Norris & Rowe Prevail In Tough Conditions

(Seniors Captain Warwick Holland reports)

30 mph winds and rain, hollow tined greens and sand, didn’t stop exceptional scoring again in the 2nd Round of the CGU Seniors Order of Merit at West Cornwall GC on 20th March 2023.

Best performances and top marks go to Guy Norris (Trevose) and Andy Rowe (Looe) who both returned one under par 68’s or 37 points. I can’t tell you how good that was!

3rd spot was claimed by Steve Barns (West Cornwall) on 35 points and 4th was Colin Willis (Lanhydrock) on 34.

Additional OoM points go to Stuart Hill (West Cornwall) and Ian Brown (Mullion) on 33.

Seniors OoM Rd 2 Results

Willis Claims Honours in Seniors Order of Merit Rd1

Lanhydrock's Colin Willis finished top of the pile in Rd 1 of the CGU Seniors Order of Merit 2023 at Perranporth earlier this week.

Willis returned 36 gross stableford points in a round which included 5 birdies and 9 pars to pip Gary Hawking (Trevose G&CC) on countback, on a day which saw some good scores from 19 Seniors vying for team selection in 2023.

A further 3 players - Mark Blaber (Carlyon Bay), Rod Handyside (West Cornwall) and Simon Knowles (Perranporth) - scored 35 points with County Seniors Captain elect Warwick Holland (West Cornwall) returning 34.

For reference only - on a handicap basis Handyside registered 39 points, Holland (38), Knowles (37), and Shaun Matthews (China Fleet, 36)

Full Results

The Seniors Performance Rankings table can be viewed in the sidebar to this page.

Rd 2 of the OoM takes place at West Cornwall on Monday 20th March and Rd 3 will follow at St Enodoc on Sunday 16th April. These will be gross stableford competitions off white tees.

The Seniors OoM exists as a basis of selection for the CGU Senior Squad and merit points are awarded on finishing positions. The Seniors Captain will select the top 6 finishers in the meritocracy as automatic picks for his Seniors Channel League team and will then have 4 Captains picks to make up the ten player team required.

Junior Boys Ease Past Seniors at Perranporth

CGU Seniors v CGU U18 Boys Monday 13th February 2023 Perranporth GC

The Cornwall U18 Boys team eased to a 5-1 win over the Seniors yesterday at a sun soaked but windy and cool Perranporth yesterday. The host club delivered a course in excellent condition with fast true greens. Using mats on fairways was a small price to pay as one could see how the course is improving ahead of a busy season of top inter county competition.

Using their considerable shot advantage to the maximum the Juniors performed well in this season opener. Whilst ultimately a one sided match this was a very friendly encounter with the Seniors being encouraged to provide feedback on what they witnessed.

For watching Seniors County Captain elect Warwick Holland, the match was an opportunity to blood new players and to test pairings ahead of their 2023 Seniors Channel League season.

For U18s Manager Andrew Kevern this was his first look at some of the juniors who have moved up into the older age bracket from the U16 level ahead of their encounter with Devon on Thursday of this week at Tavistock. Kevern cannot fail to have been pleased with what he saw. At the top of things Junior County Captain Jack Kevern (West Cornwall) and partner Joab Atkins (Trethorne) were up early in their match against Gary Stone (Lanhydrock) and Colin Kitt (China Fleet). With Kitt forced to retire after 9 holes the result was a foregone conclusion as the junior pair won 6&5.

The Seniors only win came along next as the Newquay pairing of Kevin Mula and Charlie Phillips were 2 up  victors over Hugo Watson and Kian Williams (both Carlyon Bay).

Harry Drewett (Falmouth) partnered a rapidly improving and impressive Alex Dawson (Mullion) to an emphatic 7&5 win over Bude stalwarts Mark Jenkins and Lawrie Bridges before Oban Webber (St Mellion) and Heath Coombes (Newquay) ran out 5&4 winners over Steve Barns and Rod Handyside (both West Cornwall), Kai Dingle (St Enodoc) and Tristan Woolcock (West Cornwall) then won the 17th to record a 3&1 win over Trevose's Guy Norris and Gary Hawking.

At the back of the field Seniors debutant Jon Behennah (Tavistock) and partner Andy Rowe (Looe) were beaten 4&3 by James Tucknott (Radnor) and Archie Haynes (St Austell).

The two teams dined together after which Seniors Captain Holland congratulated the Boys on their win and wished them well for the season ahead. Jack Kevern then reciprocated and thanked Perranporth for their excellent hospitality, the condition of the course and the lovely meal everyone had enjoyed.

The U18 Boys now travel to Tavistock for their early season friendly with Devon. A 10 man team will play an individual stableford with the best 8 from 10 scores counting towards a team aggregate total. For the Seniors the first of their three Order of Merit events takes place - again at Perranporth - on Monday 20th February. To date some 21 players are hoping to catch the eye of Holland.

For Full Results and Pictures of the day - see here

Kitt on Top at Bowood

Seniors Winter OoM Rd4 Monday 25th April 2022

Colin Kitt (China Fleet) came very much to the fore in the latest Seniors Winter Order of Merit staged once again at Bowood Park. Kitt returned 33 points to claim top spot by two from Andy Rowe (Looe) and by three from third placed Richard Bunch (Cape Cornwall).

County Seniors Captain Paul Clahane will now select a team of 10 for his first Channel League match of the season away to Gloucestershire at Knowle GC on Tuesday 3rd May.

The two characters below have apparently been playing with each other for 30 years now!

It's A Blast at Bowood for Blaber

Seniors Winter OoM Rd 2 Monday 21st March 2022

Mark Blaber (Carlyon Bay) blew away the opposition in the latest Seniors Order of Merit event held at Bowood Park with a blistering and impressive 37 point haul. Nearest challenger was Steve Barns (West Cornwall) with a good 33 point total ahead of clubmate Warwick Holland on 31. 

OoM standings are updated in the sidebar to this page.

The next OoM event (Rd 3)  is scheduled to take place on Monday 4th April with a venue to be advised. 

Seniors Winter Order of Merit Gets Underway

Seniors Winter OoM Rd1 Monday 14th February 2022

The CGU County Seniors staged the first of a series of Winter Order of Merit meetings under the watchful eye of County Captain Paul Clahane, at a blustery cold Newquay Golf Club yesterday. Whilst the course was presented in great condition the wind and temperature made for very trying rounds for the 20 participants - all keen to catch Clahane’s attention as the new season approaches.

First to catch the attention was the day’s winner and reigning Seniors County Champion Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall) who returned a great 30 points in those difficult conditions, gaining maximum OoM status. Stone’s score saw him just eclipse former County Mens Captain Richard Simmons (below, Tehidy Park) on 29. Simmons finished ahead of clubmate and CGU President  Andrew Clotworthy on the same score by virtue of countback.

West Cornwall’s Rod Handyside claimed 4th spot with 28 points and again countback saw him edge current Mens County Captain Charlie Phillips (Newquay).

Following the days competition Clahane selected his team to play the CGU U18 Boys at Perranporth on Monday 21st February.

Seniors Team: Gary Stone, Andrew Clotworthy, Lawrie Bridges (Bude & N Cornwall), Andy Rowe (Looe), Alan Poole (St Mellion), David Kneebone (Truro), Richard Bunch (Cape Cornwall), Malcolm Edmunds, Rod Handyside, Steve Barns, Warwick Holland (all West Cornwall) and Charlie Phillips.

Charlie Phillips expression says it all - 'Tough windy cold day!' 

Seniors Fixtures 2022

Please see sidebar ....... on your right!

Points to note:

County Seniors Captain Paul Clahane has Winter Order of Merit events planned for 14th February, 21st March, 4th April and 25th April. To get involved in these please contact him. paul@mycontinuum.co.uk or mobile 07970 825314.

There is a friendly encounter with the U18 Boys on 21st February at Perranporth GC and with the County Mens Team at Bowood Park on 27th March 2022.

Seniors Channel League matches for the year are outlined accordingly.

Internal CGU Championships for Seniors commence with the Over 55s Team Championship at Whitsand Bay GC on 20th June.

The popular age group category Stableford Championship will take place at St Austell GC on 9th August.

The Seniors County Championship will revert to a one 36 hole event and will take place at Bowood Park on 25th August.

Seniors Close ....... But No Cigar!

Monday 20th September 2021 SCL Somerset v Cornwall Minehead GC

The final match of the season to determine the outcome of this year's Southern Division of the Seniors Channel League was held at Minehead where Somerset were hosting the 4th match with Cornwall needing to win 12-3 to beat Devon on points - An impossible task most thought but the Spirit and attitude of the Cornish squad was determined and as Captain I was more than hopeful.

Leading 3-2 after the morning foursomes Cornwall were left with a very tight margin of 1 point. Amazing golf  in the afternoon  followed and the resultant 11.5 - 3.5 victory for the Duchy proves that the squad system is finally showing fruition. Well done Team! -  it was a privilege to be your Captain (From Paul Clahane)

In the foursomes there were wins for Kevin Mula with Mark Blaber (2&1), Charlie Phillips with Andy Rowe (3&1) and Andrew Clotworthy with Steve Barns (4&3). Colin Kitt and Gary Stone went down by one hole whilst Richard Bunch and Warwick Holland lost 3&2.

The singles results away from home were magnificent. Blaber out first saw off Gordon Archer 2&1, Rowe beat Alan Todd by one hole, Stone beat George Hampshire 3&2 and Bunch beat Bob Tye by 2 holes. There was a figurative sea of positive results on the board and hopes increased. Mula lost 3&2 to John Vickerstaffe and this meant Cornwall had to win everything left on the park. Well they very nearly pulled off a miracle as Kitt beat Andy Harriott (4&3), Holland beat Andy Fisher (1 hole), Barns won comfortably against Rob Chandler (5&3) and Clotworthy won 2&1 against Frank Ward. Whilst these matches were concluding Phillips was clawed back form a lead by Kelvin Green and a half ensued.

12 points had been the target and away from home this would have been quite astounding. To get 11.5 was in itself a huge achievement. Take the positives they say but to finish 0.5 points behind Devon in the table and not be able to progress to the final will hurt for just a little while.

Thanks go to Minehead & West Somerset GC who were superb hosts.

Matchsheet

Seniors Channel League Cornwall v Devon Friday 28th May 2021 Bowood Park GC

County Seniors Captain Paul Clahane has named a new look side for his first Seniors Channel League match of the season. Cornwall take on neighbours Devon at Bowood Park on Friday 28th May.

2020 Seniors County Champion Mark Blaber will make his Seniors team debut as will former Mens County Captain Richard Simmons. The team also includes the current County President Andrew Clotworthy, current Mens County Captain Charlie Phillips and former Seniors Captain Andy Rowe. West Cornwall GC have four players in the team including 75 year old Malcolm Edmunds who continues to astound some 39 years after his first Mens County Championship win. 

The match gets underway at 9.30am. Good luck One and All!

Bunch & Kitt Head Seniors at Bowood Park

Thursday 6th May 2021

On a very cold, windy but sunny day two excellent bogey competition scores were recorded by Richard Bunch (West Cornwall) and Colin Kitt (China Fleet) in the latest get together arranged by County Seniors Captain Paul Clahane at Bowood Park GC. Looking to cement his team together for the upcoming Seniors Channel League encounter with Devon at the same venue, Clahane cannot fail to have been impressed as both players finished just 2 Down with 'Bunchy' pipping Kitt courtesy of the back 9.

4  Down was returned by 2020 Seniors County Champion Mark Blaber (Carlyon Bay) and it was 5 Down for Warwick Holland (West Cornwall).

Clahane said afterwards "On the day those were two very good scores. This invaluable practice is providing me with the right mix of handicaps and form to select my team for the Devon match."

Clahane also thanked the Bowood Park proprietor, Ros Cobbledick, Golf Manager, Max Stockwell  and Professional Chris Kinski for their part in the day.

Cornwall Seniors take on Devon at Bowood Park on Friday 28th May 2021. The match compries two 10 man teams who will play 9 holes of greesomes in the morning followed by 10 afternoon singles matches. Before then the Seniors will make a further visit to Bowood Park on 20th May.

Rowe Claims Win on Back Nine

Since the relaxation of lock down the Seniors Order of Merit recommenced with a Bogey Competition  at Tehidy Park GC on Monday 19th April, in which 19 Seniors vied to catch the eye of Seniors County Captain Paul Clahane.

It was Clahane's predecessor Andy Rowe (Looe) who took top honours on the day in his customary modest style beating last years Seniors County Champion Mark Blaber (Carlyon Bay) on countback with an excellent +2. Former Mens County Captain Alan Poole (St Mellion) claimed third spot on +3 and current County President Andrew Clotworthy was fourth playing on his home course(+4)

The current cool and dry conditions presented a hard course deprived of early season growth and  this made scoring with the flat stick very difficult.

However the benefit of the event was the players are back together and looking forward to two more Order of Merit events at Bowood Park GC on the 6th May and a fortnight later the 20th May. These two get togethers are  in preparation for the first Seniors Channel League match of the season versus the auld enemy Devon on 28th May also at Bowood Park.

(Report courtesy of PJ Clahane) who adds 'My thanks to the members and in particular to new General Manager Wayne Liggat and his able administrator Jane along with Jason and Chloe for making the day go smoothly after such a long lay off.

Seniors Team to Face County Men

County Seniors Captain Paul Clahane has  named a strong team to face the full County Men’s side at Perranporth GC on Sunday 17th January 2021. (This match postponed due to lockdown)

The Seniors team includes 2020 Seniors Champion Mark Blaber (Carlyon Bay), former two-time County Amateur Champion and County Captain Richard Simmons (Tehidy Park) as well as current County Captain Charlie Phillips (Newquay). There are also seniors debuts for Colin Willis (Lanhydrock) and Steve Barns (West Cornwall).

The full team is: Charlie Phillips, Kevin Mula (Newquay), Richard Simmons, David Kneebone (Truro), Rod Frost (St Enodoc), Rodney Handyside, Steve Barns, Malcolm Edmunds (all West Cornwall), Colin Kitt (China Fleet), Andy Rowe (Looe), Mark Blaber and Colin Willis.

Doust on Top at Perran

Seniors Winter OoM Rd 1 Perranporth GC 14th December 2020

Mullion's Micky Doust was top of the pile in the first of the Seniors Winter events staged at Perranporth, scoring 34 stableford points in a handicap based competition. That total put him one clear of Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) and two ahead of Colin Kitt (China Fleet) and Rod Handyside (West Cornwall). 15 Seniors took part.

The next event will take place at Newquay GC on Monday 11th January when County Seniors Captain Paul Clahane will introduce a format change with prizes for 1st & 2nd scratch as well as 1st & 2 handicap. With renewed interest in places in the County Seniors team it may be necessary to reduce the size of the field. tee times at Newquay will be from 10.30am.

Seniors Winter OoM 2020-21

Well after a season of covid-19 influenced competitive golf we are looking forward to the 2021 season hoping for a less adverse impact. County Seniors Captain Paul Clahane is hoping the Duchy seniors can repeat their  2019 Seniors Channel League title winning performances and has good reason to be optimistic with 'new' seniors joining the fold.

A Seniors Winter Order of Merit will again take place with five events arranged across the county:

Tehidy Park GC Monday 16th November 2020 from 10.00am (Postponed due to Lockdown)

Rd 1 Perranporth GC Monday 14th December 2020 from 10.40am

Rd 2 Newquay GC Monday 11th January 2021 from 10.30am (Postponed)

Rd 3 Launceston GC Monday 22nd February 2021 from 11.30am ( amended date )

Rd 4 Bowood Park GC Monday 15th March 2021 from 11.00am

Rd 5 Tehidy Park GC Monday 19th April 2021 from 10.100am ( new date)

Whereas in the past the merit events were played as scratch stablefords, this time they will be qualifying events played off handicap.

If you wish to participate you should make contact with the Seniors Captain (paul@mycontinuum.co.uk or mobile 07970 841920)

Covid-19 Postponements

Due to the current Coronavirus situation a number of Senior fixtures have been postponed. These include the entirety of the 2020 Seniors Channel League programme and the SWCGA Seniors Championship.

Frost Closes Gap in Seniors OoM

CGU Seniors Winter OoM Rd4 Monday 9th March 2020

Rod Frost (St Enodoc) came out top of the pile for the second time this season as he led the field in Round 4 of the Seniors Winter Order of Merit at Newquay. Scoring 31 in the scratch stableford format and gaining the maximum 10 OoM points Frost has closed the gap at the top of the table to just one point as he sits on 22 just behind Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) on 23.

Trevor Robinson (St Austell) was runner up at Newquay on 28 points. CGU President Mike Ellis (Trevose) finished third amongst a group of three players on 27, the others being Rod Handyside (West Cornwall) and Rowe. Handyside sits third in the Order of Merit on 18 points but the automatic spot going to the overall winner is till very much up for grabs.

The final Winter OoM event takes place at Launceston GC on Monday 20th April when that automatic spot for the first Seniors Channel League match of the season away to Gloucestershire in May will be decided.

Blaber on the Ball at Trevose

CGU Seniors Winter OoM Rd3 Wednesday 12th February 2020

Mark Blaber (Carlyon Bay) was the star turn in the latest Seniors Winter Order of Merit as he scored an excellent 33 scratch stableford points over the links at Trevose G&CC to take top spot. Despite dropping a shot at the opening hole as well as at the last two he carded 4 birdies and 7 pars in tough conditions. Second spot was claimed by CGU President and host club member Mike Ellis also on 33, whilst Richard Bunch (West Cornwall) was third on 31.

Current CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) maintains his lead at the top of the Winter Order of Merit on 18 points although that lead has been cut to one with Blaber tucked neatly in behind on 17. Bunch is in third spot on 16.

The CGU Seniors are very grateful to Trevose G&CC for accommodating them as part of the clubs traditional Harlyn Cup competition.

Round 4 of the OoM takes place at Newquay GC on Monday 9th March 2020.

Seniors Team for Match With Juniors

CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) has selected his team to play the County Junior Boys at Newquay GC on Monday 17th February 2020.

The full team which includes Rowe is : Richard Bunch, Rod Handyside, Warwick Holland, Malcolm Edmunds (all West Cornwall), Paul Clahane (Trevose)  Dave Kneebone (Truro), Rod Frost (St Enodoc),  Charlie Phillips (Newquay) and Trevor Robinson (St Austell).

In this annual fixture which gets underway at 10.30am, the two teams will undertake foursomes matchplay.

Frost Not Deterred by Delay

CGU Seniors Winter OoM Monday 20th January 2020

St Enodoc's Rod Frost put the delay caused by his namesake to one side and led the field in the latest Seniors Winter Order of Merit event which took place at West Cornwall GC.

Frost returned a scratch stableford score of 32 points to head the field of 15 participating seniors hopefuls. The host club's Richard Bunch was second on countback with 32 and Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) registered a customary good performance in third spot with 31. Rowe now leads the Seniors OoM from Frost and Rod Handyside (West Cornwall).

Other scores from West Cornwall can be viewed in the Seniors OoM points table in the sidebar to this page.

Formner County Captain David Kneebone was taken ill during proceedings at West Cornwall but we are pleased to report that after treatment he has made a good recovery.

Rd3 of the Seniors OoM takes place at Trevose G&CC form 11.00am on Wednesday 12th February 2020 when the Seniors will join that days Harlyn Cup competition.

Kneebone Puts Down Marker at Newquay

CGU Seniors Winter OoM Monday 16th December 2019

Former County Captain David Kneebone (Truro) put down a marker at the first Seniors Winter Order of Merit event staged over a benign Newquay GC course in great condition.

Kneebone totalled 35 scratch stableford points to pip County Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) on 34. Rod Handyside (West Cornwall) was third on 33, with that score matched by Seniors Captain Elect Paul Clahane (Trevose).

Other scores:

32 Trevor Ashton (Trevose)

31 Trevor Robinson (St Austell)

30 Ian Brown (West Cornwall), Phil Hine (St Enodoc)                

29 Rod Frost (St Enodoc), Charlie Phillips (Newquay), Neil Hodding, Warwick Holland (West Cornwall)              

28 Rob Randall (Newquay)           

27 John Harris (Looe), Chris Pountney (St Mellion)

26 Mike Ellis (Trevose)                 

24 Alan Poole (St Mellion)               

21 Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay)             

The next Seniors OoM event takes place at West Cornwall GC on Monday 20th January 2020 from 11.04am.

More Seniors Winter OoM Dates added

Monday 16th December 2019 - Newquay GC 11.00am

Monday 20th January 2020 West Cornwall GC 11.04am

*** Wednesday 12th February 2020 Trevose (Harlyn Cup) 11.00am *** - updated 10/1

Monday 9th March 2020 - Newquay GC 11.00am

Monday 20th April 2020 - Launceston GC 11.00am

Please see item below for further information.

Seniors Winter OoM to start at Newquay

The Seniors Winter Order of Merit events will get underway at Newquay GC on Monday 16th December 2019 with an 11.00am start. There will be 5 of these events in total with further 2020 dates and venues to follow.

CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe would like to invite those of you interested in representing the County in the 2020 season of Seniors Channel League matches, to the series of Winter Get Togethers.

Once again from the 5 scratch stableford events a player’s 3 best scores will count towards the OoM and the winner will be guaranteed a team spot in May 2020’s opening SCL match away to Gloucestershire

To be eligible you should be over 55 years old and in reality hold a Category 1 handicap. No player with a handicap exceeding 6 was selected to participate inthe 2019 season.

The cost of each event making up the informal Order of Merit will be £20. From the proceeds payments will be made to host clubs as well as prizes.

 If you wish to take part please contact County Seniors Captain Andy Rowe via email cgu.seniors.captain@btinternet.com  or mobile 07967 125544.

Seniors Are Channel League Champions For First Time!

Friday 27th September 2019

The Cornwall Seniors team have become Champions for the first time in their history winning the 2019 Seniors Channel League!

After what appeared to be a disappointing home draw against Devon earlier in the week, yesterday's defeat of Gwent by Wiltshire in the last match of the season, means Cornwall finish top of the table and claim their first Seniors Channel League title since setting out in the league in 2011.Under the captaincy of the irrepressible Andy Rowe the team won of their 6 matches and halved two. Critical to their season were two convincing home wins (12- 3  v Somerset and 11 - 4 v Gloucestershire) and even more so the away win in Glamorgan (8.5 - 6.5). The halved matches were away to Wiltshire and the most recent game against Devon. The only defeat was away to Gwent who were until yesterday the only team who could outrun the Duchy.

Rowe was delighted to hear the news " I am overjoyed and really pleased for the team. Historically we have always been just that bit weaker than the other counties. It shows up in strokeplay more than in the matchplay events where we as a team have been so much better this season. It's obviously great to win it for the first time and I look forward to celebrating the win with the team."

It was back in 2009 that former County Seniors Captain Mike Marshall sowed the seed to the Cornwall Golf Union Executive that the county should be represented at Senior level and after initial internal opposition the team were accepted into the Channel League 8 years ago. Marshall was pleased to hear the news saying "It seems a long time since we started the journey into the league in 2011, so I am overjoyed at the news. Congratulations to all the players for a great team effort, very well done!

CGU President Mike Ellis said "A first for Cornwall made possible by commitment and hard work. We are as a team a point or two behind the opposition on handicap but clearly that has been overcome! From the CGU perspective our investment in the Seniors has been well justified."

It is likely presentation of the Channel League salver will be made at the CGU Annual Dinner which takes place in Newquay on Friday 15th November 2019, when the Guest of Honour will be England Golf President Jenny Clink.

Captain Rowe on the Devon Draw and What Followed

My final match as Captain against the old enemy Devon, with both teams in with a chance to win the League - all to play for.

The venue Perranporth, a difficult place to play at the best of times, and with high wind and heavy showers it lived up to its reputation!

It was a dream start for Cornwall 4/1 up in the morning, with wins from Rowe and Clayton, Phillips and Kitt, Handyside and Holland, Kneebone and Edmunds, with Bunch and Stone losing out to the Devon duo Wardy and Allsopp (“Little and Large”).  Going into lunch things could not have been much rosier for Cornwall, however I knew it would not be easy to secure the four points for victory and so it proved to be.

I was hoping to bow out with a singles win but my opponent, Tim Aggett, had different ideas, and I was dispatched 5/4.  Not the start we wanted and with Dave Kneebone losing on the 18th, I was beginning to fear the worst!   This was followed by wins from the ever reliable Phil Clayton and our seniors champion Chas Phillips, so those fears started to dissipate.  We now only needed two points from the remaining six matches.  We were four and five up in two, but the other players encountered some excellent golf from their opponents and joined their Captain on the “naughty step”.

Warwick (“Lovejoy”) Holland ran out a comfortable winner over Barry Keith, 5/4, and with Rod (“Kenny”) Handyside three up with four to play, the winning speech had been written.  Rod’s opponent Dave Eva had different ideas, holing four consecutive putts of length.  The cruellest a 25 footer on 17 to stay in the match.  This was the precursor to his final birdie on 18 to half his game and the overall match.  Well done Dave, but please don’t come to Cornwall again!  Unlucky Rod! Three pars to finish normally gets the job done.

Honours even against Papworth’s soldiers – a great fight back by Devon, a difficult team to beat.  Well done Devon!   

Thank you to Sue and her staff at Perranporth.  The course and catering were first class, as usual.

We were obviously disappointed with the result.  However, if results to come went our way we could still win the League – and with the Captain being lucky and good looking it was in the bag!!!

Gloucester beat Gwent 8/7 the following day.  Thank you Gloucester and their Captain Rob Stephens!  This meant it all boiled down to the Wiltshire Gwent match, the “tractor boys” needing to win for Cornwall to secure the League.  I am delighted to report that the tractors roared and did the business for Cornwall, defeating Gwent.  Thank you Wiltshire and Captain Richard Jeffery.  Green shoots of recovery Wiltshire. (Where was Dymoke?  Oh that’s right, with me in Spain!)

CORNWALL CHAMPIONS OF THE CHANNEL LEAGUE!

Presentation of the trophy will be at the Annual Dinner.  I would greatly appreciate all squad members attending.  I may even buy the wine for the table!  I am hoping the Trophy might be presented to me by Devon President, Richard Pascoe.

Since this is my last report I would like to take the opportunity to thank all who have played for Cornwall during my tenure, the regular players and squad members, in total 15 players.  It has been an honour to be your Captain.

It has been great to see Trevor Ashton at the matches supporting, along with our County Captain Ian Veale and County Secretary young Pountney.

A special thank you to Simon Harper, my go to man re administration and organisation - a top bloke!

I am sure you will join with me in wishing Paul Clahane all success in the next couple of years.  Best of luck Silver Fox. 

PS This is your Captain signing off.  Those roses were good this year!

Seniors Are Channel League Champions For First Time!

The Cornwall Seniors team have become Champions for the first time in their history winning the 2019 Seniors Channel League!

After what appeared to be a disappointing home draw against Devon earlier in the week, yesterday's defeat of Gwent by Wiltshire in the last match of the season, means Cornwall finish top of the table and claim their first Seniors Channel League title since setting out in the league in 2011.Under the captaincy of the irrepressible Andy Rowe the team won of their 6 matches and halved two. Critical to their season were two convincing home wins (12- 3  v Somerset and 11 - 4 v Gloucestershire) and even more so the away win in Glamorgan (8.5 - 6.5). The halved matches were away to Wiltshire and the most recent game against Devon. The only defeat was away to Gwent who were until yesterday the only team who could outrun the Duchy.

Rowe was delighted to hear the news " I am overjoyed and really pleased for the team. Historically we have always been just that bit weaker than the other counties. It shows up in strokeplay more than in the matchplay events where we as a team have been so much better this season. It's obviously great to win it for the first time and I look forward to celebrating the win with the team."

It was back in 2009 that former County Seniors Captain Mike Marshall sowed the seed to the Cornwall Golf Union Executive that the county should be represented at Senior level and after initial internal opposition the team were accepted into the Channel League 8 years ago. Marshall was pleased to hear the news saying "It seems a long time since we started the journey into the league in 2011, so I am overjoyed at the news. Congratulations to all the players for a great team effort, very well done!

CGU President Mike Ellis said "A first for Cornwall made possible by commitment and hard work. We are as a team a point or two behind the opposition on handicap but clearly that has been overcome! From the CGU perspective our investment in the Seniors has been well justified."

It is likely presentation of the Channel League salver will be made at the CGU Annual Dinner which takes place in Newquay on Friday 15th November 2019, when the Guest of Honour will be England Golf President Jenny Clink.

Duchy Seniors Disappointed at Devon Draw

Cornwall Seniors ended up very disappointed after drawing their final Seniors Channel League match against Devon yesterday. Disappointed because in what was a potential league decider the Duchy team had taken a 4-1 lunchtime lead but could then only manage 3.5 points from the 10 afternoon singles meaning  the match ended tied at 7.5 points apiece. A full match win would have put Cornwall in the league driving seat but now, whilst they sit at the top of the current table, they will have to rely on results from remaining matches. In one of those remaining matches which took place today (24/9) Gloucestershire Seniors beat Gwent 8 -7 and this means a Duchy overall league win remains possible. Here's hoping!

So to the match against Devon .........

Fortress Perranporth was the chosen venue and both teams knew the winners were likely to end up as Channel League Champions. It turned out to be quite an encounter in strong winds accompanied by heavy and persistent rain.

Cornwall dominated the foursomes session as Andy Rowe (Looe) and Phil Clayton (Newquay) played under par and impressively beat Tim Aggett (Warren) and Colin Papworth (Teignmouth) in the top match. In the second game Charlie Phillips (Newquay) and Colin Kitt (China Fleet) took care of Peter Bicknell (Torquay) and Paul Newcombe (East Devon). Richard Ward (Dainton Park) and Tony Allsopp (Tiverton) overcame Richard Bunch (West Cornwall) and Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall) to provide Devon with what was their only point of the session.

Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) and Dave Kneebone (Truro) beat Paul Vicary (Saunton) and Barrie Keith (Warren) at the last hole and when the West Cornwall pairing of Warwick Holland and Rod Handyside beat Dave Eva (Thurlestone) and Mark Evans (RND) Cornwall had the 4-1 lead.

Signal a change but not immediately in the weather. Although conditions improved and became dry the Duchy were unable to make the most of the improvement. Rowe was beaten 5&4 by Aggett and despite fighting hard Kneebone went down in game two at the 18th to Bicknell. Phillips delivered a point for Cornwall as he defeated Newcombe 4&3.

Clayton was pegged back to all square after 12 holes but duly delivered another Duchy point as he beat Vicary 3&2. At this point with Cornwall up well in matches toward the back of proceedings there was an optimistic air.

A Devon fightback was to be expected and it came in the middle order as Papworth, Ward and Evans all won against Kitt, Stone and Bunch respectively. This brought the scores level at 6 each and the lookers on sensed a degree of anxiety.

Through 12 holes Holland was 5 up on Keith and Handyside was 4 up on Eva whilst Allsopp and Edmunds were all square. Holland strolled to a 5&4 win and now Cornwall needed just the one more point from the remaining two available for the overall win. Eva and Allsopp were though to deny Cornwall this and in some style.

Eva in particular suddenly became inspired and a par at 15 to win the hole left him only 2 down to Handyside with 3 holes to play. Both missed the green at the 16th , one short and one long. Both though made excellent up and downs and at 2 dormy two up the Duchy knew they could not lose the overall match. However the overall win was more important.

Both found the 17th green albeit some distance from the hole. Eva putted first and from the moment the ball left the face it was destined for the bottom of the cup after a slippery downhill journey. Onlookers winced. Rod was unable to follow Eva in but remained dormy one up.

At the final hole Eva pitch beautifully to about 3 feet on the elevated green and his birdie gave him the hole and a halved match. Handyside had done little wrong.

And so to the final knockings. Allsopp and Edmunds were all square playing 17. Allsop made par and despite making a superb pitch to the green a missed putt from Edmunds gave Devon a 1 up advantage playing the last.

More drama. With everyone now congregated around this last game there was kit, clubs and people all over the place and to Duchy amusement Allsopp hit one of his teams bags with his tee shot (No longer a penalty). It left him a tough 100 yard or so shot to the green and the wind played a part in his ball ending up short and right. Edmunds found the back of the green but when Allsopp chipped to 3 feet the writing was on the wall. Although Edmunds had a birdie putt it was from distance and when it did not find the cup Allsopp was left to clean up and gain his team what can only be described as an excellent draw.

The game was played in tough conditions but in an excellent spirit. The Cornish team were understandably somewhat crestfallen and as alluded to earlier must now hope results from the other matches go their way in the hope they can claim their first ever Seniors Channel League title.

Full Results

Cornwall Team for Crunch Match v Devon

Seniors Channel League Cornwall v Devon Monday 23rd September 2019 Perranporth GC

CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) has named the Duchy team to face Devon in the potential Channel League decider at Perranporth GC on Monday next.  This last match of the season for the Duchy Seniors could see them finish strongly and potentially win the league for the first time although this would be dependent on other results going in favour of Cornwall.

Elsewhere in the league an abandoned match - at the halfway point - between Wiltshire and Gwent has tested the league rules with a decision made the outstanding singles still have to be played. Cornwall will be hoping that Wiltshire who held a 3.5-1.5 lead can defeat their Welsh opposition. If this turns out to be the case a Duchy win over Devon would secure the title for Cornwall.

That apart the Cornish team need to win against Devon who will undoubtedly bring a strong team to Perranporth. Cornwall sit top of the SCL but any one of 4 counties (Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire & Gwent) could stil come out on top dependent on the remaining results.

For Cornwall Rowe has selected himself along with Phil Clayton,  Charlie Phillips (both Newquay) , Colin  Kitt (China Fleet), David Kneebone (Truro) , Malcolm Edmunds, Rod Handyside, Warwick Holland, Richard Bunch (all West Cornwall) and Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall) with the reserve named as Trevor Robinson (St Austell).

Cornwall Seniors Draw away to Wiltshire

Seniors Channel League Wiltshire v Cornwall Monday 2nd September 2019 Cumberwell Park GC

CGU Seniors halved their away SCL match to Wiltshire at Cumberwell Park GC.

Seniors Captain Andy Rowe reports on the match .....

Our final away match of the season was against the tractor boys (Wiltshire) never an easy fixture, especially at Cumberwell Park where we have yet to register a victory.

The omens were not good, with Dave Kneebone having to withdraw on the morning we travelled.  Fortunately, the Vice Captain Mr Clahane was able to take his place at short notice. 

Despite not having our full squad we were leading after the morning foursomes 3-2, with wins for Phillips and Kitt, Bunch and Ellis, and Handyside and Holland, the latter holing a crucial putt at the last.  Yours truly and Malcolm Edmunds lost 3/2, along with Clahane and Robinson losing 2 down, a good start!

Needing 5 points from the afternoon singles, it was once again the baby of the team, Bunchy, who gained the first point, defeating Martyn Evans 3/1.  I managed a half against the irrepressible Chris Graham.  Unfortunately, Kitty went down 3/2 to Paul Bloomfield, a difficult man to beat.  Fourth match out saw Phillips (County Seniors Champion) heading up 18, all square.  His opponent, Dave Barbour, hit 2 fine shots to the middle of the green and with Chas missing right things were not looking good.  With his legendary short game, we need not have worried as he up and downed it, and with Dave 3 putting we had another point in the bag.

I was back into the buggy and out to the far end of the course, only to be met by smiling Wiltshire men, an unpleasant sight at the best of times.  Our middle order had failed to fire, losing 3 games on the bounce.  Now trailing by 5.5 to 6.5, the tail needed to wag.  Up stepped Trevor Robinson who birdied 15 and 16 to secure a 3/2 win.  Unfortunately Edmunds lost 3/2.  We now needed a win from Handyside for an overall half.  Rod duly obliged with a one up victory against Kevin Arthur, a dogged opponent. 

This result meant that we sit at the top of the table.  A victory against our old enemy, Devon, in our final match would virtually secure the league.  ALL TO PLAY FOR LADS!

On behalf of the Team, I would like to thank Cumberwell Park for their generous hospitality.  The course and catering were both first class. Thanks also to the Wiltshire Boys and their Captain, Richard Jeffery, for making us feel so welcome.  It is always a pleasure to visit the county. On a personal note, I would like to thank Trevor Robinson and Paul Clahane for stepping in at the last moment.

PS. Keep those roses well fed and watered!

Cornwall's last match is at home to Devon on 23rd September at Perranporth GC.

Cornwall in Resounding Win over Somerset

Seniors Channel League Cornwall v Somerset 12th August 2019 West Cornwall GC

Seniors Team Captain Andy Rowe reports;

After a fine win away to Glamorgan, we were back on home soil (Lelant, West Cornwall) with high hopes.  The Team did not disappoint and we went into lunch 4.5/0.5 to the good.  There were wins for Phillips and Kitt, Bunch and Stone, Handyside and Holland, Edmunds and Kneebone, with Dave holding a tricky 3-footer at the last for the win.  Yours truly and Phil Clayton could only manage a half, nevertheless, a good morning’s work.

It is good to report that we are becoming used to having a lead at lunch, as the Team have produced some fine performances in the foursomes, winning three out of four sessions this season.

Refreshed by soup and sandwiches, it was quickly back into the fray, needing 3.5 points for victory. 

It was the West Cornwall Captain, Richard Bunch (above, the baby of the team) who set the tone, with a hole in one at the first (thanks for the drinks) eventually winning one up against a tenacious opponent in Wardy.  I managed to sneak home against Kelvin (good bloke), two points in the bag and with the ever reliable Phil Clayton winning 5&4 and Dave Kneebone having secured a half, the match was won.  Game five saw our new Senior’s Champion, Chas Phillips succumb to a fine birdie at the last from his opponent, Steve Thomas.

This season several teams are in with a chance to win the League, so every point is vital, and I was delighted to see the remaining team members fighting for every point.  There were wins from Stone and Kitty, ably assisted by their caddies, Andy and Freddie (much the prettier!) plus wins from Handyside (Kenny) and the old-stager Edmunds – so there was much joy.  The only fly in the ointment was Warwick Holland’s (Lovejoy’s) injury during the match, resulting in a 4/3 defeat.  It was a good result in the circumstances and we wish him a speedy recovery. 

There was a great vibe during the match with friendly banter exchanged between the teams.  It is always a pleasure to welcome Alex Kidd (Somerset Captain) and his team.

Thanks to West Cornwall for making the day special for both teams who greatly appreciated the hospitality of the members.  The catering and the course were both first class. It was great to see Trevor Ashton supporting, and thanks to the Vice Captain Paul Clahane for cajoling the team.

Well done Team.  Keep your roses well fed and watered.

Tractor boys next! (SCL v Wiltshire 2nd September 2019 at Cumberwell Park GC)

Full Results v Somerset

The full Cornwall Seniors team was: Andy Rowe (Capt, Looe), Colin Kitt (China Fleet), David Kneebone (Truro), Gary Stone (Bude), Charlie Phillips & Phil Clayton (Newquay), Richard Bunch, Malcolm Edmunds, Rod Handyside & Warwick Holland (West Cornwall).

SWCGA Seniors Disappointment for Cornwall

SWCGA Seniors Championship 24th/25th July 2019 Tiverton

The Cornwall team at Tiverton (L to R: CGU President Mike Ellis, Malcolm Edmunds, Colin Kitt, Andy Rowe (Captain), Richard Bunch, Warwick Holland, Rod Handyside, Gary Stone and Paul Clahane (Vice Captain).

Cornwall County Seniors finished in a disappointing fourth spot in the South Western Counties Golf Association Seniors Championship staged over two days at a very warm Tiverton GC, Devon and on a course presented in excellent condition.

With five scores to count from a nominated 6 man team on each day, the Duchy total  of 765 was 25 shots behind both Dorset and Devon (both 740) with the former county qualifying for the national finals later this year by virtue of countback. Gloucestershire took third spot on 758.

Leading light for Cornwall was Colin Kitt (China Fleet) who returned rounds of 75 and 73 (148) to finish in 8th spot in the individual competition, which saw a 62 man field taking part. County Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) shone on day one with a 72 but was unable to repeat this on day two as he registered a 78 for a 150 total and tied 10th spot.

Other Cornwall Seniors team scores: Rod Handyside (West Cornwall) 77, 76 (153 tied 18th), Warwick Holland (West Cornwall) 82, 77 (159 tied 34th), Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall) 75, 84 (159 tied 34th) and Richard Bunch (West Cornwall) 82, 80 (162 tied 45th).

A number of other Cornwall based players participated as individuals and the best of these was Trevor Johnston (Perranporth) who returned scores of 79, 78 (157 tied 27th). CGU President Mike Ellis (Trevose) shot 77 and 82 (158 tied 31st), Mike Wigley (West Cornwall) 80, 80 (160 tied 38th), Paul Clahane (Trevose) 77, 84 (161 tied 42nd) and Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) 79, 87 (166 tied 56th).

Captain Rowe though was far from disappointed - "We finished bottom (6th) last year so there is an improvement and a creditable performance. Overall our handicaps are a couple of shots per man higher than those we are competing against and whilst we are competitive in matchplay, the medal finds us out."

For the Cornwall Seniors the focus now returns to the Seniors Channel League and the next fixture at home to Somerset on 12th August at West Cornwall GC. A win in the fixture will see the Duchy continue to contend for a season ending top spot.

Miracle at Southerndown for Cornish Seniors

Seniors Channel League Glamorgan v Cornwall 28th May 2019 Southerndown GC

Cornwall Seniors pulled off an amazing away win in Wales yesterday by beating Glamorgan 8.5 - 6.5 at Southerdown GC.

Seniors Captain Andy Rowe eulogises  ...................

Despite a fine win at home to Gloucester, 11 went to Wales, more in hope than expectation, having never won on Welsh soil.  The omens weren’t good as travelling on Bank Holiday Monday is not recommended.  Several of the team were delayed in traffic which meant we were unable to complete a full practice round, missing out holes on the back nine. This is not normally a problem, however, on arriving the next morning we were informed that the foursomes would be played on the back nine. Time to panic? - no need as we cruised into a two point lead!

First up in the foursomes, Clayton and Rowe won the last two holes to secure the first point, followed by Phillips and Kitt two up, along with Bunch and Stone.  So three points in the bag - heady stuff!  Then Edmunds and Kneebone, fighting hard, went down 3&2, leaving Handyside (Kenny Rogers) and Holland (Lovejoy) going down 18, one down.  Opposition in the hole for five meant a two put for a win to half the match  Handyside calmly rolled his two-footer in to much applause from his teammates. So we are now in uncharted territory - a two point lead against the mighty Glamorgan.

Once more into the breach, the afternoon singles started with us needing four points for victory.  Yours truly sneaked home against Richard Jones (good bloke) and with Kneebone locked in a heavyweight contest against Nick Grimmitt, eventually securing a half, we had 5.5. 

So at this point things were going to plan but we know what they say about best laid plans! 

It was never going to be easy against Glamorgan and with Chas Phillips going down by one hole to the ever youthful Jeff Thomas and Clayton succumbing to Gwyn Jones, the Welsh dragon was starting to fire.  Reports from Mr Clahane (Silver Fox) were not promising with most matches down.  At this point I began to re-write my victory speech!  However, the Team dug deep and things started to turn our way.  First, Kitty had a fine drive down 18 after his opponent found the rough for a win.  Simultaneously, Warwick Holland closed out Keith Stimpson (a very fine player) 2&1 - good win Warwick! 

The ever reliable Handyside, winning 3&2 and the old stager Edmunds, fighting back from four down for a half, meant much joy and celebration for the lads.  A great day for Cornish Senior golf.

A special “thank you” to Ian Henderson, the Glamorgan Captain and his team who were great company and very gracious in defeat.

Thanks to the members and staff of Southerndown Golf Club for their hospitality.  The course was great and the catering first class.

Well done all round.  Keep watering those roses!

Glamorgan Next Up For Seniors

SCL Glamorgan Seniors v Cornwall Tuesday 28th May 2019, Southerndown GC

The team for this match has been announced as: Andy Rowe (Capt, Looe), Phil Clayton & Charlie Phillips (Newquay), Richard Bunch, Malcolm Edmunds, Rod Handyside & Warwick Holland (West Cornwall), Colin Kitt (China Fleet), David Kneebone (Truro) & Gary Stone (Bude).

Bounceback Win For Seniors

Seniors Channel League  Cornwall v Gloucestershire 13th May 2019 Newquay GC

Cornwall Seniors bounced back from last week's disappointment in Wales to register a convincing win over their counterparts from Gloucestershire yesterday at Newquay. Leading 3.5 - 1.5 after the morning foursomes the Duchy team claimed 7.5 of the 10 available points in the afternoon singles.

The winning Cornwall Seniors (L to R): Malcolm Edmunds, Charlie Phillips, Warwick Holland, Andy Rowe, Phil Clayton, Rod Handyside, Colin Kitt, Gary Stone, David Kneebone and Stewart Bradley)

In his own inimitable style Captain Andy Rowe provides the report  ..................

After that disappointing defeat away to Gwent last week, we were looking forward to our first home match of the season at Newquay - generally a happy hunting ground for the Duchy.

Warwick Holland chips at Newquay

On a bright breezy day the morning foursomes turned out to be a bit of a breeze for a change as we went in to lunch leading 3.5 - 1.5. There were wins for Clayton & Rowe, Phillips & Kitt, Kneeebone & Edmunds, plus a half from Bradley & Stone. In the other match Handyside and debutant Holland went down 2&1.

It was an unusual experience sitting down at lunch with a two point lead - I felt quite light-headed! Pondering the singles line up and after taking advice from my Vice Captain, Paul Clahane, we shunted Newquay veteran Chas Phillips up the order to number three. He duly did the bsuiness defeating Vernon Chappell, a very difficult man to beat. With wins from yours truly, Clayton and Kneebone (the latter incidentally having a hole in one on the 9th - well done and thanks for the drink!), we had 4 of the first 5 points.

We now only needed a half point. Gloucester, still fighting, took several of the remaining games to the 18th. However, with wins for Stone, Handyside, Edmunds and a half from Bradley, the team had a convincing win (11-4).

Stewart Bradley on his way to a half in the afternoon singles

The match, as always with Gloucestershire, was played in fine spirit. It was a pleasure to meet their President, Alan Robinson, a very fine chap, despite his Welsh connections.  The course was in great condition with ultra fast greens - a credit to the green staff. I cannot believe how much it has improved over the last couple of years. Thanks to the catering and bar staff - top notch. And a special thank you to the six members who raked all the bunkers prior to play - greatly appreciated.

Thank you Newquay and the team - a fantastic day! Keep smelling the roses......

Even at 6 feet plus - 'tis a deep old bunker Kitty!

Full Results click here

Seniors Fight but Go Down to Gwent

Gwent v Cornwall Seniors Channel League 8th May 2019 Llanwern GC

CGU Seniors yesterday opened their SCL account away to their Gwent counterparts at Llanwern GC and it was a disappointing start for the team as they went down 10.5 - 4.5 in a match where the scores do not really tell the whole story.

Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) was forced in the run up to the match to make some changes to his published team but that team fought hard throughout as 10 of the 15 games played across the day went to the 18th hole with the majority going in favour of the hosts.

The morning 9 hole foursomes went 4-1 to Gwent with 3 of those played out on the 18th. The only success for Cornwall came from Colin Kitt (China Fleet) partnering seniors debutant Richard Bunch (West Cornwall) as they won 1 up.

With a mountain to climb in the afternoon singles, Stewart Bradley (Lanhydrock) and Rod Handyside (West Cornwall) were the only winners for the Duchy winning  5&4 and 1 up respectively. David Kneebone (Truro) and Kitt gained halves as did debutant Bunch and the 3.5 point return from the singles did not reflect the close nature of the overall matches as Seniors Captain Rowe, Trevor Robinson (St Austell) and Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) all lost 1 down, whilst Alan Poole (St Mellion) lost 2&1.

Full Scores

The Cornish Seniors now turn their attention to another fixture this time at home. On Monday 13th May 2019 the team take on Gloucestershire at Newquay with a 9.00am start. Captain Rowe has rung the changes and has named the following team which includes another debutant in former PGA Professional Warwick Holland (West Cornwall):

Rowe (Looe), Phil Clayton, Charlie Phillips (Newquay), Holland, Edmunds, Handyside (all West Cornwall), Bradley (Lanhydrock), Kitt (China Fleet), Kneebone (Truro) and Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall).

Kneebone and Bunch Excel as Seniors OoM Concludes

Monday 25th March 2019

The Seniors Winter OoM concluded at Perranporth GC on Monday in dry but windy conditions which made scoring tough. Add wind to fast firm greens and some tricky pin positions and the winning 33 point score from former County Captain David Kneebone (Truro) should be viewed as an excellent score.

Playing in the same fourball as Kneebone was newly installed West Cornwall GC Captain Richard Bunch and his 31 point haul secured him a spot in the Duchy team for the Seniors Channel League opener against Gwent in early May. Third spot on the day went to Warwick Holland (West Cornwall) with 30 points.

The 5 event series was won by Seniors County Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) with his best 3 from five tally of 29 OoM points. Bunch was runner up on 24 with Holland and Kneebone both on 25.

Rowe thanked Perranporth GC for their hospitality and the excellent condition of the course and presented Bunch with a small memento purchased at great expense from the seaside town close to his heart. Rowe thanked both Trevose and Newquay GCs for their support in staging events across the winter and expressed the hope this OoM would go from strength to strength in the future. He also welcomed Paul Clahane to his newly appointed role as County Seniors Vice Captain.

Seniors OoM 2018-19 Final Table

Rowe Clinches Spot In Own Team

Tuesday 26th February 2019

CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) was again top of the pile in the 4th Round of the CGU Seniors Winter Order of Merit played on a glorious day at Trevose earlier this week.

5 birdies in his round saw him return a total of 35 scratch stableford points and reach an unassailable position at the top of the OoM with one event to come. Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall) took runner up spot on countback from Colin Kitt (China Fleet) who was making his first appearance.. Both scored 32 points.

Rowe leads the table on 31 OoM points whilst Trevor Ashton (Trevose) remains in second spot (18) just above Richard Bunch (West Cornwall) on 16.

The good news for the chasing pack is Rowe will select the OoM runner up to be a member of the CGU Seniors team's first 2019 Channel League match away to Gwent at Llanwern in May.

The final Seniors Winter OoM will take place at Perranporth GC on Monday 25th March with a 12.00 start.

Seniors OoM Points Table (after four events)

Rowe Leads The Way in Seniors OoM Rd 3

Monday 4th February 2019

CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) was top of the pile in the 3rd Round of the CGU Seniors Winter Order of Merit played at Perranporth. After a damp misty start the sun appeared and together with an only light winds created an unusually benign day on the links. Rowe scored 34 points in the scratch stableford competition and moved into the OoM lead (21) above Trevor Ashton (Trevose, 18) and Richard Bunch (West Cornwall, 15). Runner up on the day was Bunch on 32 points whilst third spot was claimed by Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) on 31.

Trevor Ashton Drives at Perranporth's 12th hole (thank you D Kneebone esq!)

The next Seniors OoM event takes place at Trevose G&CC on Tuesday 26th February 2019.

Seniors OoM Points Table (after three events)

Thomas Top Dog in OoM Rd2

Monday 10th December 2018

Andy Thomas (Carlyon Bay) took top spot in the second round of the CGU Seniors Winter Order of Merit Rd 2 staged at Newquay today  with 30 scratch stableford points,  just pipping County Seniors Captain Andy Rowe on countback. Thomas set up the win by being just 2 over par through his  front 9 holes, whilst Rowe was level par. A better back 9 from Thomas saw him claim the win. 3rd Spot on 29 points went to Alan Poole (St Mellion).

Seniors OoM Points Table (after two events)

Seniors OoM Rd1 win for Ashton

Monday 19th November 2018

Trevose G&CC Senior Trevor Ashton put aside no score on his first two holes in the Seniors Winter Order of Merit Rd 1 at Newquay on Monday to emerge top of the pile on a tough day over the links at Newquay GC.

In the scratch stableford a total of 18 seniors competed in a bid to impress Seniors Captain Andy Rowe and to earn an automatic place in the first of the 2019 series of Seniors Channel League matches next April.

Ashton returned a total of 31 points with 3 birdies included to win by by 3 points from welcome newcomer Warwick Holland (West Cornwall) on 28 and fromer CGU President and Captain Paul Clahane on 27.

The next event will also take place at Newquay GC on Monday 10th December 2018

Cornwall Seniors - Winter 2018-19

CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe would like to invite those of you interested in representing the County in the 2019 season of Seniors Channel League matches, to a series of Winter Get Togethers.

The format for this winter will see an expanded total of 5 events from November through to March with three different courses envisaged. From the 5 scratch stableford events a player’s 3 best scores will count towards the OoM and the winner will be guaranteed a team spot in April 2019’s opening SCL match.

To be eligible you should be over 55 years old and in reality hold a handicap of 7 or less.

No player with a handicap exceeding 6 was selected to participate in last season’s matches

The cost of each event making up the informal Order of Merit will be £20. From the proceeds payments will be made to host clubs as well as prizes.

The first of the events is scheduled to take place on Monday 19th November 2018 at Newquay GC. Please meet at 10.00am

 If you wish to take part please contact County Seniors Captain Andy Rowe via email cgu.seniors.captain@btinternet.com  or mobile 07967 125544

Other events will take place in December, January, February and March and details will be circulated in due course.

Poster

Devon Beat Cornwall & Claim SCL Title

Seniors Channel League Devon v Cornwall Thursday 27th September 2018

On a glorious late September day with wall to wall sunshine, warmth and no wind whatsoever, East Devon GC at Budleigh Salterton hosted the final Seniors Channel League match for both Devon and Cornwall.  And it was the host county who in putting Cornwall to the sword claimed another well deserved Seniors Channel League title.

After a halved 9 hole session of foursomes, Devon dominated the singles to win the overall match 10.5 - 4.5.

Andy Rowe watches his tee shot at the 5th - anxiously!

In the foursomes the two Cornwall successes came from Captain Andy Rowe (above) & Phil Clayton 2&1 (v Paul Newcombe & Mark Evans), Rod Handyside & Trevor Robinson 1 up (v Simon Waddington & Mark Haskell) whilst Dave Kneebone and Charlie Phillips gained a half in their encounter with Tony Allsop & Richard Ward.

For Devon Tim Aggett & Colin Papworth beat Gary Stone & Mike Ellis by the odd hole and Paul Vicary and new Devon recruit, the former Wiltshire player, Peter Bicknell did the same to Malcolm Edmunds and Andrew Clotworthy.

Whilst hopes were high the eventual overall result reflected the greater depth and abilities of the Devon team, Cornwall’s afternoon wins were achieved by Captain Rowe (1 up on Evans) and the reliable Handyside (2&1 over Vicary). The remaining members of the team all succumbed to defeat with arguably Phil Clayton being the unluckiest. In a tight match with the very proficient Tim Aggett it was the latter, at one point 2 down, who made birdie on the last to win the match.

Paul Newcombe hits his tee shot towards the Jurassic Coast

There were comfortable wins for Devon as East Devon Greenkeeper Newcombe (above) despatched Kneebone 4&3, Bicknell beat Stone 5&4 and Papworth beat Ellis 4&3. Elsewhere Clotworthy went down by 2 holes to Allsop, Phillips lost 2&1 to Ward, Robinson lost 2&1 to Vicary and at the back Edmunds lost to Waddington 3&1.

Devon’s win saw them close the season with 5 wins from their 6 matches leaving them in an unassailable position. Despite one outstanding match yet to be played the Duchy Seniors are confirmed as finishing in 4th spot in the 7 team league, an improvement of tow spots on their finish in the 2017 season.

Full Scores  

Seniors Channel League Table

The Cornwall team are pictured below at East Devon. (L to R: Andrew Clotworthy, Charlie Phillips, Andy Rowe, Dave Kneebone, Mike Ellis, Phil Clayton, Rod Handyside, Malcolm Edmunds, Gary Stone and Trevor Robinson).

Seniors Win SCL Encounter with Wiltshire

Seniors Channel League Cornwall v Wiltshire Monday 3rd September 2018 Newquay GC

[Report courtesy of A Rowe]

Rain calls for Improvisation but clearly doesn't dampen spirits!

After trailing 3 - 2 in the morning foursomes the Duchy team stormed back in the afternoon and from the ten singles matches completed a comprehensive victory winning 7 singles and halving the 3 others, with all the team members contributing to what was a fully deserved win.

In the morning foursomes at the top of the order County Seniors Captain Andy Rowe and Phil Clayton gained the first point. This was followed by Seniors County Champion Dave Kneebone and Charlie Phillips with a half point matched by Trevor Robinson and Rod Handyside.  The other two matches lost one down.

Trailing 3 - 2, the Team once again needed a fast start in the afternoon.  First to gain the Duchy a point, making a welcome return to the team, was CGU Vice President Andrew Clotworthy, beating Wiltshire Captain, Bill Cardno 8/7.  This was closely followed by Rowe who won 4/3 and Dave Kneebone with a 3/2 win.  With five points in the bag, three more were required.  Reports from our scouts on the course (Malcolm Edmunds and Trevor Ashton) were good – everyone was level or winning.  So another team victory was possible and very much on.  At this prospect even the weather, which had been wet on occasions, improved!

Dave Kneebone on his way to a win

Local man Clayton gained his second point of the day with a 2&1 win and next up, Gary Stone secured a valuable half point.  Mike Wigley, seemingly cruising to victory, had to watch his opponent, Nigel Phillips, drain puts on 15 and 16, pushing the old boy all the way to the eighteenth before Mike ran out victorious. 

Fittingly, it was left to local member Charlie Phillips to secure the winning point for the Team, beating Kevin Arthur 2/1.

Three matches were still being played, and all went down the eighteenth.  These resulted in Stewart Bradley and Robinson both conceding putts to their opposition for halves. In the final match, Handyside played a fantastic shot to the eighteenth green and in so doing completed a one hole win.

Many thanks to the members of Newquay Golf Club for their hospitality.  The course was in great condition and the catering was first class.  The game was played in a great spirit and as always Wiltshire were a pleasure to play against.

Well done to everyone - keep smelling those roses!

Matchsheet

[Cornwall's win moves them to third place in the 7 team Seniors Channel League. The team's last match this year is away to tabele toppers Devon at Budleigh Salterton on 27th September]

Seniors Next Face Wiltshire

Seniors Channel League Cornwall v Wiltshire Monday 3rd September 2018 Newquay GC

Cornwall Seniors next Channel League fixture takes place at Newquay GC when the opposition will be Wiltshire. Cornwall sit in 4th place in the SCL table at present after two wins and two defeats but will be hoping home advantage steers them to a home win against 'the Tractor Boys' who have failed to gain a win from their four outings this season. A win could see the Duchy move into second place in the league.

Seniors Captain Andy Rowe has named his team for the match. Unsurprisingly new County Seniors Champion David Kneebone keeps his spot and runner up Andrew Clotworthy is brought in to the side, with the returning Rod Handyside replacing clubmate Malcolm Edmunds. 

The full team is: Andy Rowe (Looe), David Kneebone (Truro), Colin Kitt (China Fleet), Gary Stone (Bude & North Cornwall), Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park), Rod Handyside & Mike Wigley (West Cornwall), Phil Clayton, Charlie Phillips &  Trevor Robinson (Newquay). Stewart Bradley (Lanhydrock) is the unfortunate one to miss out after making his first appearance in the last match - an away win in Somerset. Bradley is named as reserve.

Duchy Seniors Win On the Road

Cornwall Seniors claimed a very impressive away win in Somerset yesterday as they defeated the host county 10-5 at Enmore Park GC. Trailing 3-2 after the 9 hole foursomes the Duchy team took 8 from 10 points in the afternoon singles.

[Report courtesy of CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe]

The Duchy Seniors Team won 10-5 away to Somerset at Enmore Park.  Trailing 2-3 in the morning the team rallied to the task in the afternoon and won 7 singles, halved two and lost one. This  resulted in a convincing and well deserved win.

The morning foursomes: top of the order Captain Andy Rowe and Phil Clayton secured the first point with a 2/1 victory with Phil playing particularly well. The following three matches resulted in defeats for the Duchy. However, the “old boy” at the back, Mike Wigley, playing with County President, Mike Ellis, showed their class and secured a 3/2 win.

Still in the match, only a point behind at lunchtime, we needed a quick start. 

Leading by example, Captain Andy Rowe had a convincing win over James Ward, who was not quite at his best. 

The result of the day came from Dave Kneebone. He confessed at lunchtime that he played poorly in the morning and was not a great help to his playing partner Charlie Phillips in the foursomes.  However, form is temporary, class is permanent, and with a good lunch inside him he managed six birdies and a fine half against the current SW champion Ron Schroder (USA) local Somerset boy!  

Next up, young Gary Stone and caddy, Andy, romped home to a 6/5 victory.  Simultaneously, Phil Clayton beat local member Neil Whistler 4/3. Needing 8 points for victory, we had 5.5 in the bag and victory was still a possibility.  Wigley and Phillips passed through the fourteenth hole both one up, with Stuart Bradley one down.

 Still looking for two and a half points, the President stepped up to the plate with a fantastic 3/2 win.  Mike’s opponent was heard to say that Mike putted particularly well, something his Captain never expected to hear! 

Stewart Bradley (making his debut) fighting hard for his first point eventually succumbed to local member Matt Lazenby 2/1, who was on fine form.  Bringing all his vast experience to bear, Malcolm Edmunds beat Paddy Maclennan 4/3. 

Needing only a half point, we rushed to the eighteenth to see County Vice Captain, Charlie Phillips hit a fine shot to the final green.  Unbeknown to the rest of the team, Mike Wigley had won two up and secured a Cornish win.  Phillips generously conceded his opponent’s put for their match to finish all square.  (Very much in the spirit of Jack and Tony.) Last man on the course, Trevor Robertson, completed the victory with a 2/1 win.

Thanks to Somerset and the members of Enmore Park Golf Club for their hospitality.  The course was in great condition and the catering was first class.

Congratulations to the Team.  Your Captain greatly appreciated everyone’s contribution to this fantastic victory. Enjoy the moment and smell the roses.

Matchsheet

CGU Seniors Captain Rowe was snapped hiding behind a particularly attractive and very tall pile of cakes - he can only just be seen!

Next Up for Seniors are Somerset

SCL Somerset v Cornwall Friday 10th August 2018 Enmore Park GC

CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe has named his team to face Somerset in the Seniors Channel League fixture taking place at Enmore Park GC on 20th August 2018.

Rowe makes two changes to the team which lost at home to Glamorgan recently. Rod Handyside (West Cornwall) is unfortunately not available and with Simon Harper injured, Rowe recalls Charlie Phillips (Newquay) and gives a debut to Stewart Bradley (Lanhydrock).

The full team is: Andy Rowe (Looe), David Kneebone (Truro), Colin Kitt (China Fleet), Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall),  Bradley (Lanhydrock), Malcolm Edmunds & Mike Wigley (both West Cornwall), Phil Clayton,  Trevor Robinson and Phillips (all Newquay).

Cornwall Finish Bottom of SWCGA Seniors

SWCGA Seniors Championship 26th/27th July 2018 High Post GC, Wiltshire

Cornwall have finished bottom of the pile in a closely contested SWCGA Seniors Championship staged over two days at High Post GC, Wiltshire. The format for the two day event was 36-holes medal play, both individual and team.  From each 8 man team six are selected with the best five cards of that six counting in each round for the team. 

After finishing 5th from 6 in 2017 hopes of an improved performance this year were dashed by first round scoring. 

Best of the bunch for Cornwall was Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) who returned a 4 over par 74. Close behind Rowe was Rod Handyside (West Cornwall) with a 75. A 79 from Colin Kitt (China Fleet) was added to an 81 (David Kneebone, Truro), and an 82 (Mike Wigley, West Cornwall) for a team total of 391 with the discarded score being an 86 (Trevor Robinson, Newquay). Making up the Cornwall eight were Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) and Simon Harper (St Austell) who scored 79 and 82 respectively.

Additionally Cornwall had two individual entries in former CGU President Paul Clahane who scored 81 as did current President Mike Ellis (both Trevose).

Day Two today saw an improvement in Cornwall’s overall scoring as the 5 eligible cards combined for a total of 380 - an improvement of 11 shots over day one. Best scorers for the Duchy were Handyside and Kitt with 74. Robinson returned a 76, Wigley a 77, Rowe a 79 and Kneebone an 80. Cornwall’s two day total was therefore 771. The other members of the team Edmunds scored 81 whilst Harper withdrew.

Clahane and Ellis again matched each other’s scores with a pair of 79s.

In the final analysis Handyside - pictured left - finished in 9th place in the overall individual competition with a total of 149, some 10 shots behind winner Ron Schroder (Somerset). Kitt finished 14th and Rowe 19th from the 66 competitors.

In the over 65s bracket won by Paul Vicary (Devon) on 148, Wigley was 5th on 159 and Clahane 6th on 160.

In the overall inter county team event the winners were Dorset (748) who now go as SW representatives at the Seniors County Finals.

Other County scores: Devon (753), Wiltshire (765), Somerset (762), Gloucestershire (770) and Cornwall (771).

Seniors Lose Home Encounter With Glamorgan

SCL Cornwall v Glamorgan Wednesday 18th July 2018  Launceston GC

The Duchy Seniors team lost 10-5 at home to Glamorgan yesterday after a disappointing home performance. Having been convincingly beaten in the 5 morning foursomes - losing four and halving just the one - a monumental afternoon effort in the 10 singles matches was required and when this did not materialise sufficiently the Duchy conceded to a strong and determined Welsh side.

The morning foursomes ultimately set the tone for the day as Glamorgan got out of the blocks quicker than Cornwall, negotiated the tree lined course well and overall appeared to have more success on and around the greens.  The two pictures below hint at what befell the Cornish players. First off Andy Rowe contemplates an unnatural left handed shot.

David Kneebone and Colin Kitt did well to turn around a 3 hole deficit and gain a half for the Duchy but this was to be the only crumb of comfort for Cornwall as both Seniors Captain Andy Rowe and Phil Clayton  and Malcolm Edmunds & Gary Stone went down 3&2, whilst Simon Harper & Mike Wigley and Trevor Robinson & Rod Handyside went down by the odd hole. The latter pair can consider themselves hard done by as Glamorgan's Pat Regan holed important and very missable putts at both the 8th and 9th holes.

Rod Handyside chips from beside the 9th at Launceston

So with a mountain to climb the singles ensued with Glamorgan firmly in the driving seat - a position they  improved on further. Of the 10 available points from the singles the Welsh team claimed 5.5 and cemented their win.

Giving away an average of a shot a man in handicap, through nine holes things were looking up with the Duchy leading in six and all square in another.  As the matches started to draw to a close is was  Captain Rowe who drew first blood with a 3&2 victory over Jeff Thomas but this was quickly nullified as Adrian Bragg recorded three early birdies that Wigley could not get back before running out a convincing 6&5 winner.  Clayton beat Mike Gwyther by 4&3 before victories for Richard Jones by 1 hole over Kneebone and Keith Stimpson by 2&1 over Kitt left Cornwall needing to win the remaining five games to secure a draw.  Stone 6&5 over Meurig Phillips, and Handyside, exacting a degree of revenge in a 5&4 win over Regan, did their bit but the overall match win was secured for Glamorgan when Chris Glenny beat Edmunds 4&3.  The final two matches on the course both went down the final hole with Harper fighting back from dormie 2 down to secure a half against Kevin Spear before Glamorgan Captain Ian Henderson holed from 35’ to take the point against Robinson.

The Duchy team will be in action again next week at High Post in Wiltshire when they take part in the South West Counties Golf Association Seniors Championship and return to SCL action on 10th August when they will play Somerset at Enmore Park GC, Bridgwater

The full Cornwall v Glamorgan results can be viewed here

Seniors Beaten at Cotswold Edge

SCL Gloucestershire v Cornwall Thursday 10th May 2018 Cotswold Edge GC

Cornwall Seniors travelled to Cotswold Edge GC to face Gloucestershire Seniors in their second SCL match of the season. Despite holding a narrow advantage after the foursomes (3-2) the singles matches did not go the way of the Duchy as they lost 7 of the 10 available.

Following their excellent victory against Gwent in their opening Seniors Channel League match the side arrived in Gloucestershire with high hopes of a repeat performance. 

With Phil Clayton and Colin Kitt unavailable due to work and holiday commitments Alan Poole (St Mellion) and Neil Hodding (West Cornwall) brought into the side as their replacements.  Unfortunately, the Duchy were forced into another late change when Colin Ross pulled out because of illness to be replaced by Paul Clahane (Trevose) and it was  aforementioned Clahane who, in company with David Kneebone (Truro), that set us on our way with a crushing 5&4 victory over Bob Broad & Rob Stephens (both Michinhampton).

Gloucestershire hit back winning the top match as Steve York (Shirehampton) & Dave Williams (Cotswold Hills) beat Cornwall Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) & Gary Stone (Bude) 3&2 before Simon Harper (St Austell) & Alan Poole (St Mellion) got the better of the home club pairing of Vernon Chappell & Dave Clutterbuck by 4&2.  The final two morning matches were much tighter affairs with Malcolm Edmunds & Neil Hodding (both West Cornwall)) and Trevor Robinson (Carlyon Bay) & Rod Handyside (West Cornwall) being taken to the final hole of these nine-hole foursomes matches against John Keenaghan (Chipping Sodbury) & Carl Gyde (Painswick) and Philip Graham (Michinhampton) & Nick Morris (Lilley Brook) respectively.  When both matches finished all square Cornwall held a narrow 3-2 lead going into the afternoon singles.
 
The venue for this match was Cotswold Edge Golf Club, a parkland course set up high on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment with stunning views out towards the south and west.  This position also means it is subject to the worst of the weather, only five weeks ago it was under 4’ of snow, and the effect of the wet winter and cold spring was evident in the greens which were clearly a number of weeks behind in their preparation.  However, credit must be given to the green staff who did their utmost to give us a playable course; it was the same for both sides and cannot be used as an excuse for our performance in the afternoon.
 
Rowe got the black and gold off to a great start in the afternoon with a 2&1 win over York in the top match before the scoreboard turned decidedly red and yellow as the home side took control.  Williams got the better of Clahane by 3&2 and Broad levelled the match at 4-4 with a 3&2 victory over Stone before wins for Chappell (1-hole over Kneebone), Gyde (2&1 over Hodding) and Keenaghan (3&2 over Harper) took Gloucestershire to the brink of victory. 

The decisive point came when Stephens matched Poole’s final hole birdie to claim a narrow 1-hole victory before Graham saw off Handyside by 2&1.  The final two matches saw a little bit of relief for the Duchy when Edmunds & Graham shared the spoils before Robinson completed a 2&1 victory over Clutterbuck to leave the afternoon score at 7.5 – 2.5 and give Gloucestershire a 9.5 to 5.5 victory.
 
The side will be back in Seniors Channel League action when they take on Glamorgan at Launceston on Wednesday 18th July.

Matchsheet

The side will be back in Seniors Channel League action when they take on Glamorgan at Launceston on Wednesday 18th July.

Next Up For Seniors are Gloucestershire

SCL Gloucestershire v Cornwall Thursday 10th May 2018 Cotswold Edge GC

After the good start to their 2018 Seniors Channel League season the Duchy Seniors next travel to face Gloucestershire at Cotswold Edge Gc on Thursday 10th May.

CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe is forced to make two changes to the team which beat Gwent as Phil Clayton and Colin Kitt are unavailable with the pair being replaced by Neil Hodding and  Alan Poole.

The full team is : Andy Rowe (Captain, Looe), Simon Harper (St Austell), David Kneebone (Truro), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Malcolm Edmunds, Neil Hodding & Rod Handyside (West Cornwall), Gary Stone (Bude & NC), Trevor Robinson (Carlyon Bay) & Alan Poole (St Mellion).

Seniors Defeat Gwent at Launceston

The CGU Seniors overcame Gwent in a tight match by 8.5 - 6.5 at Launceston on Monday 23rd April 2018. The full match reeport can be seen on the main CGU News page here

Seniors Team Named for SCL Opener v Gwent

New CGU Seniors Captain Andy Rowe has named his first team for the 2018 Seniors Channel League opening fixture against Gwent at Launceston GC on Monday 23rd April 2018.

In a strong side there are county debuts for Bude & N Cornwall's Gary Stone and West Cornwall's Rod Handyside and a welcome return to the team by Newquay's former County Champion and Past County Captain Phil Clayton.

The full team is : Andy Rowe (Looe), Phil Clayton (Newquay), Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall), Rod Handyside (West Cornwall), Simon Harper (St Austell), Colin Kitt (China Fleet), David Kneebone (Truro), Trevor Robinson (Carlyon Bay), Colin Ross (Falmouth) & Gary Stone (Bude & North Cornwall). Two reserves are also named:  Neil Hodding (West Cornwall) and Trevor Ashton (Trevose).

Robinson Claims SCL Spot

Carlyon Bay's Trevor Robinson - pictured above but not on Friday! - earned himself a spot in the opening Seniors Channel League match of the sesson with an excellent 30 scratch stableford points in the last of 3 get togethers staged at Newquay GC on Friday 16th March 2018. Whilst his score was matched by CGU Vice President Mike Ellis (Trevose) and County Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe), Robinson's performance over the three sessions saw him claim the top spot in the OoM and gain the selection.

Leading Scores (16th March);

30 - Trevor Robinson, Mike Ellis, Andy Rowe

28 - David Kneebone (Truro)

27 - Rod Handyside (West Cornwall)

26 - Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall)

Leading Final OoM points:

20 - Trevor Robinson

18 - Alan Poole (St Mellion), Rod Handyside

14 - Andy Rowe

Robinson was presented with a keepsake provided - seemingly at little cost to Captain Rowe -  and will no doubt be reminded of the success every time he looks at the small item of crockery!

The first SCL encounter for Cornwall will take place against Gwent at Launceston GC on Monday 23rd April 2018.

Poole Takes Honours in Seniors Get Together No.2

The second of three get togethers for the CGU Seniors took place again at Newquay GC on Friday 23rd February 2018 and it was former CGU County Captain Alan Poole (St Mellion) who claimed the honours retrurning an excellent 30 scratch stableford points to eclipse the field of 15 who participated.

Leading Scores (23rd February):

30 - Alan Poole

27 - Trevor Robinson (Carlyon Bay)

25 - Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall)

23 - John Harris, Andy Rowe (both Looe)

22 - Trevor Ashton (Trevose)

Poole's win earned him a maximum 10 points towards the Order of Merit being utilised to determine one clear pick for the first Seniors Channel League match of the 2018 season in April.

Leading OoM points after 2 events:

18 -  Alan Poole

12 - Rod Handyside (West Cornwall)

10 - John Harris, Trevor Robinson

Juniors See Off Their Elders

Cornwall Seniors v Cornwall U18s Monday 12th February 2018 Perranporth GC

The Cornwall Boys U18s and the Cornwall Seniors opened their season yesterday in what has become an annual encounter.  The sun made a welcome appearance, but that only just took the edge off the bitterly cold north westerly wind on the beautifully presented Perranporth links. The Junior boys started where they left off last year with a great team spirit fostered by Junior County Captain Joe Reynard (Trevose) who ensured pre match bonding on the putting green.

In Team Manager Gary Andrew's first match in charge of the U18s, the first game saw a welcome return to County golf for Finn Rule (West Cornwall), who was paired up with Reynard (Trevose), against Senior ‘s Captain Simon Harper and Vice Captain Andy Rowe, the young pairing fired six birdies and an eagle to record a comfortable 5&3 win.

Perranporth’s George Law and Truro’s Cameron Gurd were next up against Charlie Phillips (Newquay) and Colin Kitt (China Fleet), and in another high quality match the U18’s closed the game out 4&3.

The Seniors stopped the rot in the next match as Colin Ross (Falmouth) and Trevor Ashton (Trevose) had a fine 7&5 win against Rhys Kerton (Perranporth) and Freddie Norris (Mullion).

Lewis Woolaway & Will Trew (both Perranporth) found themselves in a right old battle against Gary Stone (Bude & N Cornwall) and Neil Hodding (West Cornwall), and in what was a nip and tuck affair Lewis and Will saw the match out one up.

Mike Wigley (Trevose)and David Goodman (Bowood Park)once again got the Seniors back into the match with a fine 4&2 win over Ollie Watson (Carlyon Bay) and Ricardo Sanchez (Truro).

Two last minute ‘stand-ins’ for the Seniors, Tristan Gurd (Perranporth)and Neil Bradley (St Enodoc), showed some class as they got the overall match back to level with an excellent 6&5 win over Zac Cook (Perranporth) and Thomas Stephens (Truro).

With just two matches left on the course and the overall score standing at 3-3, there was all to play for. Truro’s Jack Andrew and St Austell’s Ewan Warren combined well to record a solid 4&2 win over Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) and Ross Durkin (Mullion).

The U18’s just needed half a point to secure victory and all seemed to be in the bag as Liam Wilson (Truro) and Morgan Craven (Perranporth) were four up after ten, but Paul Clahane (Trevose) and John Harris (Looe) had other ideas as their experience showed and they clawed the youngsters back to one after 16. The Senior pairing had a chance to win the 17th, but the four foot putt didn’t drop, so Liam and Morgan had to hold their nerve going down the last. On 18 both pairs made solid pars and hence the juniors sealed the game one up, giving the U18’s an overall 5-3 victory in what was a very exciting match.

After a quick change into their suits, the players then tucked into a very welcome and deserved hot carvery. In the speeches, Senior Captain Simon Harper congratulated the Under 18’s on their performance and Junior Captain Joe Reynard thanked Perranporth Golf Club for their very kind hospitality.  Perranporth will see a lot of county activity across the coming season in the build up to the SWCGA Boys Championship which is being staged there in July. Prior to that the Junior County Championship will take place over the James Braid designed links in the middle of June.

Andrew was pleased with the performance of his team, "The boys applied themselves today and it was a good test. The team spirit and desire is what I was looking for and I am pleased to say it was evident and that can only be good for what lies ahead this year. The match with the Seniors is a good test and also played in such great spirit. So thank you to them and also to Perranporth GC for their welcome and hospitality, We look forward to being here across the year and to getting to know and to play the course as well as we can".

Full result  here

Rod Looks Handy for 2018 CGU Seniors Side

With the 2018 Seniors Channel League season upcoming the first of three 'Get Togethers' for them took place recently by kind permission of Newquay GC.

As an incentive CGU Seniors Captain elect, Andy Rowe has organised a mini Order of Merit across the sessions with the promise that whoever tops it will definitely start in the opening SCL encounter with Gwent at Launceston in April.

On a cold windy but thankfully dry day some 19 seniors took part in the first session and played a scratch stableford. West Cornwall's Rod Handyside lived up to his name returning a very good 29 points to head proceedings, closely followed by Alan Poole (St Mellion) on 28.

Other scores:

26 - Trevor Ashton (Trevose), Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park), David Cowan (Trevose), John Harris (Looe)

25 - Charlie Phillips (Newquay)

24 - Chris Pountney (St Mellion), Duncan Powell and Trevor Robinson (both Carlyon Bay).

All of the above scored OoM points.

The next Get Together will again be at Newquay GC on 23rd February but in the meantime the Seniors have a friendly fixture with the County Boys U18 team at Perranporth GC on Monday 12th February, commencing at 10.30am.

CGU Seniors Team: (From) Simon Harper, Andy Rowe, Colin Kitt, Charlie Phillips, Neil Hodding, Gary Stone, Paul Clahane, John Harris, Trevor Ashton, David Cowan, Mike Wigley, David Goodman, Colin Ross, Mike Eddy, Duncan Powell and Ross Durkin.

SCL Fixtures 2018

SENIORS LOSE FINAL GAME TO DEVON

SCL Cornwall v Devon Monday 11th September 2017 St Austell GC

Report courtesy of Simon Harper

DEVON VICTORY COMPLETES THE CLEAN SWEEP

Devon made it six wins from six matches as they confirmed their superiority in the Seniors Channel League with a last gasp victory at a blustery St.Austell.  With a wind gusting in excess of 40mph accompanied with heavy showers conditions were difficult to say the least but these experienced campaigners produced some excellent golf to ensure the result was in doubt until the last match played the final hole. 

The visitors got off to a flying start as Tim Aggett & Colin Papworth claimed a 3&2 victory over an out of sorts Paul Clahane (Trevose) & David Kneebone (Truro). 

Match two saw Tony Allsopp & Simon Waddington take an unlikely lead at the par-5 sixth in their match against the all Trevose pairing of Mike Ellis & David Cowan.  Having driven into the tree only 50 yards off the tee the Devon pair played two excellent shots to be through the back of the green but short-sided to the back left flag position.  It looked odds on a halved hole until Allsopp’s chip hit the pin before nestling beside the hole.  The roles were reversed on the next hole as the Cornish pair claimed a half after driving into the bush just off the tee.  Unfortunately, a wayward drive down the eighth allowed Allsopp & Waddington to claim a second point for the visitors. 

The next match saw Simon Harper, leading the team for the final time on his home track, and vice-captain Andy Rowe (Looe) make three pars and a birdie to race into a three-hole lead against Paul Vicary & Barrie Keith.  A 10’ putt from Keith at the fifth followed by a 12-footer from Vicary at the seventh saw the deficit cut to just one standing on the eighth tee.  With neither side finding the target on the difficult eighth it was Harper who again found that piece of magic with his wedge to chip in for a birdie-3 and seal a 2&1 win for the home side’s first point. 

Moments later the match was square again as Mike Wigley (Trevose) & David Goodman (Bowood), renewing their successful partnership of recent years, completed a comprehensive 3&2 win over Richard Ward & Phil Lyons. 

At 2 – 2 with the final match of Colin Ross (Falmouth) & Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) against Graham Ruth & Dave Eva all-square playing the eighth things could not be closer.  Once again neither side could find the green in regulation and when both chipped to about 6’ it took a measurement with the flagstick to determine who was away.  When Eva holed out the pressure went on the Edmunds but, as expected, he was up to the task and the match was still even playing the last.  Both sides found the green with their seconds but when Edmunds failed to hole from 35’ Devon had a chance to claim victory.  Fortunately for the Duchy side Eva’s putt slipped to the right and when Ross calmly slotted home from 3’ the foursomes were shared and it was all to play for in the afternoon.

As the players lunched the course was hit by a couple of very heavy showers which left some surface water on the greens.  However, the drying effect of the strong wind and the excellent natural drainage of this hilltop course meant the afternoon singles were able to start on time. 

With an average handicap almost two-strokes lower than the home side Devon got off to a fast start with Aggett, 5&4 over Cowan, Allsopp, 4&3 over Ellis, and Keith, 5&4 over Clahane, taking the first three points. 

The score was soon level again as the Cornish “engine room” fired again with Kneebone, 3&2 over Vicary, Rowe, 3&2 over Ward, and Harper, on the final green after a titanic struggle with Waddington all recording wins.  The visitors gained another point as Eva got the better of Ross by 3&2 in match nine but the game between Wigley & Ruth was another that went the distance. Even on the final green it could have gone either way as first Wigley’s chip for a three stopped on the lip before Ruth’s putt for victory also failed to drop and the match finished all-square. 

Behind them Lyons was one to the good against Goodman in the battle of the left-handers but a superb 5-iron from Goodman set up and easy par-4 that was good enough to take the hole and half the match. 

With one match on the course the visitors led by 71/2 – 61/2 but the Duchy side could still gain a share of the spoils.  Unfortunately, having found the trees off the tee Edmunds could not find the putting surface with his second while Papworth judged the wind perfectly to finish within easy two-putt range.  When Edmunds was unable to get up and down for his par the hole was conceded giving Papworth a 1-hole win and Devon a narrow 81/2 – 61/2 victory.

This match concludes our Channel League season with a disappointing one win and one drawn match to show for our endeavours.  We will finish sixth in the table ahead of Somerset only on match points won. 

However, there were some excellent individual performances over the season.  Having lost both his matches in the opening game in Gwent, Malcolm Edmunds embarked on a nine match unbeaten run ended only by his final hole defeat yesterday – he contributed 6.5 pts from a possible 12.  The Captain, Simon Harper, won five of his six singles matches, his only loss coming with his final hole three-putt against Wiltshire where he stood two-up with four to play.  Added to two foursomes wins he was the team’s top scorer with 7 pts from a possible 12.  Vice-Captain, Andy Rowe, contributed 5.5 pts from a possible 10 while of those playing fewer games David Kneebone won 5 pts from a possible 8 and Phil Clayton 3 pts from a possible 4 in his two matches.

As a team we were marginally better in the foursomes of this year as opposed to the four-balls of last season winning two of the six sessions and drawing two more to finish the season with 14.5 pts – 15.5 pts.  We didn’t fare quite as well in the singles where we didn’t win a single session and overall gained 26.5 pts – 33.5 pts.  It is during these singles sessions that we most notice the aforementioned handicap differences and it highlights the need for us to have our lowest handicap players available as often as possible.

Finally, as this is my last match report I must take the opportunity to thank all who have represented Cornwall this year. To you as a regular player, squad member or interested spectator thank you for your support during my two years as captain.  Without this support the captain’s job would be impossible and I’m sure you will join me in wishing Andy Rowe the best of luck for the next couple of seasons.

Matchsheet

SENIORS COME UP JUST SHORT AGAIN

SCL Wiltshire v Cornwall Monday 4th September 2017, Cumberwell Park GC

In what appears to be a recurring theme for the Seniors side this season they once again came up just short against defending Seniors Channel League champions Wiltshire at a sodden Cumberwell Park on Monday. 

A high quality foursome session was led off by David Kneebone (Truro) alongside Paul Clahane (Trevose) who gained a fine 2&1 win over Wiltshire stalwart Roger Searle and partner Kevin Arthur, unfortunately, this was to be the only full point of the morning. 

Colin Kitt (China Fleet) and Charlie Phillips (Newquay) were level-par when losing 2&1 to Nigel Phillips & Paul Bloomfield, while in match three Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) and Andy Rowe (Looe) opened with a birdie at the first to take an early lead against Simon Dymoke & Chris Graham before their opponents reeled off three birdies of their own to jump two clear through four-holes before holing again from 25’ to seal a 4&3 victory. 

An unfortunate final green three-putt saw Mike Wigley (Trevose) & David Goodman (Bowood) lose by the odd hole against Dennis Waites & Paul Diamond.  At 3 – 1 down the Duchy desperately needed something from the last match but with Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) & Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park) dormie-two down things did not look promising.  However, a stirring fightback over the last two holes culminating in a curling 7’ putt by Edmunds saw them snatch a half against Per-Axel Warensjo & Richard Jeffery.  3.5 - 1.5 down at lunch meant it was all to play for in the afternoon singles.

Kneebone’s 6&5 trouncing of Searle followed by and equally scintillating 7&6 victory for Rowe over Arthur saw Cornwall off to the perfect start and when Charlie Phillips completed a fine 4&3 win over Waites to cancel out Kitts’s 2&1 defeat to Nigel Phillips the sides were level. 

Harper was involved in an epic nip and tuck match with Dymoke which went all the way to the final green before Dymoke sealed victory with another curling 6’ putt following a Harper three-putt.  Wiltshire now began to pull away as Bloomfield completed a 4&2 win over Wigley and the home side were on the brink of victory when Diamond saw off Clahane 6&5.  The final nail on the Duchy’s coffin came when Graham found his putting boots again to win three holes in a row to complete a 3&2 victory over Goodman. 

The final two points were shared as first Edmunds completed a comprehensive 5&4 win over Jeffery before Warensjo nipped home 2&1 against Clotworthy.

The final 9.5 - 5.5 score line does not, perhaps, reflect the closeness of the match or the quality of the golf played in defeat.  It does, however, highlight the need of proper preparation – something that we did not have here.  The torrential rain of Sunday morning coupled with unexpectedly heavy traffic on all routes meant only six of the ten players were able to complete a full practice round.  One player in particular took nearly eight hours to complete his 220 miles journey.  However, this was our last away match of the year and we will complete our SCL season next Monday, 11th September, when we take on Devon at St Austell.

Matchsheet

SENIORS TEAM TO FACE WILTSHIRE

SCL Wiltshire v Cornwall Monday 4th September 2017 Cumberwell Park GC

The Seniors team to play Wiltshire away at Cumberwell Park GC in early September has been named. County Seniors Captain and newly crowned Seniors Champion Simon Harper has had to make two changes from the last match with Trevor Ashton and Paul Clahane replacing  Colin Ross and David Cowan.

The full team is: Simon Harper (St Austell), Andy Rowe (Looe), David Kneebone (Truro), Colin Kitt (China Fleet), Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall), Charlie Phillips (Newquay), David Goodman (Bowood) Mike Wigley, Trevor Ashton and Paul Clahane (all Trevose). 

SENIORS DRAW AT HOME TO SOMERSET

SCL Cornwall v Somerset Thursday 10th August 2017 Truro GC

Yesterday the Cornwall Seniors - pictured above - drew their home Channel League match with Somerset at 7.5 points each. (Front L to R: Charlie Phillips, Simon Harper, Andy Rowe, Colin Ross, Malcolm Edmunds Back: Andrew Clotworthy, Mike Wigley, David Kneebone, Colin Kitt, David Cowan)

In a very close encounter at a superbly presented Truro Golf Club, the CGU Seniors team fought out a drawn match with Somerset in the Seniors Channel League.  With the team showing four changes from last month’s defeat in Wales the foursomes were led off by the returning Trevose pairing of David Cowan & Mike Wigley against James Ward & Matt Lazenby and it was the Somerset pair who took the point on the last green.  Colin Kitt (China Fleet) & Charlie Phillips (Newquay) continued their successful partnership with a one-hole victory over Peter Davies & Danny Dowell before Andy Rowe (Looe) & Colin Ross (Falmouth) added another point with a two-hole win.  Somerset were soon level again as Steve Palmer & Martin Cashnella were one-under par through seven holes to see off the ‘Captains Pairing’ of David Kneebone (Truro) & Simon Harper (St Austell).  The final game saw Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) & Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park) approach the final green one to the good against Steve Thomas & Paddy MacLennan.  Equal distance from the hole in two it looked odds on that the Duchy would take a one-point lead into the afternoon singles.  Unfortunately, it was not to be as the Gold & Black’s three-footer for the match caught the lip and failed to drop – all square at lunch 2.5 pts each.

Needing to win the singles session (something we haven’t done all season) to claim victory the match was perhaps decided in the first three matches.  With all three going to the final hole Ward and Cashnella got the better of Rowe and Wigley with one-hole victories while Kneebone and Thomas halved their match.  Now 5 - 3 down the Duchy’s middle order hit back with wins for Cowan, 3&2 over Palmer, Ross, 5&4 over Johnston, and Edmunds, 3&2 over Dowell, to claim a 6 – 5 lead before Davies completed a final-hole win against Clotworthy.  Six-all soon became seven-all as first Lazenby defeated Phillips on the 15th before Harper completed a 5&3 victory over MacLennan on the same green.  By this time the final match on the course between Kitt and neil Whistler was going up the 18th where, perhaps fittingly, it finished all square to leave the final score of Cornwall 7.5 Somerset 7.5

Somerset were understandably the happier of the two side with this result – the first time they have avoided defeat in five matches this season – while the Duchy side were left to rue that missed putt in the final foursomes match. The result sees the Cornwall Seniors gain just a half point and sit for the time being at 5th in the 7 county table.

Seniors golf now turns its attention to individual stroke-play as we will reconvene at Truro next Thursday for the CGU Seniors Championships.  Our final two SCL matches take place in quick succession at the beginning of September as we visit Cumberwell Park to take on the defending champions Wiltshire on Monday 4th September before our final game sees us host near neighbours Devon at St Austell a week later.

Matchsheet

Slideshow below shows some images from the match.

SENIORS FACE SOMERSET NEXT

SCL Cornwall v Somerset Thursday 10th August 2017 Truro GC

The Cornwall Seniors team to face Somerset at Truro GC on Thursday 10th August 2017 has been named by County Seniors Captain Simon Harper.  The team sees four changes from the side defeated in Glamorgan in early July. There are recalls to the SCL side for County Men's Captain David Kneebone, Colin Ross, Mike Wigley and David Cowan, the latter making his 2017 debut.

The full team is: Simon Harper (St Austell), Andy Rowe (Looe), David Kneebone (Truro), Colin Kitt (China Fleet), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park), Mike Wigley (Trevose), Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall), Charlie Phillips (Newquay) and David Cowan (Trevose). County Vice President Mike Ellis (Trevose) is named as reserve for the fixture.

Somerset have lost all four of the fixtures they have played this year and sit at the foot of the SCL table. Cornwall have won one match and lost two and will be looking to make home advantage count in a bid to move up from their current 5th place in the 7 county league.

CORNWALL FINISH FIFTH AT SWCGA

The Cornwall County Seniors team finished in 5th spot at the conclusion of this year's South Western Counties Golf Association Champiosnhip staged on Thursday and Friday of this week at Orchardleigh GC, Somerset.

The 8 man team (6 scores to count) finished on a total of 781 after the 36 holes, 15 shots behind winners, Gloucestershire (766) who will now go on and represent the SW at the England Golf Seniors County Finals at Berwick-upon- Tweed in October.

Best Cornish performer overall was Andy Rowe (Looe) with rounds of 76 and 78 for a 154 total which earned him 14th spot in the 63 man field. That total was matched by David Kneebone (Truro) who returned 74 and 80 for 16th place.

Report below from Simon Harper

SOMERSET AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE TAKE TOP HONOURS
The home county’s Ron Schroder (Burnham & Berrow) won the South Western Counties Golf Association Seniors Championship played at Orchardleigh Golf Club, Somerset on the 27th and 28th July. He followed a level par 72 with a fiveover 77 for a 149 total which was good enough for a one-stroke victory.
Four players tied in second place on 150 – Rob Stephens (Gloucs – 75+75), Tony Coles (Dorset – 74+76), Richard Jeffery (Wilts – 74+76) and Vernon Chappell (Gloucs – 72+78).

The Cornish contingent didn’t fare as well. With the exception of David Kneebone’s opening 74 we never really got to grips with the course and, apart from top 15 finishes for Andy Rowe and the aforementioned Kneebone, finished well down the field of 63.

Also taking place was the South West Group Qualifying for the English County Finals and it was  Gloucestershire who will go on to the finals at Berwick upon Tweed in mid October. Trailing Dorset by two strokes after round one the Gloucestershire team produced a fine second round with five scores in the 70s to wrap up a seven-stroke victory with a 766 (+46) total.

The Duchy six of Simon Harper, Andy Rowe, David Kneebone, Andrew Clotworthy, Mike Wigley and Charlie Phillips produced a steady opening round and only trailed the leader by six-strokes. However, on a more
difficult final day they were unable to make the necessary improvements and slipped to a disappointing fifth place some 15 strokes behind the winners.

Individual Cornish Results
T14 Andy Rowe (Looe) 76 + 78 = 154
David Kneebone (Truro) 74 + 80 = 154
T22 Mike Wigley (Trevose) 78 + 79 = 157
T31 Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park) 80 + 79 = 159
Simon Harper (St Austell) 79 + 80 = 159
T37 Charlie Phillips (Newquay) 78 + 82 = 160
T46 Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) 82 + 80 = 162
T55 Paul Clahane (Trevose) 82 + 83 = 165

Unfortunately, Trevor Ashton (Trevose) suffered a re-occurrence of a hand injury during the practice round and had to withdraw part way though his second round.

Team Results
1 Gloucestershire 381 + 385 = 766 (+46)
2 Dorset 379 + 394 = 773 (+53)
3 Wiltshire 382 + 394 = 776 (+56)
4 Somerset 389 + 389 = 778 (+58)
5 Cornwall 385 + 396 = 781 (+61)
6 Devon 395 + 387 = 782 (+62)

SWCGA Championship Scores

CORNWALL IN FOURTH SPOT AFTER DAY 1

SWCGA Seniors Championship Thur/Fri 27/28th July Orchardleigh GC, Somerset

The Cornwall Seniors team lie in 4th spot after Day 1 of the SWCGA Seniors Championship taking place at Orchardleigh GC, Somerset, with County Mens Captain David Kneebone (Truro) leading the way after returning a two over par 74.

Kneebone's score sees him in 5th spot at the halfway mark whilst overall the Duchy team sit in 4th place on a total of 385 just 6 shots behind leaders Dorset (379). The other 5 counting scores for Cornwall came from County Seniors Vice Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) 76,  Mike Wigley (Trevose) 78,  Charlie Phillips (Newquay) 78, County Seniors Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) 79 and Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park) 80.

The individual leading scores on the day came from Ron Schroder (Somerset), Simon Dymoke (Wiltshire) and Vernon Chappell (Gloucestershire) who all returned level par 72s.

Other Cornish scores were Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) 82, Paul Clahane (Trevose) 82 and Trevor Ashton (Trevose) 89.

Full scores are available on the SWCGA website

CORNWALL TARGET SWCGA SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP

SWCGA Seniors Championship Thur/Fri 27/28th July Orchardleigh GC, Somerset

CGU Seniors Team Captain Simon Harper has selected the Duchy team who will be looking to go one better than last year and reach the English Seniors County Finals this year. Frst they have to claim victory in the South western Counties Golf Association Seniors Championship which takes place over 2 days at Orchardleigh GC, Somerset next week.

In 2016 at Launceston the Cornwall team finished runners up to winners Devon and had been in with a good shout of winning throughout the two day competition.

For this year's championship a number of players - Phil Clayton (Newquay), Colin Kitt (China Fleet), Colin Ross (Falmouth) and Neil Hodding (West Cornwall) who have all represented the county in Seniors Channel League matches this season - are unavailable. Harper has the bebefit though of being able to replace those unavailable with seasoned and experienced players. CGU County Captain David Kneebone (Truro) makes a return to the seniors team as do the Trevose pairing of Mike Wigley and Trevor Ashton.

The team is: Harper (St Austell), Andy Rowe (Looe),  David Kneebone (Truro),  Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park), Trevor Ashton (Trevose), Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall), Mike Wigley (Trevose) and Charlie Phillips (Newquay).

Orchardleigh GC is situated in the Somerset countryside near the town of Frome, and was designed by Brian Hugget and built during 1994. The 6824 yard par 72 course for men and 73 for ladies, is set in an established parkland estate, routed through mature trees with water coming into play on 7 holes.

Start times for the Championship have been published and can be viewed here

Scores will be available on the SWCGA website here

DEFEAT FOR CORNWALL IN GLAMORGAN

Report by CGU Seniors Captain Simon Harper

The CGU Seniors team headed deep into Wales for their second away match of the season against Glamorgan at the picturesque Neath Golf Club.  Set on the top of a hill overlooking Swansea Bay with stunning views over the Brecon Beacons in the other direction the hard work started with an 80’ climb from the car park to the first tee.  The par-5 first then climbed well over 100’ further up the hill before the 139 yard log second climbed another 60’ to a blind green.  By the time we boarded the third tee we were all expecting to see Sherpa Tenzing awaiting us.

Following our heartening win over Gloucestershire last time out hopes were high for another victory but things could not have started much worse as Senior’s Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) and Bowood Park’s David Goodman went down to a heavy 5&4 foursomes defeat.  However, the match was soon back level as Paul Clahane (Trevose) & Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park) completed a 2&1 win against Keith Stimpson & Bleddyn Taylor.  A further point was gained as the next two matches involving Charlie Phillips (Newquay) & Colin Kitt (China Fleet) and Phil Clayton (Newquay) & Andy Rowe (Looe) finished all square against Jeff Thomas & Russell Adams and Brian Rigby & Roger Maliphant respectively.  The final foursomes match saw the West Cornwall pair of Malcolm Edmunds & Neil Hodding complete a 2-hole victory over the home side’s Steve Hopkins & Mike Gwyther to give the Duchy a 3-2 lunchtime lead.

As could be expected the home side came out fighting in the afternoon singles packing the top of their order with their top players and it proved to be a decisive tactic as they took the first four matches as Thomas beat Clahane 4&3, Rigby beat Clotworthy 3&2, Gwyther beat Kitt 4&2 and Stimpson beat Phillips 6&5.  Rowe stopped the rot with a half against Adams before Clayton and Harper added a couple of points to our total with wins over Taylor (3&2) and Regan (2&1) respectively to give us some hope.  However, this hope was soon dashed as first Maliphant, 4&3 against Hodding, and Hopkins 3&2 over Goodman, saw Glamorgan over the line.  With only one match left on the course is was Cornwall who had the final say as former Glamorgan player Malcolm Edmunds completed a 2&1 victory over Nick Caulfield to leave the final score as Glamorgan 8.5 Cornwall 6.5.

The Duchy side will be back in action later this month in the South West Seniors Championship at Orchardleigh in Somerset before their next Seniors Channel League match against Somerset at Truro on Thursday 10th August.  The teams for both these fixtures will be announced shortly.

Full Scores

Seniors Record Historic Away Win Against Old Rivals

SCL Devon v Cornwall, Monday 19th September 2016, Stover GC, N Abbot, Devon

The Duchy Seniors team finished their season with a flourish yesterday as they recorded an historic away win against neighbouring rivals Devon at Stover GC, winning the match 8-7 despite having been down 3.5 - 1.5 at lunch.

Report from Seniors Team Captain Simon Harper

In stark contrast to their abject capitulation in their last match the Cornwall Seniors team launched a magnificent singles fightback to beat Devon at Stover yesterday.  Captain Simon Harper had made two changes from the side that drew with Wiltshire giving a debut to West Cornwall’s Neil Hodding and a recall to senior’s duty to CGU Vice-President Mike Ellis from Trevose.  This brought the representation from the two clubs to five and the sight of a tight, tree-lined course with ponds, a river and numerous other water hazards was greeted with trepidation by those more used to the wide open spaces of their links.  

The morning four-balls were a tight affair with the lead pairing of Senior’s Champion Andy Rowe (Looe) and Colin Ross (Falmouth) going down to a final hole birdie from Tim Aggett as he and partner Tony Allsopp took the opening point.  This was cancelled out immediately as Simon Harper (St Austell) and Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) parred the final hole to eke out a narrow 1-hole victory over Barry Keith and Kevin Hill. Match three was another close game with the Trevose pairing of Trevor Ashton and the aforementioned Ellis denied victory when Devon’s Paul Marels got up and down from the rear of the final green to gain a half with partner Phil Lyons. 

Level at a point and a half apiece things were looking good but, unfortunately, the final two games were to go the way of the home side as first the West Cornwall pair of Malcolm Edmunds and Neil Hodding went down 2&1 to Paul Vicary and Richard Ward before county stalwarts David Goodman (Bowood) and Mike Wigley (Trevose) lost on the same green to Colin Papworth and reigning SWCGA Champion Rick Pillow. 

These results gave Devon a 3.5 to 1.5 lead at lunch and left the Duchy with another mountain to climb in the afternoon.  

The singles draw included some interesting match-ups and with eight of this Devon team soon to be playing in the Seniors English County Finals it was no surprise that the home side took first blood as a combination of some inspired play coupled with the odd error saw Tim Aggett complete a comprehensive 8&7 win over Duncan Powell.  However, from that point on it was a mass of black and gold as first Andy Rowe, a 5&4 victor over Barry Keith, then Simon Harper, 3&2 over Kevin Hill brought the Duchy to within one point of their opponents. 

Trevor Ashton made his return three and a half points from a possible four since his return to the side with a 4&2 win over Paul Marels and the match score was now level at 4.5 apiece.  Colin Ross was one hole to the good through 16 but a hooked drive into the trees at 17 seemed to have handed the initiative to his opponent but, having found the ball and chipped out, he hit a great 5-iron to three-feet.  With the pressure applied his opponent, Tony Allsopp, only found the front of the green with his second and when he three-putted from long range Colin calmly holed out for a 2&1 victory to put Cornwall in the lead for the first time.

With four wins from the first five games we started to believe we might get something out of this game and when Malcolm Edmunds calmly holed for a birdie and a 2&1 win against Phil Lyons we had moved to within a point and a half of victory.  Next man into the fray was Mike Ellis.  All-square with Paul Vicary through 13 Mike had edged into a narrow lead playing the penultimate hole which was halved in par-fours.  Neither player found the final green in regulation but chipped to a similar position with their thirds.  When Vicary’s putt drifted by we knew that two-putts would secure at least a drawn match but Mike was determined to finish in style and duly holed from 18’ for a 2-hole victory.

Our thoughts now turned to the matches at the rear of the field which had all been in Devon’s favour through the 13th.  Colin Papworth had by now turned his lead into a 3&2 defeat of David Goodman and so now all the attention turned to the ‘new boy’ Neil Hodding – and the news was encouraging.  All-square standing on the 18th tee Neil unleashed a superb drive down the middle of the fairway leaving himself an excellent view of the flag perched on the back right of the green.  When his opponent's drive clipped the trees up the left and dropped down out of range of the green a victory, that had been almost unthinkable at lunch, was now within our grasp.  Neil’s approach shot was as excellent as his drive and finished on the back fringe some 35’ from the hole while Richard Ward had short-sided himself with his second and couldn’t get his third close enough to the hole to exert any extra pressure.  With two-putts to ensure a Cornish victory Neil’s first effort came up agonisingly 3’ short giving the opposition just a glimmer of hope but this was extinguished when Ward’s putt missed on the left.  Although Neil missed the three-footer for his game the half point was sufficient to see Cornwall complete a first ever Seniors Channel League win over Devon in six attempts.  When Rick Pillow wrapped up a 2&1 win over Mike Wigley the final score was CORNWALL 8 DEVON 7.  

This win means that, subject to the Gloucestershire v Gwent game producing a positive result, we will not finish bottom of the table in what has been a disappointing season overall.  However, we have secured 2.5 points, only one less than last year when we finished as runners-up.  Even now we are only one-point behind the leaders Wiltshire who will win the title if they avoid defeat in the final game of the season at home against Glamorgan - a Glamorgan win will see them lift the title. 

Matchsheet

Wiltshire Fightback Earns Draw in Cornwall

A fantastic fightback by the Wiltshire Seniors team saw them earn a well deserved away draw against the Duchy's Seniors at Carlyon Bay yesterday. Looking down and out after a morning session in which Cornwall had won 4 and halved one of the morning foursomes to lead 4.5 - 0.5, the Wiltshire team dug deep and took 7 of the 10 afternoon singles matches to make their journey very worthwhile. For Cornwall the draw leaves them sat disconsolately at the foot of the 2016 Seniors Channel League table.

Simon Harper reports - Despite heavy overnight rain the Carlyon Bay course was still in great condition for the Duchy’s latest game. Unfortunately, the weather forecasters got it wrong again with fog and heavy drizzle throughout the day making conditions uncomfortable for the players although it didn't detract from the quality of the golf.

The four-balls were played over a composite course comprising of the first four holes before the players crossed the railway to play  holes 14 to 18.  Looking for an improvement in their recent fortunes Cornwall Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) had made a couple of pairing changes and it was he and partner Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) who got the first point on the board after firing three birdies in the space of four holes from the fourth to claim a 3&2 victory over Chris Graham & Per-Axel Warensjo.  Newly crowned Cornwall Seniors Champion Andy Rowe (Looe) and new partner Colin Ross (Falmouth) survived a late scare to secure a final hole win over Roger Searle & Simon Davis before the Trevose pair of David Cowan & Trevor Ashton, returning to the side after a three-year absence, added the third point with another last hole win over Wiltshire Captain Bill Cardno & David Lewis.  The established pairing of Mike Wigley (Trevose) & David Goodman (Bowood) returned to winning ways with a 3&2 win over Kevin Arthur & Clive Watson before the other new pairing of Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) & Charlie Phillips (Newquay) finished off an excellent morning with a halved match against Paul Dimond & Simon Dymoke.   With a 4.5 to 0.5 lead the Cornwall team room was by far the happier of the two at lunch.

This was though all to change as the afternoon saw the scoreboard turn from black and gold to white.  First out in the singles were Harper and Wiltshire stalwart Searle who, after making a couple of important up-and-downs early on, played holes 4 to 14 in three-under par to seal a comprehensive 5&4 victory.  This was cancelled out almost immediately as Rowe completed an equally convincing 4&3 win over Simon Davis.  Match three saw Powell go down 2&1 to Graham while Warensjo got the better of Ross at the 18th.  Ashton - pictured above - steadied the ship with a 4&3 win over Cardno but as the following matches approached the 15th green it became clear that we needed a miracle to complete this much needed victory. 

Edmunds, Cowan and Phillips all left the 15th green two-down before losing to Lewis (2&1), Dimond (2&1) and Dymoke (3&2) respectively.  Goodman bucked the trend leaving 15 two-up giving the Duchy a glimmer of hope when a solid four at the next completed a fine 3&2 victory against Arthur.  Now needing a half point from the final game it did not look good as the anchor man Wigley - pictured above - also left the 15th two-down against Watson but Mike is a fighter.  A great birdie at 16 was followed by two great shots to the 17th green and, with his opponent missing the green and only able to get his chip to 12', it looked odds on that they would board the final tee all square.  However, golf is an unpredictable game and when Mike's putt came up agonizingly short Watson - pictured below - seized his chance with a

great putt to retain his lead before a solid par at the final hole secured the final point for Wiltshire and a drawn match.

This superb fightback is a tribute to the tenacity of a Wiltshire side who knew they had something to fight for and leaves them on top of the table and in control of their own destiny as a win in their final game at home to Glamorgan will secure them the Seniors Channel league title for the first time.  As for Cornwall this was another disappointing result to a match we could have and should have won, especially from such a dominant position at lunch, and leaves us rooted to the bottom of the table.  Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier as our final game is against the old enemy Devon at Stover GC on Monday 19th September.  

Thanks must go the Carlyon Bay for hosting the match and especially to the members who uncomplainingly stood aside to allow us to play through when we jumped across the railway during the morning games.

Matchsheet

Cornwall Seniors Team to face Wiltshire

SCL Cornwall v Wiltshire Monday 5th September 2016 Carlyon Bay GC

County Seniors Captain Simon Harper has named his team to face Wiltshire in the penultimate Seniors Channel League fixture of 2016 at Carlyon Bay GC on Monday 5th September.

This week's Seniors County Championship winner Andy Rowe is joined by runners up Harper and Trevor Ashton (Trevose) who last represented the team in 2014. There is a return to the side for fellow Trevose member David Cowan.

Simon Harper (St Austell), Andy Rowe (Looe), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall), Mike Wigley (Trevose), Charlie Phillips (Newquay), David Cowan (Trevose), David Goodman (Bowood Park), Trevor Ashton (Trevose), & Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay). Reserve:  David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park).

With just the two games remaining Cornwall Seniors will be looking to reverse a run of defeats which sees them currently sitting at the bottom of the table.

Cornwall Seniors Go Down to Somerset

SCL Somerset v Cornwall Wednesday 10th August 2016, Isle of Wedmore GC

Cornwall Seniors lost their away match to Somerset yesterday by a 9 - 6 margin.In what is becoming a recurring theme for Cornwall’s seniors this season another heavy defeat in the morning four-balls gave them a mountain to climb to try and get anything out of their latest Seniors Channel League match against Somerset at Isle of Wedmore Golf Club. 

Only a 2&1 victory for Cornwall Seniors Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) and the recalled Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) over Steve Francis & Peter Davies saved a morning whitewash.  Playing first Andy Rowe (Looe) and Charlie Phillips (Newquay) went down 2&1 against Somerset Captain Tim Harris and his partner Clive Stilwell while David Kneebone (Truro) and Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) slipped to a 3&2 defeat against Alex Kidd and Mike Robinson.  A similar fate awaited Colin Ross (Falmouth) and David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park) against James Ward and Danny Dowell while Mike Wigley (Trevose) and David Goodman (Bowood) lost for the first time in nine matches as a pair going down 2&1 to Stuart Robson and Barry Simpson. 

This final game ended in comical fashion as, after shaking hands on the eighth green the players turned around to fine one set of clubs missing.  The mystery was solved when someone spotted an overturned trolley sticking up out of a nearby pond – the owner of the bag, who will remain nameless - but won his afternoon singles match for the Duchy - spent most of his lunch break trying to dry out its contents.  

Being 4 – 1 down at lunch and with Cornwall needing seven of the ten singles for victory the first match saw the in form Rowe up against the host club’s Harris for the second time and it was the latter who put his local knowledge to good effect to claim a 2&1 win.  A one hole defeat for Phillips against Dowell was followed by an excellent 5&4 win for Kneebone over Ward but it was the next four matches that decided the outcome as Somerset scraped halves in three of them – Simpson with Edmunds, Kidd against Powell and Davies versus Harper – coupled to O’Mahony’s one-hole defeat against Stilwell.  This gave Somerset an unbeatable 8.5 points. The Cornish tail wagged though with good wins for Ross, 5&4 over Francis, and Wigley, 4&3 over Robinson and a half for Goodman with Robson. Overall this saw the singles shared with five points apiece and a final score of 9 – 6 in Somerset’s favour.

With only one win from four games Cornwall remain rooted to the bottom of the table and need to win our next two games to stand any chance of mid-table respectability.  Next up for the Duchy is a home game against Wiltshire at Carlyon Bay GC on Monday 5th September 2016. 

Matchsheet

SCL Table

SENIORS TEAM TO PLAY SOMERSET

The Cornwall Seniors team to face Somerset at the Isle of Wedmore GC on Wednesday 10th August 2016 has been announced by Seniors Captain Simon Harper.

The team features several players who recently represented the Duchy in the SWCGA Seniors Championship at Launceston where the Duchy team were runners up. They will be looking to reproduce the form shown there and move up several places from where they currently sit at the foot of the 2016 Seniors Channel League table. The experienced Malcolm Edmunds retains his spot in the team which beat Glamorgan in their last match whilst Newquay's Charlie Phillips - pictured below - returns to the Channel League side as does Mike Wigley (Trevose). Both missed the county's previous match. Rod Frost drops to the reserve spot with Alan Creber (Launceston) unavailable.

The full team and reserves are: Simon Harper (St Austell), Andy Rowe (Looe), Colin Ross (Falmouth), David Kneebone (Truro), Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall), Mike Wigley (Trevose), David Cowan (Trevose), Charlie Phillips (Newquay), David Goodman (Bowood) and David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park).  Reserves:  Rod Frost (St Enodoc) & Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay).

SENIORS JUST COME UP SHORT

SWCGA Seniors Championship, Thur 22nd/Fri 23rd July 2016, Launceston GC

Cornwall Seniors suffered another near-miss at a superbly presented Launceston Golf Club last week when they fell just short of qualifying for the England Seniors County Finals.  Playing on home turf for the first time the team had high hopes of success and the early scores seemed to justify that optimism as Simon Harper and Andrew Clotworthy both returned 73’s, Colin Ross a 77 while 78’s by David Kneebone and Mike Wigley allowed us to discard Andy Rowe’s 79.  Our first round team total of 379 put us only four-shots behind leaders Devon on a day when only ten-shots covered all six teams.

Friday dawned bright and sunny with the course playing even firmer and faster than Thursday and after the first two cards for each team had been returned, 79 for Harper and a best of the day 72 for Rowe, we had closed the overnight gap to just one-shot.  Unfortunately, we were unable to keep it going as 77’s from Ross and Wigley and a 78 from Kneebone gave us a second-round score of 383 and a total of 762.  Devon, however, were just that little bit better with their last three cards producing a 74 and two 76’s for a team total of 755 and a seven-stroke victory.  They will go on to represent the South-West group in the County Finals at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club in early October.  The other team scores were:  766 Dorset, 774 Somerset, 778 Wiltshire and 784 Gloucestershire.

The individual event saw three Cornwall players achieve a top-15 finish with Malcolm Edmunds (pictured above) who was ineligible to represent the Duchy in the team event, tied for 4 th after rounds of 73 & 77 for 150 but also winning the over-65’s section. 

Andy Rowe (79+72=151) tied for 7 th and Simon Harper (73+79=152) was in a tie for 11 th .  The winner was Rick Pillow from Devon with rounds of 71+75=146 with two other Devon player in a tie for second on 148. 

The other Cornish players taking part were:

19 th   Colin Ross                    77+77=154

21 st   Mike Wigley                  78+77=155

        Alan Creber                  77+78=155

        Andrew Clotworthy         73+82=155

29 th   David Kneebone            78+78=156

47 th   David Cowan                 83+79=162

52 nd   Charlie D Phillips           83+80=163

59 th   Paul Clahane                88+81=167

62 nd   Ross Durkin                  85+89=174

Full scores can be found here:  http://www.swcga.co.uk/2016_sw_seniors_championship

The hospitality shown to us by everyone at the club was second to none and our thanks go to the Captain, Committee, members and staff for looking after us so well.

Next up is a return to Seniors Channel League action with a match away to Somerset at the Isle of Wedmore GC  on the 10 th August.

SINGLES FIGHTBACK SECURES SENIORS FIRST WIN

SCL Cornwall v Glamorgan Wednesday 13th July 2016 Launceston GC

Cornwall Seniors - pictured above - produced a stirring fight-back in the singles to secure a narrow victory in their Seniors Channel League fixture against Glamorgan at Launceston. (Back Row L to R: Malcolm Edmunds, David Cowan, David Kneebone, Rod Frost and David Goodman. Front row: David O'Mahony, Andy Rowe, Simon Harper,Capt, Colin Ross and Alan Creber)

After another disappointing four-ball performance in which only ‘new’ boy CGU County Captain David Kneebone (Truro) playing with David Cowan (Trevose) secured a full point with a 2&1 victory over Ed Morgan & Steve Watkins.  Colin Ross (Falmouth) & David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park) shared their game with Glamorgan Captain Ian Henderson and partner Steve Hopkins but the other Duchy pairs all saw red with the pairings of Andy Rowe (Looe) & Rod Frost (St Enodoc) and Simon Harper (St Austell) & Alan Creber (Launceston) both falling 2&1 against Mick Grimmitt & Nick Caulfield and Russell Adams & Chris Glenny respectively.  The match saw another well known face making his senior’s debut as three-time Cornwall Amateur Champion Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) partnered ever-present David Goodman (Bowood Park) to a one-hole defeat at the hands of Keith Stimpson & Mike Gwyther.  This saw the County go in to lunch 3.5 pts to 1.5 pts down and needing a fast start to the afternoon to stand any chance of getting anything out of the day.

The top half of the draw duly delivered with Rowe gaining a 2&1 victory over Grimmitt while Frost gained a measure of revenge for his morning defeat by staging a superb fight-back from dormie three down to birdie the 18 th and gain a valuable half-point, the highlight of which was an imperious 4 iron to the final green to set up a birdie 4.  Edmunds got the better of Gwyther by 2&1 but although Goodman went down to Stimpson by the same margin and Creber lost the last hole to only gain half a point, a convincing 4&3 victory for Harper saw the top six take four points and level the scores at 5.5 apiece.  The tail also wagged despite O’Mahony going down 4&3 to Hopkins.  A Ross birdie at 18 for a 1-hole victory saw the scores level again and a halved match between Cowan and Morgan meant the result would come down to the final game of the day and when Glamorgan’s Hopkins failed to make a six on the final hole Kneebone was able to shake hands on a 2-holes win and a 8-7 Duchy victory.

This was the tightest of matches possible with thirteen of the fifteen matches going to the penultimate hole and seven of them finishing at the final hole.  Six of the Duchy team will be back at Launceston next week as part of the Cornwall side competing in the South West Counties Golf Association Championships and looking to emulate their ‘junior’ colleagues in qualifying for the England County Finals.

Full Results

Other Pictures: Rod Frost on the 8th, David Goodman assesses a putt on 7, Alan Creber chips at 7, Simon Harper putting, David O'Mahony recovering, a little tree trouble for Malcolm Edmunds, Andy Rowe from the bunker on 17, Rod Frost tees off at 18, Rowe and David Cowan watch a tee shot, Cowan tees off at 16, David Kneebone "chips" at 18 and both teams after the match.

Quote: 'Did you get my best side?'

Answer: ' Yep I think so'

St Austell are Cornish Seniors Team Champions

CGU Seniors Team Championship Monday 27th June 2016 The Point at Polzeath GC

St Austell Golf Club are the first winners of the CGU Seniors Team Championship after producing an all round excellent set of scores in the handicap based betterball medal staged yesterday at the excellent Point at Polzeath GC. The team - pictured above - all returned nett scores in the 60s to claim the win by a narrow margin from local rivals Carlyon Bay and Truro, on a day where 6 shots separated the top 15 of the 24 competing clubs.

On a day where competitors were full of praise, not only for the host venue and the exceptional condition of it's course but also for the format of this new competition, some 144 seniors took part with over 6 hours worth of tee times.

The Point's Rick Farrant and Colin Hume - pictured above with CGU President Glyn Rowett - were the first pair to tee off and they returned the best pairs score of the day with an exceptional  nett 63, which included 9 nett birdies and a nett eagle with just two dropped shots. Their 63 total was two better than three other pairs who recorded 65s - Peter Bradbury and John Berryman (Porthpean), County Men's Captain David Kneebone and Andy Beazley (Truro) and Mike Rees and Paul Wilkinson (Carlyon Bay).

Out early in the day the Truro team looked to be moving in the direction of a win as Kneeebone and Beazley's clubmates Mark Stevenson and Simon Clitherow added a fine 68 to create their 133 team total. Hume and Farrant had put the host club in a good position and the club cemented 4th place as Captain Brian Saunders playing with Stuart Taylor added a 71 to leave them placed fourth overall on 134.

With each club represented by three pairs the best two pairs scores were counting and the third pairs score would only be used in the event of a tie. From very early on in the day it was clear the third pairs card would be important for the contenders.

Truro's hopes though were dashed a short time later by Carlyon Bay. Truro's third pair could only manage a 78 and with the 65 of Rees and Wilkinson in the bank, Roger Pilkington and Duncan Powell returned a 68 to also leave the Carlyon Bay team on 133. The Bay's third pair of Mike Allen and John Alton returned a 69 to see their club take the lead. With many still out on the course there was still all to play for.

St Austell took up the baton as their first pairing of CGU President Glyn Rowett playing with Dave Kitt scored a nett 67. When the two Richards, Rowe and Thomas followed this with a 68 both they and Carlyon Bay knew the winners position was still up for grabs. The St Austell third pair of County Seniors Captain Simon Harper and Nigel Horsfield sealed the club's win with a fine 66. Their team total was now also 133 but their third card was better than that of their local opposition Carlyon Bay.

Other placings: 4th - The Point at Polzeath, 5th - Newquay, 6th - Tehidy Park, 7th - Porthpean

Team Results

Individual Pairs Scores

The Point at Polzeath GC Captain Brian Saunders welcomed those present to the club saying how very honoured the club was to be hosting the inaugural CGU Seniors Team Championship, CGU President Glyn Rowett presented the prizes and paid tribute to the efforts of the host club's owners Jeremy and Eva Davies, ably assisted by Libby Lehan in restoring the club to a position where it was now the envy of many.He also thanked the club's greenkeeping staff under Tom Collings as well as those who had kept the competitors fed and watered throughout.

St Austell Club Captain Malcolm Sutton praised his team for their efforts and success and also thanked the CGU President for his generosity in donating a new trophy for the event. Sutton queried the protocol in terms of the donor of a new trophy immediately going on to win it!

The Point at Polzeath provided a great venue for the inaugural CGU Seniors Team Championship. Also below: Rick Farrant talks to his ball, John Radford (St Enodoc) escapes from the greenside bunker and Club Captain Brian Saunders with Glyn Rowett.

Harper disappointed by finish in Welsh Seniors

Welsh Seniors Open Newport GC

County Seniors Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) finished in a tied 25th spot after the final round of the Welsh Seniors Open Championship yesterday. He closed with a  79 which dropped him down the field from his overnight 15th spot.

Harper said "It wasn't a great day yesterday. The greens were up at nearly 12 on the stimpmeter.  Couple this with undulating greens and some horrendously difficult pin placing it was no surprise I struggled and a local man won.  For my part I had seven three-putts, including a run of six in seven holes from the 9th, when I totally lost my feel for the greens. Nevertheless I am please overall. It was an enjoyable week and as a county we now look forward to the SW Champs at Launceston next month."

Harper finished on a total of 11 over par 227. The winner was Andrew Williams of the host club on 209.

Final Scores

Harper and Others are at it Again!

Welsh Seniors Open Newport GC 21st - 23rd June 2016

Cornwall Seniors Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) and county senior team member Andy Rowe (Looe) are on their travels again together with two other Cornish based players as they compete in the Welsh Open Seniors Championship at Newport GC.

In the three round event with a cut coming for the top 45 players and ties after round 2, it was again Harper with the best showing. Simon returned a first round score of 74 to be tied 14th. The other Cornish reps were not so successful. Rowe shot 82, Malcolm Edmunds (West Cornwall) scored 81 and Mike Wigley (Trevose) an 86.

Round 2 is still underway and scores can be viewed here

Save to say Harper has returned a second score of 74 and will comfortably make the cut for tomorrow's final round. He currently lies in a tie for 15th spot. A great achievement.

Rowe added an improved second round of 77, and Wigley did the same with a 78. Edmunds returned an 80. These three players are facing a missed  cut.

Harper and Rowe Fly Cornish Flag

Of the 6 Cornish Seniors competing in the English Seniors Open Championship it is County Seniors Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) and Andy Rowe (Looe) who continue to fly the Cornish Flag as they both made the cut after two rounds of golf at Kirby Muxloe and Rothley Park GCs.

After a first round 80 for Harper he moved yesterday from tied 79th into a tie for 34th place with a second round 74.He will tee off at 1104 today in the third and final round at Kirby Muxloe. Rowe meanwhile moved himself from tied 79th to tied 61st with a 76 to follow his first round 79. Andy will tee off at 0904 this morning.

A total of 85 players made the cut on 157.

The 4 other Cornishmen taking part failed to make the cut. Mike Wigley (Trevose) shot 82 & 79, Colin Ross (81 & 83), Andrew Clotworthy (79 & 84) whilst Mike Marshall retired gracefully.

The current leader and favourite to win is Richard Latham, the General Manager at Woodhall Sap GC. Latham is a former winner of the title having won the event in 2013. he currently has a seven shot lead after rounds of 4 under and a level par 71.

Update: In the final round both Simon Harper and Andy Rowe returned scores of 79 to finish tied 42nd and tied 59th respectively. Simon's total of 233 was 20 over par through the three rounds whilst Andy's total was 235. A good showing by both!

Latham was indeed the winner by 5 clear shots on a four over par total of 213.

Full scores can be viewed here

Cornish Reps in English Senior Mens Open Championship

Six Cornish representatives are currently taking part in the English Senior Mens Open Championship - a 3 day event - taking place over Kirby Muxloe and Rothley Park GCs in Leicestershire between 1st and 3rd June 2016.

In a huge 289 man field the Cornish scores on day 1 (Wednesday) saw Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park) leading the Duchy's entrants with an 8 over par 79 which left him in a tie for 62nd spot.

Other scores:

Simon Harper (St Austell) 80 (T79th)

Andy Rowe (Looe) 80 (T79th)

Colin Ross (Falmouth) 81 (T105th)

Mike Wigley (Trevose) 82 (T129th)

Mike Marshall (St Mellion) 94 (T269th)

Seniors Beaten Again in Gloucestershire

SCL Gloucestershire v Cornwall Tuesday 10th April 2016 The Players Club, nr Bristol

The Seniors Team’s first away game of the season was at The Players Club, Bristol against Gloucestershire. Captain, Simon Harper, had named the same side that narrowly lost their opening match with the inclusion of Rod Frost for the unavailable Colin Ross.

After a night of torrential rain in the Bristol area there was some doubt as to how much golf would be played but a slight easing in the condition allowed the morning four-balls to start on time. Things started promisingly in the top game when former Cornwall Champions Andy Rowe & Charlie Phillips gained a hard fought half-point against the experienced Nick Gore & Bob Broad. Further half-points for Mike Wigley & David Goodman and Andrew Clotworthy & Duncan Powell were set against a one-hole defeat for Rod Frost & David O’Mahony.

The final four-ball of Captain Harper & Past Captain Mike Marshall against Mike Jarvis & John Chilvers was definitely a ‘game of two halves’. Due to be the second match off the Cornish pair were on the tee when approached by the Gloucestershire Captain who explained that one of his players had not yet arrived. It was agreed that the match would be deferred to the end of the field but in the end the game started with only John Chilvers representing the home side. Harper & Marshall got off to a flying start and were three-up standing on the 5th tee and contemplating an early lunch when the final Gloucestershire player arrived. This changed the whole dynamics of the match as the Gloucestershire pair went par, birdie, birdie to square the match and when neither Cornish player could make a par up the final hole the home side had sneaked another point and a 3.5 – 1.5 lunchtime lead.

Needing a strong singles performance Rowe gained a valuable half point in the top game against Gore before Phillips, O’Mahony and Wigley went down to Broad, Vernon Chappell and Pat Murphy respectively to leave the home side on the verge of victory. The tide was stemmed somewhat as first Goodman, by 1-hole against Jarvis, and Frost, 3&2 against Chilvers, put some gold and black on the scoreboard before the Gloucestershire tail wagged with Hugh Purvis, against Powell, Bill Higgins, against Clotworthy, John Keenoghan, against Marshall, and Alan Dangerfield, against Harper, saw the home side take the singles 7.5 – 2.5 and a resounding 11 – 4 victory.

The final score line was a fair reflection on Gloucestershire’s dominance in the singles and leaves the Duchy with a mountain to climb if they hope to make the top half of the table.

The Cornwall Seniors next match is against Glamorgan at Launceston GC on Wednesday 13th July.

Matchsheet

Seniors Team to Play Gloucestershire

County Seniors Captain Simon Harper has named his team to face Gloucestershire in the Duchy's second at The Players Club, Codrington, Chipping Sodbury on Tuesday 10th May 2016. Cornwall County Captain David Kneebone makes the transition into the Seniors team replacing the unavailable Colin Ross.

The full team is: Simon Harper (Captain, St Austell), Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park), David Kneebone (Truro), Andy Rowe (Looe), Mike Wigley (Trevose), Mike Marshall (St Mellion), David Goodman (Bowood Park), David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park), Charlie Phillips (Newquay) & Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) Reserve:  Rod Frost (St Enodoc)

Seniors Lose Channel League Opener

SCL Cornwall v Gwent Monday 18th April 2016 Newquay GC

Cornwall's Seniors team came second best in their opening Channel League match of the 2016 season against Gwent at Newquay GC yesterday.  A patchy performance in the (9-hole) morning four-balls proved too much of a hurdle to overcome.

Leading the team for the first time, new captain Simon Harper and partner Mike Marshall were 1-up through four before birdies on five, six and seven saw their opponents to a 2&1 victory. Colin Ross & Dave O'Mahony lost out by the odd hole in a nip and tuck game while Mike Wigley & Dave Goodman recovered from 3-down through three to birdie the final hole for a half and to retain their unbeaten record as a pair. Another half point was ground out by Andrew Clotworthy & Duncan Powell before Andy Rowe & Charlie Phillips brought the County back into the match with a 2&1 win in the anchor game.

Trailing 3-2 at lunch and needing six points from the afternoon singles a fast start was needed and when 5&4 victories for Harper and Goodman and a final hole win for Wigley were set against defeats to O'Mahony (3&2) and Clotworthy (4&3) the scores were level at five matches apiece. Rowe's 5&4 victory saw the Duchy edge into the lead only for defeats for Ross and Marshall (both 2&1) to give the  advantage back to the Welsh side. With two matches still on the course there was still a chance we could get a half but a 1-hole defeat for Powell and a half for Phillips saw the final scoreline as Cornwall 6.5 to Gwent's 8.5.

After the match new Senior's Captain, Simon Harper, said," We have a strong squad of experienced players so this is a disappointing result on a course we know well.  However, we have another difficult match in just three weeks so we have to put this behind us and concentrate on getting something out of that game."

The Seniors next Channel League match is away to Gloucestershire at The Players Club on Tuesday 10th May 2016.

Matchsheet

Pictures above show: Dave Goodman driving at 12, Colin Ross chips at 11, Mike Marshall contemplates a shot at 11, Andy Rowe from the bunker at 11, Andrew Clotworthy chips at 14 and Charlie Phillips driving at 17 (say no more!)

Harper Names Seniors Team to face Gwent

New Cornwall County Seniors Captain Simon Harper has named his team to face Gwent in the opening Seniors Channel League fixture for the Duchy. The Cornish team will take on their Welsh opponents at Newquay GC on Monday 18th April in a match combining five morning fourball encounters with 10 afternoon singles.

Last year the Duchy seniors finished runners up to Devon in the 7 county league and will be looking to improve on that this time round. Harper has selected an experienced team of county seniors all of whom featured in 2015.

The full team is: Simon Harper (St Austell), Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Andy Rowe (Looe), Mike Wigley (Trevose), Mike Marshall (St Mellion), David Goodman (Bowood Park), David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park), Charlie Phillips (Newquay) & Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) St Enodoc's Rod Frost (St Enodoc) is named as reserve.

Age No Barrier as Seniors Beat Juniors

For the second time in what has become an annual fixture, the Cornwall Seniors played an early season match against the Cornwall Juniors yesterday at Trevose G&CC.  On a rare sunny , windy and cold day the match was very keenly contested. The result saw the elders of Duchy golf claim a just reward and some revenge for their defeat in last year's inaugural match.

In this half term week, Andy Mortimore the U18 Team Manager had selected a strong junior team in the run up to tomorrows pre-season friendly with Devon at Saunton and a serious competitive match against the Seniors proved very worthwhile.

The first four matches saw the Juniors secure an early 3.5 lead, not without incident as all four matches, albeit all four games reached the 18 th  green. The Junior wins came from Jared Mortimore playing with Ben Browning, Joe Reynard with George Leigh, and Simon Hobbs with Jon Rowe.

However, the strength, in depth, of the senior squad saw this reversed in the final matches, all four being won by the “used, but still good” oldies. Their winners were Duncan Powell playing with Charlie Phillips, Ron Stacey with Ross Durkin, Paul Clahane with Andy Rowe and Alan Poole with Trevor Ashton. Overall just the one match was halved as West Cornwall Juniors Bradley Barnes and Finn Rule faced the experienced senior pairing of Mike Wigley and David O'Mahony.

This all meant the final result was Seniors 4.5 -3.5 Juniors

Mike Marshall, on his final fixture as Cornwall County Seniors Captain, praised the play, and demeanour, of the Junior players.   This was echoed by all present, and bodes well for the future of Cornwall golf. Thanks were expressed by all present to Trevose G&CC for their hospitality.

Matchsheet

Junior Challenge for County Seniors

After the success of last year’s pre-season encounter with the CGU Under 18 Juniors the County Seniors team will again face their younger opponents at Trevose G&CC on Monday 15 th February 2016.

County Seniors Captain, Mike Marshall (St Mellion) will lead his 16 man team for what is likely to be his last match in charge as he concludes his term of office in March this year and hands over to Simon Harper (St Austell).

Marshall, a county representative on 53 occasions since 2011, has named his team including Harper along with Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay), Alan Creber (Launceston), Charlie Phillips & Rob Stacey (both Newquay), David Cowan, Trevor Ashton, Mike Wigley, Mike Ellis (all Trevose), David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park), Rod Frost (St Enodoc), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Ross Durkin (Mullion),  Andy Rowe (Looe) and Alan Poole (St Mellion).

Seniors Finish Runners Up 2015

Cornwall Seniors achieved a grand finish to their 2015 Seniors Channel League season as they gained a fighting away draw against Gloucestershire at Lilley Brook GC on Friday last.

Needing just half a point from the match to finish as this year’s runners up to the Seniors from Devon, the Duchy team fought hard in what was always going to be a tough ask away from home.

The morning fourballs started off in fine weather, but with very recent heavy maintenance having been carried out putting required everyone’s full attention.  The first 3 pairings of Colin Ross & Duncan Powell, Michael Wigley & David Goodman, Andy Rowe & Rod Frost all gained 2/1 wins.  The final two fourballs went the way of the hosts as both Paul Clahane & Trevor Robinson and Mike Marshall & Simon Harper narrowly lost 1 down.  Cornwall thus took a 3 – 2 lead into lunch with all still to play for.

Taking his position as the lead player Michael Wigley had a fine 3/2 win over Nick Gore, but with the next four matches going in favour of Gloucestershire the match was slanting towards the home side.

Ross had lost 2&1, Frost lost 3&2, Robinson 5&4 and Harper by the odd hole.

The fightback by the Duchy began with a half from County Seniors Champion Clahane followed by the second win of the day for the recalled Powell and this halted the slide.  Even though Mike Marshall, playing his final game as County Captain, went down 3/2 to David Potter, sound wins by  Goodman 3/2 and Rowe 4/3, on his birthday, secured the points to half the match at 7 ½ each.

That half point ensured Cornwall took the runners up position in the league having won 3 – lost 2 and halved 1.  Marshall said “The squad of players can be proud of the way they have represented Cornwall this year and can look forward, under the Captaincy of Simon Harper in 2016, to continue in the same fashion."  

CGU County President David Inch said “The Seniors team has brought success to Cornwall, and their season cements the growing confidence we have in them all. I feel winning the Seniors Channel League is not far away.”

Full Scores

Clahane and Powell Called up to Seniors Team

CGU Seniors Captain Mike Marshall has called up both Paul Clahane and Duncan Powell to his Seniors team to face Gloucestershire in their final SCL match of the season at Lilley Brook GC on 11th September 2015.

68 year old Clahane (Trevose) who recently became Cornwall Seniors Champion earns a recall to the county seniors team for whom he has played only once previously since Cornwall entered the Seniors Channel League. Also recalled to the team is Carlyon Bay's Duncan Powell after he too put in a good performance at the Seniors Championship.

The full team is: Mike Marshall (Captain, St Mellion), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Michael Wigley (Trevose), David Goodman (Bowood), Andy Rowe (Looe) Rod Frost (St Enodoc), Trevor Robinson (Newquay), Simon Harper (St Austell),  Powell and Clahane.

A win in this match would see Cornwall earn the runners up spot and their highest SCL finish to date.

Clahane is County Seniors Champion 2015

Former Cornwall Golf Union County President and County Captain Paul Clahane (Trevose and pictured above with CGU President David Inch) is the new Cornwall County Seniors Champion after returning a 77 over the Carlyon Bay course yesterday in the Ocean BMW sponsored County Seniors Championship.

On a damp yet warm day with light breezes it was fog that threatened to put an end to proceedings for the excellent 108 man field with organisers concerned at safety for the competitors. The fog rolled in and out on several occasions but just when a suspension was imminent it cleared away permitting play.

For a long time it looked like host club member Duncan Powell was the contender after he shot a 78 but playing towards the end of the field the 68 year old Clahane with his 77 and Ray Clark (Falmouth) with another 78 both moved past him.

Clahane, a 7 handicapper and current President of the SWCGA, was delighted with the win. He said “It was just one of those days for me. I have been working hard at my game over the past 12 months and today it all came together and obviously I am very pleased.” His card was made up of 11 pars and one birdie at the par 5 10 th  as he compiled halves of 39 and 38 for his 77.

In his acceptance speech Clahane paid tribute to the host club and also to CGU President David Inch whom he described as the most successful President in the history of the CGU after the English County Finals win of the previous year.

Clark was an unexpected runner up as he returned an excellent total of 78 off his 9 handicap. 8 pars and 2 birdies saw him complete halves of 37 and 41 with four consecutive bogies in the middle of his back preventing what would have been a famous victory.

Powell took 3 rd  place by virtue of his back 9 of 43 and fellow Carlyon Bay senior Pat Coombe was fourth as he was one of four players to shoot 80. The others were 2014 Champion Simon Harper (St Austell), Rod Frost (St Enodoc)and David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park) all three of whom are regulars in the Cornwall Seniors team.

The Championship comprises a stableford element also and this was staged in four different age groups: 55-59 years, 60-64, 65-67 and 70 plus.

The 70 plus group was won by Arthur Panter (Merlin) who returned the best nett score of the day with 41 points. 2 nd  place went to Colin Beadle (St Mellion 36 points). 3 rd  and 4 th  places went to Mike Hounsell and Robin Milan (both Carlyon Bay) with 33 and 32 points respectively.

The 65-69 group was won by Clahane (38 points) with Philip Bunker (Carlyon Bay) second on 37, Les McGirl (Carlyon Bay) third on 37 and William McLean (Falmouth) 4 th  on 36 points.

The 60-64 age category winner was Clark with 39 points. Runner up was Paul Upperton (Budock Vean) with 36, 3 rd  place went to Mike Allen (Carlyon Bay) on 35 and 4 th  to Graham Hawken (Carlyon Bay) on 33 points.

The youngest group (55-59) winner was Powell with 36 points with the runner up being Tom Crocker (Carlyon Bay) on 35. 3 rd  place was taken by Len Flower (Bowood Park) on 34 and 4 th  by Mark Stevenson (Truro) also on 34.

The prizes were presented by CGU President David Inch and Carlyon Bay GC Captain Peter Woodley. Both congratulated all those who had taken part in what had been a long but successful day. Inch thanked Carlyon Bay for their excellent hospitality and also thanked Ocean BMW Falmouth for their ongoing support of the Union. He also made mention of some changes the CGU are introducing for 2016 with the Seniors Cup in County Week moving to the Monday and the introduction of a new team competition for the seniors which would lead to the title Cornwall Seniors Team Champions.

Seniors Beaten by Wiltshire

Cornwall Seniors lost their 2015 unbeaten tag on Tuesday when they were beaten 9.5 - 5.5 away to Wiltshire.

The Senior’s first away match of this year was hosted by Cumberwell Park GC a sprawling 36 hole course with 4 individual 9 hole layouts. 

The morning fourballs were played on the Orange nine, high above the club house. In the windy conditions both teams were made to work very hard. Honours were shared at lunch due in part to a great comeback from the final pairing of Rod Frost and Andy Rowe, with Frost’s near perfect tee shot at the last giving way to a birdie that halved their match. There were wins for Mike Wigley playing with David Goodman (2&1), and for Alan Poole and Simon Harper (1up),  At the top of the order Colin Ross and David O'Mahony went down 3&2 whilst the Newquay pairing of Charlie Phillips and Trevor Robinson lost by the odd hole.

The afternoon singles, played over the Orange then the Yellow nines, produced some fine golf with Cornwall fighting hard.  The top three matches were very close.  Phillips was victorious in the top match, 1 up, with Ross losing by the same margin to the ever consistent Roger Searle.  Wigley held Paul Bloomfield, a Welsh International, to a half in the third match.  But after a fine 4/3 win by Robinson the Wiltshire team took charge.  Only a half from Rowe over David Lewis, the Wiltshire secretary, added to Cornwall’s tally giving Wiltshire the victory.

Seniors Captain Mike Marshall said "This was a disappointment for the previously unbeaten team, but with two matches still to be contested, the first against Devon away next week there is still all to be played for".

The match v Devon takes place at Dainton Park GC on Wednesday 12th August and the team's last match is away to Gloucestershire on 11th September.

Full Scores

Seniors Team to play Devon

SCL Devon v Cornwall Wednesday 12th August 2015 Dainton Park GC

The Seniors team to face Devon at Dainton Park GC on Wednesday 12th August 2015 is:David O’Mahony and Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Michael Wigley (Trevose), David Goodman (Bowood Park), Andy Rowe (Looe) Rod Frost (St Enodoc), Trevor Robinson, Charlie Phillips (Newquay), Simon Harper (St Austell).

Seniors Championship Carlyon Bay GC  Thursday 20th August 2015

I have been forced to close the online booking facility for this competition as it is now FULL. I am operating a reserve list and there is a possibility of some four balls at the back of the field. Please contact me for further information.

Seniors Team to play Wiltshire

SCL Wiltshire v Cornwall Tuesday 4th August 2015 Cumberwell Park GC

The County Seniors Captain Mike Marshall has named the team to play Wiltshire in the Seniors Channel League match taking place away at Cumberwell Park next week. With three matches played to date in which the Duchy side remain unbeaten this first away game is crucial as the team bid for honours.

The team sees one change as Alan Poole returns to replace the unavailable David Cowan.

Team: David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Michael Wigley (Trevose), David Goodman (Bowood), Andy Rowe (Looe) Rod Frost (St Enodoc), Trevor Robinson (Newquay), Simon Harper (St Austell), Charles Phillips (Newquay), and Alan Poole (St Mellion).

Fine Seniors Win for Cornwall

SCL Cornwall v Somerset Thursday 23rd July 2015 Bowood Park GC

The Cornish Seniors team maintained their 100% record this season as they claimed their third victory on the bounce over Somerset at Bowood Park GC yesterday.

After a hard fought morning 9 holes of fourballs the sides were evenly matched at two wins and one half apiece. The Cornish points were obtained by Mike Wigley & David Goodman who gained a half in their match whilst there were wins for the two debutants David Cowan and Charlie Phillips playing with Simon Harper and Trevor Robinson respectively. Colin Ross and David O'Mahony were beaten as were Andy Rowe and Rod Frost.

Whilst the afternoon started dry heavy rain moved in over the Bowood Park course which was in excellent condition with compliments paid by both sides. As the rain persisted and got heavier the Cornish team dug deep.  A fine win at the top of the order by Wigley was followed by narrow defeats, each 1 down, of Ross and Robinson.  The middle order rallied with the debutants again delivering strong performances as Phillips gained a fighting half. He was followed by a sound 2&1 win by Cowan.  Further wins from O’Mahony, Harper, Rowe and Frost and a hard fought half by host club member Goodman ensured what was in the end a comfortable victory, maintaining that unbeaten record.

The team will again have to dig deep as they commence an away string of matches with their next game against Wiltshire, at Cumberwell Park, on Tuesday 4 th August.

Full Scores

Pictured below (L to R) Charlie Phillips, David Cowan, Simon Harper, Colin Ross, Trevor Robinson and both teams

Cornwall Disappoint at Parkstone in SWCGA

The Cornish Seniors sent a strong team to Parkstone to take part in the SWCGA Seniors Championship which doubles as the English County Finals qualifier. Sadly the team did not perform well enough and came away without any success at all.

In the 36 hole individual strokeplay event the best Duchy performance came from Seniors Vice Captain Simon Harper (St Austell) who followed a Rd 1 score of 83 with a much improved 74 to propel himself up the field into a final joint 12th place, 8 shots behind the winner, Richard Wood (Glos). The next best Cornish score came from 2013 Seniors County Champion, Mike Wigley (Trevose) who returned scores of 82+76 for 158 and joint 17th place.

Playing in the event as an individual was SWCGA President Paul Clahane (Trevose) who returned scores of 86 and 80 for 42nd place.

Individual Scores

In the County Finals Qualifier Cornwall finished 5th out of the 6 counties competing and some 40 shots behind the winners Devon who will now go on to represent the SW region at the English County Seniors Finals at the Robin Hood GC in the Midlands in early October

Team Scores

The next action for the Seniors comes in this week's home Channel League match v Somerset at Bowood Park on Thursday 23rd July. After wins at home to Welsh opponents Glamorgan and Gwent, the team will be seeking to record a third successive win in their bid for honours.

Cornwall Team to face Somerset Named

CGU Seniors Captain Mike Marshall has named his team to face Somerset in their next Channel League match at Bowood Park on Thursday 23rd July 2015. As indicated elsewhere on the website Marshall has handed Seniors team debuts to two well known figures in Cornish golf in Charlie Phillips and David Cowan. The pair are joined by David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Michael Wigley (Trevose), David Goodman (Bowood), Andy Rowe (Looe) Rod Frost (St Enodoc), Trevor Robinson (Newquay), and Simon Harper (St Austell).

Team Named for SWCGA Seniors Championship

Cornwall will be represented at next week's SWCGA Senior Championship at Parkstone, Dorset by the following;

Mike Wigley (Trevose), Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park), Simon Harper (St Austell), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Trevor Robinson (Newquay) and Andy Rowe (Looe), County Seniors Captain Mike Marshall (St Mellion), and David Goodman (Bowood Park).

The qualifying round for the English Seniors’ County Championship will be played concurrently with the SWCGA Seniors’ Championship. Each County has to nominate a team of six players from the eight players they have entered. The best five scores will be taken on each round. The County returning the lowest aggregate score from these scores will be declared the winner and will go on to represent the SW Region at the national finals  taking place at Robin Hood GC, Solihill, W Mids in early October.

Live scoring for the event will be available on the SWCGA website

Rowe is Duchy's Only Success in English Seniors

English Senior Men's Open Championship

Looe GC and Cornwall Seniors team member Andy Rowe was the only player from the Duchy to make a mark in the English Senior Men's Open Championship which took place between 3rd and 5th June 2015 at Worplesdon and West Hill Golf Clubs.

Rowe (pictured above) started out in a field of 144 competitors and returned rounds of 78 and 76 to make the cut. Along with 81 others he made the final round in which he scored a 79 to finish on a total of 233 in a tie for 52nd place. The event was won by Ian Attoe of Worplesdon on 216.

There were 4 other Cornish entrants, Simon Harper (St Austell), Colin Ross (Falmouth) Mike Wigley (Trevose) and Mike Marshall (St Mellion). None of these four made the cut, with Harper the best of the bunch after rounds of 82 and 79 missing the cut by 4 shots.

Full Scores

Two Out of Two As Seniors Defeat Gwent

SCL Cornwall v Gwent Fri 29th May 2015 Bude & North Cornwall GC

Bude & North Cornwall GC is beginning to prove a happy hunting ground for the Cornwall Seniors. Just 6 days after the CGU staged County Week there the Seniors came out on top against Gwent in their second Channel League match of the season and maintained their hundred per cent record with a convincing 10- 5 win.

The start of the day was delayed by 30 minutes as the North Atlantic threw its worst, in terms of rain and wind, at the course.  Even after the delay conditions were very difficult with continuing showers and strong winds.  A rare defeat of the opening pairing of Colin Ross & David O’Mahony was followed by wins from Michael Wigley & David Goodman, 1 up, Andy Rowe & Rod Frost, 2/1, Alan Poole & Trevor Robinson, 2/1, and Mike Marshall & Simon Harper 2 up.  This placed Cornwall in a strong position of 4 points to 1 at lunch.

The afternoon singles matches were at least played in sunshine although strong winds continued to make for tough going. As in the team's first fixture, also against Welsh opposition, the opening players were dominant, with the top six games going the home side’s way, with a notable 6/5 win from the Vice Captain Simon Harper.  The last four matches were lost, albeit by small margins, but by this time the match was well won by a margin of 10 points to 5.  Well done to all the players.

Full match details

The next fixture is again at home versus Somerset at Bowood Park GC on Thursday 26 th July.

Seniors Win Season Opener against Glamorgan

SCL Cornwall v Glamorgan Wed 22nd April 2015 Launceston GC

The first Seniors Channel League match of 2015 saw Cornwall host Glamorgan at Launceston GC yesterday. Both teams are pictured together above after the match.

Blessed with summer like conditions and a well presented course, with firm fast greens, the morning 4BBB matches got off to an early start.

Cornwall were quickly into their stride with the pairs of Colin Ross & David O’Mahony winning 1up, debutant Andy Rowe & Rod Frost winning 2&1, and Mike Marshall & Simon Harper posting a 2&1 win.  Michael Wigley & David Goodman halved their match with only Alan Poole & Trevor Robinson suffering defeat by a 3&1 margin. Cornwall thus had a 3.5 - 1.5 lunchtime lead meaning 4.5 points from the afternoon 10 available would secure victory.

Cornwall again came out with all guns blazing and despite the constant uncertainty in golf wins by Michael Wigley 2/1, Colin Ross 5/4, Trevor Robinson 2/1 David Goodman 4/2 and halved matches by David O’Mahony and Simon Harper in the top 7 pairings victory was assured.  Both Rod Frost 4/2 and Alan Poole 4/3 lost their matches, but with team Captain Mike Marshall securing a half the overall result was a convincing 10 points to 5 victory.

After a disappointing 2014 season this result was just what was called for, well done to all.

The next fixture, versus Gwent, will be hosted by Bude and N. Cornwall on Friday 29 th May.

Full match details

Images below show (L to R) Mike Wigley on 10, Trevor Robinson, Mike Marshall on 18, Alan Poole on 8, Rod Frost on 8, Glamorgan trouser logo, David Goodman on 11, Simon Harper on 15, Andy Rowe on 9. Colin Ross won his match too early for action purposes!! The editor has chosen not to include the image of David O'Mahony on the 15th.

Seniors to face Glamorgan

SCL Cornwall v Glamorgan at Launceston GC Wednesday 22nd April 2015

County Seniors Captain Mike Marshall's team will face Glamorgan at Launceston GC in the opening match of the 2015 Seniors Channel League on Wednesday 22nd April. After a disappointing year in 2014 an increasingly youthful and strong looking seniors team will be hoping to get off to a winning start in this opening fixture.

Marshall said "We have several newly, age qualified players, joining the team for this year’s campaign and would very much like to emulate the Mens County Team and get another trophy for the Duchy. I feel we underperfromed last year but am confident this year will see an improvement in our results."

Looe's former County Champion Andy Rowe will make his debut in a strong side with a lower range of handicaps than on previous occasions. St Enodoc's Rod Frost looks to cement his place in the team after playing at the end of 2014. He is joined by two County Seniors Champions in Mike Wigley and Simon Harper as well as a welcome return for Trevor Robinson.

The full team is: Mike Marshall & Alan Poole (St Mellion), David O’Mahony (Tehidy Park), Colin Ross (Falmouth), Michael Wigley (Bude & North Cornwall), David Goodman (Bowood Park ), Andy Rowe (Looe) Rod Frost (St Enodoc), Trevor Robinson (Newquay) and Simon Harper (St Austell).   

The Seniors format comprises 9 holes of fourball matchplay followed by ten 18 hole singles and the action gets underway from early on the Wednesday morning.

Juniors beat Seniors at Perranporth

CGU U18s v CGU Seniors - Perranporth GC Wednesday 18th February 2015

On Wednesday 18th February Cornwall Juniors  won their first match of the year against an experienced Cornwall Seniors side at Perranporth Golf Club. The sides were evenly matched on paper and it proved to be a close match with only Jared Mortimore & Joe Reynard (Truro) in the first match dominating as they raced to 4 up through 4 holes against Simon Harper (St Austell) & Bob Cope (Tehidy Park), a lead they held to the end finishing 4 & 3 winners.

Through 10 holes all the other matches had no more than one hole separating the pairings. For the Juniors Jake Finn (Truro) & George Leigh (Trevose) made it 2 - 0 when they powered to 3 & 2 win over David O'Mahony (Tehidy Park) & Mike Ellis (Trevose) with three birdies in four holes. The Seniors then gained a point as Jamie Crocker (Truro) and Kieran Faulkner (Looe) lost 1 down on 18 to Andy Rowe (Looe) & Mike Eddy (Tehidy Park).

Ben Browning (Falmouth) and Connor Davidson (Mullion) restored a two match lead when they won 15 & 16 with birdies to win a close match 3 & 2 against Nigel Hurst (Looe)& Alan Creber (Launceston).

The Seniors then got a further point in the bag through Alan Poole (St Mellion) & Ross Durkin (Perranporth) with a 3 & 2 win over Jamie Barton (Launceston) and Simon Hobbs (Bowood Park) as they won five out of six holes.

The final match result was decided on 18 as Tom Chapman (Tehidy Park) and James Wirth (West Cornwall) held their nerve to win the 18th and their match 1 up against David Goodman (Bowood Park) & Mick Kelly giving the juniors a well earned 4 - 2 victory.

The age gap between the youngest and oldest player on the day was 53 years, providing yet another example of how golf can provide competition across the ages on a level playing field, something few other sports can boast.

It is hoped this fixture will become an annual one providing a season opener for both teams.

Cornwall Seniors End on Disappointing Note

05.09.2014

Seniors Channel League Cornwall 6 - 9 Gloucestershire Seniors

On a beautiful late summers day Cornwall Seniors hosted Gloucestershire at Newquay GC on what was the final match of the season for both teams.

In the morning 4BBB matches both lead matches went the way of the visitors with the pairings of Michael Wigley & Duncan Powell and David O’Mahony & Colin Ross losing 2 & 1.  Wins in the final three matches from Rod Frost & Phil Bott 2 & 1, Mike Marshall & Simon Harper 3 & 2 and David Goodman & Alan Poole 1 up, saw Cornwall leading 3 – 2 at lunch.

The afternoon singles started with halved matches from the lead players, Michael Wigley and Colin Ross but of the remaining matches the only success was from David Goodman 2 & 1 and making his second appearance Launceston's Phil Bott 2 & 1.  Three of the matches were decided on the 18 th but in all the afternoon was lost 7 to 3, with an overall loss 9 to 6.

This was a disappointing end to the 2014 campaign, which earlier in the year had seen the Duchy finish as runners-up in the Southwest Counties Seniors Championship by just the one shot (758-757).

With several new players in the squad, and a further number who will be eligible by next year, the CGU County Seniors look forward to improving on this year's performances during 2015. In the 6 matches played Cornwall won just the one game at home to Wiltshire. Two home defeats on the bounce to Devon and now Gloucestershire mean the team finish bottom of the Seniors Channel League table.

Results v Gloucestershire

The County Seniors Team pictured after their latest match at Newquay (Back Row L to R David O'Mahony, Mike Wigley, Phil Bott, Rod Frost, David Goodman, Alan Poole and Front Simon Harper, Mike Marshall and Colin Ross)

Cornwall Seniors

22.08.2014

Seniors Channel League Cornwall 6 - 9 Devon

Cornwall suffered a disappointing home defeat to Devon when they were beaten 9 -6 in their latest Channel League match, which took place at a pristine Launceston GC.

The Duchy team were up against it from the off and found themselves 3 -2 down at lunch after the morning 9 holes of fourballs.

The Cornish morning wins came from David O'Mahony playing with Alan Poole (2&1) and Rod Frost playing with last minute call up Launceston member Phil Bott (3&1). However defeats for Mike Wigley and Duncan Powell (1 down), Mike Marshall and Simon Harper (1 down) and David Goodman and Launceston Secretary Alan Creber (2 down) meant there was a tough ask ahead.

Rod Frost cuts an elegant dash as he hits his second to the 10th at Launceston watched by opponent Graham Ruth.

The afternoon singles lead match saw Cornwall's Wigley lose 1 down to Paul Vicary. However when St Enodoc's Frost, who had an excellent day, beat stalwart Graham Ruth and was followed by a 1 up win for Harper , things remained much in the balance. Powell was well beaten (5&4) but a Poole win (4&3) balanced the books again. Devon again got their heads in front when Paul Marels beat O'Mahony and then extended the lead when Creber was beaten 3&1. In between Goodman had a good win over in form Devon Mid Amateur Champion Richard Ward. Meanwhile Bott and Brian Winteridge were having a titanic battle. Bott found himself four down at the turn but staged a magnificent comeback to level the match half way through the back nine. A lengthy birdie putt got Winteridge back in the lead after 15 and he kept this margin through to the end to seal the victory for Devon. When Captain Marshall lost 2 down the margin of the overall victory was extended.

Above (L to R) David Goodman lines up a putt on the 9th, Phil Bott studies the progress of his pitch at the 8th. Alan Creber wields the trusty old putter to good effect as he birdies the 8th, Mike Marshall splashes from the sand at the 7th, Creber looks pensive and Simon Harper about to birdie the 15th.

CGU County Seniors Championship 2014

Thursday 14th August 2014

Perranporth GC

Ex St Austell GC Captain and CGU County Seniors player Simon Harper put together an almost faultless round yesterday at Perranporth GC to become the Cornwall Seniors Champion for 2014. A one over par round of 73 saw him win the County Seniors Championship by the large margin of six shots in his first tilt at the championship since officially becoming a golfing senior. Simon who is well known throughout the county golfing membership was a comprehensive and well deserving  winner on a day where scoring for the majority proved tough.

Despite a poor weather forecast the 72 competitors experienced a predominantly dry day with a stiff breeze which ultimately saw a lot of high scores returned.

Harper's 73 saw him start with six straight pars before back to back bogies at 7 and 8 ultimately contributed to a 2 over front 9 of 38 shots. Further bogies at 11 and 16 , which he three putted, were cancelled out by birdies at 12, 13 and 17 which saw him complete the back 9 in -1 for 35 and the 73 total.

Runner up was Perranporth's own Steve Brooking who returned 79 to eclipse a number of senior county players who struggled both with the windy conditions and the course. Brooking used his local knowledge to good effect in recording birdie 2s at both the 4th and 6th holes. Third place went to Carlyon Bay's County player Duncan Powell who also returned a 79.

Leading Gross Scores

Simon Harper 73, Steve Brooking 79, Duncan Powell 79, 4th Dave Goodman (Bowood Park) 79, 5th Spike Drew (Truro) 80, 6th Paul Huckle (Falmouth) 80.

The day also saw winners in various age categories:

Over 70s - 1st Brian Duke (Perranporth) 30 points, 2nd David Crossley (Perranporth) 27pts 3rd Malcolm Jones (St Enodoc) 26pts

65-69 years - 1st Trevor Meadows (Trevose) 35pts 2nd Robin Bostock-Smith (Lanhydrock) 32pts, 3rd Paul Clahane (Trevose) 31pts

60-64 years - 1st Harry Billing (Perranporth) 36pts, 2nd David Goodman 35pts 3rd Steve Brooking 34pts

55-59 yrs - 1st Simon Harper 37pts, 2nd Spike Drew 35pts 3rd Duncan Powell 34pts

The prizes were presented by Perranporth GC Captain Steve Sperring and Cornwall Golf Union President, David Inch.

Steve Sperring welcomed everyone to the club and hoped that all had enjoyed their day. On behalf of the CGU David Inch paid tribute to the host club for their hospitality and welcome and for all their contributions to what was a very successful day. He made particular mention of Billy Mitchell and the greenkeeping staff saying the course had been presented in excellent order and had proved a true test for the Championship. He thanked Ocean BMW for their continued support of golf in Cornwall and of this event in particular.

Cornwall Seniors

05.08.2014

Channel League - Cornwall Seniors 10.5 - 4.5 Wiltshire Seniors

After three consecutive away matches Cornwall hosted Wiltshire at Bude & North Cornwall GC. Heavy overnight rain had softened, to a degree, a fiery links course.  Sunshine welcomed the start of play and stayed for most of the day. 

The morning fourballs were keenly contested with halved matches being gained by the pairs of Colin Ross & David O’Mahony, Alan Poole & Duncan Powell (helped by a hole in one by Alan at the par three 4 th !) and Mike Marshall & Simon Harper.  A fine 3 & 1 win by Peter Verran and the new recruit Rod Frost followed by a closer 1 up victory from Andrew Clotworthy & David Goodman gave Cornwall at 3.5 - 1.5 lead going into lunch.

Tactical adjustments in the afternoon pairings saw Duncan Powell go out first, taking on one of the best SW Counties Seniors, Roger Searle.  Duncan forced Roger to play at his very best in winning 3/2, an effort that set the tone for the rest of the afternoon players.  Wins by Colin Ross 4&3, Andrew Clotworthy 5&4, Simon Harper 5&4, Rod Frost 1 up, David O’Mahony 3&2, David Goodman 2 up and lastly Seniors Captain Mike Marshall 3&2 gave Cornwall a comfortable win, 10.5 -  to 4.5.

The next Seniors Channel League fixture is again a home match against Devon on 22 nd August at Launceston.

Full Results

SWCGA Seniors Championship and County Qualifier

Filton GC, 24th/25th July 2014

Cornwall's Seniors came within a whisker of emulating the County Men's team's achievement in reaching the English County Finals when they participated in the SWCGA Championship over two days at Filton GC, Bristol. They were ultimately pipped to the qualifying spot by Gloucestershire.

Taking part in the two day South Western Counties Golf Association County Finals Qualifier at Filton GC  the Cornish Seniors 6 man team put together a strokeplay total of 768 only to lose to Gloucestershire by just the one shot on 767.

It was a case of so nearly for the Duchy team from whom over the two days there were some very good individual performances, with Cornish players taking 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th places in the individual. Defending his individual title won last year Falmouth’s Colin Ross shot 73 on day one to lie in 4 th place and although he followed that up with a 77 on day two he retained the 4 th spot. Bude’s Cornwall Seniors Champion Mike Wigley recorded 76 and 75 to be in 5 th place but the individual honours went to Simon Harper (St Austell) whose first day 78 was disappointing. However on day two Simon shot a 72 to claim 3 rd place in the individual event.

As a team the Duchy Seniors were in second place after day one on 386 and just three shots behind Gloucestershire 383 and the day two efforts of the team saw them close the gap to just that one shot. The other three team members, Mike Marshall, Alan Poole and Andy Clotworthy did not quite match the performances of their team mates and in the end there was huge disappointment for the team but nevertheless the overall performance is creditable and an indicator of the competitive nature of Seniors Golf in the region and the improvement of the Cornish team.

Individual Results

Team Scores

Cornwall Seniors

17.07.2014

Channel League - Somerset Seniors 10 - 5 Cornwall Seniors

The morning fourballs at Enmore were played on a very well prepared undulating parkland course and although the host club provided a very warm welcome, the Cornish team had been forced to make changes due to both illness and unavailability.

The opening pairing of Colin Ross & David O’Mahony secured a 2&1 win for Cornwall but sadly this was the teams only morning full point. Michael Wigley and Duncan Powell halved as did Mike Marshall and Seniors debutant Simon Harper, who was in great form all day.  The standard of play was very high with Marshall and Harper 4 under par in securing their half. There were defeats for Alan Poole playing with clubmate Keith Abbott (2&1) and by the same margin for Andrew Clotworthy and David Goodman.

Trailing 3 – 2 at lunch the afternoon games swung back and forth.  Fine wins by Wigley (6&4) and Harper (4&2) gave hope to the Cornish team but defeats for Ross (3&2) and Clotworthy (4&3) saw Somerset retain the advantage.   After a loss by Poole (6&4) the two Davids Goodman and O’Mahony fought back to gain halves.  With only wins good enough unfortunately the last three Cornish players, County Seniors Captain Marshall, Powell and late replacement Abbott all lost on the 17 th . 

Overall this meant a victory for Somerset by 10 to 5 and they continue their good form in remaining unbeaten in their three matches to date.

Full Results

This was the last of Cornwall's 3 away matches with their next game being at home to Wiltshire over the Bude & North Cornwall links on Tuesday 5 th August.

Cornwall Seniors

30.05.2014

Channel League - Gwent Seniors 8 - 7 Cornwall Seniors

The second fixture of 2014 again took the Cornwall Seniors to Wales this time to face Gwent at Dewstow.  The course had suffered, more than most, as a result of the very wet spring which had produced very slow greens with lush soft fairways.  As a result of the conditions both team Captains agreed that placing on the fairways would be permitted throughout the day.

The morning 4BBB’s were closely contested with good wins from the pairings of, Colin Ross & David O’Mahoney, Alan Poole & Harry Walker and David Goodman & Rob Stacey.  Narrow defeats for Andrew Clotworthy & Trevor Ashton and Mike Marshall & Duncan Powell saw Cornwall ahead at the lunch break by 3 matches to 2.

With Gwent having their declared “strongest team” on show, with some newly eligible ex international players, the afternoon singles were always going to be a tough battle.  So it proved to be with only Andrew Clotworthy of the top five players managing a win.  The tail wagged with fine win’s from Duncan Powell, Harry Walker and Rob Stacey, but Cornwall fell just short of the required 5 points and the match was lost 8 points to 7.

Full Results

The next fixture for the Seniors is another away fixture this time against Somerset at Enmore GC, nr Bridgwater on 17 th July.

Cornwall Seniors

23.04.2014

Channel League - Glamorgan Seniors 8.5 - 6.5 Cornwall Seniors

The opening match of the CGU Seniors 2014 Channel League campaign saw the first of consecutive trips into Wales, the first time to play Glamorgan Seniors at Radyr Golf Club, Cardiff.

Practice on Tuesday went well, amazingly staying dry, and the team found an excellent parkland course in very good condition. The greens were quick and many of them were shaped such that in some positions it would be unwise to attack the pins!

A change in format this year as the morning nine holes is now 4 BBB instead of foursomes.

Match day according to the forecast was going to be a wet affair so to get through to lunch dry was a real bonus. However, the new format did not suit the Cornish as at lunch we were left with an uphill climb at 4 – 1 down.

The only point came from Alan Poole (St Mellion) and Harry Walker (China Fleet) who held out to win 1Up.

Under pressure the afternoon singles started and by way of a bonus it was still dry! First out current Cornwall Seniors champion Mike Wigley (Bude) had drawn Welsh international Jeff Thomas and turned in a very creditable 2&1 win.

Then losses for Colin Ross (Falmouth) 2&1 and Alan Poole 1 Down, either side of a win for first of the rookies Trevor Ashton (Trevose) 1 Up.  Next another 55 year old rookie who is probably the first to represent the County at the three levels – Junior, Full County & Senior, Andrew Clotworthy (Tehidy Park) who romped home with a fine 7&6 win. There were further losses for Dave O’Mahony (Tehidy Park) 2&1 and Harry Walker (China Fleet) 3&2.

Next came the battle of the Captains where Dave Goodman (Bowood Park) came out on top to beat Ian Henderson 1 Up.

A strong finish saw Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) win 3&2 and Rob Stacey the anchorman coming in with the only half of the day.

Whilst a strong performance away from home, on the day it was just not quite good enough.

Final result – Glamorgan 8.5 Cornwall 6.5

Full Results

The next match for the Seniors is away to Gwent at Dewstow GC on Friday 30th May.

Cornwall Seniors

09.09.2013

Channel League - Devon Seniors 10 - 5 Cornwall Seniors at Yelverton GC

Once again the weather shone on the Seniors Channel League as a beautiful day welcomed Cornwall to Yelverton where they played Devon.

Coming so soon after the heavy defeat to Gloucestershire the previous week and knowing their chance of improving on last season's finishing position had evaporated, the Cornish team were still determined to put on a good showing against the old enemy.

The morning foursomes was a very close encounter with all but one match going to the last, meaning a lunchtime score of 2.5 each. There was a good win for Mike Wigley (Bude & N Cornwall) & Mike Eddy (Tehidy Park) over Yelverton member George Rumbold and Brian Medlam, with halves for Colin Ross (Falmouth) and Dave O’Mahony (Tehidy Park), Mike Marshall (St Mellion) & Rob Stacey (Newquay), Alan Poole (St Mellion) and Harry Walker (China Fleet). Mixed in with this was a tough defeat on the last for Trevor Robinson (Newquay) and Captain Dave Goodman (Bowood Park).

The afternoon singles saw Poole spearhead the attack and he almost pulled off a surprise taking local man Rumbold to the last before losing one down.

There then followed three halves for Wigley, Ross and Robinson. Marshall battled well with Devon Captain Paul Vicary before going down 3&2. Next Walker salvaged some Cornish pride in winning his singles 5&4.

Defeats for Goodman on the last, O’Mahony 3&2, Eddy 2&1 and Stacey, also on the last, made the final result – Devon 10 Cornwall 5.

Both Captains thanked Yelverton for their hospitality and cooperation which had been much appreciated. Cornwall Captain Dave Goodman also took the opportunity to wish his opposite number Paul Vicary and the Devon team best wishes when they represent the South West Counties in the National Finals.

Finally as it was the last match of the season Goodman expressed his gratitude to all the members of his squad for their support over the past two seasons and stated it had been a great honour for him to captain the team for that time.

Cornwall Seniors

05.09.2013

Channel League - Gloucestershire Seniors 12.5 - 2.5 Cornwall Seniors at Bristol & Clifton GC

Unfortunately, and as the result demonstrates quite clearly, this was a comprehensive defeat for a team which entered the match against Gloucester at Bristol & Clifton G.C.  knowing that any positive result would offer a very good chance of improving on last year’s second place finish in the Seniors Channel League.

However, despite good preparation, good weather and a course fancied by all it all fell apart after the lunch interval.

The morning foursomes went reasonably well with the top match going to Cornwall 3&2 for Colin Ross & Dave O’Mahony. The second match also went the way of Cornwall when County Seniors Champion Mike Wigley playing with Mike Eddy won 1 up. The next three matches all went to Gloucester by the same 2&1 margin including the first loss of the campaign for County Seniors Captain Dave Goodman. The lunch score was 3 - 2 in favour of Gloucestershire but as is most often the case with all to play for.

The afternoon fine sunshine continued but also saw the pressure build as Cornwall suffered, and which the Gloucester Captain summed up later as “not your best day at the office”.

The only Cornish player to take anything from the singles was O’Mahony (Tehidy Park) who despite being two up with two to play had to settle for a half. All the remaining nine matches went to Gloucester meaning a very disappointing defeat for Cornwall by the margin of 12.5 – 2.5

This result makes it mathematically impossible for Cornwall to catch Devon to whom they play away on Monday nextat Yelverton (5th September)

During the after meal speeches Cornwall Captain Dave Goodman asked the rest of his team to raise their glasses and congratulate Gloucester not just on an excellent performance on the day but also for winning the Seniors Channel League for 2013

Cornwall Seniors

05.08.2013

Channel League - Wiltshire Seniors 5 - 10 Cornwall Seniors at Salisbury & S Wilts GC

In the first of three consecutive away matches the Cornwall County Seniors team travelled to Salisbury to play Channel League opponents Wiltshire at Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club, a course which proved to be in good condition despite the recent spell of very warm weather.

Match day dawned with heavy rain forecast but fortunately the morning remained dry and the golf went very much the way of the Duchy who took a splendid four out of the five morning foursomes games. There were wins for Colin Ross & David O'Mahony (3&2), Mike Marshall & Rob Stacey (2up), Seniors Captain David Goodman & Trevor Robinson (1up), and Mike Eddy & Duncan Powell (3&2). The only Cornish pair to be defeated were Harry Walker & Alan Poole.

Over lunch the sky darkened and sure enough the rain soon arrived and stayed for well over an hour!

The afternoon singles started with newly crowned South Western Counties Golf Association Seniors Champion, Ross, pitched against an in-form Richard Jeffery and bumping back to earth losing 2&1.

Next out was Poole, who for the second time on the day was pitted against Wiltshire’s scratch golfer, Roger Searle, and unfortunately a similar result but this time 5&4!

Thankfully, next man out, Walker, managed to halt the slide with a half. This was followed by Newquay’s Robinson, who probably drew the short straw against Henry Burt on his own course yet recorded a very impressive runaway 7&6 victory. Burt's own admission was, “I didn’t play badly, but Trevor was excellent!"

Next upWiltshire Captain, Jerry Gegg defeat Carlyon Bay’s Powell on the eighteenth. By this time Marshall (St Mellion) had won 3&2 over Wiltshire Golf Union Secretary David Lewis closely followed by O’Mahony (Tehidy Park) who was one down coming to the 18th. However O'Mahony made a birdie two at the tricky and well protected par 3 to gain a valuable half.

This left Captain Goodman (Bowood Park) to win one up over Bob Holman and seal the point for the match but further wins for Mike Eddy (Tehidy Park) 2&1 and Rob Stacey (Newquay) 1up resulted in a 10 – 5 win for the second match running.

The result means Cornwall are second to Gloucester in the Seniors Channel League on the same points but having played a game less. This obviously adds importance to the Seniors next match which will be against Gloucester at Bristol and Clifton GC on September 5th .

Cornwall Seniors

15.7.2013

Channel League - Cornwall Seniors 10 - 5 Somerset Seniors at West Cornwall GC

(Harry Walker putts with Lelant Church providing the backdrop at West Cornwall GC)

Coinciding with the first really hot spell of the summer Cornwall Seniors welcomed Somerset to the beautiful West Cornwall Golf Club at Lelant. It did make for a slightly longer journey for the away side but at least gave the Cornwall team members of south and west Cornwall a home match!

The course was presented in very good and true hard running condition with fast fairways and even slicker greens, to say nothing of the beautiful views out over the sandy beaches and Cornish coastline.

The morning foursomes saw Cornwall take a narrow lead into the lunch break with home noses just in front at 3 - 2.

Colin Ross (Falmouth) & Dave O’Mahony (Tehidy Park) halved their match as did Seniors Captain David Goodman (Bowood Park) partnering Mike Hayes (Trevose). There were wins for Seniors Vice Captain and home club member Ian Brown with Mike Eddy (Tehidy Park) by 2 holes and also for Mike Marshall (St Mellion) playing with Rob Stacey (Newquay) by just the one hole. Alan Poole (St Mellion) and Harry Walker (China Fleet) were beaten 3&2.

The afternoon play if anything saw the balls running even faster and a tight match continued with only two of the ten singles finishing before the 17th.

An excellent result saw the in form Colin Ross running out a comfortable 6&5 winner, preceding three matches which all finished square on 18 and involved Alan Poole, Harry Walker & Mike Marshall.

At this stage the overall match was still very much undecided and could have gone either way but along came three straight wins for Mike Hayes and Ian Brown both by 2&1 and Captain Dave Goodman again did his bit by 3&2 which meant Cornwall had reached the the eight points necessary to win the match.

(Cornwall Seniors Captain David Goodman was a happy man as his team beat Somerset at West Cornwall GC)

Of the matches still remaining on the course a further 1.5 points were obtained by David O'Mahony (half) and Rob Stacey who won 2&1. All of this meant a very good win by 10 - 5 for Cornwall.

In his summing up Somerset Captain, Geoff Ogden was gracious in defeat and most complimentary about the course which he admitted had grown on him over the two days his team spent there. He also paid tribute to the sterling efforts of the caterers.

(Ian Brown and Mike Eddy pictured before their morning win in the foursomes)

The next Seniors Channel League match for Cornwall is away to Wiltshire and this will be played on Monday 5th August at the Salisbury & South Wilts GC.

The Cornwall Seniors this week participate in the South Western Counties Golf Association Seniors Championship taking place at East Devon GC, Budleigh Salterton on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th July. The team selected to represent Cornwall is David Goodman (capt), Colin Ross, Alan Poole, Harry Walker, Mike Marshall, Robert Stacey, Mike Hayes and David O'Mahony. Good luck Cornwall!

Cornwall Seniors

29.5.2013

Channel League - Cornwall Seniors 8.5 - 6.5 Gwent Seniors at Launceston GC

The CGU Seniors team pictured after their win over Gwent at Launceston.

Back Row (L to R) Mike Eddy, Duncan Powell, Mike Marshall, Robert Stacey, Michael Hayes

Front Row Colin Ross, Dave O'Mahony, David Goodman (Capt), Alan Poole and Harry Walker

Mike Eddy cuts a dash during his singles win at Launceston

Harry Walker tees off on the par 3 15th

Dave O'Mahony plays from a buried bunker lie on the 15th at Launceston

Fresh from excellent reviews during County Week the Cornwall Senior’s Channel League team were pleased to welcome Gwent to Launceston for their second Channel League match of the season.

No-one was disappointed as the course was still in excellent condition and luckily the weather had cleared giving a beautiful sunny day albeit with  a freshening breeze.

The morning foursomes went very much in Cornwall’s favour as they took a 3.5 to 1.5 lead. Wins for Alan Poole & Harry Walker, Dave Goodman & Michael Hayes, Mike Eddy & Duncan Powell with a half from Colin Ross & Dave O’Mahony made for a comfortable but not over confident lunch.

With continued sun but slightly increased breeze the afternoon singles matches got under way although very quickly the match turned in favour of the visitors as the first four matches all went the wrong way with losses for Colin Ross 3&2: Alan Poole 2&1: Harry Walker 3&2 and Mike Marshall 3&1. Next, new boy Duncan Powell (Carlyon Bay) on his Senior’s debut stemmed the flow with a creditable 3&2 win.

Mike Hayes then lost 4&3 before Dave Goodman won 4&3 which proved to be the turning point. The last three matches all went to the sixteenth tee- three up with three to play. So 3&2 wins for Dave O’Mahony, Mike Eddy and Rob Stacey saw the singles end at five each.

The Seniors next match is against Somerset at West Cornwall Golf Club on Monday July 15th

1.5.2013

Channel League - Cornwall Seniors v Glamorgan Seniors at Newquay GC

Cornwall Seniors got their 2013 Seniors Channel League campaign underway on Wednesday 1 st May when they welcomed Glamorgan to Newquay G.C.

Whilst the majority of North Cornwall went off to Padstow for the May Day and of course “Obby Oss” celebrations the players enjoyed a beautiful sunny day at Newquay even though at times there was a stiff breeze.

At lunchtime, after the five morning ‘foursomes’, honours were even at 2.5 points each. A half from Alan Poole and Harry Walker plus wins for Dave Goodman and Michael Hayes 2up, Rob Stacey and Peter Groocock 2&1 left it once again to be decided by the afternoon singles matches.

First out in the afternoon was Colin Ross (Falmouth) pitched in a tough top match with full Welsh international Jeff Thomas, but what an excellent result for Colin who ran out a 5&4 winner!  There were mixed messages from around the course: first going in favour of Cornwall as local man Rob Stacey (Newquay) won 8&7, Mike Hayes (Trevose) won 7&5, Harry Walker (China Fleet) won 5&3 and Captain Dave Goodman (Bowood Park) won 5&4 won to make victory seemingly a formality. However, losses for Mike Marshall (St Mellion) 4&3, Peter Groocock (St Austell) 4&2 and Alan Poole (St Mellion) 2&1 narrowed the gap.   

All was down to the last two matches left on the course. Both tee’d up on the eighteenth all square! Unfortunately both Dave O’Mahony (Tehidy Park) finding a bunker and Trevor Robinson (Newquay) finding the wrong green could not make the half needed to win so for the second year running the match with Glamorgan ended all square. During his speech non-playing Glamorgan Captain, Duncan Samuel, was a relieved man as he referred to his thoughts of two hours earlier when he feared he was in for a heavy loss.

The match was played in a great spirit and both Captains thanked Newquay for their hospitality which was much appreciated.

South Western Counties Senior Golf Association Championship

Newquay GC 16 - 19th September 2012

Back row (L to R): Mike Hayes, Peter Marshall, Dave O'Mahoney, Pete Verran, Ian Brown, Mike Eddy

Front: Bill Morton, Mike Marshall, Paul Clahane (Not present - Richard & Phil Hine)

Over three blustery days Cornwall contested the annual Southwest Counties Seniors Association Match Play Championship at Newquay Golf Club.  With the course set up to test even the best players, things were going to be close.  It came down to the last putt on the last green of the last match!  Mike Eddy and David O’Mahoney secured a half against Devon providing a overall win against the “Olde Enemy”.  Cornwall and Dorset were tied on 3 ½ match points from 5 outings and 11 ½ games won.  Unable to separate the teams an amicable tie was agreed.

05.09.12

Cornwall Seniors 4.5 Gloucester Seniors 10.5 at Trethorne Golf Club

Cornwall Seniors welcomed Gloucester Seniors to Trethorne Golf Club, Launceston, for the penultimate match in the 2012 Channel League.

The golf course was presented in very good condition and the weather could hardly have been better, but it did not prove to be anything like home advantage for the Cornish team!

At lunch after the five morning nine hole foursome matches Gloucester had romped to a 5 – 0 lead, close matches but with only one match going the distance, Colin Ross (Falmouth) and Dave O’Mahony (Tehidy Park) losing one down.

After lunch Cornwall had it all to do needing a minimum 7.5 pts. from the ten singles matches to take anything from the encounter.

Unfortunately despite the early indication that a very close result was on the cards, Gloucester rallied and once again took the upper hand.

Well done on good wins to Colin Ross 1 Up, Dave O’Mahony 2&1, Mike Hayes (Budock Vean) 1 Up, Mike Eddy (Tehidy Park) 1 Up and a half from Mike Marshall (St Mellion)

The Gloucester Captain, Richard Boulding thanked the staff and management of Trethorne for their hospitality and excellent food over the two days!

The Cornwall Captain, Dave Goodman, congratulated Richard on his team’s victory and also took the opportunity to wish the Gloucester team good luck when they represent the South West Seniors in the Southern Counties Finals and the English Golf Union Finals later in the year.

Next Match v Devon at Tehidy Park on Friday 14 th September 2012

06.08.2012

Cornwall Seniors 11 Wiltshire Seniors 4 at Bowood Park Golf Club

Cornwall Seniors start their second half of the season with the first of three home matches, welcoming Wiltshire to Bowood Park, Camelford.

What a welcome!! The Wiltshire team travelled down through pouring rain on Sunday morning with the intent of playing a practice round in the afternoon. Unfortunately it was quickly apparent that the heavy rain, thunder and potential for lightning was going to make any chance of practice impossible.

Monday morning saw more rain and with an hour to go to tee-time, much discussion took place as to how the match could continue.

Despite all it was decided to continue as planned and thankfully and completely on cue, the rain stopped, and thanks to excellent drainage the match commenced.

The foursome matches were closely fought with three matches halved and the other two going in favour of Cornwall although only one match stopped short, and only by one hole.

The wind increased slightly after lunch but if anything the golf improved with several of the Cornish team making very positive starts, Dave O’Mahony one under par and six up after 9 holes, Dave Goodman two under and five up at same stage!

The good news continued around the course and it was soon clear that it was going to be Cornwall’s day.

A dominant performance saw wins for Alan Poole 3&2 (St.Mellion); Colin Ross 5&3 (Falmouth); Dave O’Mahony 6&5 (Tehidy); Mike Hayes 3&2 (Budock Vean); Mike Marshall 3&2 (St.Mellion);

Dave Goodman 5&4 (Bowood Park); Mike Eddy 7&6 (Tehidy); and Rob Stacey (Newquay) who battled in for a half at the eighteenth.

The Wiltshire Captain extended his thanks to the staff of Bowood Park for the welcome and hospitality and both teams commented on the condition of the course despite the weather that had been thrown at it, a credit to the greenstaff.

Result

11.07.2012

Cornwall Seniors 9.5 Somerset Seniors 5.5 at Worlebury G.C.

Cornwall Seniors Channel League third successive away match was to meet Somerset at Worlebury Golf Club near Weston-s-Mare on Wednesday 11 th July.

Practice on Tuesday found a relatively short course, as per the card, which was somewhat compensated for by some tight tree-lined fairways. Naturally very soft under foot but in good condition and most importantly the sun shone!

At lunch after the morning foursomes Cornwall were slightly flattered to be 4 – 1 up, having three of the five matches go to the last hole, but a great result to take into the singles.

The sun continued to shine in the afternoon, however, the wind increased and the holes directly into the wind became much tougher.

The match started to turn in favour of the home side as after the first five singles it was 3.5 to 1.5 to Somerset!

Match six saw late replacement Paul Clahane turn in a creditable 3&2 win and apart from a heavy defeat for Dave Goodman in the battle of the Captain’s, Geoff Ogden running out a 7&6 winner, but the final three matches turned back in Cornwall’s favour.

An excellent win for Mike Marshall (St Mellion) 5&4, also wins for Mike Eddy (Tehidy) 3&2, Harry Walker (China Fleet) 3&2, Rob Stacey (Newquay) 2&1 and a half on the 18 th for Dave O’Mahony (Tehidy)

Result

14.05.2012

Cornwall Seniors 9.5 Gwent Seniors 5.5 at Peterstone Lakes G.C.

Cornwall Seniors Channel League second match saw another trip to the Principality – across the Severn once more, to Peterstone Lakes G.C a parkland course which had, as the last intended venue, suffered heavily from higher than average rainfall. In fact the course had been closed for much of the previous two weeks!
Great credit has to go to the greenstaff who worked magnificently from 6a.m. to ensure the course was playable for the match. From practice on Sunday afternoon to10:30 a.m. on Monday a significant improvement was seen.

The morning foursomes got under way just after the rain stopped and was very evenly matched and once again at lunch it was honours even at 2.5 to 2.5

For the afternoon singles the wind had increased, and with the combination of tree lined fairways and many ditches and small lakes the conditions were nothing short of tricky, however, the sun continued to shine.
With true fighting spirit the Cornish held their nerve, and battled on.
A great 7&5 win by Newquay’s Rob Stacey started the ball rolling, followed by a 4&3 win by Vice Captain Ian Brown (West Cornwall). Wins also for Alan Poole (St Mellion), David O’Mahony (Tehidy), Michael Hayes (Budock Vean ), Harry Walker China Fleet and Captain Dave Goodman (Bowood Park)

Result

02.05.2012

Cornwall Seniors 7.5  Glamorgan 7.5  -  at Southerndown G.C.

Cornwall Seniors 2012 campaign got off to a promising start even though the weather and conditions threatened to totally disrupt it!

On arrival for practice at Creigiau G.C. it was discovered that the course was unplayable due to eight trees toppled by high winds, areas of serious flooding and littered with debris!!

The Glamorgan Captain was trying to locate an alternative course and was fortunate that Southerndown G.C some 20 miles away was willing and able to shift things around to accommodate the match.

As soon as confirmed the team moved on to Southerdown and were able to arrange to get on the course for a practice round. (at own cost)

As forecast the weather on Wednesday was much better and the morning foursomes got under way with the Cornish making an excellent start and with two matches left it could have been 4 –1 at lunch but for the last green where Glamorgan holed monster putts of 25 and 30 feet for half and win respectively.

2.5 v 2.5 at lunch

The sunshine continued and the afternoon singles got going.

Some very good golf was seen by the watching Glamorgan officials and supporters. With two matches left on the course it was still deadlock at 4 all. One went down on the eighteenth but well done Mike Eddy (Tehidy) who held his nerve to close out on the 17th 2&1.

This added to great wins by Harry Walker, Alan Poole, Mike Hayes and a storming 7&6 win by Past Captain Mike Marshall

Result

The results of all our county matches can be found be going to the Results Menu off the Home page and clicking on County Team Results where you can view the match result and player stats.