All eyes were on the weekend weather with rain promised for both Saturday and Sunday when there were competitions on both days. This weekend saw a Major "double header" as two 36 holes events ran side by side. It was 18 holes on Saturday followed by the second 18 on Sunday. These events were the Titan (a Gross competition) and the Whitehurst (Best Net event). Coupled with these competitions were two Medals which helped those players who only wished to play on one day although those who played both days were also eligible.

 

The results highlighted the excellent scores recorded over the weekend and Mick Leese ousted his son Martin for a major trophy with two superb rounds of 75 - 5 = 70 and then a 70 - 5 = 65 for a total of 135 and victory in the Whitehurst Trophy. This was sweet revenge for last year when he had to settle for 2nd place. Runner up and back in form was Steve Kellam who off his 4 handicap had rounds of 68 and 70 for a total of 138. In 3rd place was Steve Zielinski (8 handicap) with two rounds of 70 for a 140 total and this year at least getting the better of his son who won the trophy last year.

The Titan Trophy for the best two gross scores was won by the "evergreen" Glyn Davies (2 handicap) who had scores of 68 + 71 = 139. The results for the Medal rounds on both days were very good as players made the most of the fine weather. On Saturday the Div. 1 winner was a player making his way back from "injury" and for once finding the course to his liking (this is worth a mention on its own!!) in the colourful shape of Rob Emery with 76 - 6 = 70. In Div. 2 Astbury's "diamond geezer" Peter Hollinshead now acclimatised to his new clubs with 80 - 12 = 68. In Div. 3 Graham Barton took the top spot with 86 - 18 = 68. On Sunday the scoring was even better with Mike Griffiths taking Div. 1 with a sub par 70 - 3 = 67. The winner of Div. 2 just cannot keep out of the frame as the last few weeks have seen him collect the Family Greensomes and then last week the Charity Open, yes it was Club Captain Steve Whalley on a real hot streak as he shot a "personal best" 73 - 10 = 63. This will obviously mean he leaves Div. 2 for some time once his handicap has been adjusted. The winner of Div. 3 and with a handicap adjustment just in time for winter was Tom Tyler who had 87 - 18 = 69.

 

Of the course there has been much activity over the past couple of weeks. Next years Vice Captains have been announced and they are Peter Bozon and Sue Bentley.

We will shortly be losing Vicki Willdig from the Professionals shop as she has taken up a post at the Three Hammers Golf Club in Staffordshire. Many will know that Vicki started life as a junior at Astbury before moving to the position of Assistant Professional.