Warwickshire Golf
GLORIOUS HOLLINWELL
Date: 08th May 2016
Venue: Notts (Hollinwell) Golf Club
Captain: Stuart Bloxham
Our 2016 league campaign commenced against Nottinghamshire at the superb venue of Notts (Hollinwell) Golf Club.
Notts Golf Club was presented in fantastic condition and with a standard scratch of four over par and measuring 7250 yards; there is no hiding place and a true test of golf for the best amateurs in Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire.
With the sun shining and temperatures in the mid-twenties, conditions were perfect for a battle against a strong Nottinghamshire team.
Warwickshire’s Team:
Adam Lumley, Chris Laird, Dale Marson, Gareth Jenkins, Liam Phipps, Louie Pett, Matt Cryer, Max Martin, Rob Browning, Tom Ibbertson
Foursomes:
With the absence of Patrick Ruff (playing in the Irish Amateur) it was Gareth Jenkins who partnered Max Martin, and lead the team out in the morning foursomes. Nottinghamshire pairing of Matt Hogg (Captain) and Kier Stockdake took an early 3up lead but three birdies in a row on the back nine was enough to get us back into this game, finishing all square.
Second out was Coventry pairing of Rob Browning and Matt Cryer who continued to impress. Playing some great golf from start to finish and secured a perfect 3&2 victory.
Tom Ibbertson and Dale Marson were up against Ross Overton and Daniel O’Loughlin. This was a closely contended match and with some fine driving from Tom and Dale, which is a must around Notts GC, took the game to 18th. Both paring the last, the match finished all square.
A welcome return from the US for Adam Lumley who partnered Louie Pett and continued to extend their winning record with a superb 4 & 2 victory. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case for Liam Phipps and Chris Laird who were narrowly defeated on the last to lose 1 down, having played some great golf together.
Foursomes Result
Nottinghamshire 2 – 3 Warwickshire
Singles:
After a very nice steak pie, it was a quick turnaround and vital that we got off to a winning early start in the afternoon singles.
To lead the team out was Max Martin who hit the ball tremendously well all day making it very difficult for Matthew Hogg. Max held on to an early lead to win his match 3&2. A great performance, well played.
Matt Cryer continued to perform exceptionally well, which was a pleasure to watch. Matt also took an early lead and finally won 5&3.
Rob Browning was out number three. Unfortunately, Rob was up against a steely opponent who eventually managed to grind him down along with the heat and the carry bag! To lose 4&2
Rob’s loss was quickly put right with Tom Ibbertson securing and 2up victory. Tom has been playing some great golf recently in National Events and continued his form which was great to see.
Next out was Gareth Jenkins who is a great example for any golfer. To his own admission he struggled in the morning, went straight to the range to put things right and he did just that! Gareth grinded out a fantastic point with a 1up victory.
It was looking good with Warwickshire only needing 1 point from 5 matches, however it is never that easy!
Liam Phipps was out number six against Ross Overton and it was Liam who was in command of this match taking a 3up lead and hitting the ball very well. But with Ross having 5 birdies on the back nine forced the game down the 18th resulting in a very respectable share of a point.
With Dale Marson and Louie Pett both losing (4&3 and 1dn) it was left to either Adam Lumley or Chris Laird to secure the ½ point needed to win the match.
Adam was 1 down playing the 460 yards par 4 18th, but with a superb second shot to 2 ft was good enough to win the hole and half his match, securing Warwickshire’s all-important 8 points and victory…
Whilst the match was over, Chris Laird was also playing the 18th hole one down but thinking he needed at least a half for Warwickshire to win. Leaving him to think he needed to win the hole his true grit and determination came through once again as a par was enough to win the hole and half his match.
It was a great performance and a pleasure to watch the quality of golf on a perfect venue and perfect day.
Singles Result
Nottinghamshire 4.5 – 5.5 Warwickshire
Overall Result
Nottinghamshire 6.5 –8.5 Warwickshire ( CLICK HERE FOR FULL MATCH DETAIL )
I would like to wish Matthew Hogg and his team all the best for the season. I would also like to thank Notts Golf Club for their hospitality throughout the day and presenting a golf course in excellent condition.
Finally thanks Robin Brennan Treasurer of Warwickshire, Nev Gardner and Pete Clarke for their support on the day.
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