Golfers back in the swing

The weather was glorious and Stocksbridge golf course was pristine as golfers returned again to the fairways on 13th May after a 7 week lay off due to the closure of the course due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Whilst initially only permitting social golf and 2 ball matches, restrictions have now been relaxed to allow 4 ball matches and competitive golf. The first competition was held on Saturday 30th May and early indications were that the lay off had done little to affect the quality of the golf with three players scoring 40 points. On a countback of the back nine the winner was Jonathon Bradley (17), second place was Chay Murphy (13) and third place was Alf Pearson (24).

On the following week, June 6th the weather was not so kind but that did not deter golfers who had been cooped up for seven weeks turning out to enjoy the game and the competition. This week the winner was Andrew Finney (05) with a very impressive gross score of just 2 shots over par giving him 39 points. Chay Murphy (12) having lost a shot off his handicap from the previous week still managed second place with 37 points and Curt Newton (29) took third place also with 37 points but beaten on the back nine.

The third week of competition on June 13th also saw a wet start to the event with later players enjoying the best of the weather. This time it was Liam O’Sullivan (05) captain of the league team who played the course to par for an excellent 41 points, with James Stothard (13) in second place with 40 points and Andrew Finney (05) again playing well with 39 points to take 3rd place. These results put both Liam O’Sullivan and Andrew Finney on an exact handicap of 4.5 and just one good round away from a handicap reduction to 4.

After some very heavy rain throughout the week the weather relented at the weekend and the course which had benefitted from the rain was in immaculate condition. It was perfect weather for golf on the 20th June. Curt Newton (27) continued his good form despite having lost two shots off his handicap to win the competition with 40 points with Richard Grimmer (18) one point behind on 39 points and David Hardy (16) in third place with 37 points.

The ladies section kicked off their competitions on 31st May with the vice captain Heather Evans (33) winning convincingly with 38 points ahead of Ann Whitfield (29) on 32 points and Margaret Pearson (25) continuing her good form from last year in third place with 31 points. Lady Captain Helen Moffett (29) hosted a Captains competition on June 14th and then went on to win the competition with 36 points with Ann Whitfield (29) again taking runner up position with 34 points and Ann O’Donnel (15) in third with 30 points

During the first four weeks following relaxation of the lockdown the club has welcomed many visitors who have enjoyed the magnificent views from the top of the course which many of them remarked was in excellent condition. The club welcomes visitors who can book a round by phoning the pro shop on 01142882779.