 3rd, 11th and 13th holes, but please be careful when playing into these holes. All our 2023 inter club senior matches have now been uploaded into Intelligent Golf and are available for you to show you availability for the matches you wish to be considered for selection. This is a great way to experience some great golf courses, such as Ellesborough , Woburn, Letchworth, Wellingborough and John O’Gaunt to name a few. If you have any issues with updating your availability preferences please let any of the Willmotts committee know and they will help. As always we will give preference to those who are available for both home and away matches. This year we are changing the way we collect the match meal fee. For those playing in a match, the fee for the meal will be deducted from bar card accounts by the office once the match has completed. The February Stableford on the 20th February still has a number of spare slots, so please sign up if you can. On Friday 3 March we have our Texas Scramble with the ladies. Entry is opens online and teams will be drawn nearer the date. Afterwards there is a rolling one course meal. We are still waiting to hear from the club on menu choice and cost. Once known, details will be posted on the competition online and entrants will be notified. The Sir Norman King drawn pairs can now be entered via the sign up sheet on notice board with entry for JES Brookes singles knockout is an online sign up and opens on 20 February. We have reached semi finals of both the Winter pairs and singles Declan McGuire Willmotts Captain December 2022 Christmas Competition result. Winner of Phil Kempton Trophy - Richard Johns Prize Winners Points 1st Richard Johns 21 2nd Ken Pike 19 3rd Phil Duckering 19 4th Charlie Rye 18 5th Tony Blakeman 18 Winning Team: Mac McGregor, Paul Gretton, Tony Blakeman, Richard Johns Nearest Pin : 10th Phil Allen 13th Colin Armstrong 15th Charlie Rye October 2022 Congratulations to John Maynard & Stephen Holmes on winning today’s competition. Eight pairs beat Mac & Declan’s score and have received a bottle of wine each. Congratulations to the following winners on Final Day: JES Brookes Winner - Richard Johns Runner Up - Alan Emm Sir Norman King Winners - Eric Mercer & Declan McGuire Runners up - Mike Levaggi & Tony Widmer Poston Trophy Winner - Fred Mercer October Stableford result The top 3 in each division were: Division 1 1st Fred Mercer 40 pts 2nd Derek Moxom 38 3rd Graham Rumsey 36 Division 2 1st David Seymour 40 2nd Bob Collett 39 3rd Declan McGuire 36 Division 3 1st Alan Moore 38 2nd Peter Quinn 37 3rd John Maynard 29 c/b September 2022 Willmott Captains v the Rest
The top 3 today were
1st Rod Fairclough 38 points 2nd Peter Bertho 38 points in 2nd place on count back.
3rd David Gamble with 37 points
The winning team of :
Colin Armstrong, Graham Rumsey, John Purcell, Geoff Smith, Peter Bertho and Eric Mercer won the team prize with an average score of 33.3 points. The Captains’ team were 2nd with an average score of 32.5 points Mixed Texas Scramble Result
1st: Gill Herd, Yvonne Richards, Rod Kupczyk and David Matthews: Gross 71, Nett 53
2nd: Shirley Darrah, Penny Savage, Derek Moxom and Alex Clifford: Gross 72, Nett54 took second place on count back
3rd: Chris Levaggi, Christine Moxom, John Maynard and Noel Gotts: Gross74, Nett 54 September Stableford result 1st Peter Bertho (19) 39 2nd Mark Simpkins (13) 39 3rd Philip Duckering (16) 39 1st David Brearley (25) 41 2nd Richard Munn (22) 38 3rd Declan McGuire (24) 36 1st David Matthews (34) 38 2nd Rod Fairclough (28) 34 3rd Noel Gotts (38) 33 Willmotts Update 4th September 2022Forthcoming events We have a number of different competitions coming up soon. There are still some tee times available for the September Stableford on Monday 12th September. This is followed by our annual match with the Club on Saturday 17th September with a 10.30 start and bacon baps from 09.30. The match will be 4 BBB with 7 pairs on each team. There will be a light meal after the match. The sign-up sheet is on our notice board and 5 day members at no extra cost and 7 day members can play. Please sign up asap. We then have our autumn Texas Scramble with the Ladies on Monday 26th September. You can sign up on line and Phil Duckering will organise the mixed teams of four with Beryl McEwan. This is always an enjoyable event which is followed by a one course rolling meal prior to the presentation of prizes for the best three teams. The Willmotts Captains vs The Rest competition is on Thursday 29th September. This is a singles Stableford competition with one Willmotts Captain in each playing group of four. There are prizes for those with the best Stableford scores and for all players in the winning team. The sign-up sheet is on our notice board. The playing groups of four will be decided by Monday 26th September. The October Stableford is on Monday 3rd October and you can sign up online. This is the last event which contributes towards the three Orders of Merit and the Summer Eclectic. You can view the current leaders in each division on-line under competitions ongoing for the three Orders of Merit and Eclectic competitions. There is still time to improve your Oder of Merit standing and Eclectic score. On Monday 10th October we have the Captain and Vice-Captain’s Challenge pairs competition. This is a pairs better ball Stableford with all pairs who better the score of Captain Mac and Vice-Captain Declan receiving a prize. You can enter online from this Thursday with a partner. However, if you need a partner then let Phil Duckering know and he will pair you up. Club matches Following tomorrow’s club match with Harpenden Common, we have four remaining matches with signup sheets already posted for three of these. We were not able to play our recent home match against Ellesborough due to very heavy rain, which necessitated the closure of the course. This match has now be re-arranged for Monday 17th October. It is hoped that all those who were due to play on the original date will still be able to play. A sign-up sheet will be posted shortly with priority given to those in the original team. A reminder that there is a trophy and a prize for the player with the best win record in club matches. To qualify you will have to have played in at least 10 club matches. The presentation will take place at our AGM on Thursday 8th December. Planning for the Ladies Night dinner/dance of Friday 11th November is nearly complete and the sign-up sheet will be issued shortly. Please mark this date in your diary. Mac McGregor Willmotts Captain Vic Hill Cup result 1st - Alan Haslehurst 44pts 2nd - Phil Davies 43 pts 3rd - Phil Keywood 41 pts 4th - Michael Charles 41 pts 5th - John Murphy 41 pts 6th - Steven Fletcher 41 pts 7th - Stephen Holmes 40 pts 8th - Rod Kupczyk 40 pts 9th - Peter Bertho 39 pts. August 2022
Willmotts Captain’s Away Day on Monday 15th August and other competitions Many thanks to those who took part in my Captain’s Away Day at Cainhoe Wood Manor course. We had 36 players and others who also came along to show support and help with managing the scores. Special thanks must go to Eric Mercer who organised the day in his usual excellent fashion. There were some very good scores on a very warm day and lots of thirst quenching drinks were consumed in the clubhouse. Congratulation to David Seymour who had the best score with 43 points. The top six players plus other prize winners are shown below. We have also been able to enter the scores on to the WHS system for handicap purposes. Those whose handicap has changed will be notified by email. We thank Garrie Brandon, our club captain, for managing the entry of all the scores. 1 David Seymour 43 points 2 Michael Charles 42 points 3 Phil Allen 41 points on count back 4 Andy Wright 41 Points 5 Paul Holman 40 points 6 Peter Berthon 39 points on count back NTP on hole 3: Mark Simpkins NTP on hole 15: Mark Weeden Longest drive on hole 16: Michael Charles Other competitions We have a number of other events in the near future. The Willmotts Putter in on Monday 22nd August. This is a Stableford competition but also gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your putting prowess with a prize and trophy for the player with the fewest putts in his round. The Vic Hill Cup is another Stableford competition scheduled for Thursday 1st September. This is followed by the monthly Willmotts Stableford on Monday 12th September. You can sign up online for these three competitions. On Saturday 17th September we have our annual 4BBB match against the Club. The sign-up sheet with further details will be posted shortly. This match is open to both 7 and 5 day members. We are also nearing the end of our club match fixtures with just six matches (4 at home and 2 away) left to play. Currently we are undefeated at home and will be trying our hardest to remain so. The sign-up sheets for these matches are on the notice board. Don’t forget, there is a prize and trophy for the player with the best win record in this year’s club matches, with a stipulation that you have to have played in at least 11 match to be eligible for the prize. Happy golfing Captain Mac. August Medal Result The top three in each division were as follows: DIVISION 1: 1st Paul Gretton Nett 69; 2nd Peter Bertho Nett 70; 3rd MarkSimpkins Nett 73 DIVISION 2: 1st David Brearley Nett 71; 2nd Phil Davies Nett 71; 3rdStephen Holmes Nett 73 DIVISION 3: 1st David Lowry Nett 67; 2nd Ian Fyfe Nett 73; 3rd Noel Gotts Nett 73 July 2022 Prize Winners Centenery Medal Division 1: Net Score 1st Steve Humphrey 69 2nd Graham Rumsey 69 3rd Steve Barton 70 Division 2: Net Score 1st Rod Kupczyk 65 2nd David Harris 65 3rd Michael Charles 67 Division 3: Net Score 1st Steve Carr 62 2nd Richard Johns 63 3rd Phil Allen 65 4th Noel Gotts 66 Willmotts update July 2022 My thanks to David Gamble for the following analysis of our match season! With 17 out of 30 club matches played, the current record is as follows: Won 8 Lost 6 Halved 3 The breakdown by home and away is as follows: Home: won 5, halved 2 = 7 home matches Away: Won 3, lost 6, halved 1 = 10 away matches Plus, of course, we won the Rhys Richards trophy played at Stowe with a total of 210 Stableford points We are undefeated at home and a white wash for Beds and County today! Their captain can’t remember when that has happened before. Only 13 matches to go!! A big thank you to those who have played and especially those who have carried a wounded captain in a few matches! It has been very heartening to see how much better the meals for matches have been this season, empty plates again today at the Bedford and County match. I feel that the expectations I set together with head of house Chris Levaggi and Rhys are being met and our new assistant chef is proving his worth too. We entered a team in the St Neots invitation on Tuesday, Declan, Peter Bertho and myself, and despite my best efforts to score badly for the first half we came second from 16 teams, only missing out on first place by two points as the last team came in! The team playing in the Downsmens Trophy at Dunstable were not so lucky and didn’t manage to retain the trophy we won last year. David and I continue to work hard on the club committee where there’s a much more positive and productive atmosphere. We hope to see a new manager appointed before too long. I know some Willmotts have written in to the club committee on a range of matters and I’d like to assure you that each piece of correspondence is being responded to. I’d like to thank Eric Mercer for setting everything up for my captains away day with some 30+ already signed up. The criteria I gave Eric were that the course should be playable by a full range of Willmotts, the food should be good value and quality and the course be relatively nearby in terms of travel time. Whatever you may have heard about Cainhoe Woods I can assure you it will provide a good day out! There will be a good range of prizes too! Looking further ahead I have secured a live band (we’ve had them at my previous ladies night) for our ladies night on the 11th November, put it in your diaries, I hope everyone will consider coming! If numbers are low the event is inevitably more costly per person! A big thank you to my committee members and match organisers for making the year run smoothly and before signing off can I appeal to all those who want things done differently to offer their services on the Willmotts committee! Happy golfing! Captain Mac June 2022 June Medal result Div. 1 1st Colin Armstrong 61 2nd Mark Simkins 64 3rd Graham Rumsey 65 Div. 2 1st Ken Pike 65 2nd Steven Fletcher 66 3rd Stephen Holmes 67 Div. 3 1st John Maynard 64 2nd Richard Johns 66 3rd David Mathews 69 May 2022 Greensome Pairs 1st Colin Hosker & Derek Moxom 43 2nd Steven Fletcher & David Gamble 42 3rd Bob Barton & John Murrer 42 Willmotts update May 2022 First a big thank you for David Gamble, he finally got his mini break and apart from some catering teething troubles he organised a great four days. The weather for golf was perfect, the two courses presented good challenges and the day out for non golfers went very well. The Warners Holme Lacy venue with its evening entertainment was appreciated by all. I have provisionally reserved tee time slots for golf at the new Warners venue in the Cotswolds for the second week in May next year. Costs will no doubt increase but the shorter travelling time will help. I must also thank all those who have played in our matches to date and those who have organised the teams. A special thank you to Jim Sweeney who fills out all the cards for every home match, no mean feat given the frequent handicap changes! Results have been excellent, only one defeat away to Leighton Buzzard! Balanced by a win against them at home! We will meet them again in the Rhys Richards Trophy competition to be held at Stowe this year. Phil is already gathering the stats on those in form to help me select a strong team. My captains day looms and we have 40 taking part in the day. Thank you to all those who have offered to make / provide cakes and those non golfers who have offered to serve them! After a few hiccups Eric Mercer has secured a rearranged date for my captains away day. It will be at Cainhoe Woods (formerly Beadlow Manor) We’ve played the course and it has improved considerably under the management of the former professional. It offers an enjoyable round for golfers of all abilities and good food coupled with drinks at a very reasonable price. Well done Eric for meeting all the criteria I set. I hope as it is within easy reach and plenty of buggies are available that we can muster a good turnout. The cost will be below £40 pp for the whole day which will include a bacon bap and a meal afterwards. On a different tack, the club is asking for volunteers to help with the Mizuno Pairs day next Friday. I’m not able to help as I will be at The Chelsea flower show but if you can give an hour or two please contact either Mike Levaggi or Garrie Brandon. On Monday we have The Greensome Pairs competition but the numbers are quite disappointing only 12 pairs entered compared with 22 last year! I blame the captain! Oh I am the captain! I’m as guilty as everyone else of forgetting to check the Upcoming competitions section on the web site and make sure I’ve entered my name. Similarly don’t forget to update your availability for matches and keep an eye on the notice board in the locker room. With the improved weather I’m finding a round of golf so much more enjoyable now and whilst not perfect, our course makes for enjoyable golf and is certainly admired by our visiting clubs. Happy golfing Captain Mac Willmotts May Medal Thursday 5th May 1st Jim McCutcheon (19) 64 2nd Philip Rennett (13) 65 1st Peter Bertho (21) 66 2nd Phil Keywood (21) 67 3rd Bill Baldock (22) 69 1st Alan Moore (28) 71 2nd Geoff Smith (34) 73 3rd David Lowry (36) 75 April 2022 Willmotts update April 2022 Fellow Willmotts. It’s been a great start to our match season thanks to all those who have taken part and to our match organisers, Declan, the two Erics and Peter. I’m pleased to say that the quality of our food at home games has been very good and reflects the more positive emphasis on ‘quality for members’ by our new head of house, Chris Levaggi. You can find the results of all our matches on IG and also on the Willmotts web site (the link is on the club web site). At today’s committee meeting it was decided to stick with our current arrangement of £20 per match and review this again at out meeting on the 19th of May. We asked that, where possible, people signed up for both the home and away match with particular clubs. If you consider the total cost for these two matches combined including meals and the hospitality and the pleasure of playing some great courses for only £40 (less than the green fee at most courses) this represents great value for two days of golf. Match organisers are giving priority to those who commit to both home and away matches, so please consider trying to do this. Have you updated your availability for matches recently? Have you signed up for any matches? It’s not too late! We always need more players and reserves for matches. The month of May will feature our golf break to Holme Lacey near Hereford organised by past captain David Gamble, if you didn’t sign up you’ve missed it! Don’t worry there will be another one next year! Whilst on the subject of signing up, there is a busy golfing month ahead and there are several events for which there will be sign-up sheets on our board. Currently we only have a few entrants for the Greensomes Pairs competition on the 23rd May, there is a sign-up sheet on the board or let Phil Duckering know if you wish to take part. Soon to be available will be a sign-up sheet for my Willmotts Captain’s Day, which is on the 26th of May with a rolling meal. Traditionally we have a selection of cakes, provided by members, available on the tenth tee. If you are able to contribute to this please let me know. There will also be a sign-up sheet available for the annual Willmotts vs The Ladies match on the 30th of May. Like our inter-club matches this will be a team of 16 selected from the sign-up sheet. This is a long standing event played in a friendly atmosphere, followed by a sit down two course meal. The winners will receive the “Clock”, which is currently held by the Willmotts.
Whilst matches are taking up many of our Monday and Thursday roll up slots, there are still some ‘free’ days. Can I ask that we try to make the roll up inclusive and draw discs in the usual way and start at 8.00 so maintaining the Willmotts tradition of playing with different partners/groups. The ‘Waltz’ format has proved popular but recently three Willmotts were left on the first tee at 7.50 when fifteen had been present and could have made up 5 teams of three for the waltz, a missed opportunity! I will shortly be drawing up a list of possible team members to play in the annual six a side Rhys Richards Trophy against Leighton Buzzard, North Oxford and Stowe. The event is a great day’s golf and will take place at Stowe on Monday the 4th of July on their new 18 hole course. Those who have been regular supporters of home and away matches and Willmotts competitions will be given preference. You may have seen a general request from the club for help with divot filling. Traditionally Willmotts have been the mainstay of this work and I hope some of you will feel able to support this work on Wednesday May 4th. It involves turning up at 8.15 with a (not too big) bucket and trowel and walking the fairways sprinkling seed/sand mix in any divot marks you spot. If we get our usual turn out it takes no more than an hour and a half to two hours and finishes with Coffee and a sausage roll or similar, in the clubhouse. If you can help please email me on macmist@aol.com and let me know. Finally, Declan will shortly be publishing the results and prize details for the winners of the Winter Eclectic! Remember winter! Too much wet, not much golf! Gladly those days are past and we can all enjoy the sunshine and our golf. Best regards Willmotts Captain Mac 1st Fred Mercer (19) 38 2nd Philip Duckering (16) 36 3rd Steve Barton (18) 35 4th Roger Gillespie (15) 34 1st Rod Kupczyk (22) 40 2nd Jim Sweeney (24) 37 3rd Phil Keywood (21) 35 4th Michael Charles (23) 35 1st Richard Johns (29) 36 2nd Peter Quinn (27) 35 3rd Philip Allen (27) 31 4th David Matthews (34) 31 March 2022 Willmotts’ March Stableford Division 1 points 1st Fred Mercer 40 2nd Phil Pattison (12) 39 3rd Roger Gillespie (16) 38 4th Steve Barton (19) 38 Division 2 Points 1st Simon Leadbeater (22) 43 2nd David Seymour (26) 41 3rd Peter Bertho (21) 40 4th Declan McGuire (24) 39 Division 3 Points 1st Peter Quinn (27) 39 2nd Rod Fairclough (28) 38 3rd Steve Carr (27) 37 Willmotts update March 23rd 2022 Fellow Willmotts, sad news recently of the passing of one of our past captains, Keith Mason. His funeral is at Crown Hill Crematorium this Thursday at 2.45. I know that many of you are intending to attend. On a more cheerful note, sunshine and a dry course at last! Our match season kicks off this Friday at Ellesborough Golf Club and we can look forward to a proper 18 hole Stableford next Monday. Just a reminder that you can still amend your availability on the website for upcoming matches. There has been good take up so far for match squads but with covid still impacting, a few reserves are always welcome for each match. Match organisers, Declan, Peter and the two Erics can always be contacted if you are unable to use the website. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported past captain David on his ladies night, it was so good to have a more ‘normal’ and formal, get together. I know those of us who have signed up and paid are looking forward to the Mini break in May at Warners Hotel Holme Lacey with golf at Burghill and South Herefordshire courses. By the time you read this I hope that there will have been a full report to members from the course committee on the badger problem, there has been comprehensive investigation of the various, though limited, options available to the club. Badgers have certainly wrecked many areas of our course and the green staff are doing what they can to repair areas but at the moment there are many other tasks to be completed. Several clubs have sent details of their seniors invitation days and details are on our board in the changing room. If you have never tried one, these are great days out for not a lot of money. Enjoy the sunshine and your golf Captain Mac January 2022 Willmotts January update. Welcome back to golf with trollies! It’s been a hard month carrying clubs but finally the firmer conditions have enabled us to get back to 18 holes and a course that is in good condition. I am still pushing for personal buggies to be allowed onto the course so that every Willmott can enjoy their golf again. Over the next few weeks there’s a lot to get involved in. First some reminders, 1) 11th of March, Ladies night sign up and payment is now available at the bar, as of today four tables are already full so get your party of friends and guests organised. David and I are determined that it will be (at last) a great evening for everyone. 2) 5th - 13th May Those who have indicated they wish to come on the mini break in May will have had a reminder of the balance and the due date from our treasurer Richard. If you haven’t been on a break before I can recommend it and Holme Lacey is a splendid venue, speak to David Gamble as I’m sure there are still some places available. Both these events are for past captain David as in his term as captain he was not able to hold either event. Please support him if you can, he has done a sterling job over two very difficult years and deserves to get our full support now. Kicking off our golfing season we have the mixed Texas scramble with the ladies at the beginning of March and then our programme of inter club matches gets underway with our first fixture against Ellesborough on the 25th of March. A full list of matches is on the board and on Intelligent golf. It is now important that if you wish to play, you indicate your availability on intelligent golf (don’t forget to save your selection) Or for those who prefer a sign up sheet these will be on the board in the changing room. Sign up sheets will come down 10 days prior to the relevant match. We have a group of match organisers led by Vice Captain Declan McGuire and to help these match organisers in their task please indicate where possible that you will play in both home and away matches for each club. I am determined, and so is our new head of house, Chris Levaggi, that we improve the quality of our match meals this season and I will be finalising meals in the coming week but there will inevitably be some small increases this season We are initially trialling a ‘one size’ payment for all matches of £20. Depending on meal costs this will generate a small surplus. We will review the success of this and how we use the surplus after the first four home matches have taken place. To put the costs into context, if you consider that you play two matches (home and away) on prestigious courses with meals for a total of £40, I think you’ll agree this is excellent value for two days golfing. I want to keep our Willmotts updates concise but ensure that we give everyone a ‘heads up’ on coming events etc. We meet once a month as a committee so if you have any points to raise or questions you want answered please speak to a committee member. Most of all, get involved and enjoy your golf! Captain Mac Two of our YOUNG Willmotts reached the final of the Morphy Trophy which was played today (Sunday, 23rd Jan). This is a club level competition open to all male members of the club and the result will be posted on the Boards. They succeeded in winning the trophy (by one hole) and to my limited knowledge they are the first pair of Willmotts to win the trophy. So congratulations to both Phil Duckering and Colin Armstrong in their achievement. They beat Martin Shadbolt and John Stokes. On Friday 4 March we have a mixed Texas Scramble. This will be a two tee start from 8.30, followed by a one course rolling meal. The entry sheet will be posted on the notice board Monday. Please give this event your support. Our two summer knockout competitions start on 1 April. Entry for the JES Brookes singles is via IG and opens on Monday 24 January. Entry fee is £4 and the draw will be made late March. The Sir Norman King trophy is a drawn pairs and entry is via the sign up sheet on our notice board. Entry fee is £4 per player and draw will be made late March. Entry for the February stableford is now open and spaces are still available. December 2021 Willmotts Update 19th December 2021 We played our last qualifying competition of 2021 on Thursday in almost perfect conditions for December. Unfortunately some playing groups were held up by the slow play of other groups. All groups must play “ready golf” and give priority to not losing ground on the group in front. However, if you do fall behind the group in front and you are holding up the group behind you, then you must call this playing group through. Our next qualifying Stableford is on Thursday 13th January with a few tee times still available. Roll up timetable for the next few weeks
Captains Drive In and Drive Out Captain David and next year’s Captain Mac are pleased to have been invited to join the Club, Ladies and Lady Presidents’ drive in and drive out on Monday 2nd January, with a tee off at 08.00. We also plan to hold a separate Willmotts drive in and drive out just at 08.00 on Thursday 6th January when more Willmotts will be available. Christmas Message The Willmotts Committee wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We thank you for supporting our events in 2021 and ask you to give your full support to Captain Mac and Vice-Captain Declan in 2022. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities Please note that the Buying & Selling Tab is now open with several items currently for sale. If you have a golf item for sale or are looking to purchase a specific golf item, then contact Rod Fairclough who manages the Willmotts website at rodf22@btinternet.com. Take care and stay safe. Your Willmotts Committee 19th December 2021 Willmotts’ December Stableford Division 1 entries 19 - Playing Handicap up to 23 Division 2 entries 21 - Playing Handicap 24 and upwards Division 1 Points 1st Steve Barton 40 2nd David Hoggan 38 3rd Phil Davies 37 4th Colin Armstrong 37 Division 2 Points 1st David Brearley 40 2nd Ken Pike 37 3rd Rod Fairclough 36 4th David Hancorn 35
November 2021 Forthcoming AGM Willmotts Update 28th November 2021 Postponement of tree pruning working party The tree pruning working party that was scheduled for Wednesday 1st December has been postponed. It will take place in the spring when, hopefully, it will be warmer. Golf tomorrow (Monday 29th November) We plan to have a normal 4 ball pairs better ball roll up with random draws for playing groups of four at 07.45, 8.00 and 08.15. Wrap up well as it will be very cold. Willmotts/Seniors Competitions The Christmas 9 hole competition takes place on Thursday 2nd December. The competition will commence at 08.30 with a shotgun start on the back 9 holes. For this event, only 3 clubs and a putter are allowed so choose your clubs carefully. There will be prizes for the top players, best team and nearest the pins on the par 3 holes. Phil Duckering has conducted the draw for playing groups and starting holes, which can be viewed on the club’s website. Phil will provide further details in the next few days. There are two spaces available on the start sheet. Willmotts/Seniors AGM The Christmas competition will be followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the clubhouse and then the Willmotts/Seniors Annual General Meeting (AGM) at approximately 11.30. If you cannot play in the competition but wish to attend the AGM then please do so, but we ask you to let Alan Moore know in advance that you will be attending (alanmoore103@yahoo.com). This will give us a steer on the number of mince pies required. Papers for the AGM have already been emailed to you and have also been posted on the Willmotts website. The AGM will start with the presentation of trophies for competitions held during the year. We look forward to having a good turnout for our AGM. On line sign-up for the next Stableford on Thursday 16th December is open and some tee times are still available. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities Please note that the Buying & Selling Tab is now open with several items currently for sale. If you have a golf item for sale or are looking to purchase a specific golf item, then contact Rod Fairclough who manages the Willmotts website at rodf22@btinternet.com. Your Willmotts Committee 28th November 2021 Willmotts Update 20th November 2021 Your help is requested During each year, we support the Club by volunteering for various course maintenance activities. Earlier this year a number of us took part in divot filling on the fairways and this was much appreciated. Phil Wilcox, the Chair of the Course Committee, has asked if the Willmotts, alongside the Ladies and Blobbies, can join a tree pruning work party on the morning of Wednesday 1st December. The work will involve removing epicormic shoots (suckers) from the base of trees. If you are willing to help with this can you please email your name to Phil Wilcox at philhome123@btinternet.com as soon as possible (and definitely by Friday 26th November) so we can compile a list of volunteers. Can you also copy in David Gamble at david.gamble7@btinternet.com? You will need a pair of gloves, secateurs, and a small garden saw if you have one. Please arrive in time for a 09.00 start. It usually takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Afterwards you will be rewarded with a complimentary bacon butty and tea/coffee. Please support this activity. Willmotts/Seniors Competitions Congratulations to the prize winners in our monthly Stableford competition on Thursday. Rod Fairclough had the best overall score of 41 points and was the top player in Division 2. Colin Armstrong won Division 1 with a score of 38 points. On line sign-up for the next Stableford on Thursday 16th December is now open. All players should note that, when submitting your score cards for all competitions, you must sign your card and ensure that your marker has also signed your card. This also applies to cards submitted for any round contributing to the Willmotts winter eclectic competition. The Christmas 9 hole competition takes place on Thursday 2nd December with sign up via the sheet on the Willmotts notice board. The competition will commence at 08.30 with a shotgun start on the back 9 holes. For this event, only 3 clubs and a putter are allowed. There will be prizes for the top players, best team and nearest the pins on the par 3 holes. Phil Duckering will conduct the draw for playing groups shortly, so sign up by this Monday 22nd November if you wish to play in this competition. We will be able to accommodate all those who wish to participate. The Christmas competition will be followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the clubhouse and then the Willmotts/Seniors AGM at 11.30. If you cannot play in the competition but wish to attend the AGM then please do so, but we ask you to let Alan Moore know in advance that you will be attending. This will give us a steer on the number of mince pies required. Papers for the AGM have already been emailed to you. The papers include a nominations list for Willmotts officers and committee members. There is space for one further committee member for 2022. The final item on the AGM agenda will be Any Other Business. This will include attendees’ views on the current arrangements for Willmotts roll ups, as well as any AOB submitted in advance to our Administrative Secretary, Alan Moore, at alanmoore103@yahoo.com by Thursday 25th November. Attached to this Update is the Income and Expenditure report for the Willmotts financial year 1st October 2000 to 30th September 2021. This will be presented at the AGM by our Treasurer, Richard Norris. The Willmotts accounts have been comprehensively examined by Bob Barton. Our thanks go to Bob. Willmotts roll ups for next week There have been good turnouts for recent roll ups for which we have tried to provide some variety in formats. We have included 3 ball Stableford waltz competitions over the last few weeks in both 1, 2, 3 and 3, 2, 1 formats, as well as our traditional 4 ball pairs groups. For next week, on Monday 22nd November, we will hold a traditional 4 ball pairs roll up. Playing handicaps are 90% of course handicaps. On Thursday 25th November, we will hold a 3 ball conventional waltz (1, 2, 3) The format for each team of three will be: · The Best Stableford score to count on hole 1 · The Best 2 Stableford scores to count on hole 2 · All 3 Stableford scores to count on hole 3 · This sequence to be repeated over the 18 holes. · Playing handicap will be 95% of your course handicap · Entry fee of £2 payable when back in the clubhouse and all income will be distributed as prizes for the top teams. We will do random draws for playing groups for these competitions at 07.45, 08.00 and 08.15 on both days. These team events have been enjoyed and we hope you will participate next week. Repairing pitch marks When playing in the Stableford on Thursday, it was noticed that on several greens some pitch marks had not been repaired. With the softer ground we are now experiencing, we ask you to ensure that you give priority to repairing your pitch marks to maintain the quality of our first class greens. Buying & Selling Tab is now open with several items currently for sale. If you have a golf item for sale or are looking to purchase a specific golf item, then contact Rod Fairclough who manages the Willmotts website at rodf22@btinternet.com. Your Willmotts Committee 20th November 2021 Willmotts Update 13th November 2021 Willmotts/Seniors Competitions On 5th November we held the autumn mixed Texas Scramble with 55 ladies and senior men taking part. The competition was played under the new WHS handicap rules for 4 ball Texas Scrambles and produced some impressive scores. The winning team of Joanne Evason, Rod Fairclough, Kevin Green and Barbara Gretton had a great start with three birdies in the first four holes and recorded a gross score of 69, nett 53. On the same nett score were Bob Barton, Rod Kupczyk, Nita McCarthy and Julie Sale finishing in second place on count back. Phil Davies, David Gamble, Chris Levaggi and Jo Matthews finished third with a nett score of 54. Our next qualifying competition is the Stableford on Thursday 18th November. There are still some vacant tee times from 09.20 to 09.50. On line sign-up for the Stableford on Thursday 16th December opens on Monday 15th November at 07.00. The Christmas 9 hole competition takes place on Thursday 2nd December with sign up via the sheet on the Willmotts notice board. The competition will commence at 08.30 with a shotgun start on the back 9 holes. For this event only 3 clubs and a putter are allowed. There will be prizes for the top players, best team and nearest the pins on the par 3 holes. Phil Duckering will conduct the draw for playing groups shortly, so sign up quickly if you have not done so already. We will be able to accommodate all those who wish to play. The Christmas competition will be followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the clubhouse and then the Willmotts/Seniors AGM at 11.30. If you cannot play in the competition but want to attend the AGM then please do so. The papers for the AGM are being emailed to you alongside this Update. The papers include a nominations list for Willmotts officers and committee members. There is space for one further committee member for 2022. The final item on the AGM agenda will be Any Other Business. This will include attendees’ views on the current arrangements for Willmotts roll ups, as well as any AOB submitted in advance to our Administrative Secretary, Alan Moore, at alanmoore103@yahoo.com by Thursday 25th November. We were limited on numbers for our AGM in December 2020 but look forward to a strong turnout this year. Willmotts roll ups There have been good turnouts for recent roll ups for which we have tried to provide some variety in formats. We have included two 3 ball Stableford waltz competitions over the last few weeks and have had a request for a reverse 3 ball Waltz competition. So, on Monday, we will hold a 3 ball Stableford reverse waltz (3,2,1), with 3 ball groups drawn at 07.45, 08.00 and 08.15. The format will be: · All 3 Stableford scores to count on hole 1 · The Best 2 Stableford scores to count on hole 2 · The Best Stableford score to count on hole 3 · This sequence to be repeated over the 18 holes. · Playing handicap is 95% of your course handicap · Entry fee of £2 payable when back in the clubhouse and all income will be distributed as prizes for the top teams. These team events have been enjoyed and we hope you will participate on Monday. Taster session at Pro Shot Golf at Stacey Bushes in Milton Keynes Five of us attended the taster session earlier this week and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. We will all be returning and recommend this facility to you. Please note that the Buying & Selling Tab is now open with several items currently for sale. If you have a golf item for sale or are looking to purchase a specific golf item, then contact Rod Fairclough who manages the Willmotts website at rodf22@btinternet.com. Your Willmotts Committee 13th November 2021 Winners of the mixed Teax Scramble Joanne Evason, Barbara Gretton Rod Fairclough, Kevin Green
October 2021 Willmotts Update 24th October 2021 Willmotts competitions The final of the Sir Norman King drawn pairs competition was played yesterday on finals day. Congratulations to Jim Sweeney and David Matthews who beat Colin Armstrong and Peter Bertho by 1 up in a very close match. The trophy will be presented to Jim and David at our AGM on 2nd December. The qualifying round for the winter pairs competition takes place on Monday 1st November. We have a good entry. There is currently space for one more pair at 08.20 on the day and for two pairs at 09.40 via online sign up. The top eight pairs will progress to the knock out stage of this competition. We have our popular Mixed Texas Scramble with the Ladies on Friday 5th November. The draw for mixed playing groups will be made very shortly and players informed. The event will have a two tee start from 09.00 and be followed by a rolling meal of Lasagne, salad and garlic bread at a cost of £8.65, to be taken off each players’ bar card account. Prizes will be presented when all players are back in the clubhouse and have their meal. Our next monthly Stableford is on Thursday 18th November and there are still some vacant tee times for online sign up. Willmotts Christmas Competition This is scheduled for Thursday 2nd December and will be followed by our AGM. We play the back 9 with a shotgun start from 08.30. Players are limited to 3 clubs and a putter. The winner will receive the Kempton Trophy and there will be other prizes. You will be able to sign up for the Christmas competition from Monday 1st November using the sheet on our notice board. Trophies for other competitions held during this year will also be presented at the AGM. The AGM will start at approximately 11.30 on 2nd December and we are looking forward to a good turnout. The AGM Notice, draft agenda and the proposal sheet for the Willmotts Committee for 2022 will be posted shortly. We would like to see some new faces on the committee. Please speak to Captain David or Vice-Captain Mac if you are interested. Winter Eclectic There is still time to sign up for this competition whether you are an 18 hole or a 9 hole golfer. The rules are shown on our notice board. The entry fee of £4 covers one round per month from October to March. That’s six chances to post an impressive hole by hole score over the winter. So, please sign up if you haven’t already done so. The more players who sign up, the greater the number of prizes. Willmotts roll ups on Monday and Thursday this week We are going to have a Texas Scramble tomorrow in 3 balls. The playing groups will be drawn at 07.40, 08.00 and 08.20 to accommodate players who like to tee off early and for those who prefer a slightly later time. We are proposing a £2 entry fee, payable in cash, with all income being given back as prizes after the event. So please join in and enjoy this format of team golf. The rules for the Texas Scramble and how to calculate the team handicaps will be outlined prior to play. On Thursday we are proposing a team Stableford Waltz in 3 balls. On hole 1 the best Stableford score counts, on hole 2 the best 2 scores count and on hole 3 all scores count. This is repeated in groups of 3 holes for the rest of the round. Once again there will be a £2 entry fee with monetary prizes presented after the event. Please support this competition and arrive early and before 08.20 to ensure you get included in the event. Following these two events we will take soundings of preferences for how future roll ups on Mondays and Thursday mornings should be organised. Main Club Committee There will be five vacancies on the main club committee for 2022. If you are interested in joining the committee you will have to be proposed and seconded in line with the club’s AGM timeline. Please speak to Captain David or Vice-Captain Mac if you are interested in joining the club committee. Joining the club committee will give you a chance to make your voice heard and represent fellow gofers. The club committee meets once a month, although attending every meeting isn’t compulsory. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities Please note that the Buying & Selling Tab is now open with several items currently for sale. If you have a golf item for sale or are looking to purchase a specific golf item, then contact Rod Fairclough who manages the Willmotts website at rodf22@btinternet.com. Your Willmotts Committee 24th October 2021 Willmotts Update 17th October 2021 Winter Wheels Don’t forget to change to winter wheels from tomorrow. Competitions Many congratulations to Bob Collett who won the JES Brookes summer singles knock-out trophy beating Roger Gillespie in the final earlier this month. The final of the summer drawn pairs competition for the Sir Norman King Trophy will be played on finals day between Colin Armstrong & Peter Bertho vs David Matthews & Jim Sweeney. These and other trophies will be presented at our AGM on 2nd December. October started with our monthly Stableford with Bill Vorley having the best Stableford score on countback on the day. The top players in each division were as shown below. Division 1 1st Stuart Lawrence 36 2nd Phil Duckering 36 3rd Paul Gretton 34 Division 2 1st Bill Vorley 40 2nd John Purcell 40 3rd Charlie Rye 39 Division 3 1st Eric Mercer 40 2nd Bernard Rigby 40 3rd Alan Moore 37 Following this event, the overall Order of Merit winners across the seven April to October monthly Medals/Stablefords were: Division 1: Paul Gretton Division 2: Charlie Rye Division 3: Bernard Rigby Well done to these three players and to Bill who won the October Stableford. The winners of the 2021 Willmotts Summer Eclectic competition, which included twelve qualifying events were: Paul Gretton (gross winner with a score of 64) Alex Clifford (nett winner with a score of 43) The Captain’s & Vice-Captain’s Pairs Challenge produced some impressive better ball results. Captain David was paired with our 2019 Captain, Rod Kupczyk in the absence of Mac McGregor who had a hospital appointment. David and Rod started well with 22 points on the front nine holes but couldn’t maintain their good start, finishing with 38 points. This resulted in nine pairs beating their score and 18 bottles of wine were won. We think this may be a record number of winners for this event. Needless to say, we ran out of bottles of wine on the day, but fresh stock has now been purchased and will be distributed to the winners asap. Congratulations go to Bob Barton and Richard Syratt who won the competition and the trophy with an impressive better ball score of 47 points. In second place were Stephen Carr & Phil Pattison with another high score of 45 points. The draw for the Willmotts Winter Singles competition has been made and can be viewed online. Players are asked to arrange their matches by the deadlines for each round. The Winter Doubles competition will begin with a qualifying round on 1st November, with the top eight pairs on the day progressing to the knock-out stage. There is still time for you to enter with a partner via on-line sign up. The Mixed Texas Scramble is scheduled for Friday 5th November with the sign-up sheet on our notice board. We should be able to accommodate everyone who signs up. The draw for mixed playing groups will be made before the end of October. This is the final mixed event of 2021 and is always a popular occasion. The Winter Eclectic has started. However, those who have not yet signed up can still do so at any time, even after the end of October. This competition allows you to elect to submit one card each month from October to March. To do so you sign up on the sheet on our notice board before you play your elected round and have your card marked and signed by a playing partner. You can even use a round such as a monthly winter Stableford provided you declare the round will be used for the eclectic competition before you play. You then put your card in the Willmotts box and Declan McGuire will update your scores month by month and post the player by player scores matrix on the notice board. The alternative is to email a photo of your score card to Declan at mcguire.declan@gmail.com. This competition gives you six chances to improve your hole by hole scores over the winter months. Please sign up if you haven’t already done so. It’s just £4 to enter, with the entry fee taken from your bar card account. There are numerous prizes and players who prefer to play just 9 hoes can also enter. Willmotts/Seniors Club Matches We concluded our matches against other clubs with a 6-2 home win against Leighton Buzzard this week. Overall it has been a good year. We have been able to play 23 of our normal 30 club matches and have won 14 and lost 9. The wins include 4 away victories. Our home record has been very good with only one defeat to Woburn in our 11 home matches. We played the Club yesterday and lost 4-2. Congratulations go to our winners Mark Simpkins & Rod Kupczyk and Fred Mercer & Bill Vorley. Three of the lost matches went to the last hole, so, overall, the match was a close affair. We play the Ladies tomorrow. Willmotts Ladies Night Given the escalation in the number of Covid 19 cases, we thought it was prudent to postpone this popular annual dinner/dance, which was scheduled for Friday 12th November. The event will now take place on Friday 11th March 2022 with the same band Big in Brazil. Willmotts AGM The AGM is scheduled for Thursday 2nd December, immediately after the 9 hole, three clubs and a putter Christmas competition, which will have a shotgun start on the back 9. The AGM notice and associated papers will be issued shortly, as well as the sign-up sheet for the Christmas competition. We will be looking for newcomers to join the Willmotts Committee. Mizuno Pairs next Friday The Club is hosting the Mizuno Pairs Regional Championship on Friday 22nd October. Volunteers are required to walk with each playing group, observe and make sure no rules are infringed and verify scores for each pair. The first tee time is at 11.00 and there are 11 four balls. Please let David Gamble know if you can help on the day at david.gamble7@btinternet.com. Bacon baps and coffee will be your reward as well as seeing some excellent golf being played. Willmotts/Seniors Roll Ups Now that all our club matches have been completed and all the summer competitions have taken place, we can look forward to more opportunities for full roll ups. You will recall that we asked those on our mailing list for feedback on how we might organise roll ups. A large majority favoured a return to pre Covid 19 practice but with some changes to accommodate players who preferred early start times and those whose preference was for a later tee time. The Willmotts Committee discussed the way forward at our recent meeting and the consensus was that a mixed diet would be welcomed. This could involve a combination of: · Roll ups with numbered discs drawn at 07.40, 08.00 and 08.20; · Monthly Stablefords in 4 balls via online sign up from November through to February. Online sign up for the next Stableford on 18th November opens tomorrow, 18th October; · Three or four ball Texas Scrambles organised on the day with a £2 entry fee, with three draws as above; · Three balls teams with best two Stableford scores to count and organised on the day with a £2 entry fee, with three draws as above. · Three ball Stableford Waltz (1,2,3) teams one score on 1st hole, best two scores on 2nd hole and all 3 scores on 3rd hole and then repeated for 18 holes, with £2 entry fee. · The £2 entry fees will be distributed as prizes at the end of each morning. We will start with a roll up, as above, on Thursday 21st October and then try a Texas Scramble on Monday 25th October and a three ball Stableford or Waltz on Thursday 28th October. Please participate in these events so that we can judge what players prefer. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities Please note that the Buying & Selling Tab is now open with several items currently for sale. If you have a golf item for sale or are looking to purchase a specific golf item, then contact Rod Fairclough who manages the Willmotts website at rodf22@btinternet.com.. Your Willmotts Committee 17th October 2021 October Stableford Result Congratulations to Bill Vorley on winning overall today with 40 points. Division winners are: Div 1 - Stuart Lawrence 36 points Div 2 - Bill Vorley 40 points Div 3 - Eric Mercer 40 points. Willmotts Update 1st October 2021 Congratulations to Fred Mercer, Peter Bertho, Neil Robertson and Bernard Rigby for finishing first, second, third and fourth in the Willmotts Captains vs the Rest Stableford competition. Team A (Gordon Crawford, Colin Armstrong, David Harris, Peter Bertho, Robert Goodwin, Eric Mercer, Geoff Scher and Richard Johns) had the best average Stableford score and each player will receive a bottle of wine. Remaining competitions and fixtures On Monday 4th October we have our monthly qualifying Stableford. There is a good entry with only a few vacant tee times. This is the final event contributing to the three Orders of Merit and the Summer Eclectic. So, if you have not yet entered and are looking to improve your standing in your respective Oder of Merit and also improve your eclectic score, then sign up on-line for one of the remaining tee times. Current Order of Merit Leaders: Division 1 Paul Gretton Division 2 Malcolm McGregor Division 3 Bernard Rigby Current Summer Eclectic Leaders: Gross Leader: Paul Gretton Nett Leader: Bernard Rigby On Thursday 7th October we will have a roll up. The Captain’s and Vice Captain’s Challenge pairs competition is on Monday 11th October. There are prizes for the top pairs and wine for each player in a pair who have a higher better ball Stableford score than the Captain and Vice-Captain. Phil will conduct the draw for tee times shortly. Our final club match of 2021 is against Leighton Buzzard at home on Thursday 14th October. We won at Leighton Buzzard in our opening fixture earlier this year and it would be good if those who played could sign up for the home match. You can do this on-line or on the sign-up sheet on the notice board. We are having a good year with club matches having won 13 and lost 9 of our 22 matches to date. The wins include 4 away matches. The annual match against the Club takes place on Saturday 16th October with a 10.00 start. The team has been posted on the Seniors’ notice board. If you can be a reserve, please sign up on the team sheet or inform Captain, David. Due to Covid 19 we were not able to play our annual pairs match against the Ladies in 2020. We are pleased that this year we can resume the fixture. The Ladies were the winners when we last played in 2019. This year’s match is schedule for Monday 18th October with a 08.30 start. The match will be 16 or more players per side depending on the numbers who sign up. There will be a rolling meal after the match. The sign-up sheet is on the notice board. Another date for your diary is Friday 5th November when we will be playing a Texas Scramble with the Ladies in mixed teams of four. This will be followed by a rolling meal and the presentation of prizes. The sign-up sheet is on the notice board. Winter Eclectic This popular competition starts this month. To enter please sign up on the sheet on the notice board. For new players, you can elect in advance to have one eclectic round per month from October to March. This can include qualifying rounds or a social golf round. You must sign and date the sheet on the notice board in advance of your chosen round. You should then ask a playing partner to record your gross score on each hole and ensure that both you and your marker sign your card. The entry fee is only £4 and this covers all six eclectic rounds. There are prizes for the net and gross winners over 18 holes and for the best nett and gross scores over 9 holes. Winter singles and pairs competitions Phil Duckering has sent round details of these events. The Winter Pairs competition starts with a qualifying round on Monday 1st November with the top eight pairs on the day moving to the knock-out stage. You can sign up on-line as a pair. Please inform Phil if we wish to enter the Winter Singles competition. This will be a knock-out competition. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities News of the activities of the Willmotts/Senior Section is shown on the Willmotts website, which you can view either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. Please note that the Buying & Selling Tab is now open with several items currently for sale. If you have a golf item for sale or are looking to purchase a specific golf item, then contact Rod Fairclough who manages the Willmotts website. Your Willmotts Committee 1st October 2021 September 2021 Captains v Rest Congratulations to Fred Mercer on winning today’s competition with 40 points. Top 4 prize winners: 1st Fred Mercer 40 points 2nd Peter Bertho 38 points 3rd Neil Robertson 37 points 4th Bernard Rigby 37 points. The winning team who will each receive a bottle of wine, were Team A: Gordon Crawford, Colin Armstrong, David Harris, Peter Bertho, Robert Goodwin, Eric Mercer, Geoff Scher, Richard Johns. Willmotts Update 19th September 2021 Willmotts Captain’s Day The Willmotts Captain’s day competition was won by Roger Gillespie with 41 points. Roger has achieved the impressive double of winning this competition and the Willmotts Captain’s away day competition in July. Captain’s Day went well, with players enjoying a fantastic selection of half-way house cakes. Thanks have been given to those who demonstrated their great baking skills. Alan Moore took the Berrill Trophy with a score of 40 points and Fred Mercer was third on count back with 39 points. Other trophy winners were John Purcell who won the over 75s cup and Ellis Billington with the best score by a 9 holer. Rod Kupczyk went home with two bottles of champagne following his two nearest the pins. Well done Rod. The wine challenge on the 10th hole was achieved by five players. Victory in the Dunstable Downsmen Inter Club Seniors Competition The seniors’ team of Mark Simpkins, Roger Gillespie and Fred Mercer were victorious in this competition played in heavy rain at Dunstable Downs against a number of local clubs. Mark was the top player with 38 points. Congratulations to all three players for representing the Willmotts and coming out on top in very challenging conditions. Willmotts Competitions The Willmotts Captain’s vs the Rest competition is scheduled for Thursday 30th September. The sign-up sheet is on the notice board. This is a singles Stableford qualifying competition with one Willmotts Captain in each playing group. The deadline for sign up via the seniors’ notice board or to phil.duckering@hotmail.co.uk is Thursday 23rd September. Please sign up for this competition. Phil will populate the start sheet after 23rd September. Entries for the Stableford on Monday 4th October are looking healthy. There are only a few spare tee times at present. Please note that this is the final competition contributing to the three Orders of Merit and the Summer Eclectic. Several players in each division are still in with a chance of winning their respective Order of Merit so make sure you enter. The Captain’s and Vice Captain’s Challenge is scheduled for Monday 11th October. Unfortunately Mac McGregor is having a foot operation in early October, which will mean he is unable to play in this event. We wish Mac all the best for a speedy recovery. Captain David will be partnered with Rod Kupczyk for this competition. Sign up for this pairs event can be made on the sheet on the notice board. There will be prizes for the top pairs, as well as those pairs who exceed the better ball score of the captain and vice-captain. You can sign up as a pair or individually in anticipation of another player pairing with you. Unfortunately we had to postpone our match against the Club from Saturday 18th September to Saturday 16th October. Fortunately we have 12 players from the original squad who can make the new date. The Willmotts Winter Singles and Doubles competitions will start shortly and Phil Duckering has already sent round the details. For the Winter Doubles, we will have a qualifying round on Monday 1st November with prizes awarded on the day. The best eight pairs will then progress to the knock out stage. You can select your partner for this event and enter online from 07.00 on 27th September. If you enter this competition you must take part in the qualifying event on 1st November. If you wish to play in the Winter Singles, can you please let Phil Duckering know by 30th September. This will be a knock out competition. Phil will issue the draw after 30th September. The Winter Eclectic starts in October and will be managed this year by Declan McGuire. This competition allows you to demonstrate you golfing prowess across the winter, with one chosen eclectic round each month from October 2021 to March 2022. Make sure you sign up via the sheet on the notice board. You can have your first eclectic round from1st October. There are lots of prizes on offer with this extended event. It only costs £4 to enter and you will have up to six rounds to achieve your best eclectic score. What better value for money is there? Please note that we are playing our pairs match against the Ladies on Monday 18th October. This will be a 16 a side match played in the normal club match format. The sign-up sheet is on our notice board. We will be having a meal after this match. The last time this match was played was in 2019 when the Ladies had a convincing win. Let’s see if we can get a team together to have a more positive outcome in 2021. Summer knock outs Our two summer knock outs have both reached the finals stage. The JES Brookes singles final will be contested between Roger Gillespie and Bob Collett. The Sir Norman King Drawn Pairs final will be between Colin Armstrong & Peter Bertho against David Matthews & Jim Sweeney. Seniors/Willmotts Club Matches After twenty seniors’ club matches this year, we have won eleven and lost nine. Remaining matches include home fixtures with St Neots and Leighton Buzzard and an away fixture at Wellingborough. A positive development is the number of new players participating in this year’s matches and enjoying the experience. We must give credit to Eric Abbott and the team who achieved our third away win at Northampton on 19th August a magnificent victory, well done team. Fixtures for next year With the support of Garrie Brandon, the Ladies and the clubs with whom we have matches, our fixtures secretary, Phil Duckering, has finalised the seniors’ fixture list for 2022. Many thanks to Phil for getting this completed so quickly - an impressive outcome. We are hopeful that a full return to previous practice can be achieved for 2022. Willmotts mini-break 2022 Captain David has reserved rooms for the 2022 Willmotts mini-break and made bookings at two golf courses. If you are interested you can join the 46 people who have already signed up. The details are shown on the Willmotts notice board. In summary they are: Venue: Holme Lacy House Hotel near Hereford a Warners Hotel Dates: Monday 9th May to Friday 13th May 2022 4 nights DB&B Golf: at South Herefordshire GC & Burghill Valley GC Please speak to David if you are interested and haven’t yet signed up. Buying and Selling Golf Related Items using the Willmotts Website We are offering a facility via the Willmotts web site (see below) to allow golfers to buy or sell golf related items. The website is now live with some items for sale already advertised. Please use this facility if you have items for sale or are looking for something to improve your game. Please send any items for sale or any request for items to purchase to Rod Fairclough at rod22@btinternet.com. Your Willmotts Committee, 19th September 2021. Willmott Captains Day results Congratulations to Roger Gillespie who is the overall winner today and receives the Captains trophy. Alan Moore receives the Berrill trophy for 2nd overall and John Purcell the 75 & over trophy. Ellis Billington wins the 9 hole competition NTP winners: Hole 4 - Colin Johnson Hole 6 - Rod Kupczyk Hole 10 - Richard Bray Hole 13 - Rod Kupczyk Willmotts Update 5th September 2021 A new visitor at the September Stableford
On Thursday, Mr Fox decided to join the players on the 15th hole in the September Stableford - not sure who signed him in and paid his green fee in advance. One of his party pieces was to pick up balls. We hope he gave them back to you without too many teeth marks. Congratulations to David Griffiths, Roger Gillespie and Tony Widmer who won in Divisions 1, 2 & 3 respectively. David’s 45 Stableford points was particularly impressive. With one event left (October Stableford), the current leaders in the three Oder of Merit Divisions are: Division 1: Paul Gretton Division 2: Malcolm McGregor Division 3: Bernard Rigby Sign up for the monthly Stableford on Monday 4th October opens on Monday 6th September. Be sure to sign up early to get your preferred tee time. The Willmotts Captain’s vs the Rest competition is scheduled for Thursday 30th September. The sign-up sheet is on the notice board. This is a singles Stableford competition. Willmotts Captain’s Day This is being held next Monday 13th September and is open to both 18 hole and 9 hole players. As well as prizes for the players with the best Stableford scores, there are four trophies to be won: · The Captain’s trophy for the best Stableford score · The Berrill Decanter trophy for the runner up · The Captain’s over-75s trophy · The 9 holers trophy There will be nearest the pins on the 4th, 10th and 13th holes, as well as nearest the pin in two shots on the 6th hole. There will be a bottle of champagne for each nearest the pin winner. On the 10th hole there will be a prize of a bottle of wine for all players whose ball stays on the green with their first shot. Half way house refreshments will be a choice of delicious cakes and soft drinks. There are still a few spare tee times so please sign up. Following the competition there is an optional one course rolling meal. The choices are: · Lasagne and Salad · Chicken Curry and Rice · Both priced at £8.65 Those wanting a meal are asked to indicate their choice on the sign-up sheet on the Willmotts notice board or by informing David Gamble at david.gamble7@btinternet.com. It is hoped that a large number of players will stay behind for a meal. Deadline for sign up is Tuesday 7th September. Willmotts/Seniors Club matches Our current record is won 10 and lost 8 matches, with five matches still to be played. The teams for Harpenden Common at home and The Bedfordshire away have been picked. The sign-up sheets for the remaining three matches against St Neots and Leighton Buzzard at home and Wellingborough away are on the notice board. We play against the Club on Saturday 18th September with the team to be announced later in the week. With several new players participating in club matches this year, it is timely to mention the expected protocols. For our home matches we have moved to smart casual attire for the post-match meals. When we play away we fall in line with the home team’s dress code. For our home matches, the expectation is that one of the home pair in each match buys the pre-meal drinks for the 4 ball group and the other home player buys the wine or another drink to go with the meal for the 4 ball group. When we are away, the home team players reciprocate and buy the post-match drinks. Addressing slow play Just a reminder that we want all players, whether in social games or competitions or club matches to play Ready Golf. In essence this means that “If you are ready and it is safe, then you should play your ball.” Also players should play their own ball before helping to look for a lost ball. Finally, when not playing your shot, you should be preparing to play your shot. Further examples are shown on the Ready Golf poster in the changing room. If we all follow the above, we will be able to complete our rounds in an acceptable time and minimise excessively long rounds. Willmotts mini-break 2022 David Gamble has reserved rooms for the 2022 Willmotts mini-break and made bookings at two golf courses. If you are interested you can join the 46 people who have already signed up. The details are shown on the Willmotts notice board. In summary they are: Venue: Holme Lacy House Hotel near Hereford a Warners Hotel Dates: Monday 9th May to Friday 13th May 2022 4 nights DB&B Golf: at South Herefordshire GC & Burghill Valley GC Please sign up on the sheet on the notice board or contact David Gamble. Buying and Selling Golf Related Items using the Willmotts Website We are offering a facility via the Willmotts web site to allow golfers to buy or sell golf related items. The website is now ready to accept items for sale so over to you!! The procedure will be as follows 1. The person wanting to sell or the person wanting some golf related item produces a WORD document specifying what is for sale or what is wanted. 2. If a photograph is available then it must be included within the WORD document. 3. The WORD document to e-mailed to Rod Fairclough who will place the document on the Willmott’s website but also add the paragraph (in italics) above, and also a date when the entry will cease. 4. If the person selling or wanting something wishes the entry to continue they will need to contact Rod Fairclough and let him know. 5. Rod’s contact e-mail is rodf22@btinternet.com. Your Willmotts Committee, 5th September 2021. August 2021 Willmotts Update 29th August 2021 We were deeply saddened to hear that our Club Captain, Phil Price, passed away earlier this week following a recent diagnosis of multiple cancers. This was devastating news and our sincere thoughts and prayers are with Phil’s family. Willmotts Competitions Congratulation to Stuart Lawrence who won the Willmotts Putter Competition with an impressive 44 points. Bill Vorley and Rod Kupczyk took second and third places. Stuart also won the John Tweed Putting Trophy for the player with the fewest putts during his round. On Thursday 2nd September we have the September Stableford for which there are a few vacant tee times. This competition is one that contributes to the three Orders of Merit. The October Stableford is on Monday 4th October with on-line booking opening on Monday 6th September. This is the last competition this year which contributes to the three Orders of Merit. The Willmotts Captain’s Day Stableford competition takes place on Monday 13th September with online tee booking. Three tee times (08.00, 08.10 & 08.20) are now open for booking for 9 holers. There will be numerous prizes and several trophies as follows: · The Captain’s Trophy for the player with the best Stableford score; · The Berrill Trophy for the runner-up; · The Over- 75s Cup for the player of age 75 or above with the best Stableford score; · The 9 Holers Cup for the best back 9 Stableford score by a 9 holer. Players can enjoy the half-way house with a selection of home-made cakes and a drink. There will be a champagne challenge on the 10th hole. Following the competition there is an optional one course rolling meal. The choices are: · Lasagne and Salad · Chicken Curry and Rice · Both priced at £8.65 Those wanting a meal are asked to indicate their choice on the sign-up sheet on the Willmotts notice board or by informing David Gamble at david.gamble7@btinternet.com. It is hoped that a large number of players will stay behind for a meal. The Willmotts Captains versus the Rest competition will take place on Thursday 30th September. This Stableford qualifying competition is played in groups of four, with one Willmotts Captain in each playing group. The Willmotts Captains form team A, with the second, third and fourth players in each playing group forming teams B, C and D respectively. The winning team is the one with the best average Stableford score. There are individual prizes for the players with the best Stableford scores, plus a prize for each member of the winning team. If you wish to play in this competition please sign up on the sheet on the Willmotts notice board or let Phil Duckering know that you can play at phil.duckering@hotmail.co.uk. Willmotts Club Matches Following our impressive 6-2 away win at Northampton, we maintained our winning run with a 4-2 victory against Ellesborough. Our next match, for which the team has already been selected, is the home match against Harpenden Common on Monday 6th September. This is followed by an away match at the Bedfordshire on 16th September, a home match against St Neots on 20th September and an away match against Wellingborough on 22nd September. Our final match is at home to Leighton Buzzard on 14th October. If you are aged 55 or above you can sign up for these matches. Match against the Club This 14 a side pairs fixture will take place on Saturday 18th September starting at 11.00. The match will be followed by a brunch. Please sign up on the seniors’ notice board or let David Gamble know that you wish to play at david.gamble7@btinternet.com. The match is open to 5 day as well as to 7 day members. Willmotts mini-break 2022 David Gamble has reserved rooms for the 2022 Willmotts mini-break and made bookings at two golf courses. If you are interested you can join the 46 people who have already signed up. The details are shown on the Willmotts notice board. In summary they are: Venue: Holme Lacy Hall Hotel near Hereford a Warners Hotel Dates: Monday 9th May to Friday 13th May 2022 4 nights DB&B Golf: at South Herefordshire GC & Burghill Valley GC Please sign up on the sheet on the notice board or contact David Gamble. Buying and Selling Golf Related Items using the Willmotts Website We are offering a facility via the Willmotts web site to allow golfers to buy or sell golf related items. The Willmott’s Committee are providing this facility to sell golf related items. However, the Willmott’s committee do not accept any responsibility for the quality of the goods. Buyers must accept the risk in buying any goods offered for sale via the web site. The procedure will be as follows 1. The person wanting to sell or the person wanting some golf related item produces a WORD document specifying what is for sale or what is wanted. 2. If a photograph is available then it must be included within the WORD document. 3. The WORD document to be e-mailed to Rod Fairclough who will place the document on the Willmott’s website but also add the paragraph (in italics) above, and also a date when the entry will cease. 4. If the person selling or wanting something wishes the entry to continue they will need to contact Rod Fairclough and let him know. 5. Rod’s contact e-mail is rodf22@btinternet.com. 6. We will provide an alert when this facility goes live. Your Willmotts Committee, 29th August 2021. Willmotts' Putter Monday 23rd August 1st Stuart Lawrence 44 2nd Bill Vorley 39 3rd Rod Kupczyk 38 Stuart also won the John Tweed Putting Trophy with 25 putts. Other winners are: NTP 4th hole Alan Moore NTP 13th hole Bob Barton Best front 9 Richard Johns 22 points Best back 9 Geoff Smith 21 points (CB) Willmotts Update 22nd August 2021 Organisation of Willmotts/Seniors Roll Ups Thanks to those who responded to the paper setting out three options for how we could organise the return to Willmotts/Seniors roll ups on Monday and Thursday mornings. We had 43 returns as follows: Option 1 the system used pre COVID-19. Arrive between 07.30 and 08.00 take a numbered disc and place in bag. Captain or committee member undertakes a random draw for 4 ball matches. 7 votes Option 2 as above, but more than one random draw is undertaken to support players who prefer an early or later tee time 27 votes Option 3 Players indicate in advance that they wish to play in a given roll up. A coordinator undertakes a random draw and emails the draw to players prior to the roll up day. Players are able to specify in advance that they wish to play in an early or later tee time. Players who haven’t signed up in advance can be slotted in on the day 7 votes. In addition two players indicated that they would prefer to retain the current tee booking system. With the large majority for option 2, the Willmotts Committee has decided that we will trial this option and undertake a review prior to our AGM in early December. Roll-ups at the Club will restart from Monday 23rd August. However, on 23rd August we have the Willmotts Putter competition with reserved tee times from 08.00 to 10.20. Those who want a tee time but are not playing in the Willmotts Putter will need to tee off from the first hole by 07.50 at the latest or play 9 holes from the 10th tee. On Thursday 26th August, the Willmotts have a 12 a side home match against Ellesborough. Tee times have been reserved from 08.30 to 09.20 for this match. This means that those wanting to play in the roll up will need to tee off by 08.20 at the latest or play from 09.30. On bank holiday Monday (30th August) a roll up can take place and those players who wish for an early tee time are asked to assemble in the changing room from 07.30 for the first random draw for playing groups to tee off from 07.50. A second draw will be held at 08.10 for the next set of playing groups and a third draw will take place around 08.30. Players should arrive by 08.25 at the latest. On Thursday 2nd September we have the Willmotts monthly Stableford with reserved tee times from 08.00 to 10.20 for this competition. On Monday 6th September, the Willmotts have a 16 a side home match against Harpenden Common with tee times reserved from 08.30 to 09.40 for this match. This means that those wanting to play in the roll up will need to tee off by 08.20 at the latest or play from 09.50 On Thursday 9th September we can have a full roll up as there are no competitions or club matches on this morning. Willmotts/Seniors Club matches Congratulations to Eric Abbott and the team who had a great victory at Northampton Golf Club earlier this week, winning 6-2. Eric took on the captaincy for the day to give Captain David a much appreciated break. This was our third away victory of the year, adding to earlier wins at Leighton Buzzard and Bedford & County. We have several matches left before the end of the season with sign-up sheets on the senior notice board. Match against the Club This 14 a side pairs fixture will take place on Saturday 18th September starting at 11.00. The match will be followed by a brunch. Please sign up on the seniors’ notice board or let David Gamble know that you wish to play at david.gamble7@btinternet.com The match is open to 5 day as well as to 7 day members. Willmotts mini-break 2022 David Gamble plans to reserve rooms for the mini break early next week. If you are interested you can join the forty people who have already signed up. The details are shown on the Willmotts notice board. In summary they are: Venue: Holme Lacy Hall Hotel near Hereford a Warners Hotel Dates: Monday 9th May to Friday 13th May 2022 4 nights DB&B Golf: at S Herefordshire GC & Burghill Valley GC Please sign up on the sheet on the notice board or contact David Gamble. Willmotts/Seniors Competitions Following the Willmotts Putter competition on Monday 23rd August, we have the monthly Willmotts/Seniors’ Stableford on Thursday 2nd September for which you can sign up online. There are several tee times still available. Results in the September Stableford contribute to the three Orders of Merit as well as to the Summer Eclectic competition. Order of Merit leaders at present are: Division 1: Paul Gretton Division 2: Malcolm McGregor Division 3: John Gater & Geoff Scher Summer Eclectic Leaders are: Gross score Paul Gretton (65) Nett score Alex Clifford (49) Willmotts Captain’s Day The Willmotts Captain’s Day is on Monday 13th September. Traditionally, a number of players have donated cakes or savouries for the half-way house. Many thanks to those who have already indicated they can provide a cake. If anyone else would like to demonstrate their baking skills, please let David Gamble know if you can provide an item for the half-way house. The Willmotts Captain’s Day will be a singles Stableford competition played in groups of four with a number of prizes, including a Champagne Challenge. Sign up is already open. The entry fee will be the normal £4 and it is hoped that players will stay for an optional one course rolling meal after the competition. The choices for the meal and a sign-up sheet will be issued later this week. We hope you will support this event. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities Your Willmotts Committee, 22nd August 2021. Midsummer Cup Result 1st Mike Levaggi 45 pts 2nd David Gamble 44 pts 3rd Alex Clifford 42 pts 4th Bernard Rigby 42 pts 5th Fred Mercer 40 pts Best Age 80+ score - Tony Widmer 37 pts Best stableford score on five par 3's - Clive Barnwell 13pts (CB) Best Front 9 score - Stephen Holmes 22 pts (CB) Best Back 9 score - John Murrer 22 pts (CB). Willmotts Update 15th August 2021 Divot filling First of all a big thank you to those Willmotts who volunteered to help with the divot filling earlier this week. We got the job done in record time and enjoyed the bacon baps, coffee and banter in the clubhouse afterwards. Willen Hospice Charity Golf Event A separate communication has already been sent out about helping with the Willen Hospice Charity event. This is a reminder and another call for your help. On Friday 3rd September our Club supports Willen Hospice by providing a wonderful Golf Day, which has become one of Willen’s largest fundraising events of the year. However to ensure it continues to be a great experience for all the players involved we need a band of Volunteers to help with various duties. Mac McGregor is the coordinator for the Volunteers and he would be delighted if you would email him on macmist@aol.com indicating any preference for morning or afternoon slots to enable him to discuss what you can do on the day (e.g. ball spotting, nearest the pin marking, etc). With the right number of people it should be approx. 1 and 1/2 hours of your time. Please support the smooth running of this very important day. Winners at the Buckingham Seniors invitation event Congratulations to Roger Gillespie, Eric and Fred Mercer who were successful in beating 21 other teams to win the Buckingham Seniors Invitation Event earlier this week. Fred also won the best individual score. Well done Fred. These wins have put down a strong marker for the return Ryder Cup style match at Aspley Guise in 2022. Willmotts mini break 2022 Thanks to those who have already signed up for the mini break to Holme Lacy Hall Hotel near Hereford from Monday 9th May to Friday 13th May 2022. We would like to secure the hotel booking as soon as possible, so ask others who may be interested to either sign up on the sheet on the Willmotts notice board or let David Gamble know on david.gamble7@btinterent.com that you are keen to attend. Further information is provided on the sheet on the notice board or can be obtained from David Gamble. Forthcoming competitions Following the Mid-Summer Cup on Monday (tomorrow), we have the Willmotts Putter competition on Monday 23rd August. The Putter is effectively two competitions: the first is the normal Stableford format, and there is also a prize and the John Tweed Putting Trophy for the player who takes the fewest putts during their round. Phil Duckering will issue the rules for the putting competition before the event. There are still some vacant tee times. On Thursday 2nd September we have the monthly Willmotts/Seniors’ Stableford for which you can sign up online. Willmotts Captain’s Day The Willmotts Captain’s Day is on Monday 13th September. Traditionally, a number of players have donated cakes or savouries for the half-way house. These would be gratefully received again this year. Please let David Gamble know if you can provide an item for the half-way house. The Wilmotts Captain’s Day will be a singles Stableford competition played in groups of four with a number of prizes, including a Champagne Challenge. Sign up opens on Monday 16th August. The entry fee will be the normal £4 and it is hoped that players will stay for an optional one course rolling meal after the competition. The choices for the meal and a sign-up sheet will be issued shortly. We hope you will support this event. Seniors’ club matches On Saturday 18th September, with an 11.00 start and playing off the yellow tees, the Willmotts have their annual fixture with the Club. This is a keenly contested pairs’ event and is open to all 7 and 5 day seniors. We are looking to field a strong team of 14 players. There is a sign-up sheet on the Willmotts notice board or you can let David Gamble know if you wish to play in this fixture. We have played 16 club matches so far this year and have 7 remaining fixtures. Teams have been selected for the forthcoming away match at Northampton and the home match with Ellesborough. Sign-up sheets for the home matches with Harpenden Common and St Neots, as well as the away matches at the Bedfordshire and Wellingborough are on the notice board. Our final fixture is a home match with Leighton Buzzard on Thursday 14th October. It has been positive to see a number of new players participating in seniors’ club matches this year and enjoying the experience. Organisation of Willmotts/Seniors’ roll ups once the hybrid trial starts The hybrid trial is due to start on Monday 23rd August. On Mondays and Thursday mornings, when we do not have a Willmotts competition, there will be no pre-booked tee times and, as has been previous custom and practice, we will be able to return to Willmotts/Seniors roll ups with a notional time window of 08.00 to 09.30. When we have club matches, this time window will be reduced, as the tee times are blocked out for club matches from 08.30 to 09.40. On these days, players could roll up for a tee time before 08.00. There are several ways in which we can organise the roll ups and the attached paper sets out three options. In essence, we can return to the system we used to operate pre-COVID 19 or we can modify the system to allow players to nominate an early or later tee time and have an early and later draw on the day for playing groups. We could go even further and ask players to inform a coordinator that they wish to play in the roll up on a given Monday or Thursday and the coordinator would make the draw in advance and publish the random draw. We ask you to consider the attached paper and, should you have a preference for one of the three options suggested, let Alan Moore know your views by email to alanmoore103@yahoo.com by Friday 20th August. Your Willmotts Committee, 15th August 2021. August Medal result Division 1 (8 entrants) 1st Robert Mayfield, net 65 2nd Phil Duckering, net 69 3rd Derek Moxom, net 72 Division 2 (21 entrants) 1st Chris J Price net 68 2nd Steve Fletcher net 70 3rd Andrew Cullen net 70 4th David Harris net 71 Division 3 (24 entrants) 1st Geof Scherr net 70 2nd John Gater net 71 3rd Alex Clifford net 72 4th Stephen Holmes net 74. July 2021 Willmotts Update - 29th July 2021 Keeping up to date with the Seniors’ activities News of the activities of the Willmotts/Senior Section is shown on the Willmotts website. You can view the website either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. Wednesday 11th August The Willmotts, Ladies and Blobbies have been asked to help with divot filling on the morning of Wednesday 11th August with a 09.00 start. The course will be closed for play on that morning to allow the green staff to undertake work on the greens and approaches. As usual, you will need to bring a bucket and trowel and your gardening gloves. We hope to have enough volunteers to have separate teams on the front and back nine holes. Mark Simpkins will be the organiser on the day. Please sign up on the sheet on the Willmotts notice board or let David Gamble know if you are available on david.gamble7@btinternet.com. As a reward, you will be treated to a complimentary bacon bap and tea/coffee afterwards. Please support the maintenance of the course by volunteering for the divot filling and let’s have a good turnout. Willmotts Captain’s Away Day at Whittlebury Park Thirty four players (photographs) took part in the Stableford competition on Wednesday 28th July 2021.The course was in very good condition with some challenging holes. All went well until we got caught in a torrential downpour accompanied by thunder just as the early starters were nearing the end of their rounds. Most players took cover until the storm blew away and then continued their round. However, some players came back to the clubhouse without completing 18 holes. The prizes were adjusted in recognition of the situation and the prize winners were: Nearest the pin on 6th hole Phil Duckering Nearest the pin on 14th hole Roger Gillespie Longest drive Declan McGuire Best score on front 9 Mick Firth Joint 2nd place on front 9 Paul Holman & Norman Whittemore Best Stableford score on 4 par 3 holes Geoff Smith 13pts Overall winner 1st place Roger Gillespie 37pts 2nd place Declan McGuire 36pts on c/b 3rd place John Murrer 36pts 4th place Dave Seymour 35pts 5th place Fred Mercer 33pts on c/b 6th place Charlie Rye 33pts 7th place Phil Duckering 32 pts Congratulations to Roger Gillespie and the other prize winners. Willmotts July Centenary Medal on Monday 26th July Some low scores were achieved at the July Centenary Medal. Steve Carr scored 62 nett and Malcolm McGregor returned 66 nett. The Centenary Cups were won by Paul Gretton with the best gross score and Steve Carr with the best nett score. The top three players in each division were: Division 1 1st Paul Gretton nett 69 2nd Mark Simpkins nett 73 on c/b 3rd Fred Mercer nett 73 Division 2 1st Malcolm McGregor nett 66 2nd John Purcell nett 69 on c/b 3rd Mike Levaggi nett 69 Division 3 1st Steve Carr nett 62 2nd Neil Robertson nett 69 on c/b 3rd Declan McGuire nett 69 Willmotts Competitions There are numerous opportunities to win prizes and reduce your handicap over the next few weeks with a mix of Medal and Stableford competitions. All over 55s can enter. Willmotts August Medal on Monday 2nd August A few tee times are still available. Willmotts Midsummer Cup on Monday 16th August On line sign up for the Midsummer Cup Stableford competition is open with some tee times still available. Willmotts Putter on Monday 23rd August August is a busy month for Willmotts competitions. On line sign is open for the Willmotts Putter. This is a singles Stableford competition but also includes a separate competition for the player with the fewest putts, with the winner being presented with the John Tweed Putting Trophy. Willmotts September Stableford on Thursday 2nd September On line sign up for this event opens on Monday 2nd August. Book early to secure your favoured tee time. Order of Merit Leaders Current leaders in the three Willmotts Orders of Merit after four contributing competitions are: Division 1: Paul Gretton Division 2: Mike Levaggi Division 3: Bernard Rigby The August Medal and September and October Stablefords are the remaining competitions in determining the overall Order of Merit winners in each division. Summer Eclectic Leaders With five of the eleven contributory competitions already completed, the current leaders in the summer eclectic are: Gross Leader Mark Simpkins with gross 67 Nett Leader David Matthews with nett 49 Willmotts Club matches So far we have played 13 matches and won 7 and lost 6. It’s great to see several new players are participating this year. Highlights have included the away wins at Leighton Buzzard and at Bedford and County and the 7-1 win in the home match with Bedford and County. Next up are the away matches at Dunstable Downs and Letchworth, followed by a home match with Buckingham. Sign-up sheets are posted on the Willmotts notice board about five weeks before each match. Please sign up if you wish to be considered. All over 55s can participate. Ryder Cup Match at Buckingham on Saturday 31st July We have four pairs representing the Seniors/Willmotts in this Ryder Cup style event on Saturday afternoon. David Gamble & David Harris Colin Armstrong & Phil Duckering Peter Bertho & Declan McGuire Steve Barton & David Griffiths In total there are 22 matches being played across a range of different formats. . Your Willmotts Committee, 29th July 2021. Willmott Centenary Medal result Paul Gretton won the gross trophy and Steve Carr net trophy. Top 3 in each division are: Division 1. 1st Paul Gretton net 69 2nd Mark Simpkins net 73 3rd Fred Mercer net 73 Division 2 1st Malcolm Mcgregor net 66 2nd john Purcell net 69 3rd Mike Levaggi net 69 Division 3 1st Steve Carr net 62 2nd Neil Robertson net 69 3rd Declan McGuire net 69 Willmotts Update 14th July 2021 Willmotts Captain’s Away Day Thank you to the players who have signed up and paid for the Willmotts Captain’s Away Day at Whittlebury Hall and Golf Complex on Wednesday 28th July with arrival by 09.00 for a bacon roll and tea/coffee, with golf starting at 09.50. There is a one course rolling meal after the competition. We will have 35 competitors with lots of prizes on the day. The draw for playing groups is being made shortly. Willmotts July Centenary Medal on Monday 26th July There are still a few spare tee times for the Willmotts Centenary Medal on 26th July. As well as the usual prizes for each of the three divisions, the Centenary Cups will be presented to the players with the best net and gross scores on the day. Willmotts August Medal on Monday 2nd August Another chance to reduce your handicap is on offer on 2nd August, with a few tee times still available. Willmotts Midsummer Cup on Monday 16th August On line sign up for the Midsummer Cup Stableford competition on 16th August is now open. Willmotts Putter on Monday 23rd August August is a busy month for Willmotts competitions. On line sign up opens on Monday 19th July for the Willmotts Putter. This is a singles Stableford competition but also includes a separate competition for the player with the fewest putts. Seniors’ Club matches Currently we have played ten seniors’ club matches and have won five and lost five. We won our second away match of the season at Bedford & County last week, but went down to a strong team at Woburn earlier this week. It was a pleasure to play the Dukes course but it was a long walk!! We are looking for a reserve for the home match with Dunstable Downs on 22nd July and some more players for our home match with Buckingham on 9th August. There are a number of sign-up sheets on the notice board for forthcoming seniors’ matches. Please sign up if you want to be involved. The only requirement is to be at least 55 years old! Ryder Cup Style Competition vs Buckingham Golf Club on the afternoon of Saturday 31st July We have a team of eight seniors playing in this event as four pairs. Please let David Gamble know if you can be a reserve (david.gamble7@btinternet.com). Easing of Covid-19 restrictions from Monday 19th July The Club’s weekly e-news informed us earlier this week of the changes to competitions and social golf from next Monday: · No preferred lies in bunkers; · Rakes back in bunkers; · Flagsticks can be moved when playing; · Scorecards can be marked and exchanged; · Ball washers are allowed back. In addition, there will no longer be a rule of six for indoor seating and we will revert to tables of eight for our Willmotts post-club match lunches. Your Willmotts Committee, 14th July 2021. Willmotts Update 6th July 2021 Rhys Richards Trophy win Yesterday the Willmotts team of David Gamble, Mac McGregor, Phil Duckering, Declan McGuire, Rod Kupczyk & Bob Barton hosted and won the Rhys Richard trophy competition against the seniors from Leighton Buzzard, North Oxford and Stowe. It was a tight victory, with the Willmotts scoring 183 Stableford points, Leighton Buzzard 181, North Oxford 164 and Stowe 150. Captain, David Gamble, was top scorer on the day with 38 points. Players in all three visiting teams were particularly complimentary about our course and the condition of the greens, although they found it challenging coping with their speed. We previously won the trophy in 2016 when Mac McGregor was captain, and hope to retain it in 2022 when Stowe will host the event. Willmotts Captain’s Away Day Thank you to the players who have signed up and paid for the Willmotts Captain’s Away Day at Whittlebury Hall and Golf Complex on Wednesday 28th July with arrival by 09.00 for a bacon roll and tea/coffee, with golf starting at 09.50. There is a one course rolling meal after the competition. There are a small number of places still available. If you are interested, please inform David Gamble at david.gamble7@btinternet.com. The cost will be £40 per player and you can pay by direct bank transfer to the Willmotts account as follows: · Sort code: 20 57 40 · Account number: 00440388 · Account The Willmotts Alternatively, you can pay by cheque made payable to The Willmotts and give to Richard Norris or David Gamble. The deadline is next Monday 12th July. The draw for playing groups will be made and circulated after the deadline for entry. Charity Cups Competition Thank you to those who played in the Charity Cups Competition with the Ladies last week and by doing so contributed to fund raising for the Club Captain’s Charity. Thanks also to those who donated a raffle prize. The event was a success and was followed by a rolling meal in the clubhouse prior to the presentation of prizes. The top three Ladies and Men were: 1Jenny Rose 41 points, who retained the Ladies’ Charity Cup from the previous year 2.Paula Robinson 38 points on count back 3.Shirley Darrah 38 points 1.Michael Charles 37 points, winner of the Men’s Charity Cup on count back 2.Mike Levaggi 37 points 3.Paul Ellis 36 points David Gamble won the Vic McCarthy Trophy for the best aggregate Stableford score on the five par 3 holes with 15 points. Willmotts July Centenary Medal on Monday 26th July There a still a few spare tee times for the Willmotts Centenary Medal on 26th July. As well as the usual prizes for each of the three divisions, the Centenary Cups will be presented to the players with the best net and gross scores on the day. Willmotts August Medal on Monday 2nd August Online sign up for the August medal is now open. Willmotts Midsummer Cup on Monday 16th August On line sign up for the Midsummer Cup opens on Monday 12th July at 07.00. Seniors’ Club matches Currently we have played eight seniors’ club matches and have won four and lost four matches. Next up are three away matches at Bedford & County, followed by Woburn and the new course at Stowe. We are looking for some more players for the home and away matches with Dunstable Downs on 22nd July and 30th July respectively and our home match with Buckingham on 9th August. There are a number of sign-up sheets on the notice board for forthcoming seniors’ matches. Please sign up if you want to be involved. The only requirement is to be at least 55 years old! Ryder Cup Style Competition vs Buckingham Golf Club on the afternoon of Saturday 31st July We have a team of eight seniors playing in this event as four pairs. Please let David Gamble know if you can be a reserve (david.gamble7@btinternet.com). Consultation meetings on the framework for tee times once COVID restrictions are lifted Please try to attend one of the consultation meetings over the next two weeks. These will give you the opportunity to hear about the hybrid proposal and to ask questions and express your views. The final resolution for the EGM will be informed by the feedback from club members at these meetings. Jeremy Holt Ten of us were able to attend Jeremy’s recent funeral in Dunstable. Following the funeral, Jeremy’s wife, Binka, has written to thank us for all our support over the weeks before and after Jeremy passed away and for our attendance at the funeral and wake. She said that Jeremy was lucky to have made such wonderful golfing friends. Binka and her son and daughter showed remarkable resolve and composure at the funeral. Although, clearly, a very sad occasion, we were able to reflect with Binka and her family on Jeremy as a person and his wit and charm as well as his time at our golf club. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities News of the activities of the Willmotts/Senior Section is shown on the Willmotts website, which you can view either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. Your Willmotts Committee, 6th July 2021. June 2021 Willmotts Update 25th June 2021 Willmotts Captain’s Away Day A reminder that payment for this event at Whittlebury Hall and Golf Complex is imminent. The date of the away day is Wednesday 28th July with arrival by 09.00 for a bacon roll and tea/coffee, with golf starting at 10.00. There is a one course rolling meal after the competition. The cost will be £40 per player and, as we have to inform Whittlebury of playing numbers by the end of this month, we ask you to pay by Monday 28th June at the very latest. You can pay by direct bank transfer to the Willmotts account as follows: · Sort code: 20 57 40 · Account number: 00440388 · Account The Willmotts Alternatively, you can pay by cheque made payable to The Willmotts and give to Richard Norris or David Gamble. Thanks go those who have already signed up. We now have over 30 players, with about half having already paid. If you want to add your name to the list, then please make your payment by Monday at the latest. Charity Cups Competition donation of raffle prizes This competition with the Ladies takes place on Tuesday 29th June with a two-tee start from 08.30. Sixty players will be taking part, which gives us a full field. There will be a rolling meal following the competition. At this event we have a raffle with donated prizes. The proceeds go to the Club Captain’s Charity fund. Please donate a raffle prize to any member of the Willmotts Committee, whether you are able to play or not. Also if you are not playing but wish to buy some raffle tickets, they are £5 per strip of 5 and can be bought from David Gamble or any member of the Willmotts Committee. Rhys Richards Trophy On Monday 5th July we are hosting the Rhys Richards trophy competition. This year will be the 40th staging of this event, which involves seniors from Aspley Guise, Leighton Buzzard, North Oxford and Stowe. We are hoping to win back the trophy last held by us in 2016. Our team is: David Gamble, Malcolm McGregor, Phil Duckering, Declan McGuire, Bob Barton and Rod Kupczyk. If you would like to be a reserve for this match, please contact David Gamble at david.gamble7@btinternet.com July Centenary Medal This takes place on Monday 26th July and online sign up opens on Monday 28th June at 07.00. As well as the normal prizes for each of the three divisions, the Centenary Cups presented to the players with the best net and gross scores on the day. June Medal winners Congratulations to Peter Bertho on his net 65 in yesterday’s June Seniors’ Medal. Peter had the overall best net score and was the Division 2 winner. Congratulations also to Steve Allan who had the best Division 1 score and to John Gater for the best Division 3 score. Prizes were awarded to the top three players in each division. Seniors’ Club matches Currently we have played six seniors’ club matches and have won three and lost three matches. Our latest victory was at home to Northampton on Monday of this week with a convincing 5 2 win. Next week we play Bedford and County at home followed by St Neots away. There are a number of sign-up sheets on the notice board for forthcoming seniors’ matches. Please sign up if you want to be involved. Ryder Cup Style Competition vs Buckingham Golf Club on the afternoon of Saturday 31st July We have a team of eight seniors playing in this event as four pairs. Please let David Gamble know if you can be a reserve (david.gamble7@btinternet.com). Consultation meetings on the framework for tee times once COVID restrictions are lifted Please try to attend one of the consultation meetings over the next three weeks. These will give you the opportunity to hear about the hybrid proposal and to ask questions and express your views. The final resolution for the EGM will be informed by feedback from club members. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities News of the activities of the Willmotts/Senior Section is shown on the Willmotts website, which you can view either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. Your Willmotts Committee, 25th June 2021. June Medal Division results are: Division 1 1st Steve Allan 67 2nd Roger Gillespie 72 3rd Gordon Crawford 76 Division 2 1st Peter Bertho 65 2nd Eric Mercer 70 3rd Charlie Rye 71 Division 3 1st John Gater 70 2nd Alex Clifford 72 3rd David Matthews 72. Willmotts Update 20th June 2021 Willmotts Captain’s Away Day A reminder about this event which will take place at Whittlebury Hall and Golf Complex near Towcester NN12 8QH. The date is Wednesday 28th July with arrival by 09.00 for a bacon roll and tea/coffee, with golf starting at 10.00. We will play on two of the three 9 hole loops in Stableford format (95% course handicap) in groups of four. There will be a one course meal after the competition prior to the presentation of prizes. The sign-up sheet has been posted on the Seniors’ notice board. If you want to play but can’t get to the club, then you can email David Gamble at david.gamble7@btinternet.com. The cost will be £40 per player and, as we have to inform Whittlebury of playing numbers by the end of this month, we ask you to pay by Friday 25th June. You can pay by direct bank transfer to the Willmotts account as follows: · Sort code: 20 57 40 · Account number: 00440388 · Account The Willmotts Alternatively, you can pay by cheque made payable to The Willmotts and give to Richard Norris or David Gamble. If we do not get at least 30 people signing up, we will have to cancel the event, so please sign up. Charity Cups Competition This competition with the Ladies takes place on Tuesday 29th June with a two-tee start from 08.30. Sixty players will be taking part, which gives us a full field. If you would like to be a reserve then please contact Phil Duckering (phil.duckering@hotmail.co.uk) At this event we have a raffle with donated prizes. The proceeds go to the Club Captain’s Charity fund. Please donate a raffle prize to any member of the Willmotts Committee, whether you are able to play or not. Also if you are not playing but wish to buy some raffle tickets, they are £5 per strip of 5 and can be bought from David Gamble. Seniors’ Club matches Currently we have played five seniors’ club matches, with our sixth taking place on Monday 21st June at home to Northampton. So far we have won two and lost three matches. All have been enjoyable events, even the match in the rain at Harpenden on 17th June. Several new players are participating in the seniors’ club matches this year and are keen to play in future fixtures. At our two home matches, the players from Woburn and Letchworth were very complimentary about our course and, in particular, the quality and speed of our greens. This is very positive feedback and thanks have been conveyed to our green keepers. There are a number of sign-up sheets on the notice board for forthcoming seniors’ matches. Sign up if you want to be involved. Jeremy Holt As you will know, Jeremy sadly passed away recently and we are heartened that, despite the ongoing Covid restrictions, ten of Jeremy’s golfing friends will be attending his funeral in Dunstable on 24th June. Seniors’ Medal on Thursday 24th June As a number of us are attending Jeremy’s funeral, there are now some available spaces on the start sheet for the Seniors’ Medal on Thursday 24th June. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities News of the activities of the Willmotts/Senior Section is shown on the Willmotts website, which you can view either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. Your Willmotts Committee, 20th June 2021. Willmotts Update 13th June 2021 Willmotts Captain’s Away Day This event will take place at Whittlebury Hall and Golf Complex near Towcester NN12 8QH. The date is Wednesday 28th July with arrival by 09.00 for a bacon roll and tea/coffee, with golf starting at 10.00. We will play on two of the three 9 hole loops in Stableford format (95% course handicap) in groups of four. There will be a one course meal after the competition prior to the presentation of prizes. The sign-up sheet has been posted on the Seniors’ notice board. If you want to play but can’t get to the club, then you can email David Gamble at david.gamble7@btinternet.com. The cost will be £40 per player and, as we have to inform Whittlebury of playing numbers by the end of this month, we ask you to pay by Friday 25th June. You can pay by direct bank transfer to the Willmotts account as follows: · Sort code: 20 57 40 · Account number: 00440388 · Account The Willmotts Alternatively, you can pay by cheque made payable to The Willmotts and give to Richard Norris or David Gamble. Charity Cups Competition Another reminder that the Charity Cups Competition with the Ladies takes place on Tuesday 29th June with a two-tee start from 08.30. This is a qualifying Stableford competition played in mixed groups. We are looking forward to a sit down meal after the competition (subject to government restrictions), prior to the presentation of the cups and other prizes. At this event we have a raffle with donated prizes. The proceeds go to the Club Captain’s Charity fund. You can sign up for this important event via the sign-up sheet on the Seniors’ notice board and please donate a raffle prize to any member of the Willmotts Committee whether you are able to play or not. We expect a good entry from the Ladies given that the competition is being played on a Tuesday. So, please sign up to ensure we can have broadly equal numbers. Please prioritise this event. Seniors’ Club matches These are well underway. We have played three matches so far with a home match vs Letchworth tomorrow followed by an away match at Harpenden Common on Thursday. On Monday 21st June we are at home to Northampton. There are several sign-up sheets for other matches on the Seniors’ notice board or you can indicate your availability for each match on Intelligent Golf. Don’t hesitate to sign up for one or more of these matches. They are enjoyable occasions and all over 55s are welcome. Jeremey Holt’s funeral Jeremy’s funeral is being held on Thursday 24th June at 10.15 at the Priory Church in Dunstable, followed by burial at West Street Cemetery and afterwards at The Old Palace Lodge. Jeremy’s wife, Binka, has indicated that numbers are likely to be limited and she will be in further contact after the Prime Minister addresses the nation on Monday evening. Binka has expressed thanks for the kindness shown by Jeremy’s golfing friends at Aspley Guise. It is hoped that a small number of Willmotts will be able to attend the funeral. Addressing slow play Please continue to play Ready Golf and keep up with the group in front of you at all times. If you would like to be reminded of how this can be done, there is an article on the Willmotts website under “Items of Interest” see below for how to access the Willmotts website. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities News of the activities of the Willmotts/Senior Section is shown on the Willmotts website, which you can view either from the home page on the Club’s website information /seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. Finally, please ensure you bring plenty of water with you and take regular sips during the very hot weather which is forecast for the early part of next week. Your Willmotts Committee, 13 June 2021. Willmotts Update 6th June 2021 Seniors’ Club Matches So far we have played two matches and won one and lost one. Following our impressive performance in beating Leighton Buzzard in our first match, we were not able to secure a victory against a strong Woburn team at home on Thursday of this week. However, we were able to use the changing rooms and did enjoy a good two course lunch after the match in tables of four. The players from Woburn were very complementary about the condition of our course, noting that our greens were faster than those at Woburn. We are aiming to play the same team at Woburn for the return match on Monday 12th July on the Dukes course. Tomorrow we are playing at South Beds, followed by a home match against Letchworth next Monday. The sign-up sheets for several other seniors’ matches are displayed on the seniors’ notice board. Do take the opportunity to sign up for some matches. The only requirement is to be age 55 or above. As recently notified, we are short of reserves for the home match with Northampton GC on Monday 21st June (Tee start time 08.30am). If you have not already indicated your availability (via intelligent golf or on the sign-up sheet on the noticeboard) and would like to volunteer as a reserve then please let match organiser Eric Abbott (ericabbott@hotmail.co.uk) know asap. Given that the Willmotts summer programme has a large number of club matches, Captain David is going to purchase a trophy to be awarded each year to the “Best Willmotts Club Match Player of the Year”. For 2021, the trophy will be won by the player with the best percentage wins over at least 10 club matches. You can increase your chances of winning the trophy by signing up for a minimum of ten matches. Willmotts Competitions Our next qualifying event is the June Medal on Thursday 24th June. Currently there are five tee times still available. Our Charity Cups Competition with the Ladies takes place on Tuesday 29th June. This is a qualifying Stableford competition played in mixed groups. We are looking forward to a sit down meal after the competition, prior to the presentation of the cups and other prizes. At this event we have a raffle with donated prizes. The proceeds go to the Club Captain’s Charity fund. You can sign up for this important event via the sign-up sheet on the seniors’ notice board and please donate a raffle prize to any member of the Willmotts Committee whether you are able to play or not. We expect a good entry from the Ladies given that the competition is being played on a Tuesday. So, please sign up to ensure we can have broadly equal numbers. Willmotts Captain’s Away Day This is scheduled for Wednesday 28th July at Whittlebury Park near Towcester and we hope we have a good turnout. The day will include coffee and a bacon bap on arrival followed by 18 holes of golf over two of the 9 hole loops. The golf competition will be a Stableford event played off 95% of your course handicap at Whittlebury Park. After the competition there will be a meal and prizes will be presented. The sign-up sheet will be posted shortly. Please make a note of 28th July in your diary. Ryder Cup Match at Buckingham on Saturday 31st July Details of this match involving 44 players per side were provided in a recent Club E newsletter. There will be a shotgun start (subject to England Gold Guidance) and a meal after the match. The cost is £25 per player. We are looking for 8 seniors to play in 4 pairs matches (4BBB) against the seniors from Buckingham. The sign-up sheet is on the seniors’ notice board. We are the current holders of the trophy and look forward to retaining it this year. Delayed Final for the 2020 JES Brookes Trophy Congratulations to Chris O’Donnell who beat Stuart Lawrence in the delayed JES Brookes 2020 knock out singles final. Next Willmotts Committee Meeting This is scheduled for Thursday 24th June after the June Medal, with a start time of 1.30pm. In line with previously notified procedures for enhancing communications between the Committee and Willmotts, two seniors can attend the meeting. Eric Abbott has already asked to attend so there is one further place should anyone wish to raise an issue in advance or would like to attend to see how business is conducted. Any suggestions/concerns should be emailed to our Admin Secretary, Alan Moore, at alanmoore103@yahoo.com in advance of 24th June. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities News of the activities of the Willmotts/Senior Section is shown on the Willmotts website, which you can view either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. Your Willmotts Committee, 6 June 2021. May 2021 Willmotts Update 26th May 2021 Seniors’ invitation days at other clubs The details of invitation events at Dunstable Downs, St Neots, Buckingham and South Beds have been on display on the seniors’ notice board. Take up has been mixed. There is an unfortunate clash of dates for the Dunstable Downs and St Neots events with both on Tuesday 6th July. We would like to field a team for the Downsman trophy day at Dunstable Downs on Tuesday 6th July and make up a second team for the invitation day at Buckingham on Tuesday 10th August. The event at S Beds is on Monday 27th September. The closing dates for entry are shown for each event. If you are interested in taking part in any of these invitation days then please contact Mark Simpkins at markcsimpkins@gmail.com. Willmotts home fixtures and tee times We start our home seniors’ club matches on Thursday 3rd June with a 12 a side home match against Woburn. The second home match against Letchworth is on Monday 14th June. In line with practice pre-lockdown 1, tee times off the first have been reserved for these matches from 8.30 to 09.20. This means that there will be fewer tee times available for general play on these days. Several sign-up sheets for other seniors’ club matches are on display at present. These matches are open to all seniors at the club and provide great opportunities to both play at other clubs and to provide hospitality for visiting seniors from other clubs. You can also show your availability on line under Competitions Matches Willmotts 2021 Matches Set Availability. Greensome Pairs Winners Congratulations to John Murrer and Geoff Smith on winning the Greensome Pairs competition on Monday with 38 points. John and Geoff were able to cope with the challenging playing conditions, including the torrential rain shower towards the end of their round. Richard Bray paired with Mark Simpkins and David Matthews paired with Declan McGuire finished a close second and third respectively with 37 points. June Medal There are only a few tee times still vacant for the Willmotts Medal on Thursday 24th June, so book up quickly if you wish to enter this competition. Charity Cups with the Ladies This popular event takes place on Tuesday 29th June with a 2 tee start from 08.30. It is a qualifying Stableford competition for the men played off the yellow tees. After the event there will be a 2 course meal followed by the presentation of the Charity Cups and the prizes. There will also be a raffle with the proceeds going to the Club Captain’s charities. Donations of raffle prizes will be kindly accepted by members of the Willmotts Committee. The sign-up sheet for this competition is on the seniors’ notice board. Please support this event, which will be the first time for many months that we will be able to meet as a large group for a meal after a competition and raise much needed funds for local charities. Ryder Cup Match at Buckingham on Saturday 31st July Details of this match involving 44 players per side were provided in this week’s Club E newsletter. There will be a shotgun start (subject to England Gold Guidance) and a meal after the match. The cost is £25 per player. We are looking for 8 seniors to play in 4 pairs matches (4BBB) against the seniors from Buckingham. The sign-up sheet is on the seniors’ notice board. We are the current holders of the trophy and look forward to retaining it this year. Your Willmotts Committee 26th May 2021 Congratulations to John Murrer & Geoff Smith on winning today’s competition Greensome Pairs Pro shop prizes will be given to the top 5 pairs and you will be notified separately of your winnings: 1st John Murrer & Geoff Smith 38 points 2nd Richard Bray & Mark Simpkins 37 points 3rd David Matthews & Declan McGuire 37 points 4th Eric Hamilton & Richard Syratt 35 points 5th Phil Davies & David Gamble 34 points. Willmotts Update 19th May 2021 Willmotts/55+ June Medal The next seniors’ Medal is scheduled for Thursday 24th June. Tee time booking opens tomorrow (20th May) at 07.00. Book early to secure your preferred tee time. Greensome Pairs Competition Thanks to those who have signed up for this competition next Monday. The pairs have been chosen randomly. There are trophies for the winners and prizes for the top pairs on the day. The pairs’ handicaps are calculated as 0.6 x lower handicap plus 0.4 higher handicap. The format is both players drive off, then select the better ball and play alternate shots until the ball is holed. This is a Stableford competition. Seniors’ club matches We got our annual programme of seniors’ club matches off to a great start on Monday of this week with a convincing victory at Leighton Buzzard. We won five of the eight matches with another halved. Top performers were the pairings of Phil Davies and Declan McGuire and Eric Hamilton and Rod Fairclough. Thanks, in particular, go to Rod Fairclough, who stepped in for injured Captain David and to Mac McGregor who took on the captaincy for the match. Next up is our first home match against Woburn on Thursday 3rd June for which the team has already been picked. There are sign-up sheets on the seniors’ notice board for these forthcoming matches: · South Bedfordshire (away) on Monday 7th June with a 12.00 start; · Letchworth (home) on Monday 14th June with a 08.30 start; · Harpenden Common (away) on Thursday 17th June with a 08.20 start; · Northampton (home) on Monday 21st June with a 08.30 start; · Bedford & County (home) on Monday 28th June with a 08.30 start. You can also show your availability using Intelligent Golf. These matches are open to all male players of age 55 or over. Charity Cups Competition with the Ladies Section This year we will be playing three events with the Ladies Section. The first is the Charity Cups Competition on Tuesday 29th June. This is a Stableford competition played in mixed groups of four with individual prizes for the top Ladies and Willmotts. Please make a note of this event in your diary. On this day we raise money for the Club Captain’s charities through a raffle with donated prizes. We hope to have a meal after this competition. Details will follow shortly. Final of the JES Brookes Singles knock-out 2020 As notified in the Club’s Enews this week, the re-arranged 2020 Finals Day is being held on Sunday 30th May. The first match is the final of the JES Brookes Singles between Stuart Lawrence and Christopher O’Donnell. We wish both players well. The trophy for the winner will be engraved as soon as possible. This year’s JES Brookes Singles knock-out and Sir Norman King Doubles knock out competitions. A reminder that the first round matches for the doubles should be completed by 31st May, and the second round of the singles by 21st June. Seniors’ invitation events at other clubs Another reminder that several seniors’ invitation events have been posted on the notice board with details of how the events are being organised and the entry fee. Do take the opportunity to sign up for one or more of these days. They are great events played in a friendly spirit with prizes on offer, plus good hospitality from the home club. The deadline date for entry to each event is clearly displayed. One particular event, to be played on Tuesday 6th July at Dunstable Downs, is the Downsmen Inter-Club Trophy to which we have been invited along with several other clubs. Each club is asked to submit a team of three seniors who will be joined on the day by a home club member. The Downsman Inter-Club trophy will be awarded, plus prizes, to the visiting team with the highest cumulative Stableford score for their three players. The entry fee is £35 per player to include a two course lunch. The dress code for the meal is smart casual. Please let Mark Simpkins know before Thursday 27th May if you wish to play in this event or if you wish to make up a team of three. (markcsimpkins@gmail.com). Senior Captain’s Away Day The annual senior captain’s away day is scheduled for Whittlebury Park (near Towcester) on Wednesday 28th July. Details of the event will be posted shortly. Please put this date in your diary. Replacing divots With the recent wet weather you are more likely to be taking divots with your iron shots. Please help to keep the course in great shape by replacing all divots taken. Keeping up to date with the seniors’ activities News of the activities of the Willmotts/Senior Section is shown on the Willmotts website, which you can view either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. Should you wish to continue receiving Willmott Updates, please ensure you keep Alan Moore updated with any change of email address. Also, please inform Alan if you wish to cease receiving these Updates (alanmoore103@yahoo.com) Your Willmotts Committee, 19th May 2021 The May Medal results have been finalised and top four in each division are: Division 1. 1st Alan Short 71 2nd Phil Pattison 73 3rd Paul Gretton 73 4th Roger Gillespie 73 Division 2 1st Rod Kupczyk 71 2nd Steve Barton 74 3rd David Harris 75 4th Malcolm Mcgregor 75 Division 3 1st Simon Bevis 73 2nd Richard Syratt 73 3rd David Matthews 77 4th Bernard Rigby 79. Willmotts Update 8th May 2021 It’s a dismal day today, so a good time to draft this Update. The weather for tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday looks much better. The good news is that our course needed the rain. Booking for Golf on Mondays and Thursdays Monday tee time bookings for play from 17th May for Willmotts will be via the Competitions - Upcoming tabs on the website, where you will find the Willmotts/Over 55s roll up. Tee times will be available from 08.00 to 09.50.This means that, should you want a tee time on 17th, please log onto the Competitions Upcoming tabs on Monday 10th from 07.00. For future Thursday tee bookings, continue to use My Golf - Book a Tee time. On Monday 24th May we have the Greensome Pairs competition. The sign-up sheet is on the Willmotts notice board with a deadline of this Thursday 13th May. Phil Duckering will then undertake a random draw for the pairs and populate the tee times from 08.00. If you have not been able to get to the clubhouse but want to participate, then let Phil know and he will add you to the list. (phil.duckering@hotmail.co.uk). We have another full field for the Medal on Monday and Phil has already sent details regarding the ‘maximum score rules’ and how to enter your score card. Please continue to play Ready Golf so that you keep pace with the group in front. Also call the group behind through if you lose a hole. As for the April Stableford, there will be four prizes for each of the three handicap divisions, with your score contributing to both the Orders of Merit and the Summer Eclectic. Seniors’ club matches showing availability Thanks go to Vice-Captain, Mac McGregor and committee member, Peter Bertho, for the very positive makeover of our notice board. Numerous seniors’ club match sign-up sheets are displayed as well as details of seniors’ invitations at other clubs, the entries for which are being managed by Mark Simpkins. The team for our first club match, away at Leighton Buzzard, has been selected, but we need a couple of reserves in case we have team members who are unable to play. Please let Captain, David Gamble, know if you can be a reserve for this match on the afternoon of Monday 17th May, with a 1.00pm start time. We need two volunteers. (david.gamble7@btinternet.com). Other matches with sign-up sheets on the notice board are: · Woburn at home on 3rd June (12 a side) we will aim to choose the same team for the home and away matches with Woburn; · South Beds away on 7th June (12 a side for this year) · Letchworth at home on 14th June (reduced to 12 a side this year for both the home and away matches) · Harpenden Common away on 17th June (16 a side) · Northampton at home on 21st June (16 a side) Further sign up sheets will follow, with these being posted about six weeks before a match. However, instead of waiting for each sign-up sheet, it would be appreciated and more helpful if you would use Intelligent Golf to indicate your availability for seniors’ club matches. Those who played in a club match in 2019 have already had their names added to the squad for 2021 Willmotts club matches. If your name is not already in the squad then it is easy to join as follows: From the Club Members’ Home Page, click on Competitions Matches View All Squads You can then join the Willmotts 2021 Matches Squad if you are not already a member. If you get stuck then let Captain David know you want to join the squad. You will then be able to Set Availability for each match. For each match you will be able to indicate Yes, Maybe or No. Make sure you Save Availability. This will allow the team of match organisers (Malcolm McGregor, Eric Abbott, Eric Mercer, Declan McGuire & Peter Bertho) to view your availability for each match. For those matches where you have said ‘Yes’, your name will be added to the sign-up sheet prior to it being posted on the notice board. If, during the season, you have to change your availability then please update the website and then save availability. It’s a positive development that we have some new players in our first club match and it will be good to see other newcomers signing up for future matches. All our home matches tee off at 08.30 on Mondays or Thursdays, with times varying for away matches. Seniors’ invitation events Several seniors’ invitation events have been posted on the notice board with details of how the events are being organised and other details including the entry fee. Do take the opportunity to sign up for one or more of these days. They are great events played in a friendly spirit with prizes on offer, plus good hospitality from the home club. One particular event to be played on Tuesday 6th July at Dunstable Downs is the Downsmen Inter-Club Trophy to which we have been invited along with several other clubs. Each club is asked to submit a team of three seniors who will be joined on the day by a home club member. The Downsman Inter-Club trophy will be awarded, plus prizes, to the visiting team with highest cumulative Stableford score for their three players. The entry fee is £35 per players to include a two course lunch. The dress code for the meal is smart casual. Please let Mark Simpkins know before Thursday 27th May if you wish to play in this event or make up a team of three. (markcsimpkins@gmail.com). This event is one day after the annual Rhys Richards Trophy competition on Monday 5th July between the seniors from Aspley Guise, Leighton Buzzard, North Oxford and Stowe. This is a six a side competition and we are hosting the event this year. The tradition has been for the Willmotts Captain to invite players to represent the Willmotts and Captain David will be approaching individuals shortly and before the deadline date for the Dunstable Downs event. JES Brookes Singles and Sir Norman King Doubles Knock-Out Matches Phil Duckering has already sent entrants an email with deadline dates for the first round matches to be played in these events. Please make every effort to meet these deadlines and enter the result for each match on the website. A reminder that you can book a tee time for these knock-out matches eight days or more before the agreed date. You should book over the phone via the Proshop or via the Chair of Competitions (Garrie Brandon) or the Club Office. You cannot book online for these matches. Should you wish to play a knock out match on one of our Willmotts/Over 55s pre-booked slots, you can contact Phil eight or more days in advance of your playing date and he will book your agreed tee time for you. More help needed on Friday 14th May and Friday 21st May Thanks to those who have volunteered to support the Mizuno Pairs event on 14th May. We could do with another person to share car parking duties. Please let Captain David know asap if you can help. We pride ourselves with being supportive of the Ladies Section. Our Ladies Section is hosting the Bedfordshire Ladies County Championship on Friday 21st May at Aspley Guise and, so far, too few volunteers have come forward to offer help. We need more helpers to ensure this event is successful. So, please let Mac McGregor know if you can be available for a few hours on that day (macmist@aol.com). Mac will liaise with you over which jobs are available. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Willmotts Committee Meeting Our next Willmotts Committee meeting is on Thursday 20th May after golf. Should you wish to submit a suggestion or concern to be considered at the meeting, please contact our Administrative Secretary, Alan Moore (alanmoore103@yahoo.com). Also, if you wish to attend the meeting along with Eric Abbott, who has already been invited, either out of interest or to discuss a pre-submitted suggestion or concern, then contact Alan. Continue to stay safe and enjoy the many events on offer. Your Willmotts Committee, 8th May 2021 April 2021 Vic Hill Cup Result Charlie Rye won today’s comp with 44 points, beat Bob Barton on countback. We agreed prizes to top 12 and these are: 1. Charlie Rye 44 2. Bob Barton 44 3. Simon Leadbetter 43 4. Roger Gillespie 39 5. David Griffiths 38 6. Malcolm Mcgregor 38 7. Colin Hosker 38 8. Phil Allen 37 9. Rod Kupczyk 37 10. Steve Barton 36 11. David Matthews 36 12 Mark Simpkins 35. Hopefully, we’ll see a few handicap reductions in the morning. Willmotts Update 26th April 2021 Competitions Following last Monday’s successful April Stableford competition, a full field competed for the Vic Hill Cup today. Congratulations go to the overall winner Charlie Rye with 44 Stableford points beating Bob Barton with the same points score on count back. Simon Leadbeater took third place with 43 points. Prizes have been awarded to the top 12 players. Our next competition is the May Medal on Monday 10th May, which also has a full field. Two weeks later on 24th May we have our annual Greensome Pairs competition. Pairs are drawn randomly and you can sign up on the entry sheet on the Willmotts notice board. This competition provides a change from the normal form of golf bringing strategy into play for each pair. Seniors’ club matches Our first club match for over 18 months is away at Leighton Buzzard on Monday 17th May with a 1.00pm start. On arrival at 12.00, we will have coffee and a bacon bap, followed by a one course meal after the match. We will be asked to sit in our playing groups of four before and after the match to comply with Covid 19 requirements. The dress code for the meal will be smart casual. Currently we need more players to make up our team of 16. This match and all other seniors’ club matches are open to any player of age 55 or over and new players are always welcomed. If you would like to play, then sign up on the sheet on the notice board or show your availability on line for this and other seniors’ club matches. Our next club matches are in early June at home against Woburn and Letchworth and away at South Beds, with the sign-up sheets for the Woburn and S Beds matches now on the notice board. All our home matches start at 08.30. The away match at South Beds tees off at 12.00. Seniors’ invitation events A sure sign that things are starting to get back to some degree of normality is the re-starting of seniors’ invitation events at other golf clubs. None of these took place in 2020, but in the last few days we have received details of events as show below: · St Neots on Tuesday 6th July · Buckingham on Tuesday 10th August · South Beds on Monday 27th September These invitation events are played in different formats at each club and the details are shown on our notice board. Mark Simpkins has kindly agreed to manage our entries for each event this year. Typical costs are £30 to £35 per player for which you get a round of golf, a meal after the match and the chance to win prizes. Some events are played as pairs better ball with others involving a team of three being joined by a senior from the home club. These are enjoyable events and, like seniors’ club matches, give you the opportunity to play on different courses and enjoy the hospitality of the home club. Ladies County Championship Our Club is hosting the Bedfordshire Ladies County Championship on Friday 21st May. This will be an all-day event with a large field of players. We have agreed to provide support to Lady Captain Chris Levaggi and her team to enable the day to run smoothly. Tasks will involve ball spotting, flag holders to indicate it is safe to tee off on the 2nd and 14th and possibly car parking support. If you are able to help on the day then please let Vice-Captain, Mac McGregor know at macmist@aol.com and indicate whether you can do a morning or afternoon session. Please support this event. Willmotts Notice Board & Website Our notice board will start to fill up shortly with numerous sign-up sheets for competitions, club matches and seniors’ invitation events. We will signpost all events in regular Updates, but do look at the board regularly so that you do not miss anything. All of these events, and much more, are managed by the Willmotts Committee and just to update everyone on who we are, photos of the Committee are now displayed on the notice board. Regular news of the activities of the Willmotts/Senior Section is also shown on the Willmotts website, which you can view either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. The Blue Card These fixture cards have been printed and a number have been handed out. If you haven’t got a copy, then some will be available under the notice board or from a committee member. Stage 4 of the Government’s road map for the easing of lockdown restrictions Stage 4 of the Government’s road map for the easing of lockdown restrictions is due to be enacted on 21st June, should the four tests set out by the Government be met. If these tests are met, then it is hoped that all legal limits on social contact will be removed. At the end of the first national lockdown in May 2020, and following advice from England Golf, golf clubs re-opened and introduced tee time booking with ten minute tee intervals. This is the system currently in operation at AG&WSGC, with a number of blocked slots each week for certain groups. Should lockdown restrictions be lifted further from 21st June, a decision will need to be made about whether to continue with tee time booking or to revert to the previous practice before the first lockdown or to agree a new system for allocating tee times. The CPG is currently drafting an options paper on how tee times could be managed in the future, to be considered by the Club Committee. If you have any views on a preferred system for tee times post 21st June, then please email our Administrative Secretary, Alan Moore at alanmoore103@yahoo.com. Alan will compile the responses. Take care and keep entering all the events on offer. Your Willmotts Committee April Stableford Results Division 1 1st Graham Bushell 39 points 2nd Mark Simpkins 36 points 3rd Phil Pattison 35 points 4th Roger Gillespie 34 points Division 2 1st Simon Leadbetter 39 points 2nd Mike Levaggi 37 points 3rd Charlie Rye 36 points 4th David Harris 34 points Division 3 1st Bernard Rigby 41 points 2nd Phil Allen 38 points 3rd Rod Fairclough 37 points 4th Eric Abbott 35 points Under whs handicap changes happen overnight and you will be able toview your handicap record tomorrow to see if it has changed. Processes and Protocols for dealing with suggestions and concerns from the Willmotts We have agreed to make communications with the Willmotts more of a two way process. So, alongside the issuing of regular Updates, the Willmotts Committee will be encouraging feedback from the Willmotts: · By asking Willmotts to contact Alan Moore by email at alanmoore103@yahoo.com should they have any suggestions or concerns or wish to compliment your committee; · By inviting up to two Willmotts to attend our committee meetings as per point 2 below. Invites will begin for the May meeting, when we should be able to meet as a committee in the clubhouse. For the foreseeable future we will use the following: 1. Willmotts can contact Alan Moore with suggestions, compliments and concerns by email, as above. These will be shared with the Willmotts Committee and responded to by the appropriate committee member. If the concern raised requires further attention, it will be discussed at the next committee meeting and then responded to. The person raising the concern will be informed that the Willmotts Committee will be considering the matter. 2. Should a Willmott wish to attend a Willmotts Committee meeting, either out of interest or to discuss a topic previously communicated to Alan Moore, they should inform Alan in advance to establish whether they can attend the next Willmotts Committee meeting either in full or part. 3. Willmotts are asked to appreciate that the Willmotts Committee can only address concerns and make changes to the internal operation of the Willmotts for matters that are within our gift. Concerns of a more general nature should be channelled to the General Manager, Simon Dennis. The suggestions page of the Club’s website should only be used for suggestions. If a Willmott wishes to make a complaint or raise a concern with regard to Club procedures, these should be e-mailed to the General Manager and should not be posted on the suggestions website. Also please discuss with the Willmotts Captain prior to sending to the General Manager. 4. During 2021, the Willmotts Captain and Vice-Captain are members of the Club Committee and Mark Simpkins is a member of the Course sub-committee. The above can raise matters with their respective committees as appropriate. 5. The regular Willmotts Updates will include a summary of any concerns raised and the Willmotts Committee’s responses. Dates for Willmotts Committee meetings in 2021: 20th May, 22nd June, 29th July, 24th August, 23rd September, 21st October, 25th November. Most meetings follow morning golf but some are on Tuesdays when no Mondays or Thursdays are suitable. Tuesday meetings start at 09.30. Your Willmotts Committee 19th April 2021 Willmotts Update 18th April 2021 Tee times For the last three weeks, there were no blocked tee time slots. This was done to maximise course usage and to allow members to book tee times at their convenience for social golf. It was also agreed that no competitions would start until 19th April. As we move into next week, there are several Willmotts/Over 55s Monday competitions for which we already have large entries. These are: · April Stableford on Monday 19th April; · Vic Hill Cup Stableford on Monday 26th April; · May Medal on Monday 10th May. These are followed by the Greensome Pairs on Monday 24th May, for which the sign-up sheet is on our notice board. On Monday 17th May, we have our first Willmotts Club match at Leighton Buzzard, with a 1.00pm start. Sign up for this match is either through IG or via the sign-up sheet on the notice board. It has been agreed that, from Monday 19th April to Sunday 20th June, - the day before the intended date when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted we will return to the blocked tee time slots, which were in use before the recent lockdown. These blocked tee time slots are as follows: · Mondays from 08.00 to 10.00 for the Willmotts - now labelled as “Willmotts/Over 55s roll up” rather than “Over 55 roll up”; · Tuesday morning for the Ladies; · Thursdays from 10.00 to 12.00 for the Blobby Pot. There will be no other blocked slots during this time period. It should be stressed that these blocked tee time slots are the same as those used previously, so there have been no changes to how these are being organised. There has also not been any preferential treatment accorded to any of the above groups. On the IG system, these blocked tee times are set up via the Competitions heading as a mechanism for tee time booking for these “roll ups”. For these blocked slots, the respective groups are able to decide when the booking slot can open. The Willmotts committee has discussed the appropriate time when booking should open and has agreed that we will continue with 07.00. This has been done so that the booking window for Monday and Thursday mornings opens at the same time of 07.00, seven days in advance. In relation to the Willmotts, as we have several Monday competitions coming up, we will not be able to start our Monday “roll-up” bookings until tee times for Monday 17th May. These will then be available each Monday unless there is a competition, for example the Greensome Pairs on Monday 24th May or a bank holiday. When we have a Monday home club match, we will have a reserved tee time from 08.30 to 09.40 for the 16 a side match. Roll up tee times will be available at 08.00, 08.10, 08.20, 09.50 & 10.00. For our first home match against Woburn on Monday 3rd June, as the match is 12 a side, additional “roll up” slots will be available. With regard to Thursday golf for the Willmotts, you will be able to book tee times as before, but excluding the tee times reserved for the Blobby Pot. This is the same as the system in use prior to the recent lockdown. We encourage you to book a tee time via My Golf Book a Tee Time, before the slot for the Blobby Pot. In relation to tee times, we ask you to direct any queries to the Willmotts Committee at alanmoore103@yahoo.com. The Committee will respond to your query as soon as possible. Step 4 of the Government’s relaxation of Covid 19 restrictions is planned to be enacted on 21st June. Options for how we organise tee times from 21st June onwards are being worked up by the CPG for consideration by the Club Committee. At present, no decisions have been made about the possible options. However, members will be informed in due course. Finally, our knock out matches for the JES Brookes singles and Sir Norman King doubles competitions can now start. To book a tee time, once agreed with playing partners, you can do so via the Proshop, Club Office or through Garrie Brandon. This can be done 8 days in advance of your preferred playing day. You cannot book a tee time for a knock out match on line. In the meantime, continue to enjoy your golf and, especially, the Willmotts/Seniors competitions and club matches. We have a busy late spring and summer with a comprehensive programme of events to enjoy and many prizes on offer. Please make the most of these. Take care and stay safe Your Willmotts Committee Willmotts Update 12th April 2021 We hope that everyone is enjoying being back on the course. The weather is forecast to be better this week with the sun out at some stage each day. Willmotts/Seniors Competitions Next Monday 19th April sees the start of our annual programme of competitions with a full field for the April Stableford. The following Monday 26th April, we have the Vic Hill Cup Stableford competition, which also has a full field. There is then a break for the early May bank holiday before the monthly Medal on 10th May. Currently, there are some vacant tee times, but book up quickly to secure a spot. We also have our annual Greensome Pairs competition on Monday 25th May. For this event the pairs are chosen randomly. Each player in the pair tees off on each hole. The preferred ball is chosen and alternate shots are taken until the ball is holed. The sign-up sheet will be posted on the Willmotts notice board this Thursday and will be taken down a week before the event. The pairings, playing handicaps for each pair and tee times will then be posted on the website. Make sure you sign up for this enjoyable competition. From next Monday we can also start to play our knock out matches. The draws are shown on the club website. The first round of the JES Brookes singles knock out should be played by 17th May with the second round by 21st June. The first round of the Sir Norman King drawn pairs competition should be completed by 31st May. Please don’t leave it to the last minute to arrange dates to play your matches in these competitions. You can book tee times eight days in advance for the knock out competitions. You should book over the phone via the Proshop or via the Chair of Competitions or the Club Office. You will not be able to book online for knockouts. Willmotts/Seniors Club Matches It’s only five weeks before our first Willmotts club match. The first one to be played since September 2019. We are away at Leighton Buzzzard on Monday 17th May with an afternoon start at 1.00pm. The match will be the usual 16 a side with a smart casual dress code for the post-match meal. You can indicate your availability by using Intelligent Golf or by using the sign-up sheet on the Willmotts notice board. About ten days before the match date, we will announce the team and reserves and each player and reserve will be contacted. The team will be displayed on the Willmotts notice board. The team will be asked to arrive by 12.10 for a pre-match coffee and bacon bap. Our first home matches are against Woburn on Thursday 3rd June and against Letchworth on Monday 14th June, with an away match at South Beds on Monday 7th June. These 4 BBB matches are enjoyable events played in good spirit and new players are welcomed. Our annual programme of events was emailed alongside the previous Update and is also displayed on the Willmotts notice board. All our club matches and competitions are shown in the club diary and online version. Refreshments on the balcony after your round From today we will be able to have a drink and a snack on the balcony after our round of golf. It will be great to be able to get together over a convivial drink or two and, weather permitting, I hope we will be able to support the club as the clubhouse partially re-opens. Don’t forget to wear a mask on entering the clubhouse and follow the one way system at all times. Kevin Beard and Sam Banwell are waiting to welcome you. Willmotts Committee The Willmotts Committee meets later this week and, should you with to make any suggestions, compliments or draw other matters to our attention, these should be emailed to our Administrative Secretary, Alan Moore before this Thursday on alanmoore103@yahoo.com. If you haven’t yet looked at the Willmotts website, you can view it either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or at www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. Finally, Keith and Moira Mason are advertising a four wheel Pro-S Golf Buggy powered by a Lithium battery. The advert, giving with more details and contact number, is displayed on the Willmotts notice board. Take care and continue to stay safe. Your Willmotts Committee Willmotts Update 2nd April 2021 A warm welcome back to the Club. After a very long lockdown it’s been good to see the Willmotts returning to the course this week and enjoying their golf. The weather has been kind with no rain and sunshine on the first few days. As informed previously, there are no blocked tee times over the first three weeks and it is members only for the first five weeks. These arrangements will be reviewed shortly. Competition sign up Our Willmott competitions start on Monday 19th April with our April Stableford and it’s heartening that have a full entry of sixty, with players also on the reserve list. There will be pro shop vouchers for the players with the top four Stableford scores in each of the three divisions. This is in line with the decision agreed at the Willmotts AGM in December 2020 to increase the entry fee in order to provide more prizes and to move from two Order of Merit divisions to three. Next up is the Vic Hill Cup Stableford competition on 26th April. There is already a good entry with some tee times still available. There will be numerous pro shop voucher prizes based on the final entry numbers. As we move into May the monthly competitions as part of our three Orders of Merit change to Medals. Sign up for the May Medal opens on Monday 5th April, so book early to secure a tee time. Prizes will be provided to the players with the four best nett Medal scores in each of the three divisions. Latest on our seniors’ club matches in 2021 Following contacts with other clubs, we will have a mixture of arrangements for seniors’ club matches prior to Step 4 of the Government’s easing of the lockdown measures being implemented on 21st June. As previously informed, all of our matches before the middle of May have been cancelled. Our first match is now scheduled to be at Leighton Buzzard on Monday 17th May. However, we are still waiting for this to be confirmed. If we are able to play, this will be an afternoon match with the first tee off at 13.00. Our first home match is scheduled for Thursday 3rd June against Woburn. We are not yet clear about the arrangements and whether we will be able to have a meal after the match. We will keep you updated. If this match can take place, the first tee time will be 08.30, as is normal for our home club matches. We are in a similar position with our second scheduled home match against Letchworth on Monday 14th June. Further details will follow. Our away match at South Beds will take place on Monday 7th June with a 12.00 start and will be 12 a side. We have been informed that changing and showering facilities should be available. They hope to be able to provide a bacon bap and coffee prior to playing and chips and sandwiches after the match. The dress code will be smart casual. The reply we had from Buckingham said that the seniors’ section is cancelling all home club matches before 21st June. This means that our planned match at Buckingham on 10th June will not take place. Finally, the response from Harpenden Common was that the match at Harpenden on 17th June can go ahead but they will not be able to provide the normal post-match meal. We have agreed to go ahead on this basis. For those who are interested, we will probably try to book a nearby pub for a snack for the Aspley Guise team after the match. Further details to follow. We expect that normal arrangements for senior club matches will re-commence on Monday 21st June. The updated fixture list for 2021 is attached. You will see that we still have a comprehensive programme to look forward to. The club online diary has also been updated to show the changes that have been made. If you want to start showing your availability on line for the remaining club matches, you can do so on the club website through competitions, matches, Willmotts 2021 matches, set availability. Then click on either yes, no or maybe for each fixture. We will also post a sign-up sheet on the notice board for each match. Developing communications across our section In the previous Update we set out how we plan to improve communications across our section, including inviting up to two non-committee members to attend committee meetings from May onwards. We are also encouraging Willmotts to notify Alan Moore, our Administrative Secretary, by email, should you have any suggestions or issues you wish to raise with the committee. These will be considered as a standing agenda item at each of our monthly Willmotts Committee meetings and feedback will be provided. These items can include any comments about the course, which will also be given to Mark Simpkins who is a member of the Club’s Course Committee. For your information, the Willmotts Committee meeting dates from May are on: 20th May, 22nd June, 29th July, 24th August, 23rd September, 21st October, 25th November. Most meetings follow morning golf but some are on Tuesdays when no Mondays or Thursdays are available. The Willmotts Website Rod Fairclough has kindly managed our website for many years and does a great job regularly updating the content. The website includes a plethora of information about our section and many photographs of past events including mini breaks. If you haven’t yet visited the site then please do so either from the home page on the Club’s website information seniors section The Willmotts or www.willmottsgolf.co.uk. The Willmotts Blue Card Each year we print the fixture list for the year and the names and contact details of members of the section on a blue card. Following the changes we have made to the original programme, the card has now been printed and will be available from the shelf under the Willmotts notice board from next week. Please take a card. Or do we try to hand them out individually?? Change of contact details Finally, if you change your email address or phone number/s could you please let Alan Moore know (alanmoore103@yahoo.com) so that he can update our contacts’ list. Take care, stay safe and enjoy the long Easter break and don’t forget to book a tee time for the May Medal from Monday morning. Your Willmotts Committee (02/04/2021) March 2021 Willmotts Update 3rd March 2021 Apologies for the long gap since the previous Update. But now, following the announcement of the Road Map to recovery from the Prime Minister last week, there is good news to report. As you will know, golf courses can re-open on Monday 29th March with England Golf confirming that we will be able to play in 4 balls on return. In order to maximise the availability of tee times for members on return to golf, several key decisions made by the CPG have already been communicated to club members: · Course usage will be limited to members only for the first five weeks after opening. This should give ample opportunities for all club members to enjoy our course; · All internal competitions will be cancelled for the first three weeks after opening, with resumption from Monday 19th April; · There will be no “blocked” bookings for any groups for the first three weeks following re-opening. This includes the week running up to the Easter weekend when we expect a strong take up of tee times. Members will be able to book any available tee times during this three week time period. For the Willmotts, this means that our Stableford on 19th April will be the first competition allowed once we are back on the course. Tee time booking for this competition opens online on 15th March. This first Stableford event of our 2021 programme will contribute to both our Summer Orders of Merit and Summer Eclectic. You will remember that we are having three Orders of Merit this year and there will now be seven monthly Stablefords/Medals included. Please enter for this Stableford to get our 2021 season of competitions formally underway. Sign up for Willmotts Summer Knock-out competitions You can also sign up now for our two summer knock-out competitions by letting Phil Duckering know that you want to be included in the draws contact Phil at phil.duckering@hotmail.co.uk. The JES Brookes knock-out is our main annual singles competition and is played from April to September on a knock-out basis off 100% course handicap. We plan to undertake the draw for matches later this month, with the deadline for informing Phil of your wish to enter being Friday 26th March. Our Summer Pairs knock-out is a drawn pairs event, which also starts in April and concludes in September. Pairs are chosen randomly and the draw for matches is done by Intelligent Golf, as is the case for the JES Brookes singles. Please let Phil know by Friday 26th March if you want to play in this competition. Both of these knock-outs are Board Competitions with prestigious trophies for the winners and prizes for winners and runners up. There is a £4 entry fee for each competition. Tee time booking once the course is re-opened With regard to the first three weeks after return on 29th March, it would be helpful if we continue to book tee times for Monday and Thursday mornings and play as four balls where possible. You should book tee times as previously for either 18 holes or 9 holes. Online booking will open seven days in advance. Club matches in 2021 The Government’s Road Map clarifies that indoor catering for a maximum of thirty people will not be possible until 17th May. Also, with the initial focus on members only use of our course, we have decided not to hold any of our home club matches until the start of June. The target date for the resumption of home club matches will be Thursday 3rd June for our 12 a side match with Woburn, subject to the stages of the Government’s Road Map progressing as outlined. We have contacted the five clubs with whom we have early home matches to clarify our position. We will consider looking to re-schedule some of the matches that can’t be played early in the season, but this may not be practical given our very busy annual programme and limited availability of spare dates. We will keep you updated. We will outline again the process for showing online availability for seniors’ club matches in a forthcoming Update. Changes to dates for some internal competitions We are also making changes to some dates for internal competitions: · Following a Zoom meeting with the Lady Captain and members of her committee, we are re-scheduling the Ladies vs Willmotts match to Monday 18th October and this will replace the Autumn Mixed Texas Scramble. · The other Mixed Texas Scramble scheduled for Monday 27th September will now be played on Friday 5th November. · The Charity Cups competition played with the Ladies will move to Tuesday 29th June. · The Willmotts Captain’s Day will move to Monday 13th September. · The September Stableford will move to Thursday 2nd September and be played as part of our three division Orders of Merit but with the overall nett winner also receiving the Vic Hill Cup. In effect, we are merging the monthly Stableford with the Vic Hill Cup for this year only. · All other events remain as scheduled. The rationale for the above is to move key competitions to dates when we will, hopefully, be able to have full catering in place at the club. 2021 Mini Break at Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Complex and plans for 2022 Those who were on the list of attendees for this year’s mini-break have been informed that, sadly, the event is now cancelled due to hotel hospitality not being available until after the scheduled dates. All prospective attendees have had their deposits repaid. We are looking for a new venue for 2022, with a preference for the week of 9th May 2022. Further details will follow in due course. Number plate recognition on exit from our golf car park A recent communication informed us that the club has invested in a number plate recognition system to improve security. Please email details of your car number plate/s to the Club Manager, Simon Dennis, at secretary@aspleyguisegolfclub.co.uk to allow the system to be programmed to facilitate automatic exit from the barrier for your vehicle/s. Take care and stay safe. Only twenty-six days to go before we are back on the course!! Willmotts Committee (03/03/2021) January 2021 Willmotts Update 27th January 2021 We hope everyone is coping with this lockdown and staying safe. Several of us have had our first injection but, at present, there is some uncertainty about whether we will have to wait up to twelve weeks for our second dose. The good news is that the Government’s target of vaccinating all those of age 70 and above by mid-February stands a fair chance of being achieved. Younger seniors will follow next, which is more good news. The Willmotts Committee had its first meeting of the year via Zoom last week. We clarified the roles of all committee members for 2021 and we reviewed our plans for the year for Willmotts competitions assuming that, at some stage, we will be back on the course. We decided that for our monthly Medals/Stablefords from March to October we would have three divisions and three corresponding Orders of Merit for 2021. These will be: · Division 1 for those with handicap indices from 0 to 18 · Division 2 for those with handicap indices from 19 to 23 · Division 3 for those with handicap indices of 24 and above. These bands have been arrived at based on an analysis of entries for recent Stablefords, so as to give broadly similar numbers in each band. We will review these as the season progresses. Our two summer knock-out competitions are the JES Brookes Singles and the Sir Norman King Drawn Pairs. These both start in April. If you wish to enter one or both of these please let Phil Duckering know by the deadline of Monday 22nd March (phil.duckering@hotmail.co.uk). There will be a random draw for the pairs in the Sir Norman King competition. Once the pairings have been decided, the draws for both competitions will be made by Intelligent Golf. Phil was circulate and display the draw following the entry deadline and you will also be able to view the draw on Intelligent Golf.
The attached document sets out the details for all our internal competitions with entry procedures clarified. We have a comprehensive programme of events set up and hope that we will be able to run these and attract good entry numbers. Our March Stableford is scheduled for Monday 29th March. As noted on the last Update, Phil Duckering has made contact with the clubs with whom we have matches scheduled for 2021. We have explained that we are keen to resume matches but recognise that there are likely to be ongoing constraints for some time. The feedback from other clubs has been positive, with a desire to re-start matches but recognising that there is uncertainty about when this can happen safely. We have a team of club match organisers in place for this year. Our thirty club matches are shown on Intelligent Golf. You can indicate your availability for club matches either using Intelligent Golf, as described below, or by using the sign-up sheets that will be posted in the changing room for each match. Clearly, we will not be able to post and use the sign-up sheets until we have access to the changing room. Reminders about club matches will be included in regular Updates throughout the season. Log onto the club’s website and click on Competitions and then Matches. Now click on Willmotts 2021 matches - Set Availability. You will see all the club matches listed and you can set your availability by clicking on Yes, No or Maybe. Please ensure you save your availability at the bottom right of the page. If you click on the date of a match you can see the tee off and arrival times and the dress code for the meal. If you decide at some stage that you need to change your availability, you can return to the availability page, make your changes and then save them. The organisers for each match will be able to view everyone’s availability to help with team selection. If you are not already a “squad” member please let Captain David know and he will add you to the list. Although we are not clear when club matches will be able to resume, we do encourage you to show your availability for each match in the hope that they will be able to take place from March or April. Our first club match is scheduled for Friday 26th March at Ellesborough, with our first home match scheduled for Thursday 8th April against Stowe. Willmotts Committee, 27th January 2021. Willmotts Qualifying & Non-Qualifying Events 2021 - Entry Procedures Welcome to the 2021 Willmotts golfing season. We will have 14 qualifying competitions during the 2021 season from March to October, and 13 of these contribute to the summer eclectic competition. We also have a number of non-qualifying events. This note initially deals with qualifying competitions and then sets out entry details for our non-qualifying competitions. How do I enter for a qualifying competition? a) May to August Medals & March, April, September & October Stablefords (8 events - all qualifying) You can do this on the Club Website via your home computer, tablet, smart phone or by using the touch screen in the changing room using your swipe card. The system has already been pre-populated with our monthly Medals/Stablefords. On a given date from 7.00am, the system will start to accept entries for a particular competition (dates shown below). This will allow you to choose your tee time. When you enter via your computer, tablet, phone or via the touch screen, the entry fee of £4 will automatically be taken off your bar account, so please ensure that you maintain a balance in excess of £4 when entering a competition. You will be able to enter yourself and one other if desired. There will be three divisions for these eight events during 2021. For each division there is an Order of Merit, with points awarded for each event depending on how you perform. Division 1 will be for those with handicap indices of 0 to 18; Division 2 for those with handicap indices of 19 to 23 and Division 3 for those with handicap indices of 24 or above. We will review these as the season progresses. The intention is to have at least three prizes for each division for each competition, normally £30, £20 & £10, but this will depend on the number of entrants in each division. These are pro-shop vouchers. At the end of the eight competitions, there will be a prize for the top player in each Order of Merit (Division). You will be able to follow your standing in the relevant Order of Merit through the course of the eight events via the club website. We also have monthly Willmotts Stablefords in November, December, January & February with sign up via the club website. b) Other Qualifying Competitions These will be competitions with a sign-up sheet on the notice board with a deadline date for entry. You will also be able to indicate that you wish to play on the club’s website. However, early in the season we may not be able to use the notice board for signing up and Phil Duckering (Competitions Secretary) will email the sign up details. The draw for playing groups will be made by Phil and posted on Intelligent Golf & the notice board (if this is in use) at least one week before the competition. The entry fee of £4 will be deducted from your bar card account. The sign-up sheets will be posted about 4 to 5 weeks before each competition. Once the draw has been made and posted on Intelligent Golf, late entries will only be allowed via Phil. Please make every effort to enter by the deadline dates and ensure that you have at least a £4 balance on your account. Entry dates for Willmotts Qualifying competitions in 2021
Please try to play in as many qualifying competitions as possible to ensure you have your best summer eclectic score. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
