Shaun Messer & Rob Woodall From Dudley Gc Win The Captains & Guests Tournament Held At Hagley Gc

Shaun Messer & Rob Woodall from Dudley GC win the Captains & Guests Tournament held at Hagley GC

(l-r) Lord Cobham (Owner of Hagley GC), Shaun Messer (Dudley GC Captain), Rob Woodall (Dudley GC Greens Chairman) & Ian Rone (Worcestershire County Golf Ltd {President)

26 of the County's 31 clubs were represented at the annual Captains & Guests event held this year at Hagley GC. They were joined by 3 County teams in the friendly 4BBB Stableford format, making 58 players in total.

Many of the players had not played at Hagley for some years, and a few had never played it at all. However, without exception the players pronounced the course an absolute gem, and presented in superb condition. If you haven't played the course for a while, or never at all, you should visit to see for yourself the fabulous improvements that have been made over recent years.

With the players enjoying a 2 tee start, all teams finished within 75 minutes of each other. Not only did this mean that no-one had long to wait for the after match meal, but also the scores came in thick and fast. There were very creditable scores of 40 points from Jon Cranton & Gary Roberson (Redditch), Craig Brown & Susan Mobberely (Kidderminster), Ian Wilson & Adrian Barrie (Wharton Park), Steve Wood & Ralph Neale (Hagley) and Michael & Jack Turner (Rose Hill).

Unfortunately, on the day, this was not quite good enough to feature in the prizes.

4th place was taken by Mick Bott & David Blizzard (Droitwich) with 41 points, 3rd place was taken by Kevin Smith & David Jack (Ombersley) with 42 points, and 2nd place went to Jason Keane & Stuart Wood from Bransford with 43 points.

However, there was clear daylight at the top, with the Dudley pairing of Rob Woodall & Shaun Messer winning with 45 points.

Click here for full results.

The players and officials were treated to a bacon bap, tea and coffee before play, and an excellent 2 course meal after play. The players were joined by the owner of Hagley GC, Lord Cobham, Hagley GC Honorary Secretary Richard Mason, County Honorary Vice President Graham Yardley, and Stuart & Debbie Pritchard.

Lord Cobham welcomed everyone to Hagley GC at the start of the meal, and also helped County President Ian Rone with the prize presentation at the end of the meal.

Ian was keen to thank Lord Cobham for allowing the event to be held at Hagley GC, and asked him to pass on the players thanks to Brian and his Greens Team for producing the course in such stunning condition for the day. Ian also wished to thank the bar and catering team for looking after everyone so well, and providing such a friendly yet professional service.

Ian outlined the purpose of today's event, and thanked the clubs without whom the County would not exist. He specifically thanked the clubs for hosting all the County Event, Championships and matches, and also thanked all the individuals throughout the County who put so much time into running their clubs - many of whom were in the room!

Ian also took the opportunity to highlight some recent County successes; the County 1st Team, led by Anthony Hill, are top of their league, with only one match to play - on Sunday 3rd October at Telford GC, against Shropshire & Herefordshire - a win would guarantee them the title; the County Senior Team, led by Bill Thompson, who won their league, winning 4 matches out of 4; the U18 Boys Team who won the 49th Severnside Tournament at St Mellons GC near Cardiff, against very strong opposition, including many international players; the U14 Team who have enjoyed an unbeaten season to date under the Captaincy of Teddy Fee (Gaudet Luce); and the County 2nd Team, under Duncan Macpherson, who are the reigning 2nd Team Midland League Champions.

Ian also mentioned all the County Champions; Mens Champion Kieron Austin (Hagley), Senior Champion Brian Heap (Worcester G&CC), U18 Boys Champion Harrison Leaver (Worcester G&CC), U16 Boys Champion Louie Stott (Bewdley Pines) & U14 Boys County Champion George Stephens (The Vale).

Finally Ian thanked all the volunteers, who have given so freely of their time this year to ensure the smooth running of the County: The Board: Chairman – Bill Thompson Finance Director – Chris Gupwell Director – John Whitehead Director of Golf – Anthony Hill

Junior Team Managers: U16 & U18 – Bill Thompson & Mark Hewlett U14 – Roger Martin

Course Rating Team: John Whitehead Tony Edwards

Referees: Tony Edwards John Whitehead John Brothwood Clive Werrett Brenda Binnie Di Wilde

Administration & Starters: Brian Morris Rex Harrison Alec Mackie Janice Kerr Debbie Pritchard