Rutland Water Golf Club's seniors section match programme got underway last week with both a home and away fixture under the leadership of this years seniors captain Rob Budgen.

On Tuesday 30 March 2023, Thorney Lakes were the visitors to Manton, bringing only six pairs with them instead of the usual eight meaning that skipper, Rob Budgen, had to ask a couple of the RWGC pairs from the original selection to stand down. They did so graciously.

The matches are played on the same format irrespective of the number of pairs playing, which is on a four ball better ball basis with the necessary handicap adjustments within each group.

Rob lead the way with a drive which can only be described as forgettable, but recovered well to halve the first hole. The weather was blustery with rain threatening but although the wind persisted, the sun eventually broke through making the golf testing but enjoyable.

The RWGC pairings for this match were, Budgen/Rose, Burton/Jolly, Childerley/Malyon, Westmorland/Cripps, Soper/Gauntly and Kirkpatrick/Smith.

A hearty meal in the clubhouse followed after which, as is tradition, the visiting captain announced the match result which was a 3-3 draw with two games being won by each team and two games halved. Wins for Rutland Water were recorded by Burton/Jolly and Childerley/Malyon.

Asked what his thoughts were after his first match in charge, skipper Rob Budgen said: "it was great to get off to a 'drawing start'!"

Rob Budgen. Image credit: Chris Burton.

On Friday 31 March, the second match of the week was played away deep in the Fens at Ramsay with the regulation eight pairs travelling, with the four players asked to step down against Thorney first on the team sheet, well after the captain anyway, the pairs being;

Budgen/Tee, Malyon/Old, McNaughton/Westmorland, Miller/Graham, Childerley/Abbott, Fretwell/Brooksby, Crown/Harris & Wade/Holland.

The golf was competitive and played in great spirit but unfortunately RWGC lost the match 5-3 with wins for Rutland Water coming from Budgen/Tee, Childerley/Abbott & Holland/Wade.

Three away matches are scheduled for April, which are at Toft on the 12, Greetham Valley on the 13 and Burleigh Park on the 28.

These matches will give skipper Rob the opportunity to give most players presenting themselves for selection a run out - well a gentle amble at least!

Article by Chris Burton.