Golf Station Champs

RAF High Wycombe Golf held its 2022 Station Golf Championships at Harleyford Golf Club in Marlow. 16 players, from all areas of the station, came together to play in the main golf competition of the year.

Players handicaps ranged from Scratch up to 22, and Harleyford provided a tough test of ability with extremely fast greens and rock-hard unforgiving fairways that could reward an excellent shot with an unpredictable bounce into the deep rough. Conditions were extremely hot, in full sun and with very little wind. The key to playing well was keeping it on the fairways and mastering the slick greens, some of which sported almost impossible pin positions where achieving a par was a true demonstration of the old Ben Hogan adage ‘‘drive for show – putt for dough’. The conditions were extremely stamina testing – especially so during the afternoon round where temperatures peaked around 36 degrees! However, all made it successfully round and an excellent day was had by all.

There were some noteworthy performances over the 18 holes with Sgt Storey and Al Smith winning nearest the pin, MACR Reynolds and WO Semmence winning the longest drives and WO Gail Lawrence and Luke Slaney nearest the pin in 2 shots. The Championships were played as a Stableford competition, with two trophies up for grabs: best gross score and best net score. The winner of the net prize was Mr Luke Slaney, scoring a very respectable 68 points. Best gross score and RAF High Wycombe Champion Golfer of the Year went to Wg Cdr Jamie Nickless, who scored 63 points for both rounds and an excellent 1-over-gross on the second round which was an outstanding score given the demanding conditions.

The Golf Committee would like to thank everyone who played and for getting involved with Station Golf; without the support of its members these competitions would not be the success they are. We would also like to thank the Station Gym for their support to RAF High Wycombe Golf over the year, facilitating the all the admin and providing assistance with funding. Thanks also goes to Sqn Ldr Sharpe, who organised the event and WO Athol Semmence who assisted with the ‘on the day’ pre-play admin. Finally, thanks must go to Sam Clapham and the team at Harleyford for their hospitality and allowing us to play an excellent course in such good condition.

If you are interested in getting involved with Station Golf, playing in our local training events or representing the Station in the Chiltern League or in RAF events then please visit our SharePoint page (under the High Wycombe Community tab) to sign up and to also find out further information on forthcoming events. Wg Cdr Jamie Nickless receiving the RAF High Wycombe Champion Golfer of the Year Trophy for best gross score from Sqn Ldr Steve Sharpe.

Luke Slaney receiving the trophy for best net score from Sqn Ldr Steve Sharpe.