Herefordshire is famous for many things including Mistletoe and Fruit Orchards. It seemed fitting to take the MGALS to two clubs in the county that have supported Midlands Golfer magazine for many years.
All our events to date have been memorable for varied reasons but this one, with fabulous weather and simply amazing views will take some beating in the future.
I always know that with the players who frequent our events, and their sunny dispositions, they create an atmosphere that will predictably be great. This was the case at the venues, who both offered a seamless service and attention to our days.
This particular event was extra special as to the lengths some players had gone to simply arriving at The Herefordshire Golf Club on day 1, including a tyre blow out for the McKennas from Kenilworth GC, a return from a hospital bed in Turkey the day before for Shirley from Shifnal GC and hilariously, the persistent Claire from South Staffs whose car smelt of burning.
A warning engine sign which she chose to defer as she was en route to the event. Some of the men who came did volunteer to have a look at her car for her.
Day 1 – The Herefordshire GC
Thanks go to James Heath the head pro and Mark Sandford, club administrator for the warm welcome.
The teams enjoyed refreshment and a bacon bap for registration and off they went to play this superb, parkland course in perfect condition and some challenging holes. Fabulous views of The Malverns, the Shropshire hills and the Brecon Beacons ensued. A testing course and everyone appreciated their two-course meals to finish the day. It is clear to see the recent investment along with James Braid’s careful design makes this club and course a very worthwhile visit.
Day 2 Kington Golf Club
This course offered an amazing backdrop of vast extensive views as it boasts the highest golfing in England, which on our clear day reaches its highest point on the 7th green. 1284 feet above sea level seems to reach across to the end of the planet!
Every tee had an amazing ‘wow’ factor, we were all genuinely blown away by both courses and the sandwiches and chips at Kington completed the experience. Again, huge thanks to Keith Preece, head pro and Ian Carpenter, our hosts.
The Herefordshire – the winners were;
1st place Team Kenilworth’s Karen and Brendan McKenna, Gaynor Howells, and Nick Cole (Copt Heath)
2nd place Team Brocton Sam Smith, Collen Painter, Sue Simms (Whittington Heath) Chris Holloway (Walsall)
3rd place Team Shifnal, Shirley Matthews, Carol Bailey, Pam Marsh, and Gilly Hartley
Nearest the pins were by coincidence, husband and wife, Laurie and Adrian Tudor (Shifnal)
Kington
1st place Jane Watts (Newcastle), Claire Arnold (South Staffs) Jane Holloway (Crewe) and Gilly Hartley (Shifnal, ghost player)
2nd place Team Shifnal, Shirley Matthews, Gilly Hartley, Carol Bailey and Pam Marsh
3rd place Team Branston, Carol and Andy Alford, Nick and Jenny Hollis
Nearest the pins were Shirley Matthews and Tracey Knight (Walsall)
Our overall winners of the 36-hole Orchard Challenge were:
Sandra Bickerton, Janet Ridgeon (Newcastle under Lyme) ,Wendy Clegg (Branston) and Jan Chapman (Cannock Chase)
I’d like to thank Stratford upon Avon, South Staffordshire, Gaudet Luce, Kington and the Herefordshire golf clubs for their 4 balls and Midlands Golf retail for the prizes.
COMING SOON FOR THE MGALS………….SOME MENAI MAGIC
Our next trip is in Anglesey with two of our supportive N Wales clients. We will be playing at the fabulous Bull Bay and Henllys GCs on the island on September 18th/19th – full details and how to enter will be on our events page right here very soon.
