Cirencester Golf Club round-up with Danny Hall.

Nick Rutter has booked himself a place in the regional final of the National PGA Pro-Am competition at Cumberwell Park GC in Bradford-on-Avon after winning the Cirencester qualifier by two shots on May 15.

Former Cirencester Cricket Club stalwart Nick shot a splendid 42 stableford points off his 11 handicap, laying the foundations by parring the opening six holes and securing first prize with birdies on 17 and 18.

The last time the National Pro-Am tournament was played – pre Covid-19 – Cirencester head pro Ed Goodwin and former member James Harding romped to victory in the regional final at Long Ashton with a better ball score of 60, before losing out at the overall final in Portugal by just a single shot.

Regional winners from all over the country will this year descend on Turkey for the grand final in November.

“Let’s hope Ed is on good form at Cumberwell Park on July 7, then,” said Nick.

“As for Saturday, I had a solid start parring the first six holes before a little wobble on the back nine. But I finished strong with a birdie on 17 and another on 18 thanks to a 20-foot putt.”

The other places on the podium were taken by runner-up Oli Oram and another high handicapper Harry Styman who both had 40 points and were separated on countback.

RESULTS

1st – Nick Rutter (11) 42 points; 2nd – Oliver Oram (21) 40pts; 3rd – Harry Styman (22) 40pts; 4th – Andy Lewis (09) 39pts; 5th – Charlie Buse (08) 36pts; 6th – Tom Waller (06) 35pts; 7th – Nick Brown (05) 35pts; 8th – Kevin Read (17) 35pts; 9th – Andy Bell (10) 35pts; 10th – Steve Bishop (05) 34pts.

Centenary Putter

TOBY HARRIS rediscovered the sort of form that saw him win the Cirencester Club Championship in 2018 when coming out on top in the prestigious Centenary Putter on Sunday – thanks to a little help from head pro Ed Goodwin.

“I shot a one-under par 70, with birdies on the first and the 16th. I then eagled 17 after hitting a 3-iron to a foot,” said Toby.

“I’ve been struggling with my golf recently so saw Ed for a lesson on Friday and we put some things right in my swing, including my impact position. It certainly paid off.

“I’m living in South Worcestershire now and have a nine-month-old daughter so golf has taken a back seat, but it was great to put a good score in.”

Toby’s gross score was the best of the day and his nett 65 gave him the trophy by a single shot from George Peare, who had five birdies in his nett 66, only to see so much of the good work undone by a double bogey 6 at the 18th hole.

Chris Yeates was third with a nett 67.

Ben Moody topped Division Two – and finished fourth overall – with a nett 68. Paul Simmonds (nett 69) and Archie Day (nett 70) were second and third respectively in Division Two.

There were 10 birdie twos recorded: 2nd hole (Tom Waller, Phil Woodall, Nick Baker, Bob Herbert); 11th hole (Alan Selby, Pete Stone, Paul Simmonds); 13th hole (George Peare, Graham Carter, David Webster).

Ladies’ Section

On Sunday, the Centenary Putter saw nine ladies competing with first place secured by Katie Norton thanks to a nett 73, six shots clear of Jane Salter and Sue Bremner who both came in with 79.

Honours for lowest gross score go to Emma Brereton with an admirable 85.

Twelve pairs of ladies competed on Saturday in the Coronation Foursomes which saw the successful pairing of Sarah Taylor & Angela Woodward coming in with 35 points, two points clear of Sue Pritchard & Kate Dymoke. Third place was secured by Sheila Marsh & Jane Muncer on 31.

The Ladies’ A team enjoyed success at home on Monday, 17 with a resounding 6-1 victory against Cotswold Edge followed by a sociable gathering inside the clubhouse after restrictions were finally lifted.

CORONATION FOURSOMES RESULT

1st – Sarah Taylor & Angela Woodward (23) 35pts; 2nd – Sue Pritchard & Kate Dymoke (16) 33pts; 3rd – Sheila Marsh & Jane Muncer (23) 31pts; 4th – Emma Brereton & Pam Mallinson (17) 30pts; 5th – Elaine Harrison & Sheila Telling (17) 30pts; 6th – Chris Park & Muriel Telling (22) 30pts.