At one stage prospects for play at Sandy Lodge looked in doubt, with weather forecasts of heavy overnight rain continuing well into the morning, with strengthening winds as the day progressed. However, the golfing gods were kind to us and, fortified by the traditional tea/coffee and bacon rolls, the 22 golfers were only faced with light rain as they made their way to the first tee.

Once again the benefits of playing the event at Sandy Lodge were borne out, with the combination of free-draining sandy soil and the sterling efforts of the greens staff ensured that the course was in excellent condition on a day when many other courses were closed. The rain gradually petered out and, although the wind did pick up and add to the challenges of the course, it was not as strong as forecast and everyone enjoyed their round.

Not surprisingly, scoring proved difficult in the conditions, with only three players managing more than 31 points. Phil Gough came in third on 35 points, with Gary Cook second on countback to the winner, Joe Bains, with both on 36 points. We also had 'nearest the pin' prizes on all six of the par 3 holes, with a sleeve of balls going to Mark Morton (3rd hole), Neil Hazlehurst (7th hole), Alistair Maxwell (8th hole), Chris Dickens (10th hole), Ollie Whyatt (15th hole) and Jim Dunne (18th hole).

The day ended with an excellent 3-course lunch and mercifully short speeches from Stu Butler, meeting organiser and RAFGS President, and Nigel Dowdall, Honorary Secretary. We look forward to returning to Sandy Lodge on 22 October next year. 

Full results: 2025 RAFGS Winter Meeting - results

After last year’s match was cancelled, as we sat inside watching the ever-increasing deluge, it was a delight to return to Woking in somewhat better circumstances. Thus, we played this beautiful course, in excellent company, and in dry conditions!

The Seniors fielded a strong team, with many single figure handicappers, but we had a great result in the morning, 3½ to 1½. Then followed the traditional delicious Woking lunch, where it was very good to be joined by our President. However, despite some sterling efforts, and a number of matches down to the wire, our opponents won the afternoon session 4-1.

Thus, the Seniors scraped through overall 5½ to 4½, but the matches were played in the best of spirits and we acquitted ourselves well. Again, a very enjoyable day, and the tenacity of all concerned in travelling from locations far and wide was much appreciated!

RAFGS team: Peter Bedford (am), Stu Butler, Jerry Davies, Nigel Dowdall, Mick Ford, David Hobart, Mark Morton, Justin Muir, Roger Palin (pm), Neil Roberts, Geoff Thorburn

The Autumn meeting took place at Wellingborough Golf Club who looked after us superbly as always.  The weather stayed fine all day, and the course was in excellent condition with the greens running fast and true.

The singles stableford competition in the morning, for the Swinton Cup, was won by Kevin Knight with 37 points on countback.  Farrukh Bajwa came second on the same points count with Jenny Smale coming in third on 36 points.  These three were the only players to reach level par or better with most finding the fast greens hard to handle!

The afternoon round for the Grant Govan Cups was won by Ian Robinson and Phil Gough with an excellent 28 points from 12 holes.  Jenny got her name in lights again by getting 27 points when paired with Mark Morton. Similarly, Farrukh, paired with Sion Lewis, came third with 25 points.  

Overall, this was a great day for golf (unlike a very wet 2024!) and Wellingborough GC made us all feel very welcome. 

The full results of the Stableford and Greensomes competitions are available below:

Individual Stableford
Greensomes (12 holes)