UK Senior Golf Association
Ian Newlove takes Gold at Stanton-on-the-Wolds
It was another very warm welcome from our hosts at Stanton who pulled out all the stops both on an off the course to create another enjoyable event in our 2024 series.
And at last the weather was kind - well for day one at least. Day one was dry with some very light winds to support some good scoring. In defence of his course the Course Manager achieved some very quick greens and a few testing pin spots - some managed those - some didn't!
And it was Holme Hall's Andrew Watson who took the lead with a superb one under par 72 in round one. He followed his eagle on the par five 6th hole with 2 further birdies in the last 4 holes to secure his spot in the final group for round two. Gareth Bradley joined him in that group after his one over par 74 despite a double bogey 7 on the 18th hole. Gary Whitfield made up the final group with a two over 75 that included three birdies. But with 19 players all breaking 80 on the par 73 course many were still with a chance of the Gold medal and valuable points in the Race to ESGA.
With only a few competitions left this season interest mounted for Order of Merit points as team selection for ESGA 2025 takes shape. Gareth Bradley was well placed to consolidate his position at the top of the main section but Mike White was having another decent event hoping to move up from his 6th spot. In the Super Seniors Malcolm Cawte and Les Bruckner were strengthening their claim to a spot in the team with good first rounds. Gordon Stewart's first round suggested that he might force himself into the team from his current position of 8th. In the Masters section Bob Head was hoping to chase down Jimmy Johnstone in the battle for top spot but John Youill looked to be in good form too.
Round two saw some thicker cloud, early drizzle and a more breeze than forecast which grew in strength by afternoon. And then grew some more. Despite the pins remaining in the same spots for round two the weather was about to cancel out that familiarity on the greens. Nonetheless a chance for someone to move and catch Andrew perhaps.
The three in the final group had the worst of the increasing winds and were to fall back. And it was Ian Newlove (Wollaton) who shot a second round four over 77 to hit he top and take the win by 2 shots despite dropping three shots in those final 4 treacherous holes.
Mike White's (West Wilts) second round 79 was enough to secure Silver medal. He had cancelled out a double bogey 7 at the 6th with birdies at two other par 5 holes - 12th and 17th. The result moved him up from 6th in the main Order of Merit to 2nd spot.
Adrian Allen (Belton Park) equalled Ian Newlove's top score for round two to move up the leaderboard and into Bronze medal position. Despite another double bogey at the 17th he was to take the Bronze on countback from Messrs Bruckner and Bradley - all finishing on 9 over par 155.
But Les's consolation was a crystal win in the Super Senior Section and his 250 points took him to the top of that section in the Race to ESGA.
And, once again, with yet another strong performance John Youill (Newmarket) picked up the Masters victory with both rounds in the 70's to take the win by 2 clear shots and nudge even closer to Jimmy Johnston in top spot in that section.
Martin Dix (Ferndown) was the only man to go under par net for the two round total to take the net prize by 3 shots from our Treasurer Paul Earland (RAC).
Many took the trouble to thank General Manager Dale White personally as his team had provided a fabulous welcome on and off the course. At any venue the welcome and support we get reflects on whether or not a Club want us back in the future - clearly they do and I suspect that our feedback survey may well show the view to be mutual.
So - only three events left this year to grab those vital points. Next up its Moortown where we have a full field at the famous West Yorkshire track. If we don't see you there we hope to do so at either Woodhall Spa or Trevose as those UK teams for 2025 are finalised.
For the full results from Stanton click HERE.
For he latest Race to ESGA tables click HERE.
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