Warwickshire Golf
WUGC MATCH REPORT - Warks Seniors v Warks u16s
Ladbrook Park - Sunday 3rd April 2022
Like 10 golfing Yodas, ready to impart their vast knowledge and experience to their young counterparts, the Seniors took on our u16 lads at Ladbrook Park last Sunday. Before I get any complaints, can I just stress that any comparisons to Yoda are not meant to be taken literally in all but a couple of instances.
The weather was cold, but dry"¦and the course presented well for the time of year. So, we were set for an interesting and most friendly of friendly fixtures.
The u16s were sent out in handicap order, with the first two matches played off scratch. The boys were giving up a few shots as a result, but were keen to take on their opponents with a level playing field.
MATCH 1 saw Warren Bladon (Kenilworth GC) and Steve Creed (Stratford GC) play our u16s Captain Ryan Gavin (Coventry GC) and Joshua Gardner (also of Coventry GC and a stalwart of the u16s despite still being eligible to play in the u14s!). A narrow 2&1 victory for the Seniors showed just how close this match was.
MATCH 2 pitched Ladbrook Park member Tim Cooley and his playing partner Pete Gordon (Olton GC) against fellow Ladbrook Park member Louis Taylor and partner Ben Storer (Moor Hall). Despite local knowledge on both sides, this match was not quite so close, with the Seniors being in control pretty much throughout. Despite Louis and Ben's best efforts, they slid to a 4&3 defeat, but will be richer for the experience gained.
The decisive MATCH 3 involved Andrew Carman (Coventry GC) and WUGC President Mark Reynolds (Walmley GC) against Callum Lee (Moor Hall) and Harry Hartle (Ladbrook Park). Here, the young lads used their 6 shots well, and despite falling to 3 down by the 12th hole, managed to rally so as to stand on the 18th tee all square and having the honour.
Callum unfortunately pulled his drive into the tree line left, and Harry followed with a drive which was to the right and long enough to reach the distant out of bounds markers. Despite Harry re-loading and booming another ball down the middle, Callum did not catch a break under the trees, and the wily Seniors were able to close out the match winning 1 up with a par on the 18th.
In MATCH 4 we saw Roger Neale (Stratford Oaks) and Seniors Captain Rob Soen (Walmley) take on Joey Williams (Moor Hall) and Miles Pegg (Hatchford Brook). The boys were each to receive a total of 9 shots in this match, and the front nine saw them reach the turn 3 up. In a superb display of sportsmanship, Joey and Miles then offered to play the rest of the match without their remaining shots, so as to make a real game of it. Roger and Rob accepted the offer, and the result was an excellent halved match. Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin would have loved the gesture, and this represented what Team Warwickshire is all about!
MATCH 5 brought proceedings to a close, with Shaun Young (Nuneaton) and TMPD Chairman and new WUGC Vice President Nev Gardner (Stoneleigh Deer Park) playing Sam Price (The Warwickshire) and Will Hartle (Ladbrook Park). In this match, handicap disparity was at its greatest and the Seniors never looked like taking their point. In truth, Sam and Will are excellent young players, and their handicaps will certainly tumble once 2022 cards start to be entered. That said, they still had to produce some good golf, and at least victory for the u16s gave the overall match a more pleasing look for the boys!
And so to some thanks. Firstly to the Senior players for turning out to play the boys. I hope that you all took some early-season benefit from the matches, and we wish you a successful season ahead.
Next, as always to our committed u16s group of parents"¦thanks again as we start another season of taxi-driving, cheffing, diary management, and general support. I should know, I am one of you!
To our hosts Ladbrook Park Golf Club, thank you for excellent playing conditions and clubhouse hospitality.
Finally, we were honoured to be joined by WUGC Presidents and committee members past and present during the course of this fixture (both playing and watching), but with special mentions for John Jewsbury and John Duncombe for braving the cold wind to watch the golf. It was great to see you out there, and thanks for your ongoing support of our teams' efforts. It is much appreciated.
Until next time"¦
Next fixture for the u16s: A FRIENDLY match of u14/u16 combined vs MOOR HALL SCRATCH TEAM at Moor Hall on Sunday 24th April 2022.
Simon Taylor
Warwickshire U16 Team Manager
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