The Colchester Ryder Cup
Whilst the main event was being held at Le Golf National en Paris, Colchester Golf Club held its own Ryder Cup at the Braiswick Course. Professional Chris picked his European team to take on Micky Potters team! Europe was represented by a team made up from the Thornton Cup squad and the Pro Shop against a fine body of members masquerading as the USA. The match provided a closer finish than the main-event but a similar end result, with Europe winning 13 points to 11. The first six holes were played as four balls where Europe notched up a vital and eventually telling two point lead at 4&2. The next six holes were played as foursomes and here the USA came back strongly taking the format 3½ v 2½ but the last six holes, played as singles fell again to Europe 6½ against 5½. Star performers for the European team were Dan Nicholls and Ben David with four points being unbeaten in all formats. Sam Latta and Jake Farson collected 2½ points to claim second best scores for Europe. John Dornan and John Redden, Pete Manby and Steve Moore along with Bill Hart and Mick Potter all scored a similar 2½ points for team USA. After the match the teams were able to relax and watch the real event in the comfort of the Clubhouse. In a more serious mood the ladies played their Medal Final where Romany Foster brushed aside the competition and showed the way home with a nett 75 from her 26 handicap. Penny Allen (34) claimed second spot with a 76 and Judith Robertson (15) third on 77. Julie Dicks (13) and Jane Lochore (24) returned 78s to take fourth and fifth. In the Support Stableford Claire Croger (21) sneaked ahead of Carol Watts (29) after a countback, both returning 34 points. Catherine Chick (19) took third place on her own with 33 points and Vicky Frost (16) and Sheena Nunny (18) both carding 32s. Sam Jackson (8) claimed top spot in the Junior Autumn Stableford. Jackson scored 38 points to pip Oli Baker (12) by one shot. Cody Zhou (26) tied third with Arian Masud (6) both returning 35 points. Colchester golfers Dan Nicholls and Jordan Slater have each achieved their own particular honour this year. Slater won the Essex Golf Union Order of Merit for 2018 and Nicholls has been selected for the Under 18 regional England squad. Congratulations to both of them. |