The weekend of the men’s open saw The Lady President, Sheree Thompson and 12 other lady members travel to Wales and play the stunning Rolls of Monmouth.

Prior to weekend, a few stopped off to play Ross on Wye as a warm up. After an excellent lunch, everyone put £2 in the pot  and The Lady President managed to walk off with the winnings – which oddly enough landed up behind the bar a few moments later! The course was in excellent condition and both the proshop and bar staff made us feel welcome.

Sheree and the Ross gang before doing battle!

Justine, Jill and Alison posing with the Ross on Wye sign

After a good evening, Sunday morning saw a cloudless sky and temperatures almost up to 20 degrees! After saying goodbye to two ladies and welcoming another five at The Rolls, the serious competition began – but not before the ladies presented Sheree with her new commemorative pink driver (which she used on the first!)

Sheree with her new driver – “Oh Sheree” (for those that have played golf with her – you will know exactly what we mean!)

On such a glorious day, refreshments were well needed at the half way house set up by Jayne Hutchings. Gin and Tonics were handed out to all to help them with the challenge of the hilly back nine!

A refreshing drink being enjoyed by Jill, Tracy, Jayne and Sheree on the tenth tee

Despite the G&T our Lady President hit an excellent tee shot on the par 3 18th and managed to sink the putt for a birdie! She even managed to pose in her brand new outfit – not realising the lens was on her

After an excellent day’s golf, all retired to the cottage for food and a couple of drinks!!!!!

Monday dawned with a few sore heads and a grey sky. But undeterred the ladies set off for their last 18 following a hearty breakfast in the clubhouse. Day 1 saw Nicky Edwards win with Tracy Hampton as runner-up. The following day, Justine Craig beat Tracy into second place again. The overall winner for the two days was Nicky Edwards.

Nicky – with her eyes just open – collecting her prize from Lady President

The Lady President and her ladies wish to say a big thank you to everyone at both Ross on Wye and The Rolls of Monmouth for making their weekend such an enjoyable experience.

On a beautiful spring Sunday 13 couples fought for the Spring Mixed Foursomes salver. As always pairing were drawn, the only rule being that you could not partner your spouse. This competition was taken extremely seriously with Tracy even having a caddie !

To be fair, the competition was a bit of a procession as Maura McGarry and Ted Mason scored 42 points, 9 more than the next couple. Maura finishing their round by holing out from the fairway on the 9th for another 4 pointer !

Maura and Ted receiving the Spring Mixed Foursomes Salver from Lady President Sheree Thompson

In second place on 33 points after a count back were Jan Pepper and Duilio Perla

Duilio and Jan receiving their prize

In third place counted out on the back nine were Jeanette Willetts and Frank Wallington

Jeanette and Frank collecting their prizes – not sure whether Frank looks so pleased for coming 3rd or getting his arms around two ladies !

After enjoying a pre dinner drink on the patio, Michael and his team served a delicious meal in the clubhouse. Thanks go to his team and the bar staff.

And finally, a prize was awarded for taking part

Jake and Pat collecting the booby prize – Fancourt tees and pencils (Pat is starting to get a collection – we shall say no more !)

Tues   21    Ladies Open, Course closed until 3.30pm

Tues   21    4.00pm to 4.45pm WML Team v Sandwell  Park (H)

Wed   22    8.45am to 9.30am Seniors v Walmley (H)

Thur   23    4.00pm for 4.45pm ‘A’ Team v Walsall (H)

Sat     25    8.00am Victory Cup (Q) Starting Sheet

Sun    26    9.00am to 10.00am & 1.00pm to 2.15pm

                  Staffs. County Ladies 2nd Team v Warwks. County Ladies 2nd Team

Sun    26    2.15pm to 2.45pm WBA Supporters, (GS)

Mon    27    Bank Holiday

Tues   28    9.00am Ladies Champions Cup

Tues   28    10.45am to 12noon B’ham New St (GS)

Tues   28    10.45am to 12noon B’ham New St., (GS)

Wed   29    2.00pm ‘B’ Team v Walmley (A)

Wed   29    5.00pm to 5.45pm Scratch Team v Walmley (H)

Thur   30    4.30pm WML Team v Swindon (A)

Fri      31    8.30am to 11.30am Junior Open

Fri      31    7.30pm & 9.00pm Draw Night

On a glorious Sunday morning 90 players turned out to play in the Captian’s Charity Sunday Morning competition, Paul Fullwood and Tony Barker scored a very commendable 44 pionts to win the top prize.

Paul Fullwood (left) and Tony Barker recieving their winning courtesy voucher from the Captain.

Imam Uddin and Mario Pulisciano also scored 44 pionts but were pushed back into second place on a count back. lmam confessing that a 3 put on 17 probably cost them. Imam it did !

The prize winnners were as folows:

The Captain thanked Dave Jones for his excellent work in organizing the Winter Stablefords this year. He also thanked all the members who took part and enable him to raise £315 for his charity.

These are 6 excellent events over the winter  when all full members of the club can come along and play. They can either play with their regular partner of or play with a random partner as Dave mixes the rest up. After each competition there is also a ball draw raffle.

But the big prize everyone wants to avoid is the booby prize, on this occassion it went to the Vice President and Treasurer – they need to concentrate on their golf !

Dave Scrivens and Bert Truman putting a brave face on as they colect the Booby Prize

The dates for the Handsworth Golf Club 2013 Open Competitions have been announced.

• Sun 19th May – Mens Open - 2013 Mens Open Entrance Form
• Tue 21st May – Ladies Open - Ladies Open Entry Form 2013
• Fri 31st May – Junior Open - 2013 Juniors Open Entrance Form
• Tue 11th June – Bridget Jackson Bowl - Bridget Jackson Bowl 2013 Entrance Form
• Sun 7th July – Mixed Open - Mixed Open Entry Form 2013
• Wed 17th July – Mens Mid Week Open - 2013 Mid-Week Open Entrance Form
• Thu 1st August – Seniors Open - 2013 Seniors Open Entrance Form
• Thu 15th August – Ladies 3 Ball Alliance - 2013 Ladies 3 Ball Alliance
• Thu 7th November – Seniors Betterball - 2013 Seniors Betterball Entrance Form

Following hot on the heels of the New Captain and Lady President’s dinner, the clubhouse was again full following the annual mixed texas scramble.

Forty five players braved the elements to play in the event which all thoroughly enjoyed depsite the odd shower!

Run away winners with a net score of 49.2 were Sharon Mcintosh, John Morris and Dave Scrivens.

Captain Dave Trueman, winners Dave Scrivens, Sharon Mcintosh and John Morris and Lady President, Sheree Thompson

In second place were the deadly duo of Mike Lees and Dave Trueman with the ever dependable Jan Pepper with a net score of 51.3.

Third place, and only 0.6 behind were Val Mason, Barry Willetts and Frank Wallington. They were closely followed by Pat Wallington, Tom Nicholls who were a further point back.

Bringing up the rear were Maura McGarry, Peter Neale and Dennis English – though if there had been a competition for best marked card – they would have won.

After the golf, chef Michael and his staff served up a superb carvery of pork, turkey and beef with the bar being staffed by Frank and his team.

After the meal, last year’s captain, Ken Hatton and last years Lady President, Rano Thukral presented their cheques to their chosen charities – raising just under £9,000 in total.

Ken Hatton presenting his captain’s charity cheque to the matron at Heartlands Renal unit

Rano Thukral and Tim Pepper who ran the marathan for the Past Lady President’s charity

Jak starts a professional career on the EURO TOUR in April 2013.

Handsworth Golf Club would like to support his progression through the ranks and, hopefully, this will eventually enable him to participate in the top level of competition on the European PGA Tour.

I would like to invite members to contribute to a fund that will assist Jak and allow him to concentrate on his golf without the pressure of worrying about financing his travelling expenses and hotel bills. The fund would also be available for his professional development. (To give you an example, each tournament that he enters will cost £275). The money raised will be controlled by the golf club and authorisation will be needed from two members of the general committee to release funds.  The fund is open for non-members to contribute.

Jak’s pedigree is not in doubt; he has a very impressive CV as you can see below. I hope you can give generously and be part of a Handsworth Golf Club success story. Please contact Lee Bashford (0121 554 3354) or Barry Willetts (07812 845053) should you want to be part of an exciting journey for Jak and HGC.

History of achievement

• Midland Professional Champion 2012 (previous winners – Paul Broadhurst, Peter Baker, Robert Rock, Justin Rose, Steve Webster)
• Warwickshire Masters Champion 2012
• PGA Foundation Degree 2012
• Warwickshire School of Excellence 2002,2003,2004.
• Handsworth Golf Club Champion 2003
• North of England Under-16 Champion 2001
• Captain Warwickshire Under-18 team 2001(aged 15 years old)
• Handsworth Golf Club Junior Champion 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004.
• Warwickshire Under-15 Champion 2000
• England Cap Under-16 representative 2001
• English Under-13 Champion 1998

Barry Willetts

Chairman

1^st December 2012

**Please note, the golf club will not be contributing to the fund.

Following the 2012 AGM on Saturday 1st December, the new Captain, David Trueman and Lady President, Sheree Thompson hosted a dinner for their guests and members of the club.  The event,  was attended by a maximum capacity of 90 people.  All enjoyed the evening which started with the customary Captain’s drink.  This was followed by a three course meal, prepared by resident chef,  Michael and served by his excellent catering team.

Speeches were given by the Captain and Lady President.  The guest speaker, Ex Captain and “Middle Brother” Derek Trueman provided an entertaining speech which included some interesting and amusing anecdotes about the Captain’s early years.

Thanks go to all those involved in ensuring that the evening went smoothly – including Michael and the catering team who turned the clubhouse from the AGM to a dining room in a short period of time, Frank and his bar staff, and stand-in house chairman and MC Paul Hodnett.

The New Captain Dave Trueman and Lady President Sheree Thompson

Sheree has her photo taken with the younger Handsworth Ladies from the left Jill Vincent, Jayne Hutchings and Tracy Hampton,

Last year’s Lady President Rano Thukral entertained the audience whilst hanging Sheree’s photo

Derek Trueman gave an entertaining speech in response to the captain.

Being vertically challenged The Captain gave his final words of the evening standing on the stool Derek made him – I fancy that will get some use this year !

On Sunday 11th November Handsworth Golf Club members raised money for “Help the Heroes” with a greensomes competition.

To add to the event Captain Ken Hatton invited close friend comedian Jimmy Tarbuck to partner him.  To raise money members bid to play in the same four ball, Bob and Jak Hamblett had the winning bid and spent an enjoyable round with their famous playing partner.

From the left Bob Hamblett, Jimmy Tarbuck, Jak and the Captain

The money was raise from various sources including entry fees, donations and the purchase of wrist bands.

The competition was tough with, Ian Wallington and John Hodgkiss coming out on top with a very credible 43 points.

Ian Wallington and John Hodgkiss receiving their winners prize from the Captain

In second with 41 points were Mark Townsend and Steve Thomas with Steve O’Reilly and Dennis Palmer third with 40 points. There were 4 teams who made up the minor prizes on 39 points these included Bob and Jak Hamblett, not bad under the pressure.

Mark Townsend and Steve Thomas collecting their voucher for second place

As is always the case the biggest cheers went up for the strongest team on the day – Satish Thukral and Neil Jones on 23 points supported the rest.

Neil Jones fronting up to collect the booby prize Satish missing – not for the first time that morning !

Afterwards Jimmy Tarbuck entertained the audience as only a true professional can.

Jimmy on his feet royally entertaining the members