July/August 2025 report

On 28th August we played our annual fixture vs Croham Hurst GC. The course played well, and we were fortunate to miss the forecast bad weather. Croham were their usual excellent hosts, and all matches were played in a good spirit. Later we enjoyed the traditional very generous fish and chip dinner. The hosts outplayed us, and we lost 3 matches and halved one, former Croham captain Guy Mackey using his local knowledge to help secure the half for us.

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For the second year running, the society’s oldest trophy, and the second-oldest, were contested at Sweetwoods GC, situated in a lovely valley just on the Kent/Sussex border. The Hornsey-Walker Cup made its first appearance nearly 100 years ago, in 1927, and the Veterans’ Cup (now for those over 65 years old, but originally for those over 50), arrived ten years later. Both were up for grabs and 20 players set out in competition; one or two grabbed a buggy to help them with the slopes around the course, which were all the more tiring on what was a warm and sunny day.

The course more than held its own on the day. Only four players scored over 30 points, and no-one played to their handicap. In third place was our guest Laura Thomas, who scored a highly commendable 32 points; Daniel Emkes was second on count back and won the Veterans’ Trophy, also with 32; and Martin Hayes, playing off 1, pipped them both with 33 points, thus winning the Hornsey- Walker Cup for the first time. Not surprisingly, Martin also won the scratch prize, whilst John Gould and Peter Gale won bottles of wine for nearest the pins on the 5th and 17th holes. The main winners, Martin (left) and Daniel (right), are shown below receiving their cups from match organiser and former society captain Alan Blok. Well done, Alan, for organising a successful and enjoyable day.

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The President’s day meeting was held at Copthorne GC (photo above) towards the end of July. Copthorne is a venue last visited by the society in 1958, and so it was new to many of the 24 who played, and they will perhaps have been caught unawares by the ditches which line, and in some cases cross, the fairways, unseen from a distance but very evident when your ball lands in one. Even the eventual winner Don Anderson was a victim (photo right – with encouragement, if not engagement, by Martin Down).

The test match in Manchester, being played the same day, had the best of the weather, but Copthorne, whilst dry and reasonably warm to start with, endured a spell of persistent rain in the afternoon, and all of those who played were wet by the end of play. In such circumstances, the scoring was good, with all three podium places being earned with a very respectable 34 points. Countback therefore decided the prizes, and Don Anderson finished first, winning the President’s Putter and Prize, with 19 on the back nine, followed home by Martin Hayes (18) and Robert Hollidge (16).

President Pip Burley addressed the meeting over a pleasant dinner, and thanked in particular John Gould, who organised the day with his normal enthusiasm and care. Pip awarded the prizes, assisted by the captain Mark Chatham (photo, with Don Anderson in the middle).

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July started at Purley Downs GC, for the match versus Trinity GS. There were twelve Purley Downs members within the two teams, seven for Trinity and five for Whitgift; this provided a solid base for the two teams, which is very welcome as we have sometime struggled for numbers for this fixture. The course itself was in great condition, with the greens running at their normal speed (fast), and there were fantastic views over London on a bright and quite hot day.

Five pairs set out, playing four ball better ball, and only one Whitgift pair (Alan Blok/Peter Gale) registered a win, the other four matches all going in Trinity’s favour. So the Harrods’ Putter, first contested in 1971, stays in Trinity’s hands.