The 2014/15 season is now underway and what a busy start it has been. One month in and we've had three trials, two stroke-play events at Edgbaston GC and one matchplay event at Forest of Arden GC with around 60 golfers from UoB competing.
The 1st trial was won by Nathan Gilpin after a neat 1-under 68, closely followed by Luke Gorman with a level par 69 and fresher Matt Bacon with a 70. The 2nd trial was won by Alex Higgs with a 2-over 71 in second was Mikey Major shooting 72 and again in 3rd spot Matt Bacon with a 73. At the Forest of Arden the following week we held the matchplay trials, designed to give those who are looking to represent the university a chance to play some matchplay golf before the BUCS matches start in the coming weeks. The final results of all the trials can be found on our website www.uobgolf.com under 'Fixtures & Results'.
A big thank you to everyone who competed in the trials, its a great fundraiser for the club and this year the three events were supported well.
Woodhall Spa 2014
Last week 11 UoB Golf Squad members headed up to Woodhall Spa for the second BUCS individual stroke-play event of the season. The event was scheduled for 54 holes but reduced to 36 as the weather on the first day was brutal and nearly unplayable resulting in the CSS to be reductions only! The first round was played on the Bracken Course and the second round on the world renown Hotchkin Course. The notable scores from the first round were from Luke Gorman and Emma Newlove both with shooting 77 (5 over) and Cian Hurley who produced a 79, the only UoB players to break 80. In fact, two players from UoB who will remain nameless didn't even break 90... and one of them is a Pro! (for all the scores click here)
The next day the weather was much more favourable and the scores proved it, despite playing on the tighter Hotchkin Course. Emma Newlove led the way for UoB in the morning playing in the last group competing for the Ladies title which she held a one shot lead overnight. After a closely fought back 9 Emma prevailed to win her first BUCS individual title by two strokes with scores of 77,78. Well done Emma.
The Mens competition was led by Andrew Turner and Jack Bryan with Andrew making a majestic recovery shooting one of the best scores of the day 75 (2 over). Other notable scores were Alex Bagnall (75), Jack Bamford (78) and Jordan Patmore (79). However, the score of the competition went to Luke Gorman with a 'Royal Cinque Ports' inspired score of 3-under par to demolish the field and win by 8 strokes with rounds of 77,70. Well played Luke.
(Luke and Emma with trophies in hand)
The victories mean that both Luke and Emma will make some strong headway into the BUCS Order of Merit and help to secure their place at the Tour Finals in April next year. But more importantly, with double points on offer, the inaugural Race to the Goose has an early leader with Luke taking a one point lead over Nathan Gilpin on 58 points after 4 events.
This Wednesday marks the start of the BUCS matchplay season with the 4th Team playing against Nottingham away at Beeston Fields - Good luck lads!
