W.W.G.S.
WW2020 Season match reports
WW2020 - Season Report
Season overview -
The 2020 Wanderers season will go down as the strangest ever due to the COVID19 Pandemic that caused mayhem around the world. Little did we know when we gathered for our traditional pre-season meeting in February that all our planning would go down the pan, but the writing was on the wall even then. We had intended to start our season at Newbiggin towards the end of March but the week before our planned start the whole country went into Lockdown making almost all non essential gatherings illegal. Thankfully our season finally got underway at Catterick in June, albeit in a severely restricted form.
Membership –
For the most part the 2020 Society Membership list remained the same with the exception of one new member and one returning member. Fellow founder member Paul Marshall decided his work & family duties now allowed him time to rejoin us so we welcomed him back into the fold. In addition the committee decided to bestow the title of Hon President to Paul as a way of thanking him for all he has done for our Society over the years. In addition to Paul's return we welcomed a new member Stuart Barron who joined just before our season finally got underway meaning we started the season with 22 Members. Two of our members still had long term health problems that limited their appearances this year, Craig English was still recovering from his quadriceps injury and Alan Welsh had knee and back issues.
Courses –
As the COVID19 pandemic evolved and the country was put into lockdown most activities were put on hold or cancelled and our society was no exception. When the country slowly emerged from lockdown in June I did some phoning around and managed to arrange a revised season that included most of the courses we intended to play originally. After a lot of rearrangement we managed to put together a 14 match season including two new courses to the society, Hobson and Teeside, both of which received favourable comments from the society members. For a change we had planned to have our traditional Finals Day celebrations at our second home, Houghton but thanks to the restrictions this had to be cancelled, along with our weekend away trip to Harrogate. Thankfully this year the weather played ball, unlike last year we didn't have to postpone or cancel any events and the majority were played in favourable conditions.
Rules & handicaps –
As it seemed to work well for the 2019 season we decided not to change our handicap adjustment system for 2020. Thats the first time we have done that for many a season, we must finally be getting something right! The restrictions imposed by the Government meant we needed to alter some of our rules but things remained the same for the most part.
Competitions –
Due to the restrictions imposed following the pandemic most of our usual competitions sadly had to be cancelled including the Tim Aberdeen Shield, Team Challenge, Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive categories. Even once we got underway there was always a chance of another full lockdown so we decided to see how far we could get before deciding on running a Championship. As it was we managed all 14 rearranged matches meaning we could run a full Championship. The 14 included 3 games played north of the Tyne, a concept we have used before for the Borders Championship so at least we managed two competitions.
The first of our to two remaining "Majors" this season was the re-jigged Borders Championship as indicated above. Using the three scores gained at the matches at Blyth, Newbiggin and Morpeth, a format we last used back in 2009. After the three hard fought games and following a tie breaker on "rounds won" the winner and custodian of The Claw for 2020 was John Ford, taking his first Society Major win since 2007.
Now for the Main Championship and the race for the Claret Jug. The restrictions and late start to the season meant we played less rounds than in previous years (14 instead of the usual 16) and there were four players going into the final game with a chance of lifting the jug. Andy Dodd went into the final match with a five point lead over Jim Rooks and Dave Sanders. On the day Jim had a fantastic round scoring 41 points. Therefore the winner and Champion Golfer for the third time was our Society Chairman Jim Rooks with a total of 337 points. Jim took the title by seven points from Andy Dodd on 330 with Dave Sanders a further point behind. Well that's your lot for the strangest and hectic year in our Society history, on behalf of the whole Society Membership I would like to congratulate our two 2020 Champions Jim Rooks and John Ford.
Now for a couple of thank you's. Firstly I would like to thank the two “Paul's” (Marshall & Baker) of DESCO Ltd for their kind sponsorship of our Wearside match this season. Finally, a very big thank you to all our members and guest players who have supported the Society this year and let's hope for a more "normal" season when we meet up again in early 2021 to start what will be our 19th season.
WW 2020/14 - Houghton Finals Day, 17/10/20
This match report will cover the Houghton match only, for details of the Championship result please click HERE and for the season report please click HERE.
Historically our Finals Day prize giving and celebrations have taken place at our home club of Wearside but for a change this season we decided to swap this for our second home at Houghton. Of course this arrangement was made long before the COVID19 pandemic caused havoc with our plans.
Given the time of year and the recent "seasonal" weather Houghton was in excellent condition, especially the greens. Even with the recent rain they were fast but true, I am sure they would have been like lightning during the summer.
As for the golf, usually in the past the winner of this round has come from the ranks of the Houghton members, quite often with a spectacular score as well. This visit was to be no different with the winner being our Society Chairman (and Houghton regular) Jim Rooks.
Now for the rest of the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Jim Rooks with 41 points (46 points with win bonus).
2) Paul Marshall with 39 points (on countback).
3) Dave Coates with 39 points.
For the full results click HERE
Well that's it for the 2020 Wanderers season originally we should have been preparing for the end of season international tour to sunny Portugal and Turkey but sadly both trips have been postponed till next year. All there is left is to thank you all for your support during this difficult and strange season and let's hope things return to some form of normality in 2021. I hope to see you all fit and well and ready to start again then.
WW 2020/13 - DESCO Wearside, 4/10/20
Firstly on behalf of the membership I would like to thank Paul Marshal and Paul Baker from DESCO who have very generously sponsored our visits to Wearside over the past few years and did so again this year. Paul Marshall was intending to play with us but has had to self isolate after returning from Portugal. Ah the problems facing an international jet setter during this COVID19 pandemic.
As most of you know Wearside is our Societies home course as the four Society founders were all members here at the time, hence the name Wearside Wanderers. Since then one has left but still makes the odd guest appearance (Joe Marshall). One had left but returned (Paul Marshall) and two are still active members (John Ford and myself). Usually our visit to Wearside coincides with our Finals Day prizegiving and celebrations but for a change we decided to swap this for our second home at Houghton. Of course this arrangement was made long before the pandemic caused havoc and ruined our plans, still at least we managed to arrange a good season of golf, allbeit a bit compacted and rushed but I hope you all enjoyed it.
Right, now for our visit, on Saturday afternoon and evening when it was pouring down I don't think anyone expected to be playing on Sunday, I certainly didn't! As it turned out we had excellent conditions for our visit, the course, though wet underfoot in places was in great condition. Even the greens were good, though obviously slower than usual due to the rain. All in all it turned out to be an excellent day out.
As for the golf, this visit to Wearside turned out to be one of our highest scoring rounds this season with no less than six players earning a handicap cut, myself included. Personally it's just a shame that I am hitting some form as the season draws to a close.
Now for the rest of the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Gordon Grant with 41 points (46 points with win bonus).
2) Ian Gunn with 40 points (on countback).
3) Jim Rooks with 40 points.
WW 2020/12 - Teesside, 27/9/20
For the second outing in succession we were at a new course to the Society. Teesside is the 99th different course we have visited since our formation in 2002 and a fine addition to our collection it turned out to be. This being our first visit to this parkland course the layout seemed a bit strange at first with quite a few long walks from green to tee and some fairways to cross. On the whole the course was in very good condition with well maintained fairways, the only slight issue as far as I was concerned were the greens, that had recently been slit tined but that wasn't too much of a problem. Even the weather played ball, given the gale force winds and rain over the past few days we ended up with calm if chilly conditions for our visit. By the end of the game even the sun made an appearance.
Once again we welcomed our now usual two guests who have played more games than some of our members and have rapidly became regulars, Anth Johnston & Mike Bennett. As for the golf one of our members had an outstanding game. Andy Dodd, playing off a handicap of 8, carded a fantastic gross par 72, scoring 44 points in the process (49 points including the round win bonus).
Now for the rest of the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Andy Dodd with 44 points (49 points with win bonus).
2) Eddie Harrison with 37 points.
3) Jim Rooks with 36 points (on countback).
WW 2020/11 - Hobson, 13/9/20
Believe it or not this is our first visit as a society to Hobson Golf Club, we did try to play here as a pre season opener back in March 2018 only for the game to be snowed off! At least the weather for this visit was a lot better though not perfect at the beginning. The forecast 20mph breeze actually turned out to be more like 40-50mph, almost a gale. Thankfully though the wind calmed down and we ended the game in glorious late summer sunshine. The general consensus was the course was excellent value for money at £20 for the golf and a pre match bacon butty and we should visit again.
For this event we once again welcomed two guests who have rapidly became regulars Anth Johnston & Mike Bennett.
Now for the rest of the golf, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Dave Watts with 41 points (46 points with win bonus).
2) Paul Baker with 37 points.
3) Les West with 35 points.
For the full results click HERE
Our next gathering is in two weeks time at Teesside Golf Club, another course new to the society. This is also our 99th different course we have played since founding the society back in 2002. I hope to see you there fit and well.
WW 2020/10 - Beamish, 6/9/20
Finally, after three attempts and almost a year we managed to complete a round at Beamish. We tried twice last year and were thwarted on both occasions by the wonderful late English summer weather. Beamish is always a tough test with a lot of long tricky uphill holes culminating in the 18th or heart attack hill as it is sometimes known as by the local's!
As for the weather for this visit, well lets just say it was a vast improvement on our previous visit with warm and sunny conditions following the early rain. One of our party certainly enjoyed the conditions especially 14th hole. Paul Baker holed his approach shot from 140 yards carding a two and scoring 5 points in the process. Surely a major contender for Shot of the Year!
For this event we welcomed the return of a previous member, Doug Imeson playing as a guest along with Mickey Bell, who is an occasional player with the society.
Now for the rest of the golf, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Dave Sanders with 37 points (42 points with win bonus).
2) Gordon Grant also with 37 points (42 points with tie bonus).
3) Dave Watts with 35 points (on countback).
2020 Borders Championship (North Tyne Challenge).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and all the associated restrictions we were unable to run most of our usual competitions, including the Weekend Away trip to play for the Borders Championship. So for this year we decided to revert to a format last used in 2009, the North Tyne Challenge. This comprises of the three rounds we will play north of the River Tyne, Blyth, Newbiggin and Morpeth. The winner and recipient of our oldest trophy "The Claw" will be the player with the highest combined total Stableford score (not including the round win bonus).
Round 1 - Blyth
Round & Championship Top 3 -
1 - Les West - 39 points
2 - Dave Coates - 38 points
3 - Dave Sanders - 36 points
Round 2 - Newbiggin
Round Top 3 -
1 - Andy Trewick - 41 points
2 - John Ford - 40 points
3 - Dave Sanders - 38 points
Borders Championship Top 3 after round 2.
1 - John Ford - 76 points
2 - Dave Sanders - 74 points
3 - Andy Trewick - 71 points
Round 3 - Morpeth
Round Top 3 -
1 - Mark Wilson - 40 points
2 - Gordon Grant - 39 points (on countback)
3 - Dave Watts - 39 points
Borders Champion
Now for the answer to who will be the recipient of the Claw for 2020. Here are the top four -
In 4th place with 99 points (31+28+40) was Mark Wilson.
In 3rd place with 102 points (32+36+34) was Paul Baker.
In 2nd place with 106 points (35+32+39) was Gordon Grant.
And the winner and 2020 Borders Champion, also with a total of 106 points (36+40+30) is John Ford, by virtue of a tie breaker (highest single round score, 40 points @ Newbiggin).
WW 2020/9 - Morpeth, 30/8/20
This is our second visit to Morpeth, the first was two years ago, thankfully the course was in better condition for this visit than the last. That time the course was very damp following very heavy rain the previous night and the morning of our visit. Most of the comments about the course were positive and this probably won't be our last trip up north.
The weather in the week leading up to this game was far from perfect with Storm Francis producing unseasonably heavy, persistent rain and high winds. Thankfully for us the weather improved dramatically giving us almost perfect conditions for a nice knock on a Sunday afternoon. Admittedly one of our members may have had warmer conditions as Paul Marshall had jetted off to Portugal the Friday before for his (and Christine's) first post-COVID trip away. Lets hope the "Air Bridges" to both Portugal and Turkey remain intact the rest of the year for our end of season trips.
As at the previous couple of games we welcomed two guest players, Anth Johnston & Mike Bennett, once again they seemed to enjoy the outing, though looking at the scores, Anth seemed to enjoy it more than Mike.
Now for the rest of the golf, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Mark Wilson with 40 points (45 points with win/tie bonus).
2) Gordon Grant with 39 points (on countback).
3) Dave Watts with 39 points.
WW 2020/8 - Stocksfield, 16/8/20
Stocksfield is a course of two half's, the front nine being very tight with tree lined fairways and well guarded greens where as the back nine is far more open but by no means easy.
When we have played Stocksfield in the past the course has been prone to being waterlogged in places but for this visit it was dry. The greens have recently been half hollow tined making putting tricky and there were a few comments about that, along with the condition of the tee boxes. It's fair to say that some made better work of the conditions than others, one player in particular excelled on the day, Derek Griffiths carding the highest score of the season so far, 44 points with Dave Sanders a distant second on 38 points. Other than Derek and Dave the rest of the members were covered by just 10 points, scoring between 25 and 35.
As at the previous game we welcomed two guest players, Anth Johnston & Mick Bennett, following his excellent round at Newbiggin Anth Johnston found his new handicap a bit tough, though we all have our good and bad days.
Now for the rest of the golf, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Derek Griffiths with 44 points (49 points with win/tie bonus).
2) Dave Sanders with 38 points.
3) Jim Rooks with 35 points.
WW 2020/7 - Newbiggin, 9/8/20
Newbiggin was to have been the first round of our season way back in March but due to some Chinese gadgy fancying a bit of bat for tea the whole world stopped! Since then many things have changed including most of our plans for the 2020 season. One of the changes was the cancellation of our Weekend Away trip, playing for the Borders Championship. This competition was replaced for this year by the North Tyne Challenge and this match was the second of the three qualifying rounds.
Being situated right on the North East coast Newbiggin's main line of defence is the weather. On another day with a strong wind it could be so much harder but thankfully for our visit the day it was warm, dry and calm. For this match we welcomed three guest players, Anth Johnston, Mick Bennett and Mickey Bell, all played well but one had an excellent round. Anth Johnston carded a gross 77 and scored 44 points off 12 H/C in the process. This would have been the winning score on the day, but as a guest Anth isn't Championship registered.
Now for the rest of the golf, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Andy Trewick with 41 points (46 points with win/tie bonus).
2) John Ford with 40 points.
3) Dave Sanders with 38 points.
WW 2020/6 - Woodham, 2/8/20
Woodham is a course that's improving every time we visit it. The first time was way back in 2011 when the drainage and general condition was very poor and the course was in desperate need of investment. Since then they have spent a lot of money and it certainly shows. The greens were excellent if a little wet in places due to the heavy shower just before we teed off. All in all Woodham shames many more illustrious courses and was excellent value at £22.
The weather on the day was warm, dry and calm apart from the aforementioned heavy shower before teeing off and one brief shower during the game. For the second game running we welcomed back another one of our "long term sick" members, Craig English.
Now for the golf, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Gary West with 38 points (43 points with win/tie bonus), taking his second Society round win this season.
2) Dave Sanders with 37 points (on countback).
3) Andy Dodd with 37 points.
WW 2020/5 - Blyth, 19/7/20
Blyth is a course that is in the middle of some significant changes sadly not all for the better. The first thing that strikes you as you drive into the car park is the building site that was the 10th & 11th holes. To make up for the lost holes they have split what was a tricky dog leg par 4 into two par 3's, admittedly the new hole No 4 will be good but at the moment this temporary hole rather spoils the layout. The other unsatisfactory element is the walk from the 10th green to the 11th tee, a good par 4's walk at the very least.
It wasn't all doom and gloom though, there were up sides to our visit, as we arrived we were greeted and given a very warm welcome by a previous club captain, a nice gesture. The weather on the day was warm, dry and calm, just about perfect conditions for an afternoon stroll in the Northumberland countryside. We also welcomed back one of our "long term sick" members, Alan Welsh who must have decided to return to attempt to defend his Borders Championship crown.
Now for the golf, Blyth is historically quite a high scoring round but the new layout, though shorter appear to have affected the scores.
After card scrutiny and a bit of discussion the top 3 were -
1) Les West with 39 points (44 with win/tie bonus), his first Society round win.
2) Dave Coates with 38 points.
3) Dave Sanders with 36 points (on countback).
WW 2020/4 - Tyneside, 5/7/20
Tyneside is a regular stop on the Wanderers tour of the North East, this is our 12th visit since we began in 2002. In the past this course has always been in great condition and our 2020 visit kept up the tradition. The fairways were excellent and the greens were beautiful and true, even the bar was open for those who fancied a pre or post match pint.
The only down side on the day was the weather as it was quite literally blowing a gale. There were times when it was difficult just to stand upright when trying to take a shot. In addition to the wind there was a short but very sharp and heavy shower just to make the conditions even worse. Oh to be in England now that summer's here!
Now for the golf, Tyneside is historically quite a high scoring round but the weather certainly put a damper on the scores.
After card scrutiny the top 3 were -
1) Eddie Harrison with 32 points (37 with win/tie bonus).
2) Gary West with 31 points.
3) Paul Marshall with 29 points.
WW 2020/3 - Bedale, 27/6/20
Bedale was originally intended to be the second round of our Weekend Away trip but due to the COVID-19 pandemic this had to be postponed. This is our second visit to this scenic parkland course set on the outskirts of Bedale town centre, the first visit being way back in 2009.
After a week of soaring temperatures and wall to wall sunshine it was almost inevitable that the weather would take a turn for the worse the day before our gathering. With thunderstorms and torrential rain forecast the prospects for our game looked grim but thankfully most of the bad weather missed us. There were the odd shower and quite a few loud rumbles of thunder but the worst skirted round us. Some of our group did encounter very heavy rain on the way home but the game was well and truly finished by then.
Anyway back to the golf, as I said we have played Bedale before but I only remembered a few holes. Thought the course isn't the longest we will play it was in excellent condition and was a real tough test of anyone's game.
After card scrutiny the top 3 were -
1) Jim Rooks with 39 points (44 with win/tie bonus).
2) Ian Gunn with 37 points.
3) Gary West with 36 points.
WW 2020/2 - Washington, 21/6/20
Our second gathering of the season was at George Washington Golf Club, a course we have visited many times in the past. Usually the course has been very wet but surprisingly given the recent heavy rain for this visit it was in the best condition we have ever experienced. The fairways were excellent and the rough was tough but fair. The only slight negative comment I heard was that the greens were slow, that given they were still in very good condition.
Once again thanks to the COVID-19 restrictions we were forced to make changes to our normal routine including producing a starting order prior to the game. This allowed me to "stir the pot up" and mix the playing groups up after the first game at Catterick.
Anyway back to the golf, sometimes our choice of courses provide us with a "home advantage" winner and this was one of those times with Gary West taking full advantage of his club membership. His 40 point haul (before applying the win bonus) sets a high target and will take a lot of beating this season.
After card scrutiny the top 3 were -
1) Gary West with 40 points (45 with win/tie bonus).
2) Paul Baker with 38 points.
3) Andy Trewick with 37 points.
WW 2020/1 - Catterick, 7/6/20
Finally after a ten week delay we managed to get our season under way at Catterick Golf Club, not the easiest of courses to ease back into the game! True to form the weather played a hand in the procedings after heavy overnight rain and high winds the previous few days but at least the course was open and playable.
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant a lot of changes to the way the game is organised and played but thankfully we are back out and playing as a group. It is fair to say some of us have faired better during the lockdown period than others, the main comments were about the "back to the seventies" hair styles modeled by some of us, myself included.
Anyway back to the golf, given the lack of match fitness the scoring was on the whole excellent on such a tough course as Catterick.
After card scrutiny the top 3 were -
1, John Ford with 37 points (42 with win/tie bonus) and 22 points on the back 9 holes tiebreaker.
2, Bryan Mountford with 37 points (42 with win/tie bonus) and 12 points on the back 6 holes tiebreaker. Bryan originally carded 38 points but this was confirmed incorrect after card scrutiny.
3, Andy Trewick with 37 points (42 with win/tie bonus) and 12 points on the back 6 holes tiebreaker.
