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NEW LADY CAPTAIN FOR THE GOLF CLUB
Diss Golf Club’s new lady captain Marianne Haines held her drive-in last Wednesday. Her special day started traditionally with mince pies and mulled wine
in the clubhouse, followed by a Texas Scramble competition played over 8 holes,
with ten teams each with four ladies.
After the competition everyone gathered to the 1st Tee to watch Marianne take her
official drive. A few members distracted her whilst her golf ball was substituted for
an egg shaped one. She managed to hit this, to great hilarity, and it was only just short of her proper drive which measured 114.5 yards. Lisa Barnes and Gary Worboyes correctly predicted this distance and each won a prize.
After the drive-in 54 ladies enjoyed an excellent Christmas lunch prepared by the Club’s new caterer Steve Bennett. This was followed by entertainment provided by the lady members, an auction and a raffle raised £636 for the Lady Captain’s Charity.
Texas Scramble:
1st - Celia Pearson, Jill Driver, Pauline Wall, Lisa Barnes nett 23.7
2nd - Lorna Burroughes, Barbara Lee, Muriel Sterling, Monica Comer nett 23.9
Turkey Trot – Mixed Greensomes competition was recently held and despite the cold weather some very remarkable scores were achieved as follows.
1st - Kerry Enever and John Wall 47 points
2nd - Betty Belson and Malcolm Barnes 44 points
3rd - Sue Attwood and Steve Enever 42 points
Annual presentation night
Diss Golf Club held their annual presentation night awards on Friday 18th November.
A great turn out of over 100 people attended to honour this years successful golfers, who collected their trophies and memorial crystal and medals from 2011 section Captains Paul Wright, Di Randall and Senior committee member Bernard Walker.
Its been a great year for golf both at Diss and for UK golf with great weather all year and the course in superb condition thanks to the efforts of Course manager Rob Ransome and his team.
Multiple trophy winners this year were top junior Josh Driver, Senior champion Bob Allison and ladies Champion Judith Bedwell.
Top men’s section winner was Ian Tope who won a crystal decanter and glass
Tumble for his scratch and handicap championship double. Other notable winners included: Micheal Manser, who collected 2 Men’s trophies, George Osborn won the Order of Merit, Chris Bartrum the Scratch order of Merit and James Biggs collected the Junior Scratch championship.
The Ladies Volvo finalists also received a special award from Ping for their Stirling efforts
Photo : Junior Winners L-R
Adam Wright – Josh Driver- Chris Bartrum- James Biggs – George Osborn – Micheal Manser
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Diss Ladies in Turnberry Final
The Volvo National golf club challenge finals were held on October 26th on the famous Ailsa course at Turnberry. 5 intrepid Diss ladies led by Captain Di Randall had earned the right to compete in the finals, after qualifying as one of the top four in the country in the Help for Hero’s Volvo sponsored event.
The Diss nominated competition was The Peter Palmer Memorial held in June and Diss qualified with the overall highest aggregate score.
Accompanying Di was 2012 Captain elect Marianne Haines, Sandra Bowman, Kerry Enever and Caroline Grandjean.
After travelling to Scotland on Monday 24th, Tuesday was an official practice day to acclimatise to the course and conditions which were fair but bracing. The practice round scores were recorded and added to the main event scores the highest scoring 2 round player winning a trip to South Africa to play in a World Pro Am event.
Finals day dawned on Wednesday and the weather was again kind, raw but dry with a challenging wind. Nerves were on edge as players tee’d off announced to the on looking crowd by an official European Tour starter. The men’s final teed off first followed by the four ladies teams. Playing stableford at ¾ difference on one of the toughest championship courses in the country didn’t make for high scoring, from the 60 players, top score for the day was 33 points ( a Notts lady playing off 6, who won the trip to S. Africa) and the lowest 5! The Diss Ladies accounted themselves admirably with Kerry Enever top scoring for Diss with 26points unfortunately their total points were not quite enough and the Diss Ladies had to settle for 4th place, winning a Ping bag each.
In the two day individual overall standings Caroline Grandjean came 14th , remarkable considering she had recently been cut 7 shots. After the days play a gala dinner was held in the Turnberry Hotel, where all the players had been accommodated free of charge thanks to Volvo. The experience was one the team and will never forget and you can be sure they will be trying their hardest to qualify again next year.
Closer to home, young Diss golfer Josh Driver was rewarded for his superb hard work this year with an award from the Suffolk Golf Partnership at their annual awards and conference in Ipswich. Josh who attends the Bungay and Stonham golf Academy, was awarded Academy Player of the Year, after seeing his handicap drop this year from 27 to 9.
Redgrave village took on the Lopham’s in the first inter-village trophy, players and regulars from the Cross Keys PH, Redgrave took on golfers from North and South Lopham and the event was sponsored by George and Angie from The Kings Head North Lopham, who supplied an excellent after match dinner. A morning warm up of an 8 hole texas scramble was followed by an afternoon team stableford, with Redgrave taking top spot thanks to 40pts from Sean Rouke.
Seniors John Piper and Michael Pearce won the Daily Mail Foursomes
with a low scoring 66.5 in the difficult foursomes format, they will now go on and represent the club in the knockout stages held in the new year.
Current member Jim Bromley donated a trophy for the over 65’s and this year’s winner was Richard Easlea with 38 points, the seniors also had their annual autumn Texas Scramble with the winning team of Bob Allison, Mike Breen Maurice Costello and Roy Elliot scoring a ten under par, nett 60.
The re-ararranged match with Gt. Yarmouth and Caister saw a much nicer day and with the match being halved this was a fitting result with excellent hosts and most enjoyable fish and chip lunch - always very good at Yarmouth. So Capt Phil Robinson’s year ends well during which he won 22.5 out of 39 matches played .
The ladies held their monthly stableford over two days with Wednesday lady Margaret Hayward scoring an excellent 37pts to win from fast improving Saturday girl Edwina Hughes with 35
As I write this 5 ladies from Diss are competing at the famous Turnberry course in Ayrshire for the Volvo National Golf Club Challenge, one of only four teams nationally to qualify we wish them luck a full report next week.
On a blistering Thursday afternoon Diss men’s team took on the might of Norwich City Football club old boys, with famous names from City’s past such as ex Manager Dave Stringer. The footballers had a strong team and raced into an early lead as the Diss pair of Langmead and Smith just failed to hang on to their lead losing out on the final hole, going into the last match it was advantage to City 2-1 however City’s strong pair of Stringer and Bloxsome were out played losing 4/3 to the Diss pairing of Enever and Bedford whose win earned a worthy draw. With it being too hot for extra time all players retired (again) to the bar for a welcome drink and meal.
The Autumn Todd Cup was a medal competition for the over 18 handicappers and with the Indian summer in full swing 55 players took to the course including under 18 handicappers who competed for a club monthly medal. Overall winner of the Todd cup and the monthly medal was Chris Barker who shot an outrageous nett 60 from his 21 handicap, Chris’s round featured 8 pars and one birdie and he was a clear winner from Kevin Baker nett 64 and the fast improving Caroline Grandjean also with a nett 64. Lowest of the low handicappers was Adrian Mitson with a nett 66.
The summer knockouts concluded with the final of the Captain’s cup between David Bailey and Andrew Fidler it was Andrew who played the better golf with a near faultless display to post a flattering but comfortable 5&4 victory.
In the senior summer knockouts, it was senior club champ Bob Allison who overcame John Doe to take the singles knockout and in the Roger Holmes foursomes, Graz Lembo and Ray Walt beat John Sparks and Bernard Montgomery
The Ladies Autumn Cup was also held in the glorious weather more akin to high summer than the end of September, however some players struggled with the greens which had recently undertaken their Autumn spiking and top dressing, however two high handicappers excelled and it came down to a one shot win for Sue Worthington nett 69 over Edwina Hughes nett 70. This was Sue’s first competition win and could well open the door for many more to come.
Josh wins knockout
Young gun Josh Driver (14) has won another major competition at Diss Golf Club, This time he took the Vincent Trophy, a knockout match-play event played over the summer period for player 12 handicap and above at the time of entry. Having overcome a tight semi –final against Colin Burr, Josh faced another Colin, Colin Gapp to whom Josh had to concede a 7 shot advantage, however after starting on the 9th Tee the match was all over by the 4th with Josh winning 5 & 4. The low handicap final for the Captain’s Cup will be played between David Bailey v and Andrew Fidler in the next couple of weeks.
On Wednesday, Diss was the chosen venue for the Association of Suffolk Golf Captains, with 50 Captain’s past and present from across the county taking advantage of a great day out on a superbly presented golf course, 27 holes were played and enjoyed to the full, followed by a sumptuous carvery, Rookery Park’s Charlie Wildespoon was the winner on the day.
Diss GC head greenkeeper Robert Ransome set up a challenging course for the Senior’s as they competed in the annual Greenkeeper’s challenge and it was the current senior club champ Bob Allison who took up the challenge by posting a winning 39 points, from Mervyn Taylor on 38pts
Last Saturday saw the start of the last of this years ladies group lessons, club professional Nigel Taylor is teaching 16 new lady golfers how to play the game over the next eight weeks, all free of charge, this is the third group of 2011, meaning that over 40 new ladies will have been introduced to golf this year with many going on to take up the clubs new Starter Membership pack.
The Seniors' had a comprehensive victory over Caldecott Hall Seniors' at Diss on Thursday 22nd September with five victories out of 6, the sixth game being halved for a final score of Diss 5 ½ Caldicott ½. Winning Diss pairs were Phil Robinson Captain) & Roger Greenacre 5 & 3, Dave King & David Walker - 4 & 3, Mervyn Taylor & Terry Coppin 3 & 2, Graz Lembo & Peter Harper - 5 & 4, Bob Allison & Geoff Beaujeux - 4 & 3 with Graham Hilton & David Wittekind getting the only half in the match.
Josh Driver – Vincent Cup winner
Last weeks Watson Cup winner Caroline Grandjean:
On a week that saw the Tour of Britain Cycle race pass right through the middle of the course at Stuston it has been a remarkable week for the Ladies.
A female double in Watson cup double was achieved this year when Caroline Grandjean shot a superb nett 62 to win the Autumn competition after Silke Schelenz had earlier taken the spring version. Caroline who was playing off a handicap of 33 was 9 under par and included 6 pars, leading men’s player was new member Daniel Warbey who shot a remarkable 4 over par gross nett 64 off a 10 handicap, both have been rewarded with substantial handicap reductions
Ladies Perrett Trophy probably takes the prize as the most complicated format of the year with both medal and stableford scoring systems being employed. The winner is the player with the lowest score and this years Perrett winner was Jane Izod with a combined total of 15.0 from Rosie Archer on 18.5.
The ladies monthly stableford also took place this week on Monday due to a major county event on Wednesday, Megan Ball was the comprehensive winner with an excellent 39 points beating Barbara Lee by 4 points.
The Senior section have been busy and with rivalries from early season matches renewed a few wrongs were righted. Following a whitewash earlier in the year from Purdis Heath, a home half was a pleasing result, wins for Bob Fryer & Dave Shimell 2 & 1, Bob Allison & Graham Hilton- 2 up, Mervyn Taylor & David Walker 3 & 2 and halves for Nick Bell & Geoff Beaujeux and Bernard Walker & John Sparks, who came back from 4 down to snatch a half on the 18th with a 20ft birdie putt from Bernard Walker. Match result Diss 4 Purdis Heath 4.
Revenge was on the minds of the Stowmarket team after Diss had soundly beaten them in April and despite good wins for Bob Allison & David Shimell - 2 up Dave King & Barry Moore 3 & 2 and Graham Hilton & Geoff Nicholls -3 & 2 it was not good enough and Stowmarket held on for a 5-3 win.
Then it was Diss’s turn to seek revenge against Felixstowe who had inflicted a heavy defeat on our team in July at the coast and with wins for Phil Robinson & John Piper - 4 & 2 Peter Harper & Geoff Beaujeux - 6 & 5 Dave King & Brian Hicks - 2 & 1 John Sparks & Geoff Nicholls - 5 & 4 Bob Allison & Graham Hilton- 4 & 3 and a half for John Doe & Tom Keys a fulfilling 5.5 -2.5 victory was achieved.
Bob was the Golf Club cat until his tragic demise about 5 years ago, in memory of him and with the support of local rock celebrity Rick Wakeman a golfing day was held on Sunday 4th Sepember. With the weather threatening rain but holding off for nearly the whole round, (thanks Bob) 116 golfers set out in a team event, with speciality holes, such as only being allowed to use irons on the par 4 9th hole and double points on the 11th. The winning team, aptly named The Top Cats, of Vice Capt Archie Moore, Ady Moore Steve Biggs and his son, our junior champion, James set the course alight with an amazing 104 points which included 6 birdies. After the golf comedian Adger Brown entertained the golfers with a hilarious stand-up routine. All in all a day that Bob would have been proud of.
Finishing off the Presidents day’s were the Ladies who on Wednesday31st were entertained by Club President John Walker, an individual stableford saw an excellent turnout with over 30 ladies competing, including those ladies who generally play on Saturday’s and it was Dr Silke Schelenz who had an amazing round, scoring 45 points, winning from Judith Bedwell 37 points and Amy Bray with 36 points.
On Thursday the men had a very close fought match against Sprowston Manor, playing at Diss three of the four matches were drawn with John Pacy and Chris Lawson providing Diss with the winning points to gain a 2.5 – 1.5 victory
The seniors took on Feltwell away also on Thursday and another win for Phil Robinson’s team by 4 – 2
Saturday 27th was the annual Mixed Open, 96 golfers from as far a field as Wareham in Dorset played a mixed Greensome format with home couple Kerry and Steve Enever winning with 41pts. The visitors from Wareham, Bob Cole and Helen Milne were the top placed visitors with Essex Couple, Roger and Margaret Byford from Gosfield Lakes taking 3rd. A superb raffle prize donated by local company Mui Tsun photography also raised over £200 for the Captains charity.
The Jack Gillett mixed trophy was held on bank holiday Monday with a shotgun start, 14 couples competed in foursomes with Jane Brooke and Harold Halil scoring 37pts in difficult conditions due to a strong wind, runners up on count back were Jean Halil and Adrian Izod with 35pts.
A two day roll-up over the bank holiday weekend was played for the Men’s August stableford. Players on Sunday had the better of the conditions as the wind grew stronger on Monday. Sunday players Josh Driver and David Goring both high scored on 43 pts with Josh winning on count back.
On Thursday the men took on Eaton away, a really close affair, Eaton took the first two matches, with Diss fighting back strongly to take 2 ½ points from the last 3 to salvage a well deserved draw. Diss winning pairs were Adam Wright and Reg Mayhew 2&1, Graham Hilton and Ray Parker halved and Chris Lawson and Steve Enever won 2&1, Match Result Eaton G C 2.5 Diss G C 2.5
The Seniors found their matches affected by the weather especially the rain. At Southwold, Bob Allison & Bernard Walker 4 & 3 and Mervyn Taylor & David Shimell 5 & 4 were the only winners in a 4-2 defeat. The rain also effected the Ladies & Seniors Greensomes at Diss, however after an early drenching the sun came out to dry off the players. Best score on the day was an excellent 45pts from Kelly Saunders and Peter Montgomery, with the Captains team of Di Randall and Phil Robinson coming 2nd on 43pts. At Gt. Yarmouth & Caister GC on Friday 26 August there was no chance of any play in the Seniors match and the game was subsequently abandoned and rescheduled to be played on Friday 21 October.
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Thank you Mr President
Mr John Walker hosted two of his Presidents days this week, on Wednesday 18th, it was the Junior’s who turned out in rather inclement weather. In the low handicap medal competition, despite the continual rain, there were three excellent scores under par. George Couchy came through to win with a net 66. Second was Chris Lee on net 69 just pushing Adam Wright into third on count-back. In the high handicap competition Josh Overall, playing his first competition, won with another strong performance from Eloise Hamilton-Barrett in second and Sam Hunt in third.
On Saturday it was the turn of the Men to be hosted by Mr President, with a fine array of crystal-ware on offer as prizes. On a beautiful sunny day it was Andy Thorpe, who blitzed the rest of the field with a fine stableford 45pts, winning by 4pts from Simon Palmer with 41pts. Worthy of note was the eagle from Jason Sewell on the par 5 18th, as his carded 3 included a penalty drop, meaning he actually only hit the ball twice to hole out on this 470yard hole.
The junior pair’s competition reached its climax last week and the strong pairing of Junior champion James Biggs and Josh Driver were this years winners
Diss GC Seniors' had another busy week with two home matches against Costessey Park and Haverhill respectively in the first match Captain Phil Robinson playing with Mike Costello continued his great run of wins with a 4&3 win to lead the team to a 4-2 victory.
Other Diss winners were Bob Allison & Graham Hilton 2 & 1 Dave King & Mike Doig 4 & 3 Chris Castle & John Sparks 2 & 1 In the 2nd match of the week against a strong Haverhill squad Robinson again led from the front this time with Bernard Walker to record a 3&2 win. Backed up with wins from Graz Lembo & Ray Walt 4 & 2, Bob Fryer & John Sparks 2 & 1,
Bob Allison & Brian Hicks 5 & 3, Peter Montgomery & Peter Harper halved and
Dave King & Colin Wyer won 1up, meaning another fine win by 5.5 to 2.5 On a perfect Friday afternoon 32 golfers from Diss and Bawburgh Teed off at Stuston. Playing a mixed Greensome format most of the matches were well fought and close. This year it was Diss, making the most of their home advantage who won by 5 matches – 3 followed by an excellent meal in great company.
James is Junior Champion
In the Diss Junior Club Championship’s a record breaking 20 competitors encountered breezy but mainly dry conditions. James Biggs blitzed the field of 13 in the 18 hole tournament with an excellent score of 74 gross. In second place was the ever improving Josh Driver with a 79 and in third was Amy Bray, the top female junior golfer with 81, 6 under her handicap making her the lowest scorer in the Handicap competition with a nett 64. George Couchy continued his good form of recent weeks with net 65 followed closely by Nathan Lamb who had a net 66. in the high handicap competition over 8 holes there was a tight finish with Lee Bray just beating Tamzin Knight-Stimpson by one point, 16 stableford points to 15. In his first competition Oliver Niblett came third with 12. Special thanks go to helper Neville Hunt who did the scores and rulings for juniors in the high handicap competition.
Jame’s good form was rewarded with a call up to the Suffolk County under 16’s in their 4 County Skevington Trophy competition held at Diss, James scored well shooting under his handicap but it was the team from Essex who dominated the day winning the individual and team format.
In near perfect conditions 12 adult/junior pairs played an 18 hole greensomes competition for the 2011 cup on Sunday 14th August. It was looking like James Biggs and Dave Smith would win with 42 points until the last group in provided the winners, Jay Turvey and Club Vice Captain Archie Moore - who scored 46. In third place on 40 points were Ben Sturman and John Pacy.
Bob Papaik was a popular USAF serviceman who during his time in England was a member at Diss GC, he donated a trophy for the seniors to compete for annually and this year it was new member Barry Day who played a superb round, for a nett 65 to win by 4 shots from David Parkins and Geoff Honour both on nett 69.
The ladies held their monthly stableford, Jane Izod’s 39 points proved to much for the rest of the Wednesday field and the Saturday ladies were also unable to topple Jane.
Hillside Office supplies sponsored their “Classic” on Saturday with a maximum handicap in a stableford format a keen contest was fought. Main sponsor Darren Maskell nearly pulled off winning his own competition with 41 points, however it was that man Michael Manser who again took the honours with an excellent 42 points
The Diss men’s team travelled to Sprowston Manor on Wednesday 10th however they were unable to make much impact on a strong home team losing the match 3-1 with only match Captain David Pearson and Mervyn Taylor securing a 2&1 win all other matches were lost.
Diss Seniors' retain “Tin Hat"
Diss Golf club Seniors' Section were able to retain the "tin hat"- the coveted trophy that is played for twice annually between Diss GC and Bungay GC Senior Sections for this prestigious prize. This is now the fifth year that Diss have held onto the trophy. The final score was 5.5 – 2.5.The Diss winners were Phil Robinson (Captain) & Mervyn Taylor 4 & 3, Bob Allison & Mike Doig 6 & 5, Bob Fryer & Brian Langmead - 3 & 2, Nick Bell & Dave King halved, Richard Easlea and Graham Hilton - 5 & 4, Bernard Walker & Peter Harper 5 & 4. The following day the Seniors held their summer Bar-B Q event with over 60 people enjoying a hog roast and sumptuous deserts prepared by the members wives. The day coincided with Captain Phil Robinson’s birthday and the weather held fine for a lovely afternoon in the sun.
Chris Bartrum continued his strong run of form with a good performance for Suffolk 2nds away against a strong Lincolnshire side, Chris holed a 20 footer on the last to salvage a half in the morning foursomes, then was one of the few Suffolk victors in the afternoon singles winning 2&1, the overall match score was Lincolnshire 2nds 8.5 Suffolk 2nds 3.5.
A fine Sunday roast dinner followed a superb day’s golf, as the Diss members played with their invited guests in the annual men’s Invitational event, a pairs better ball stableford. Winning pair were Ken Bowman and his guest Colin Hill who scored 44 points to beat last years winner Steve Biggs playing this year with John Rhind.
The Junior August stableford turned into a shoot out between two of the clubs leading juniors, Michael Manser and James Biggs. Both lads scored exceptionally well with Michael just outscoring James by one point to win with 43points, both have received worthy handicap reductions with Michael now off 10.4 and James down to 6.6.
The August Ladies medal took place on Wednesday with Jean Halil scoring a one over par nett 72 to take the honours from Helena Honour on nett 74, lowest gross went to Judith Bedwell with a gross 88, net 75.
Diss Golf clubs lowest handicapped golfer Chris Bartrum was in fine form at the weekend in the George Long Tankard medal, Chris shot an excellent 5 under par gross 65, nett 64 to seal a victory from young George Osborn who carded a nett 65 who won the Div 2 group and Anthony Beaumont the Div 3 winner with a nett 66. Chris’s round contained 5 birdies including the notoriously difficult 13th, no bogeys and equalled the medal competition course record.
The former Lady Captain’s of Diss Golf club held their annual competition on Friday, although a small and select field the competition and standard was strong. Top scorer was Barbara Lee, Captain in 1991 who scored an excellent 40 points.
The Ladies July Stableford was another keenly fought competition with a tie at the top on 37 points between Jane Lovell and Rosie Archer, on this occasion it was Rosie who prevailed on count back over the last nine holes for her 2nd win of the month after taking the lady Seniors trophy on Captains day.
Thursday saw the end of a valiant run for the higher handicap Ladies in the newly formatted Cranworth. Playing Bury St Edmunds over 36 at Crettingham Golf Club, the Diss ladies play well but Bury had an all round stronger side out and progressed to the next round, however the competition was great fun and the experience gained bodes well for next year.
The Senior Section have been on the road again, with away matches against Richmond Park and Swaffham. Richmond Park proved to strong for Diss on their home track with only the pair of Phil Robinson (Captain) & Tom Keys recording a 5 & 3 win. Bob Fryer & John Sparks managed a half, resulting in a 1.5/4.5 defeat.
However things improved against Swaffham in a thrilling match, which saw Diss win the last two matches to tie the score at 3/3. Winning pairs were Terry Gibbons & Nick Bell 1 up, Graz Lembo & David Shimell 3 & 1 and Bob Allison & Dave King 7 & 6,
Result - Match halved.
Captain Paul Wright, held his Captains day event on Saturday, a full house of 102 golfers took on the course with a shotgun start. There were a number of spot prizes including a bag raffle for all those good enough to hit the 4th green won by Barry Fisher, Nick Whitehead won the individual competition with 44 points from runner up Godfrey Batley on 40 points
After the prize giving golfers and guests settled down to a fun Race night and hog roast, with £1000 being raised for Paul’s chosen charity the Quiddenham hospice.
A couple of days before Lady Captain Di Randall organised her Captain’s day and a super morning’s team golf was enjoyed by the ladies section, they were then joined for lunch by some of the past Lady Captains. Winner’s on the day were the team of Lorna Burroughes, Helena Honour and appropriately, Birthday Girl, Jill Driver
Great news just in The Ladies section have qualified for the Finals of the prestigious Volvo National Golf Club Challenge final at the world famous Turnberry Golf Resort.
The final will be held on the 25th and 26th of October and will decide the 2011 Volvo National Golf Club Challenge Champions. The ladies achieved qualification after excellent scores in the area qualifying event, the Peter Palmer Memorial held at Diss Golf in June.
A busy week for interclub fixtures saw the Seniors host Gorleston seniors and record a fine 6/2 victory with wins for Phil Robinson (Capt) & Bob Fryer 3 & 2, Bob Allison & Peter Harper 1 up, Geoff Honour & David Wittekind 1up, Nick Bell & John Sparks 5 & 3,John Piper & Denis Cheek 5 & 4, Mervyn Taylor & David Walker 3 & 2.
The Men’s section had an honourable draw away against Bungay and Waveney G.C
Diss winners were David Pearson( Capt ) & Mike Clews 8&7 and Chris Lawson & John Pacy who won 3&2.
On Monday afternoon Diss hosted a Thetford mixed team who unfortunately were one pair short, so a Diss pair became honorary Thetfordians for the match. After 4 matches the result was all square so it all came down to the final match, unfortunately for Diss their swapped pair, playing for Thetford of Sue Attwood and Doug Bedford were victorious 6up so a technical win for Thetford but a moral win for Diss.
Reigning champion Judith BEDWELL went into this years Diss Golf Club Ladies Championship as favourite to lift the Silver Scratch trophy , however the pressure was on from a host of fast improving ladies noticeably young Amy Bray playing in her first club championship. The gruelling 36 - hole medal format, played in a single day really sorts out the best and fittest golfers. The morning round saw Judith, with a gross 88 take a narrow 3 shot lead from Amy and Val Mendham who led the Handicap championship from another new comer, big hitting Dr Silke Schelenz in with a nett 75. In the afternoon round 1st off Judith posted a gross 89 for a total of 177, meaning the chasing pack would have to shoot at least 3 shots lower, a target just out of reach as both Amy and Val shot 93’s. Val’s nett 74 however enough, to take the handicap title, which she also won last year. Winner of the bronze trophy was Marianne Haines and Rosie Archer won the Seniors 18 - hole championship with a nett 76.
The Michael Bailey Pairs changed its format to a 4ball better ball and saw impressive scoring on a course now playing noticeably longer, due to rain bringing rapid growth to the fairways and rough. Winners were Nicholas WHITEHEAD and Ben SUNDERLAND, who posted an impressive 45points, just enough to see off the 44 points of young guns Michael Manser and Adam Wright
New member Barry Day scored his first club victory in this monthly Seniors stableford with a convincing 41 points and 3 shot win over another new member Mike Breen with 38 points.
While Darren Clarke was winning the Open, the weather just about stayed on track for the Discover South Norfolk event at Long Stratton and Diss Golf Club provided free instruction and golf practice in an huge inflatable net free to all-comers, the Golf was one of the most popular stands with over 50 youngsters trying out their skills under the supervision of the clubs management team. The net will be up again on Sunday 24th at the Clubs open day why not come along and see if you are the next Rory.
On Friday, Captain Paul Wright held a charity day with teams of four competing for a variety of prizes. A good meal was followed by prize giving, a charity auction and raffle with over £1700 being raised for the E.A.C.H. at Quiddenham.
Diss Golf Clubs premier club competition, the Club Championship, took place on Saturday and Sunday over 36 holes. With course in the best condition of the year, the greens running fast and the weather holding fine, everything was set for a festival of golf. Saturday was a closely contested affair and by the end of play the scratch event was still in the balance. Jason Sewell set the lowest score on 74, with the trio of pre-event favourite Chris Bartrum, Chris’s father Shaun and Ian Tope close behind on 75. With the leaders teeing off later in the day on Sunday it all came down to the last three holes as Chris, Jason and Ian were all still in contention and it was the highest handicapper of the three Ian Tope (8) who pared his way home to finish with a 72 to take the title as the other’s dropped shots. Ian’s two round total of 147, nett 131 also meant he took the handicap event by being 9 under.
The Comedians golf society visited Diss on Tuesday, with the funny men including local celebrity Rick Wakeman and society chairman Miki Travis, making up teams with local players to raise money for charity. Perfect weather meant the players had a great day on the course and many a laugh was heard rolling across the common.
At the after match meal the comedians entertained with close up magic tricks followed by a full evening cabaret show including stand up comic’s and an amazing performance from Jay Rawlings with a tribute to Neil Diamond. The day raised £1800 split between local charity EACH and the Comedians own charity.
Mervyn Taylor was acting captain for this years match at Bawburgh, when last years result of a Diss win of 4- 2 was overturned to a 2-4 loss. Diss winners were Denis Cheek and Mervyn Taylor, with Denis holing out at the last to win 1 up and Barry Moore and Richard Easlea, who had to overcome a strong Bawburgh pairing to win 3 & 2. The overall match was notable for the large amount of buggies that were hired, this could either be through the Diss team requiring more fitness training or the Bawburgh course being particularly hilly. The Bawburgh team were the perfect hosts in what finished as a most enjoyable game despite the loss.
The ladies monthly medal was won by Sue Worthington who carded an excellent nett 69 to win by two shots from Sandra Bowman with a nett 71.
Roger Laurie was on hand to present the Laurie Cup to Michael MANSER aged 15, Michael won in impressive style for over 80 other golfers with a superb 43 points of his 13 handicap. He managed to negoiciate the front nine holes in level par and has seen his handicap reduce to 12 but we are sure that there is a lot more to come from this Diss youngster. Runners up went to another improving young man Ben STURMAN and the not so young but very tall Andy MACK both with 40PTS
The annual Seniors championship took place on the hottest two days of the year so far, played over 36 holes many felt the heat, however a strong pace was set on day one by Tom Keys who hit a nett 66 with Bob Allison leading the scratch competition with a gross 76. With the weather slightly less oppressive on day two the scores were again tight a late charge from last years winner Graz Lembo with a 66 was not quite enough as Bob Allison with a gross 80 took the scratch competition and Tom Keys, who only joined the club last year, held on with a nett 72 to take the handicap title
The Ladies held a split handicap competition for the Queen Mother cup and Stableford Trophy, winner of the Queen Mother Cup for lower handicappers was Jean Rickard with 37 points with Sam Edwards scoring 36 pts to take the higher handicap Trophy.
Under idyllic golf conditions on a beautiful summer morning Diss Seniors travelled to Reymerston GC seeking revenge for a 5/1 drumming last year. Captain Phil Robinson lead the field back to the clubhouse with a tough halved result achieved after being two down at one stage, achieved by scoring "in and out" with his partner John Sparks who especially had an "eagle" at the tenth hole plus some excellent putting by himself. Chris Castle & Brian Hicks had a good win also with 6&4 and Dave King & Jim Bromley with a 3 & 2 win. With two other matches lost and two halved an overall match result of a drawn game was a very fair result which although not quite the win that was hoped for at the start, seemed a perfect result at the end.
The men’s team travelled to Costessey Park however were outplayed by the home side John Pacy and Steve Enever were the only winners in a 5 / 1 defeat.
The Diss ladies progressed into round two of the Cranworth Trophy after an excellent win over Seckford GC held on neutral ground at the Bury St Edmunds GC. The morning foursomes were a tight affair, an impressive 4 ½ point win from the Diss pair of Edwards and Rickards put the team in contention but by the start of the singles, Seckford were holding a narrow one shot, 8-7 lead. The singles saw Diss off to a flyer, with wins from Ingram, Rickard and Chamberlain, the later two recording 5 point maximums, needing one point from the last two matches, Sam Edwards then sealed the win with a 4 ½ point victory.
Diss golfers lined up at the weekend to support their respective east Anglian football clubs and reflecting the season’s success it was Norwich who came out on top beating their Ipswich rivals 3 -2
For the Ladies, June’s monthly individual competition was a stableford, Caroline Grandjean set the pace in the weekend A group, with 37 points. The midweek ladies however were up to the challenge and Celia Pearson and Barbara Lee both carded 37 pts with Celia coming out victorious using the count back system.
The Merv Nelson Trophy, previously known as the Veterans knockout is a pairs competition using the better ball, stableford format, first off at 08.00 were Mike DOIG and Graham HILTON and they posted a formidable total of 44pts including 9 nett birdies. They lead from start to finish with second place going to the pairing of Tom KEYS and Jim BROMLEY on 42 points
Following on from our first successful Open day a second Open day will be held on Sunday 24th July, all are invited to come along and try their skills, free lessons are available, an inflatable net and a Bar –B –Q. There will also be a free entry draw with a membership package as the first prize.
On Saturday the men fought it out in some turbulent conditions, especially for the later players in the Bardwell Cup an Order of merit stableford. Late starters Mark Rose and Ian Hubbard had the worst of the weather but both managed 41 pts with Mark having a superb 24pts on the back nine to clinch to competition on count back. Followers of our rising star Josh Driver who celebrated his 13th birthday this week were heartened by another impressive performance of 40pts, seeing his handicap cut down to 14.
On a beautiful Monday morning the annual Ladies v Seniors match tee’d off early at 09.00, seven teams contested the match which saw the seniors who were conceding not only age but also a lot of shots, run out comfortable winners 5 -2
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) charity was the beneficiary to the sum of £260 from this Seniors medal competition, Dave Pearson was unstoppable with a superb nett 63 although he was pushed hard by Bernard Walker with a nett 65.
In a hastily arranged fixture due to Gorleston cancelling, Diss hosted Eaton on a balmy summer evening, with the golf almost as good as the after dinner jokes Diss romped home to a 4 – 1 win with the best results coming from Bob Allison and Dave King who won 6 & 5 and John Pacy and Reg Mayhew victorious by 5 & 4
On Saturday evening over 80 revellers attended the Diss Golf Club Summer Ball, sitting down to a four course feast and entertainment from famous “new faces” winning comedian Roger de Courcey and “Nookie Bear”, music came from local singer Amy Langmead
The annual “Grannies competition” for the Kathy Daish vase took place on Monday, an excellent turnout of grandmothers playing 15 holes in a stableford format. In fine weather Val Mendham took the honours with a superb 31 pts and a very pleasant day was topped off with sumptuous afternoon tea, reflecting on the day’s golf and reminiscing over days gone by.
On Sunday, a mixed stableford competition sponsored by The Happy Palace Chinese restaurant saw good scoring especially from the men with John Burroughes winning on 43 pts from Andy Rose 40pts. That evening all the golfers met up for a superb four course Chinese banquet feast and prize giving at the Happy Palace.
The senior section took on local rivals at Halesworth on Tuesday 7th where Section Captain Phil Robinson led a rampant Diss Seniors' team to a convincing win 6-2. The hosts were most magnanimous in defeat providing an excellent after match meal.
Diss’s run in the interclub over 55’s “Parks” competition was brought to an end by a very strong Hintlesham Hall team, a very high standard of golf saw Diss needing a win on the last hole of the last match to force a play-off but despite a valiant effort, Mervyn Taylors birdie putt skirted the hole and with it went Diss’s hopes.
This week the Ladies section held a EWGA medal for the Foundation Brooch, scoring was around par and conditions appeared to favour the lower handicap golfers. Jane Lovall took a deserved victory with a nett 70, closely followed by Val Mendham and Ruth Ingram with nett 71’s
Sunday also saw the Suffolk Amateur Championship at Hintlesham Hall and Diss were represented by no fewer than four golfers. Best for Diss over the 36 holes was Chris Bartrum who tied for 21st place overall and has qualified for next weekends county match play finals.
£600 raised for Help the Heroes in Peter’s memory
It was a full house on Saturday for the inaugural mixed stableford in memory of ex Capt Peter Palmer, 108 Golfers Tee’d off led by Peters son Simon. With Peter being an ex military man, the event supported the charity “Help the Heroes” an excellent £600 was raised by the golfers. Peter’s wife Pinkie, donated prizes for each of the sections taking part and was on hand to present them in person. Winner overall, continuing her rich vein of form was Marianne Haines with 43 pts, Seniors winner was Peter Thorpe with 42.With Marianne only allowed one prize, the ladies section winner was Kerry Enever with 41pts and junior winner was Adam Wright with 41pts.
On Wednesday the Ladies played for the Laurie Cup, Helena Honour returned a remarkable nett 65 to win by 3 shots from Chris Clews nett 68. Loacal family and sponsor’s, Roger and Diane Laurie enjoyed a great meal with the players after and presented the prizes.
On Sunday while Diss’s Chris Bartrum representing the Suffolk 2nds were away against Northamptonshire, Diss had the honour of hosting the Suffolk 1st team match against Northants 1st’s. The Diss course, as usual provided a good test of golf, even for the county’s best, with Suffolk just losing out to a strong Northants side 5-7.
The Diss mixed team visited Ryston GC on Friday afternoon, where the slightly greener conditions were enjoyed by the Diss team who recorded a deserved win 4-2
On Thursday under sunny skies and dry conditions, Diss took on Bungay in the Suffolk Junior Team Handicap Cup. Using a stableford scoring system with all three scores counting, Diss had a very close and exciting game which went to the last hole of the last match before victory was guaranteed. Diss amassed 111 points to Bungay’s 108 with Adam Wright setting a fine pace, top scoring for Diss with 41 points, Chris Lee was solid with 34pts and captain George Osborn came through with 36 to seal the win.
Congratulations must also go to Ben Sturman aged 17 palying off a handicap of 19, whilst competing in the club’s juniors pairs knockout, managed his first Hole in One at the tricky par 3, 4th
Peter Palmer memorial L –R P.Wright, J.Barnes, S.Palmer, I.Tope, Amy Bray, K.Enever, M.Haines, Pinkie Palmer, Henry Palmer, P.Thorpe, Adam Wright, J.Sewell
Adam Wright
Ladies Laurie Cup. L-R :Pat Brown, Judith Bedwell, Celia Pearson, Chris Clews, Diane Laurie, Roger Laurie, Helena Honour, Joy Walker, Betty Belson, Jane Fishwick.
James pulls off BIGG win
After disappointing results in the Hambro and Tolly competitions it was left to the Stenson scratch team to restore some much needed confidence. Tough opposition was provided by Gorleston who fielded 5 ex county champions but with home advantage Diss were not overawed, morning foursome wins for Archie Moore & James Biggs and Jason Sewell & Darren Maskell set the pace but the match turned in Diss’s favour when Steve Biggs and Adrian Mitson fought back from 5 down at the turn, winning the final three holes to snatch a ½, Afternoon singles wins from Moore, Chris Bartrum and Sewell put Diss on the brink of victory, which was sealed when player of the day James Biggs still a junior at 15 years and usually a 8 handicapper beat scratch player John Maddock 4 & 3 to pull off a fine, overall 7 -5 win. Next up a testing trip to Rookery Park on the 16th June.
The Cranworth, a Ladies competition played on neutral ground, saw Diss march forward in to round two with a convincing 16-29 win at Haverhill over Rookery Park In the morning foursomes Steph Mendham & Marianne Haines and Helena Honour & Sam Edwards got the team off to a flyer with 9 ½ points and afternoon singles maximums from Steph and Helena helped secure a superb away win.
Marianne continued her fine run of form by winning the May Stableford with 40 pts.
The Mann Cup was this year’s designated EGU Gold Medal competition sponsored by London Pride, with the winner, in with a chance of qualifying for the Grand Final at the EGU home of Golf at Woodhall Spa, three players Josh Driver, Andrew Davey and Ben Sunderland tied for 2nd with nett 67’s but it was Mel Shaw who ran out overall winner with a classy nett 66.
In the bank holiday Monday sunshine, 48 players turned out for a mixed team Texas Scramble, scoring was excellent in fine conditions, with the winning team of Pat Brown, Jane Izod, Tony Beaumont and John Pacy, recording 5 birdies to win with nett 58.3
The Seniors took on Gorleston on a windy day by the seaside, where the conditions suited the home side more than Diss, who had more than one visit to the beach.
Only John Piper & Denis Cheek managed a win as the home team ran out 7/1 victors.
A hundred players competed in the Pat Lewis Stableford on Saturday. With Allan Byrne narrowly beating Daniel Meadows on count back after both players scored 43 points. Allan playing off a 16 handicap started strongly with a run of five pars, and despite a slight wobble in the middle finished strongly with an excellent par on the tough 13th. A mention should go to the outstanding gross round of 65 by scratch golfer 18 year old Chris Bartrum, which was comfortably the lowest gross competition score at the club this year. Another noteable score was that of 14 year old Michael Manser, whose 42 points forced his way into the clubs Tolly team. The winner of the ladies section was Celia Pearson with 40 points. Prizes were presented by the sponsor Pat Lewis.
The Seniors section had a busy week, with two home matches against Bawburgh and Hintlesham Hall respectively. Both matches were closely fought with Diss narrowly defeat 2.5/3.5 against Bawburgh, despite an excellent 5&4 win for Nick Bell & Jim Bromley. Equally Diss again were just beaten 3.5/4.5 by Hintlesham, despite Captain Phil Robinson and partner David Walker leading the team with a comfortable 5&4 victory.
Jenny Chamberlin and Marianne Haines will be eagerly waiting to see whether they have qualified through to the finals of the national Ping Fourball Better Ball competition. The pair won the competition at Diss on Wednesday 18th May with 39 points and must now wait and see if their score is good enough to qualify through to play at the Gainsborough Golf Club in September.
Edwina Hughes stormed to victory in the Pauline Burroughes Salver Ladies competition on Wednesday 11th with 40pts her best ever competitive round at the club, a stunning back nine saw four net birdies and two nett eagles, runner up was Steph Mendham with 38pts.
The juniors were out on Saturday in the May Cup, the only competition of the year where the high handicappers (28+) play with the low handicappers. Victory this year for a high handicapper, Archie Brydon (11years old) who scored an aggregated 46 pts to win on count back from James Briddon (16), with Ed Lacy claiming third with 42pts. In the low handicap division Josh Driver continued to improve with 37 pts followed by Ben Sturman 36 pts. Archie and James have been rewarded with official handicaps and promotion to the low handicap division.
The Seniors section have had a busy week, a well attended open was preceded by back to back matches against Yarmouth & Caister at Stuston then Rookery Park away. Yarmouth & Caister proved far too strong for Diss with the only Robinson & Mckenzie and Hilton & Coppin saving halves in a disappointing 1/5 loss, however another day another match and an away trip to Rookery Park saw fortunes change with wins for King & Hilton 5&3, Fryer & Brown 2&1,Taylor & Cheek 4&2, Allison & Lembo 2 up, Norman & Wittekind 1 up to claim and emphatic 5/3 victory.
Travelling to Thetford for a day out in their mixed open were Diss Pair of David Bailey and Judith Bedwell and what a day it turned out for them as their 39pts topped the leader board to take home 1st place and a bottle of champagne. Judith then won first place in the raffle with the prize free entry in to next years competition where they can defend their title.
And its good news and good luck wishes for Samantha Edwards as she has qualified in the regions top ten, for the 2011 EWGA Grand Medal Final at Droitwich Golf club on June 25th .
May Cup: L - R, Ed Lacy , winner Archie Brydon, Josh Driver and Ben Sturman
Pauline Burroughes Salver, L- R Steph Mendham, winner Edwina Hughes, Di Randall Club Capt.
Andy “Drives” to Victory
Saturday’s order of Merit medal competition was sponsored by John Grose Cars of Diss, 82 golfer’s tee’ed off at the same time in a shotgun start. The summer conditions continue to produce low scores with Andy Aldous and promising junior Chris Lee (14) tied with nett 64’s. Andy taking first place on count back, winning a cup and golf bag, presented by Doug Bloxome, sales manager for John Grose.
On Wednesday 4th the Ladies played a medal competition for the Muriel Ogle trophy, awarded since 1953, this is always a keenly contested event and this year was no less so. Keeping the family run of success going was Jill Driver who won with a nett 67, Jill’s grandson Josh has already won two competitions this year. The match saw what is to most golfers a rare event, a hole in one, achieved by Margaret Hayward at the 4th hole, however this is Margaret’s 3rd hole in one over her golfing career and who’s to say there wont be more to come.
The Diss Seniors also held a memorial competition in the guise of the Bertie Daish trophy, over 60 seniors played in excellent conditions, the stableford scoring system of allocating points for shots played per hole was used and Richard Easlea who pared the last three holes to score 40 points, four under his handicap of 17 to take victory from Ron Ashdown and seniors Capt Phil Robinson both on 39 points.
Representing your county is always an honour in any sport and this week saw Chris Bartrum represent Suffolk 2nd’s at Stowmarket in a match against Norfolk 2nd’s, Chris playing in the morning with Adam Woodhead from Newton Green beat Yuell and Tidy 4&2 then in the afternoon singles, was the only Suffolk player to remain unbeaten on the day with a convincing 5&4 victory over Sean Larkins. Suffolk 2nds took the match 8 – 4.
During this the club started an number of evening golfing events. The first of a series of 8 beginners Ladies group lessons was held on Wednesday at 6pm, any ladies interested in joining this group or the Saturday morning group should contact the club or pro shop on 01379644399. New juniors are welcome to the Monday evening 6pm roll up and new club members can roll up at 6pm on Thursday’s for a very social 8 holes.
Andy Aldous centre, with right, Doug Bloxome (john Grose cars) and left club captain Paul Wright
Margaret Hayward hole in one @ 4th
Chris Bartrum suffolk county 2nds
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