Monday 5 & Tuesday 6 October 2026
The full report can be viewed including technicolour images by opening this link https://hedsorgolf.club/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Hedsor-Golf-Away-Days-at-St-Pierre-2026.pdf
Sue Finlan organised a thoroughly enjoyable two-day Hedsor away trip to St Pierre, with golf on the famous Old Course on Monday followed by the Mathern Course on Tuesday. Sixteen Hedsor and former Hedsor golfers originally signed up, although Martin Croucher’s work commitments reduced the travelling contingent to fifteen. Partners—and a few four-legged companions—also joined the party.
Lady Luck was on our side. Despite wet and windy weather either side of the trip, Monday brought sunshine and Tuesday remained mostly dry and overcast.
Day One – The Old Course
The Old Course proved every bit as challenging as expected, with mature trees, strategically placed bunkers, water and unfamiliar greens providing a stern test. Indeed, 30 Stableford points or more on a first visit represented an excellent performance.
Bilal, Den and Nic began by collectively scoring precisely zero points on the first, having discovered rather more of St Pierre’s chestnut trees than intended. Den and Nic recovered well, while Bilal’s driving remained sound but his approach play and short game appeared to have extended their weekend break.
The highlight—or possibly lowlight—came at the spectacular 18th. With fellow Hedsorians watching, Nic confidently took to the elevated tee before treating his audience to an extended rendition of “Guess How Many Shots It Takes to Get Across the Pond.” Redemption, however, would come.
Elsewhere, Sue enjoyed playing with Ray and Roger, although Ray’s refrain of “Can’t buy a putt!” summed up parts of their round. Howard’s back unfortunately gave way after the first hole, leaving him to drive the buggy for nine before sensibly retiring to the bar.
The Old Course Stableford winner was Andy Slater with 32 points, an excellent score on such a demanding first visit.
Day Two – The Mathern Course
Andy was unfortunately called away for family reasons and Howard withdrew because of his back, but the remaining Hedsorians tackled the supposedly easier Mathern.
Bilal disproved the “easier” description by improving his first-day total of six blobs to eight. Ray demonstrated an impressive ability to accumulate shots while already on the putting surface, while Den adopted the radical alternative of simply playing good golf. His finest moment was a superb two at the fifth, carrying the brook and finishing within two feet of the pin.
Meanwhile, Nic was clearly intent on redemption. After his Old Course adventures, he produced an excellent round and arrived at the 18th with the overall prize at stake. Watched by the assembled wives and partners, he produced a fine chip and single putt for par to secure victory with 33 Stableford points, the highest score of the trip.
Trevor, Roger and Mick also enjoyed the Mathern, with Mick recording four pars on his way to a very respectable 29 points.
A Great Hedsor Away Trip
Andy Slater therefore took the Old Course honours and Nic “Redemption” Manley the Mathern title—Nic’s final-hole par providing an appropriately triumphant conclusion after the previous day’s entertainment.
Away from the golf, St Pierre provided an excellent setting, with its historic estate, hotel, restaurant, bar and terrace giving everyone plenty of opportunity to relax and socialise. The accommodation received the full “Goldilocks” range of opinions, while some of the bar bills generated rather more unanimous reactions.
Finally, the group presented Sue with gifts as a thank-you for all her work organising the trip. Two courses, good company, some surprisingly good golf, rather more questionable golf and no shortage of laughter made it a memorable couple of days.
Many thanks to Sue for making it all happen.
Prepared by Bilal H with many a players contribution !