The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
South Holland couple Spencer and Julie Gooderson have became England Golf’s first PING Family Fourball champions.
The husband-and-wife team from Spalding Golf Club topped an impressive inaugural leaderboard with 48 stableford points – and led a great celebration of the family game.
The competition at Gainsborough Golf Club was open to relatives playing in any combination and appealed to couples, mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, sisters and brothers.
One father and son lived more than 100 miles apart and entered for a get together while a father and daughter flew the flag for family golf with Union Jack inspired clothing.
This new competition followed the enormous success of the PING Women’s Fourball.
Dave Fanning, PING Europe’s marketing director, said: “We and England Golf both wanted to put on an event which was inclusive of everyone who plays golf.
“It’s been a huge success and we have really enjoyed hosting this. Hopefully we can make it bigger and better and continue to grow the game of golf at every level.”
Spencer Gooderson, who plays off six, added: “Golf is a great family sport. There aren’t many sports where the whole family can play together on level terms.”
The Goodersons entered with Spencer’s parents, Peter and Olive, while their 10-year-old son, Louie – who has just got his first 28 handicap – walked round with them.
“We’ve covered the whole spectrum,” laughed Peter. “They won and we came last!”
Julie, who took up golf only two years ago and has a 29 handicap, added: “It’s been fantastic, I’ve loved it – and not just because we won.”
The Goodersons led a packed leaderboard. The runners-up were father and son, Paul and Daniel Plant, of Bondhay, Yorkshire, who scored 47 points and pipped another father and son on countback, John and Rob King of Eaglescliffe, Durham.
Spalding Golf Club’s summer knock-out competition – the Club Trophy – was won this year by Olive Brown.
Brown defeated Margaret Barkway 5&3 in the final of the competition which has been played throughout the season.
The match was refereed by lady president Elizabeth Holbrook and lady captain Paula Brown.
The match was refereed by lady president Elizabeth Holbrook and lady captain Paula Brown.
Thirty-six lady members entered the foursomes bogey competition for the Groom Cup.
The winners on countback were Theresa Starbuck and Debra Ward with +2. Second were Angela Roper and Eden Inglis on +2, ahead of the third-placed Tilly Garfoot and Lisa Howling on +1.
