Gorleston Golf Club

James Chadd and David James continued their successful run in the HowDidiDo National Pairs Championship at the weekend with an impressive victory at St Clements Golf Club in Ipswich, beating opponents Shawn Vance and Craig Wallis by 4 and 3.

James and David are now area champions and advance to the regional finals at Hill Valley Golf Club near Chester on October 15. Three regional events will be held across the country, with the top two pairs from each venue progressing to the grand finals in Portugal in early 2013, where the national champions will be crowned after five matchplay rounds in a round robin format.

Club professional Nick Brown hosted the 20th Nick Brown Classic at the weekend, with 86 competitors attempting to join a list of previous winners of the claret jug. Ladies’ Captain Chris Knappett compiled an exceptional round of 42 points for a comfortable victory by three points from Darren Hellary and Mike Haylett, with Jamie Bool taking the junior prize. Sidegate Motors kindly provided the use of a Peugeot RCZ sports coupe for a weekend for the player nearest the pin on the 7th, which was won by Peter Thomson. Peter generously offered to raffle the prize in aid of the Children’s Christmas Party at the club which raised an impressive �200.

Following the competition and prize giving, the competitors and guests were entertained in the evening by the excellent singing of Lisa Marie. After making the cut in the penultimate event on the EuroPro Tour, Gorleston’s Alex Holmes entered the final 2012 event, the Sweetspot Masters at Hunley Hall, North Yorkshire, full of confidence.

A fine five under par round of 68 was good enough for joint fourth place on day one, two shots off the lead, but a disappointing second round of 78 left Alex on level par, just one stroke outside the cut which was made at one under par.

The seniors were heavily defeated by their opponents from Thetford Golf Club in the Hodds Salver last week. An extremely strong home side beat the Gorleston team by 17 holes. One ladies’ knockout final has been contested recently, with Jan Parsons comfortably defeating opponent Tanya McGregor to win the Silver Knockout Bell for the second time in three years.

The Midweek Stableford made a welcome return after a two week break, again attracting a large field of 113 players, with David Moore successful in Division One with 41 points, while Roy Tovell was victorious in Division Two after a fine score of 42 points. Gorleston were selected by the Suffolk Golf Union to host the 2012 Suffolk Seniors Championship which took place at the weekend. An exciting tournament finally led to a playoff victory for Andy Whittaker of Woodbridge, who defeated Ron Spore from Stowmarket on the 20th after the pair had earlier tied on 75.

After weeks of anticipation, the Ladies’ team are travelling to Manchester this weekend for the quarter-finals of the Mail on Sunday Classic, with the knowledge that they are one victory away from the finals which will take place in Spainin November. As usual, the team will be guaranteed plenty of support from an enthusiastic group of travelling members, while all those that are unable to make the long journey wish the team every success.

The 4th annual Richard Hunt Memorial event attracted a full course of 66 players competing for the title in this increasingly popular event.

In 1st place was Tom Reeve with 41 points, 2nd place went to Kyle Brooks with 40 points and on count-back in 3rd place was Alex Reid.

Over 100 people attended the evening meal and presentation.

This year the foundation, are launching a scholarship for junior golfers. All the local schools will be contacted with regard to selecting youngsters (girls and boys) who are keen to take up the game. For those youngsters who are selected, their membership will be financed by Richard’s foundation.

Richard was a firm believer in helping junior golfers to achieve their dream. This is why the foundation was set up.

Richard’s family would like to express their gratitude to everybody who made this special event a huge success. Next Year’s golf day will be on Friday, August 16.