Seniors Summer Matchplay Knock-out Competition 2017-18 ‘Through the lens of a finalist’ To review a competition that lasts over 6 months, has over 80 entrants and has more variety characteristics than the proverbial tin of baked beans, then it is difficult to know where to begin!
There appeared to be more people winning their first-round matches than there were competitors, but on closer inspection it was just that 81.260% of players received a bye due to some quirky draw procedures in the preliminary round? Having been one of the unlucky near 19%, I negotiated the preliminary round and over many months progressed through a series of rounds against Bernard Clarke, Colin Murrant, Brandon Chapman and David Boatman to find myself in the final and hugely honoured to be making my long-awaited debut there! It seemed somewhat strange to be playing a match of such importance on several temporary greens and to also receive a couple of shots for the first time from my young opponent Hugh Jenkins. We had a great competitive but somewhat scratchy game and being level at the turn only for my game to desert me (not for the first time in recent games!) Hugh ran out a comfortable winner eventually winning comprehensively 5&4. Well done Hugh and a fitting champion in this great Knock-out competition for the seniors. The level of support and inclusion must be admired and acknowledged and great credit to this year’s seniors captain Bill Sandford, competition organiser Eric Grant and all the committee. I salute you on your sterling work and contribution to senior’s golf within the club. Truly outstanding. On a very personal note may I encourage everybody to be involved in our forthcoming Centenary year. I have been active on the centenary committee and there will be a special book publication to celebrate this monumental event. Watch this space for details of publication early 2019! Your beaten but not forgotten finalist Alan Seymour
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