Fitzwilliam Golf Society

Tour Championship, Prestbury Golf Club, 8 October

After an excellent breakfast, we proceeded to the Tour Championship at Prestbury Golf Club – a parkland course rated one of the top 100 inland UK courses. The Society was not disappointed – a  superbly designed and maintained golf course which certainly presented a stern test. Its length and challenge resulted in a mean score of 26 points – which places its difficulty into some perspective.

The ninth hole (stroke 1) in particular involved a sharp dog leg, a constricted fairway  and a narrow very elevated green which proved a severe challenge for the high handicappers.

Our welcome was a little confused as we were referred to as Fitzwilliam Collage (see photo) – but despite this faux pas we were made extremely welcome by the staff and members. We were joined for part of the day and the meal by Martin Little – a non golfing contemporary of several of the golfers and fairly local resident. It was very good to see him.

Other famous faces around the Club on the day included Manchester United legend Mark ‘Sparky’ Hughes, Keith Curle (Manchester City) and 2014 Ryder Cup hero Jamie Donaldson.

23 players competed and the winner of the Mike Hamment Tour Trophy was John Uwins, narrowly beating Gavin Dolling on countback. The top results were:

1^st John Uwins  (on countback)   35 points

2^nd Gavin Dolling                                35 points

3^rd Kevin Pickersgill                           31 points

The Guest prize was won by Lynn Newport

Nearest the pin prizes were won by:

4^th  Martin Dinkele

7^th Clive Makin

10^th  Alan Wood

17^th Kevin Pickersgill  

A meal followed at the Golf Club – Roast Sirloin and Manchester Tart – which was excellent both in quality and service.

Hotel Quiz – evening of 8^th October

At the Coach and Four hostelry in Wilmslow the majority of the golfing cohort competed in the pub quiz. The format was a new one for those used to pencil and paper. Speedquizzing provides each team with a tablet and many points were scored by speed of reaction – not a strong point for most Fitz Golfers. “Fitz East & Mike” came a creditable 10^th out of 22 teams.

“Mashie Niblick” and “Onesizefitzall” did not do quite so well but all enjoyed the evening.