and Sponsors Ron Parkin and Joe Alexander
The eleventh AUTUMN CUP was played over the weekend of April 29 and 30. The weather over the two days was cold in the early mornings followed by a calm, sunny day – perfect weather for golf. Seventy-five players set out in their quest to become the 2023 Champion and be presented with the trophy by the sponsors of the day Ron Parkin and Joe Alexander.
There were three past champions in this year’s field – Damon Watkins (2015 and 2016), Dave Southam (2021) and the defending Champion James Pluske.
ROUND ONE
In the perfect conditions only 4 players could match 36 points or better – 2 in the afternoon and 2 in the morning.
In the morning, Callum White (1 H’Cap) played well to amass 36 points. His round included 4 Birdies and he led the Best Gross with 35 points (73 off the stick).
Also. in the morning Adam McLaren (17 H’Cap) was looking good after 14 holes and heading for an excellent first round. All his good work was undone in his final 4 holes where he had 5 points and ultimately signing for 36 points and in equal first position.
In the afternoon scoring improved a little and the out of form former Captain, Bruce Allbrook (14 H’Cap), starting from the 6th, had 2 solid nines of 19 points and 18 points for a total of 37 points and leading the field. His round included five 3 pointers which unfortunately were offset by two wipes. Nevertheless, a return to form.
And then came along the 2021 “B” Grade Champion, Wilfred Ong (11 H’Cap).
Wilfred was cruising and after 16 holes he had already amassed 36 points and with smart play over the last 2 holes (the 17th and 18th) he was heading for 40 points or more. Disaster struck on the 17th and a loss there followed by 2 points on the last saw him sign for 38 points – enough to take the lead.
Lurking back on 35 points was Greg Paddon (19 H’Cap). How he got to 19 is beyond comprehension but he does pay a lot of attention to his handicap records.
On 34 points, and well within reach of the overnight leader were Ken Douglas (27 H’Cap), Matt Dumble (5 H’Cap) and Gavin Furness (9 H’Cap).
ROUND TWO
Another lovely day greeted the players and we will follow the fate of the overnight leaders and then see who can make a charge from the chasing pack.
After a first round 36 points, Callum White was looking for a good start from the 8th hole, but this was not to be and he started with a wipe. After 9 holes he looked anything like a winner as he only had 14 points. To his credit he played the final 7 holes 3 under par and finished with a very creditable 35 points and an overall total of 71 points.
Noone else made up much ground and the best morning score was Gavin Parker (5 H’Cap) with 37 points and 69 overall.
So after the morning round the leaders were Callum White (71 points) from Gavin Parker (69 points). The target for the afternoon players was 72 points.
Adam McLaren switched to the afternoon field and lost any chance over his first 5 holes with 3 wipes.
Similarly, Ken Douglas and Matt Dumble did not have a good day on the links.
The back in form Bruce Allbrook quickly went out of form and unfortunately, he too dropped out of contention.
After a poor first round by his standards (29 points), Ben Cullinan (Scr H’Cap) flew home with 40 points the best score of the weekend. His round of 68 included 6 birdies and 2 bogeys.
His gross score of 69 points eclipsed that of Callum White on a countback and led the Gross from Callum with Tristan Geerlings back in third place on 62 points.
Nobody else really came close to the target of 72 points
But wait, where was the overnight leader Wilfred Ong?.What was he up to?
You could say after 9 holes “Nothing much” as he only had 16 points. A further 1 point on the 10th added to his woes and it looked as though he also was “out the window”.
But as you would expect from a former “A” Grade Champion (2014) and “B” Grade Champion (2021) he rallied and a 20-footer on the tough 14th hole for Birdie followed by a slippery 4-footer for Birdie on the 15th saw him assume the ascendancy and heading for the winning post.
Then he faltered with two one pointers on 16 and 17. He needed 2 points on the tough 18th to secure victory. A fine drive and second left him with a short pitch which he put safely on the green. A nervous 2 putt saw him sign for 34 points and a total of 72 points – enough to secure victory by one point from Callum White.
FINAL LEADERBOARD
Wilfred Ong 38/34 72 points
Callum White 36/35 71 points
Ben Cullinan 29/40 69 points
Gavin Parker 32/37 69 points
Jonathon Tan 33/34 67 points
Gavin Furness 34/34 67 points
Ian MacDonald 32/34 66 points
Greg Paddon 34/31 66 points
Best Past Champions James Pluske and David Southam
Appreciation is extended once again to our sponsors Ron Parkin and Joe Alexander – two great stalwarts of the club.
The course continues to improve and thanks to the course staff for their efforts.
As usual the Pro Shop staff, House staff and Kitchen Staff made it a most enjoyable two days for all players.
Congratulations Wilfred Ong– a deserved winner of the 2023 Autumn Cup
from Greg Fitzhardinge
