Pictured below is our worthy 2018 champion – David Wain, receiving the trophy and the “Harris Hat of Glory” from his brother Nigel. David played a very impressive round of golf around a tight and demanding course at St Mellons. His golf (38 stableford pts) was only surpassed by the quality of his banter (47 bulls*** pts).
The only time you’ll ever see David Wain in a baseball cap
Sunshine at last!! After too many wet and cold trips to Cornwall, the relocation of the tour to that notoriously warm and sunny country that is Wales, meant that fine weather was guaranteed for the whole trip.
The drought like conditions that Wales always suffers with at this time of year meant that the course was not in the greatest of conditions. The green staff, we assumed, had been suffering with heat exhaustion and thus were unable to cut the grass. Regardless, the 2018 competition began in earnest with the “Pierre” and “Mathern” teams battling to win the coveted Harris team trophy.
The format was 4 Ball, better ball, and the results were as follows:
The day ended with the teams tied at 3 points each.
An early start was made easier by being greeted with more sunshine. The Old Course was in excellent condition and the 4 Ball better ball competition resumed. The results were as follows:
The morning finished with team “Pierre” falling behind by 5 points to 6 and Christine with more money thanks to making the only birdie 2.
The green staff, having recovered enough to resume duties, had been hard at work and the course was presented in much improved condition. A number of players dropped out of the afternoon’s competition to allow themselves sufficient time to re-visit the enormous buffet that St Pierre had laid on for us. It was quite something to behold – the buffet that is, not Phil’s stomach after his 4th visit… The traditional afternoon competition format was Greensomes, and although a detailed record of events is unavailable, the day concluded with the “Mathern” team a further point ahead.
The Open championship was held at a sunny and very well presented St Mellons with champion Nigel Wain leading the way with a respectable score of 32 points.
This was only good enough for fourth place behind Dave Scott 33 (out in 20 pts), Sue Scott 36 and our new champion – keeping the trophy in the family – David Wain on 38.
Team-wise the prize went to team “B” comprising the Davids mentioned above along with Sue Pritchard & Phil Reay with a total of 86 points (50 on the front nine).
They were closely followed by team “A” of Nigel, Paul East, Richard Edmonds & Sue Scott with 84 points. The other teams scored in the seventies.
Spot prizes were awarded as follows:
NTP 5th Richard Edmonds
NTP 11 Pete Cosford
NTP x 2 16th Nil return – Interesting choice of hole !
LD 18th Pete Cosford & Jane Wain
Birdies 2s David Scott & David Wain – both on the third hole.
The team competition resumed on another bright and sunny day with the traditional singles format. The results were as follows:
Fay Austen lost to Jane Wain on the final hole
Sue Pritchard beat David Wain, again on the final hole
Steve Mulford lost to Sue Scott – 4&3
Peter Harris beat Martin Sykes – 2 up
John Pritchard beat David Richardson – 4&3
Paul Needle lost to Dave Scott – 4&3
Pete Cosford beat Nigel Wain – 5&3
With the “Pierre” team winning the day by 4 points to 3, the overall winners by 1 point were the “Mathern” team.
However, it’s fair to say that both teams won this year given the excellent weather we enjoyed and the change of venue was warmly received by everyone. Well done Peter!!
Peter has once again consulted the Harris Sorting Hat of Glory, and confirmed that the teams doing battle this year in Wales are as follows:
As per the handicap review process introduced last year, Peter has reviewed everyone’s handicaps against CONGU, USGA, WWF and UNESCO. The following handicaps will apply for the tour in 2018.
As in previous years, these handicaps will apply for the Championship although there will be adjustments for the Matchplay games based on individual performances during the tour.
This year’s Harris Hat of Glory draws inspiration from Augusta, Georgia with a Masters colour scheme. Whose head will this adorn?
Harris Hat of Glory – 2018
The 2018 tour will be based at The St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club, at Chepstow in Wales. It will start on Sunday 20th May.
There are 2 courses at the resort and our trip will see us playing each one twice. Peter has also organised an away day for the Tuesday at St Mellons Golf Club near Cardiff.
By all accounts, both St Mellons and St Pierre should offer an excellent golfing challenge and by switching the location to Wales, we will obviously guarantee fine weather as well.
The full agenda is as follows:
Meet at 11:00am for a 12:00pm start. Four ball, better ball team event.
Morning tee – 8:03am. Four ball, better ball team event. Lunch at 1:00pm. Afternoon tee – 2:30pm. Format tbc.
1st tee at 11:30am, Coffee/Bacon roll on arrival and 2 course meal afterwards.
1st tee at 10:00am.
The formats for Tuesday & Wednesday will be confirmed once our current champion (Nigel) has selected his preferred venue to defend his crown (well, baseball cap).
Please confirm with Peter asap whether you’re able to attend.
Finally, may I wish you all pob lwc with your golf next year (look it up, I had to…)