Hedsor welcomed our friends from Eton for the return fixture in our enjoyable series of inter-club matches.
The contest took place over Hedsor’s tight nine-hole parkland course, with the teams playing an 18-hole Four-Ball Better Ball match-play competition from a shotgun start. The weather was fine and sunny, while a fresh north-westerly breeze provided some welcome relief for the golfers during a warm afternoon.
The matches were played in an excellent spirit, with Hedsor securing a well-earned 4–2 victory.
AJ & Pam Lane
AJ and Pam faced Steve and Guy and made an excellent start. Pam used her handicap strokes effectively during the opening nine, allowing the Hedsor pair to establish what appeared to be a comfortable lead.
However, any thoughts of cruising to victory soon “fell apart like a chocolate teapot” when the strong Eton pairing won four consecutive holes and brought themselves firmly back into the contest.
At that point, AJ received some simple but valuable advice from his caddie:
“Just hit the fairway.”
The Hedsor pair steadied themselves, fought their way back into control and eventually secured a 2&1 victory.
AJ later insisted that there had never really been any doubt:
“We always had it in the bag. I was in their heads early!”
Bilal Hashmi & Robert Hope
Bilal and Rob faced Clive and Birgit, who dovetailed extremely well throughout the match.
Bilal completed the 18 holes in an impressive gross 78, but even that was not enough to secure a Hedsor victory. Both Bilal and Rob experienced an indifferent day on the greens, each missing two short putts that could have won one hole and halved another.
Birgit, meanwhile, made excellent use of the firm summer conditions and her received strokes. She recorded nett birdies on the par-four 5th, 9th, 14th and 18th holes.
Her final nett birdie on the 18th proved decisive and secured the match for Eton.
She was, quite simply, a golfer on fire.
Nic Manley & Andy Fairclough, alias “Len”
Nic and Len made a flying start against Richard and Katy, moving 4 up after seven holes and maintaining that advantage at the halfway stage.
The Eton pair mounted a determined recovery, winning three of the next four holes. However, they were never able to reduce the deficit to fewer than two.
Nic and Len regained control and completed a deserved 2&1 victory.
The most memorable moment came on the 10th fairway, when Len broke his eight iron immediately after depositing his ball among the trees. Whether the club broke through force, frustration or embarrassment remains a matter for further investigation.
Jay Goodwin & Alison Tock
Hedsor Captain Jay and Alison played an excellent opening nine against Heather and Peter, reaching the turn only 1 down.
Unfortunately, a couple of wayward tee shots from Jay on the 10th and 11th allowed Eton to pull away. The deficit became too great to recover, with Heather and Peter eventually winning the match 5&4.
Although the final result appeared comfortable, it did not fully reflect how closely the opening half of the match had been contested.
Peter Hillyer & Jules Pearce
Peter and Jules faced Ed and Cathy in a genuine ding-dong contest.
The Hedsor pair repeatedly moved ahead, only for Eton to claw their way back into the match. Ed and Cathy eventually took the lead for the first time during the back nine, but some excellent dovetailing from Peter and Jules enabled Hedsor to regain control.
They closed out the match with a fine 2&1 victory.
The contest was played in a wonderfully sporting manner, with Peter and Jules describing it as a pleasure to have been involved.
Ray Wilks & Trevor Reeve
Ray and Trevor enjoyed the fantastic company of Peter and Janet, although the opening holes provided little comfort for the Hedsor pair.
After only four holes, Janet was already two under par, leaving Ray and Trevor firmly on the back foot. They reached the turn 3 down, a score that Ray admitted probably flattered them.
Nevertheless, the Hedsor pair refused to surrender. They clung on throughout the back nine before producing an outstanding finish.
Ray and Trevor won three of the final four holes and halved the last, completing a remarkable recovery to win the match 1 up.
Final Result
The six matches produced four victories for Hedsor and two for Eton:
- AJ & Pam Lane — won 2&1
- Bilal Hashmi & Robert Hope — lost on the 18th
- Nic Manley & Andy Fairclough — won 2&1
- Jay Goodwin & Alison Tock — lost 5&4
- Peter Hillyer & Jules Pearce — won 2&1
- Ray Wilks & Trevor Reeve — won 1 up
Hedsor 4 — Eton 2
After the Golf
Following the matches, both teams sat down together for drinks and a thoroughly enjoyable meal.
The main course was a delicious beef chilli prepared by Hedsor Captain Jay Goodwin. Dessert was provided by Peter Hillyer, who supplied millionaire’s shortbread, and Sue Finlan, who contributed chocolate brownies.
All three dishes were enthusiastically consumed, with many appreciative comments from those present.
Warm thanks were extended to Jay, Peter and Sue for providing the food, and to Sue Finlan and Heather for organising another highly enjoyable fixture.
The combination of competitive golf, excellent company and generous hospitality made it another memorable day in the continuing friendship between Hedsor and Eton.
Report prepared by Vice Captain Bilal Hashmi