Seniors Win Again In Searing Heat

Seniors win again in searing heat

The successful County Senior Team players with the S&H team share a photo opportunity outside the Kidderminster clubhouse - 25th July 2019

Match Scoresheet

On the hottest day of the year, 24 seniors battled the searing heat to complete the 27 holes in this key Midland League match at Kidderminster GC. With plenty of chilled water and high factor sun cream in everyone's bag, the foursomes matches ended with Worcestershire taking a commanding 4 1/2 to 1 1/2 lead into lunch.

With the 30C+ heat sapping everyone's energy, the 4BBB matches began at 1300, probably the hottest part of the day. Nevertheless, the quality of golf being played was first class, with birdies halving holes and long putts being holed. The course was in superb condition and much enjoyed by all the players, with fast, true greens, able to hold a well struck shot perfectly.

The betterball matches were all closely fought, with three going to the last hole before being decided. Peter Middleton (S&H) holed from 35 ft on the last to test Tony Sanders' nerve over a 6 footer to win, which he skilfully holed to secure victory in his match with Will Painter. There were birdies galore in many matches and great credit must go to every player in both teams for maintaining their concentration in the exhausting heat. Superbly unbeaten on the day were the Worcestershire pairings of Gary Bristow & Mark Carpenter, Shaun Thornhill & Duncan MacPherson and Phil Shurmer & Steve Carpenter, although every pairing contributed enormously with vital points in this fine win, which shows the strength in depth the Worcestershire Senior Team has in its ranks.

This 11 1/2 to 6 1/2 win puts the Senior Team in pole position heading into their final league match against Staffordshire on Monday 2nd Sept at South Staffs. There's good availability being made from all players for this fixture and selections will be made shortly.

On the day, and because of the heat, special thanks need to go to Pat Smith (PGA), Craig ( General Manager), Jane ( bar/ catering ), our President, David McGillivray and Brian Peplow and Grenville Rose (Past Presidents) for their marvellous support. This was commented on by Steve Hawke ( S&H Captain) in his closing remarks, who was very praiseworthy of Kidderminster GC and in how well the Worcestershire County Golf Union values its Senior County players. I'd personally like to thank Kidderminster GC for their great support in hosting this match and for their warm hospitality during the pre- match arrangements and during the day.

Thank you to all my players again for such great efforts and tremendous support.

Paul Newman

County Seniors Captain