The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Tydd St Giles Golf Club recently hosted their second captain versus management Ryder Cup clash.
Some 28 players competed in near perfect autumnal conditions with some fantastic golf being played by all who took part.
A fierce, but friendly, rivalry has developed between manager Daniel Newell and captain Neil John since the first Ryder Cup last year.
The day began with nine holes of pairs foursomes matchplay meaning that, in this alternate shot format, players needed to find their swing quickly.
The captain’s team took the session 4.5-2.5 as they looked to retain the trophy.
Honourable mentions go to winning pairs Paul Brown and Ben Harrington (3&1), Martyn and James Hale-Smith (2&1) and Giles Stearne and Mark Johnson (3&2) for the captain’s team and Tom Carnihan and Duncan Connabeer (2&1) for the management team. Three matches were also halved.
In the afternoon, 18 holes of singles matchplay was the format with the management team looking to bounce back. A good start was needed and Newell led by example after defeating John 3&2 in the first match.
Mark Whittaker then levelled things by seeing off Milenko Gostic 4&3.
Plenty of great golf was played all afternoon with some big wins for Giles Stearne over Paul Jackson (5&4) and Duncan Connabeer over Keith Jakings (6&4).
In a tense finish the destiny of the cup was finely in the balance with the score locked at 9.5-9.5 with two matches to finish.
Victory was sealed for the management team with Derek Wroe beating Alfie Cooper (2&1) and Andy Betts beating Gino Ciuffini with some stunning golf (6&5) for a final score of 11.5-9.5.
Seniors Monthly Medal: Division One – 1st David Abram 90-17=73 (ocb); 2nd Tom Jolly 87-14=73; 3rd Ken Parker 87-13=74.
Division Two – 1st Steve Wing 88-22=66; 2 Bob Mann 90-19=71; 3rd Albert Haxell 90-18=72.
Division Three – 1st Denis Wilson 92-24=68; 2nd Ronald Clines 96-25=71; 3rd Trevor Hunt 97-25=72.
