2023 Results

Our results for the 2022/2023 season were are as follows

(most recent event first):

Captain's Trophy
Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club - 11th October 2023
18 hole stableford (full handicap)

Write-up by Steve Lloyd
23 BUNGS members plus one guest arrived at Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club and it was wet wet wet, so wet  that "I could feel it my fingers, feel it in my toes" . It didn't rain all day, only for 25 of the 27 holes so we've got to be thankful. It's a shame it rained so much as Newcastle is a really nice course but we didn't see it at it's best. It was very wet and muddy and towards the end of the day, there was quite a lot of standing water on the greens.

The morning team competition scoring wasn't particularly good apart from the sole two ball, Kev Morris and Steve Harris who took the money on 34 points.

Onto the afternoon for the 18 hole stableford for the Captain's Trophy and there was also a yellow ball team competition for a Captain's prize. Scoring again wasn't very good (with one exception) and 31 points was enough to get into the prizes. Steve Lloyd (11.5 handicap, 13 shots) took fourth and was pipped into third by Newcastle member Steve Dewey (13.7 handicap, 15 shots) with Dewey's better back nine.

Gordon Galloway is a BUNGS virgin, having never won an event in the 21 years he's been a member. He must have thought he had a chance this time. Off a handicap of 8.9 (10 shots) Gordon's 34 points was leading the way with just one group to come in. Nobody saw what was coming next though!

At the previous event at Burton, Kevin Morris had a good old moan about his handicap of 1.1, suggesting he should have a few more shots. Well, Kev had one of the rounds of his life shooting a gross 66 (with 1 shot) to come in with a mammoth 43 points in those conditions and I'm please to say, a mammoth handicap cut. Well played though Kev, a truly great round of golf in those conditions.

The team yellow ball competition was won my James Shipman, Gordon Galloway and guest Gregg Magenheimer on 31 points.

As it was the final event of the season, the season long were finalised and won as follows:
League  Cup - Peter Meaney
Peter Meaney took the prize after a very consitent year.

Gross Birdies - Kevin Morris
It looked like Peter Meaney also had the Gross Birdies sewn-up prior to the event with a 5 point lead and he scored one additional birdie on the day. However, the 66 from Kev Morris included 6 birdies and 1 eagle for 8 points and this was enough to overtake Peter by 1 point.

Nett Birdies - Peter Meaney
Peter Meaney wasn't going to be denied on the nett birdies and won by 9 points over his nearest rival, Gary Tyler.

View full results and handicap adjustments from Newcastle-under-Lyme

Gross 2's Scored by the following

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Challenge Trophy
Burton on Trent Golf Club - 15th September 2023
27 hole stableford (full handicap)

Write-up by Steve Lloyd
23 BUNGS members plus three guests went to Burton on Trent Golf Club for the 2023 Challenge Trophy, with all 27 holes counting on the day.The weather was sunny and warm and the course in goof condition but was playing long and wet in places die to lots of rain the the preceeding days.

Fourth place on the day went to Anthony Jackson (21.2 index, 25 shots) with 17 points in the morning, 30 points on the afternoon and 47 points. A full six points ahead in third was Darren Penny (16.6 index and 19 shots) with 19 points in the morning and 34 in the afternoon and 53 points.

One point ahead in second was Peter Meaney continuing his fine form during the season (8.5 index and 10 shots). Peter scored in in the morning and 37 in the afternoon, 20 of those on the back nine, for 54 points. The same score was made by Burton member Wayne Tandy (16.1 index and 19 shots). Although he only scored 15 in the morning, Wayne used his local knowledge to come in with 39 points in the afternoon (22 on the back nine) to take the trophy ahead of Peter on countback - well played Wayne.

Other prizes on the day were:
Nearest the pin 2nd hole AM - Bobby Ho
Nearest the pin 6th hole AM - John Shaw
Nearest the pin 2nd hole PM - Graham Thorpe
Nearest the pin 6th hole PM - Heather Turbett
Nearest the pin 10th hole PM - None
Nearest the pin 12th hole PM - Darren Penny
Nearest the pin in 2 (8th hole) - Kev Morris
Longest drive (11th hole) - Howard Holliday

View full results and handicap adjustments from Burton on Trent

Gross 2's Scored by the following

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Pairs Championship
Mickleover Golf Club - 18th August 2023
18 hole fourball-betterball stableford (85% handicap)

Write-up by Steve Lloyd
22 BUNGS members made the relatively short journey to Mickleover Golf Club, a new course for the society to visit, for the 2023 Pairs Championship. Graham Thorpe has polished his pairs trophy and was confident of defending the title alongside Steve Gross.

The weather forecast was for dry weather in the morning and fairly heavy rain in the afternoon, but the rain came early and persistent light rain was in order for the morning nine holes, with the month being won by James Shipman and Ian Ronson with a ridiculous 26 points. Second went to Adrian Marchant Anthony Jackson on 21 points, who played as the lone two-ball.

During lunch the rain stopped and it remained pleasant and dry for the afternoon round. The fairways and greens dried up, giving a little more run. The course is only short but you had to think about where you put your tee shot on many of the holes and the greens were small and undulating with some faring better than others.

Thorpey and Stevie Gross put up a sterling defense of their title, with a second from last place finish on 36 points!

Third place on 43 points were Mike Fox and Peter Meaney with 20 on the front nine and 23 on the back nine. In second, one point ahead and continuing their fine form from the morning were Adrian Marchant and Anthony Jackson who also scored 20 on the front nine but a whopping 24 on the back nine for 44 points. 'Playing with each other' seems to suit you guys!

A huge five points further ahead and making it a clean sweep for the day were James Shipman and Ian Ronson. They dovetailed superbly scoring 22 on the front nine and a monstrous 27 on the back nine, a disgustingly good display of golf with 49 points - well played fellas.

Other prizes on the day were:
Nearest the pin 2nd hole - Adrian Marchant
Nearest the pin 6th hole - Adam Thompson
Nearest the pin 13th hole - Adrian Marchant
Nearest the pin 18th hole - None
Nearest the pin in 2 (18th hole) - John Shaw
Longest drive (11th hole) - Steve Lloyd

View full results and handicap adjustments from Mickleover

Gross 2's Scored by the following

No 2's scored

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BUNGS Shield
Longcliffe Golf Club - 22nd June 2023
36 hole eclectic stableford (90% handicap)

Write-up by Steve Lloyd
25 BUNGS members headed to to wonderful Longcliffe Golf Club in Loughborough for the 2023 BUNGS Shield, a 36 hole eclectic event. It was a bright, warm and sunny day and the course was in great condition with lots of long rough, but the firm conditions meant the ball was running well, not always in the right direction though.

Fourth on the day went to Ian Ronson with 19 shots. Ian started like a man posessed with 24 points on the front nine but just 16 on the back nine for his 40 point total, one of three scores of 40 points.

With 9 shots, Howard Holliday's 40 points was made with 21 on the front nine and 19 on the back nine for third place. Also on 40 and in second place was Karl Hughes, with 7 shots, scoring an equal 20 on each nine. Another deserved handicap cut for you Karlos!

One point ahead of the other prize winners and taking his second BUNGS victory in 12 months was Steve Gross, with 22 shots. Steve scored a very steady 21 on the front nine and 20 on the back nine for his 41 point total and his third BUNGS victory. Well played Steve.

View full results and handicap adjustments from Longcliffe

Gross 2's Scored by the following

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BUNGS Championship & BUNGS Masters
Penn Golf Club - 25th May 2023
18 hole stableford (full handicap)

Write-up by Graham Thorpe
A busy day, for The Bungs members with three competitions to play for, as we returned to the Penn Golf Club last visiting in year 2007.

The main talking point over the bacon sandwiches was the return of three longer serving members with a new Bungs handicap, and 31 shots to boot, incredible!

The Bungs Masters was also being played over 27 holes today, and the morning 9 hole competition took place as well.  The team of Mark Johnson, Peter Meaney and Craig Vale took the prize with 37 points for a display of controlled hitting and good putting on tricky greens.. A good morning for Adam Thompson too as he was leading the Masters competition with 18 points.

The afternoon although breezy saw the introduction of the sun which was nice and warm.

The afternoon competition was low scoring, so giving the high handicappers a good chance for the prizes. Finishing in fourth place was new member Alan Perkins with 28 points off a handicap of 14.8 . In third place was Adam Thompson scoring 31 points off a handicap of 6.1, who also took the Masters Title with 49 points.  Runner up was a embarrassed Anthony Jackson with 33 points off a handicap of 28.7 and yes you guessed it 31 shots. (Not any longer Jacko!)

The winner and his first ever BUNGS success was Les Poultney who scored 35 points off a handicap of 29.2 (31 shots as well.) Congratulations Les, nice to have different winners.

Mark Johnson won the 1-18 handicap prize with 28 pts and Graham Thorpe won the most coverted prize of 19th-28 handicap  with 26 points.  

The Captain's Par 3 Challenge rolled onto the next event with no group close.

No 2's were scored, and Ian Ronson won the Captain's Charity putt.

View full results and handicap adjustments from Penn

Gross 2's Scored by the following

No 2's scored

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BUNGS Memorial Salver
Robin Hood Golf Club - 27th April 2023
18 hole stableford (full handicap)

Write-up by Steve Lloyd
23 BUNGS members and three guests converged on Robin Hood Golf Club for the 2023 BUNGS Memorial Salver.With a buggy ban in effect, many members were questioning how a ban could have been in place at the end of April, but after venturing onto the course it was clear that the ground was very wet and muddy making the course play long and tough. The greens were also very firm, so pitch it short and it stayed short, fly it onto the green and it could well run through, so scoring wasn't the best.

The morning weather stayed dry and the money was won by one of the fourballs, James Shipman, Kev Armitt, Bob Stretton and Peter Meaney with 31 points and £13 each. Over lunch, people were checking the forecast for the afternoon which wasn't so good and it proved to be correct, as rain came down making conditions wven more tricky.

30 points was good enough to get into the prizes with Pete Meaney finishing in fourth, playing off 8.9 (11 shots) scoring 14 on the front nine an 16 on the back for his 30 points. One point aheadon 31 was Howard Holliday off 9.7 (12 shots) with 17 on the front nine and 14 on the back for 31 points. In second on 32 points was Alan Perkins off 16 (19 shots) with 15 on the front nine and 17 on the back.

The winner was John Haley off 20.9 (25 shots) with a very consistent 17 points on each nine for a 34 point winning total, well played John.

View full results and handicap adjustments from Robin Hood

Gross 2's Scored by the following

No 2's scored

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Enterprise Cup
South Staffs Golf Club - 30th March 2023
18 hole stableford (full handicap)

Write-up by Graham Thorpe
A very disappointing turnout of only 17 members made it for Captain Gary's second event of the season at South Staffordshire Golf Club. After all the recent rain, it was a surprise  the course was fully open with no restrictions and buggys were on!

The nine hole practice round was easily won by the team finising with 37 points, from which Kevin Morris, Steve Raji, Kevin Armitt and Bobby Ho all contributed.  Over lunch which was extremely delicious ,soup and sandwiches, the heavens opened for the first time in the day and a very severe downpour ensued. Short sharp showers were now forecasted for the afternoon.

With there being a small turnout of only seventeen, there were prizes for only the first three places.

In third place was Captain Gary Tyler with 34 points off a handicap of 15, disappointing end to a fantastic first nine holes of 22 points. (Fancy getting in the prizes in your Captain's year, you deserve a cut!).

 In second place was Peter Meaney who scored 35 points from a handicap of 11, and in first place with a commanding 40 points off a handicap of 15 was Steve Harris. Surprisingly Steve is one of our longest serving members since 2010, but this was only his second BUNGS trophy win.  Could be your season Steve, let's watch your handicap fall!

Finishing in 4th place and taking the 1-18 handicap prize was Bobby Ho with 32 points off a handicap of 15.  John Stamper won the 19-28 Handicap prize with 31 points off a handicap of 29.

On completion of the round everyone had a chip over bunkers on the 18th for the Captain's Charity, and the winner was Steve Harris . (Should he be drugged tested members?)

There were three 2 's and The Captain's Challenge was not won by any group. Just when you thought Kevin Morris was leaving a golf day without winning anything on his own, he was named the Blackout winner!  "Sacre bleu"!

View full results and handicap adjustments from South Staffs

Gross 2's Scored by the following

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Ballesteros Bowl
Charnwood Forest Golf Club - 3rd March 2023
18 hole stableford (full handicap)

Write-up by Graham Thorpe
Commencement of a new season and for the third year in succession we managed at last to find Charnwood Forest open and available to play.

New Captain Gary Tyler was found early in the car park trying to get his car boot open to remove his new bag and clubs loaded from the previous evening. A call to the Aston Martin dealer advised him to take his motor in to them.  28  BUNGS members assembled early on a fine, dry but cold morning and after coffee and bacon sandwiches and all bets placed for the New Captain's drive , we all proceeded to the first tee to watch his drive. A total of 108 guesses were made and as the tension mounted with some choice remarks from the gallery, Gary sliced his drive into the right hand rough with partner Mark Johnson recording 128 yards !  Not too shabby but many members forecasts were gone with one swish of Gary's old driver.

Unfortunately due to the grass growing slowly at this time of the year all members were given rubber mats to use approximately 150 yards from the greens. You either hate them or love them but most of us adhered to the ruling, hopefully this practice will not be repeated at future venues and on behalf of the committee I apologise if they ruined your game on the day.

The course is a tricky little 9 holes with uneven ground, hills and slopes. but everyone finished ok although the scores varied considerably. The greens were very good for the time of year and Captain Gary laid on a 1 putt competition on the 18th green for everyone as an additional prize. (This was locked in the car boot too! )  Ian Ronson was the winner and nearest the hole.

No pairings won the Captain's challenge, and there were no 2's scored.

In fourth place was Jeff Sackett who scored 32 pts off a handicap of 24.1 (26 shots), the previous winner when BUNGS visited Charnwood Forest.

In third place from the wilds of Lincolnshire was Shaun Mullaney who scored 34 pts off a handicap of 8.3 ( 9 shots.

 In second place was Steve Raji with 36 points off a handicap of 15.6 (17 shots) and the winner after a lean year in 2022, was Kevin Armitt who scored 43 points off a handicap of 16.3 (17 shots). This was his second success at lifiting the Ballesteros Bowl.  Well done Kevin enjoy your new handicap.

The 1-18 handicap winner was Peter Meaney who scored 32 points. The 19-28 handicap winner was new member John Dean making his second appearance with 27 points.

The winner of the Captain's drive was little old me Graham Thorpe with my guess of 141 yards! You know what they say "money goes to money! "

View full results and handicap adjustments from Charnwood Forest

Gross 2's Scored by the following

No 2's scored

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Christmas Cup
Maxstoke Park Golf Club - 15th December 2022
18 hole stableford (full handicap)

Write-up by Steve Lloyd
One of the smallest BUNGS attendances for many years of just 17 people scraped the ice from their windscreens and headed to Maxstoke Park Golf Club for the 2022 Christmas Cup. The day was bright but very cold and the course was completely frozen, but still open for play. These conditions meant that a lotof adjustmnt had to be made on approaches to the greens, some coped with this better than others.

Third place on the day went to Adam Thompson off 6.7 (8 shots) with a very steady 17 points on each nine.Two ahead of Adam was Gary Tyler off 14.8 (17 shots). Gary sandwiched his front nine with blobs and the first and ninth but a smattering of three and four points in between gave him 19 points. A steady back nine of 17 points have him his 36 point total and second place in his final event as Vice Captain prior to becoming Captain in 2023.

The winner, a further two shots ahead of Gary was Steve Gibbons off 21.4 (25 shots). After a bad start with just one point from two holes, Steve blitzed the next seven holes and ended up with 20 points on the front nine. He followed this with 18 on the back nine for a 38 point total and the Christmas Cup trophy. Well played Steve.

As this was Steve's third victory of 2022, the handicap secretary has already said a handicap review will be in order. Steve, if you want Tim's address to send him a bribe christmas gift so as not to be too harsh, let me know - lol.

View full results and handicap adjustments from Maxstoke Park

After a fantastic Christmas meal, the prizes were given out along with the trophies for the 2022 season long competition winners. Phil Latham signed-off his three year marathon covid hit Captaincy and passed the baton onto Gary Tyler who has chosen Macmillan as his charity for 2023. He'll provide further in due course.

A brief AGM followed then it was time to scrape the windscreens again and head home. Merry Christmas to all BUNGS members.

Gross 2's Scored by the following

No 2's scored

 

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The Cliff Thompson Salver
Formby Golf Club - 21st November 2022
18 hole stableford (full handicap)

Write-up by Steve Lloyd
27 players headed to Merseyside for the 2022 winter trip, it should have been 28 but John Haley was savaged by a Chihuahua the day before and couldn't hold a pen let alone a golf club. Questions were asked as to which BUNGS member had paid the dog, and we have since heard that the dog has had a tetanus shot and is fine!  Sorry John.

After a hearty breakfast in the Formby Ladies clubhouse, it was onto the course for the fourball-betterball competition. The weather was dry and bright early doors but gradually deteroirated as the round went on and cold showers were in abundance during the back nine. The course was in great condition and although it's only short, it can prove to be a real test as there's plenty of heather, gorse and long rough waiting if you miss the fairway. Scoring wasn't particularly brilliant but two groups managed to play the course well and came in with 45 points a piece to take the money. In second were Bobby Ho and Adrian Marchant and in first were Phil Latham and Steve Lloyd, pipping Marcho and Bobby into first with a better back six holes.

The evening was spent partaking in a few drinks, having a lovely meal and watching the weather forecast for the following day on 'big' Formby, it wasn't looking too good.

Monday morning was overcast but at least it wasn't raining as we headed to Formby. We were greeted with a great golf course and it was certainly going to prove to be a sterner test than the day before, a much longer golf course and a stronger wind to contend with. The rain started after a couple of holes, light and steady at first but by the middle of the round the rain was heavy and persistent and was relentless and continued until everyone had finished their round, soaked to the skin and freezing cold.

Because of the conditions and a difficult golf course, scoring was predictably low for most people. Fourth place went to Mark Johnson playing off 13 (16 shots) with 17 on the front nine and 16 on the back nine for 33 points. Also on 33 with an identical front and back nines was Adrian Marchant off 10 (12 shots). Marcho pipped Mark into third place with a  better last six holes. Two shots clear on 35 was Bobby Ho off 15 (19 shots). Bobby had a very steady day scoring his 35 points with 18 on the front nine and 17 on the back nine. The winner a full four shots clear of Bobby, and on his BUNGS debut, was Gary Campbell off 17 (21 shots). Gary scored 18 on the front nine and a fantasic 21 on the back nine in those very tough conditions - well played Gary, enjoy your new handicap!

View full results and handicap adjustments from Formby

Gross 2's Scored by the following

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