W.W.G.S.
WW2021 Season match reports
WW2021 - Season Report
Season overview -
As in 2020 the 2021 Wanderers season was severely disrupted by the COVID19 Pandemic that was still causing mayhem around the world. Once again many of our usual competitions had to be cancelled as there were still many restrictions in place when our season finally got underway at Catterick in May. At least we managed to run a 14 round season and by the end we were almost back to normal with most restrictions being lifted.
Membership –
For 2021 we had 23 full Members with an average attendance of just under 19 playing each round including the odd guest player. We welcomed back both Paul Marshall and Paul Baker who returned to the Society after a couple of years away. Following his recovery from his quadriceps injury it was good to welcome Craig English for the odd outing but sadly Alan Welsh's knee and back issues were still causing him major problems and he was unable to play.
Courses –
At the start of the year Derek Griffiths did some phoning around to try to arrange the 2021 fixtures. This proved to be easier said than done as we were still in lockdown with very few clubs having staff in to take calls. Given the difficulties involved Derek managed to arrange almost a full season of matches and with a couple of additions we had a 14 match Championship, thanks go to Derek for all his hard work. We were due to play our 100th different course since the Society was formed in 2002 but due to the restrictions we decided to leave this till 2022 which will also coincide with our 20th anniversary. For this auspicious event we plan to arrange to play somewhere special. For our Finals Day this year we returned to our second home, Houghton and even managed to have the usual post match celebratory meal & prizegiving.
Rules & handicaps –
As it seemed to work well for the previous couple of seasons we decided not to change our handicap adjustment system for 2021. As far as I can remember that's the first time we have left things unchanged for two seasons in our history, despite the odd grumble and comment we must finally be getting something right!
Competitions –
Once again due to the restrictions imposed following the pandemic most of our usual competitions sadly had to be cancelled including the Team Challenge, Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive categories. We did however manage to run the Tim Aberdeen Shield knockout competition after a year away, along with the Main and the Borders Championships. This years Borders Competition was played on the three "Rivers" courses (Tyneside, Teesside & Wearside) so at least we managed three competitions in 2021, one more than last year.
Borders Championship (Three Rivers) –
The first of our three "Majors" this season was the re-jigged Borders Championship (Three Rivers Challenge) as indicated above. After the three hard fought games the result was very tight with just 4 points covering the top 3. The recipient of The Claw for 2021 was Andy Dodd, taking his first Society Major win.
Tim Aberdeen Shield –
The second of our "Majors" was the welcome return of the Tim Aberdeen Memorial Shield after a year away. Following a hard fought competition it all came down to the final between Andy Trewick and Jim Rooks which was played at Houghton and by all accounts it was a match that paid tribute to Tim's memory with his Brother in Law and long term friend Jim coming out on top beating Andy 5&3.
Main Championship –
Now for the Main Championship and the race for the Claret Jug. The restrictions and late start to the season meant once again we played less rounds than in most years (14 instead of the usual 16). After 13 rounds there were four players going into the final game with a chance of lifting the jug. Andy Dodd (325 points) went into the final match with very healthy 15 point lead over John Ford (310 points) with Andy Trewick (309 points) & Dave Sanders (308 points) a further 1 and 2 points back respectively. On the day Andy Dodd did enough to keep the lead therefore the winner and our Champion Golfer for the 2021 season was Andy Dodd with a total of 325 points. In second place on 316 points came Dave Sanders and third place went to Eddie Harrison, a further 3 points behind on 313. On behalf of the Society Membership I would like to congratulate our three 2021 Champions Andy Dodd (Main Championship and Borders) and Jim Rooks (Tim Aberdeen Shield), hopefully there will be more categories to fight for next season.
And Finally –
Now for a couple of thank you's. Firstly I would like to thank the two “Paul's” (Marshall & Baker) along with Kevin Hall of DESCO Ltd once again 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 throughout what has been a difficult year at times. For 2022 we are hoping to be able to run a full season including the return of some old favorites like Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive. We are also planning a special event to celebrate both our 100th course and our 20th year as a Society. I look forward to meeting up with you all again in early 2022 to start another Wanderers season.
2021 Aberdeen Shield report provided by Champion Jim Rooks
Quarter Final - After qualifying for the last 8 of the illustrious Tim Aberdeen shield I made my way to Houghton on a Thursday day night to play Anth Johnston, Anth didn't have his best night and I eventually won the match on the 13th hole.
Semi Final - After my victory I was drawn against the Wanderers match play master Eddie Harrison I knew this would be a tough match and I was proved correct After a superb game at Woodham I eventually won the match 1up on the 18th having been forced to par in from the 12th.
Final - For the final I was drawn to play fellow Houghton member Andy Trewick. The match was played at Houghton on a Saturday afternoon and after a fairly tight couple of holes I started to gather a lead. Andy fought back over the 8th, 9th and 10th holes reducing the my lead to 1up. After playing some excellent golf I managed to eventually win the match on the 15th hole 5&3.
All three matches were played in a fantastic spirit in memory of the great man himself I was certainly one proud recipient of this Illustrious trophy on finals day.
WW 2021/14 - Houghton Finals Day, 16/10/21
As I didn't play I can only report what I was told by those who did. A healthy 17 members and 1 guest player turned out for our final outing of the 2021 season on a chilly October morning. Thankfully there was no rain and only a light breeze making conditions almost perfect for the time of year.
From what I was told the course was in good condition but the rough was unforgiving causing a few lost balls along the way. But what the Lord taketh away the Lord also giveth and most players found a ball or two, even if it wasn't the one they started with. Derek Griffiths did mention that he got a thorn in his finger when he patted Tim's tree!
On returning to the clubhouse the players were welcomed by a couple of former members who have missed the past few seasons due to health problems, Steve Grant & Alan Welsh. As most of the Covid restrictions have now been lifted we were able to have a proper Finals Day celebration including a meal and prizegiving ceremony all be it for only 3 categories. Hopefully we will be back to normality for the 2022 season.
Right, now for the important business, after card scrutiny, the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Paul Marshall 41 points (46 with win/tie bonus).
2) Dave Sanders with 37 points.
3) Jim Rooks with 36 points (on countback).
WW 2021/13 - Washington, 03/10/21
No match report produced.
After card scrutiny, the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Gary West with 43 points (48 with win/tie bonus).
2) Dave Sanders with 41 points (on countback).
3) Andy Dodd with 41 points.
WW 2021 - Tim Aberdeen Shield
After a hard fought final between Andy Trewick and Jim Rooks, Jim came out victorious and is our new Aberdeen Shield Champion.
WW 2021/12 - Teesside, 19/09/21
No match report produced.
After card scrutiny, the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Andy Dodd with 42 points (47 with win/tie bonus).
2) Paul Baker with 39 points.
3) Dave Sanders with 37 points.
WW 2021 - Three Rivers Championship (Borders)
With the three "river" rounds counting towards this season's Borders Championship (Tyneside, Wearside & Teesside) the result was always likely to be a very tight run thing. Here are the final top 3 -
In 3rd with a total of 102 points (29, 36, 37) came Dave Sanders.
In 2nd with a total of 104 points (33, 32, 39) was Paul Baker.
The winner and new Borders Champion for 2021, with a total score of 105 points (34, 29, 42) is Andy Dodd.
Report provided by 2021 Borders Champion, Andy Dodd.
After 2 steady rounds at Tyneside and Wearside, I went in to the final round of the 3 rivers challenge 2pts behind the leaders (was actually 9 behind Bryan Mountford but he unfortunately was unable to play), so knew that it would take a good round to come out on top this year. I was playing alongside one of the leaders, Paul Baker, and it proved I needed a great score to win as Paul played really well too coming away with 39pts. (I also witnessed what would have been a clear shot of the year contender from Andy Trewick hitting a great 3 wood second shot around 220 yds into heart of par 5, 5th green and simple 2 putt birdie)
What I had going for me was the memory of the previous year when I had one of my best ever rounds at Teesside and for some reason this course clearly suits me (it must have wide fairways!) – after 16 holes I was actually having an ever better round than last year at that stage and it was 2 poor finishing holes that stopped me from achieving the same score but was more than happy to come in with 42pts to win by 1pt overall and to win my first society major!
I hope Teesside is on the fixture list again for 2022!
Andy Dodd (2021 Borders Champion)
WW 2021/11 - Garesfield, 05/09/21
Match report missing.
After card scrutiny, the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Andy Dodd with 36 points (41 with win/tie bonus).
2) Dave Sanders with 35 points (on countback).
3) Andy Trewick with 35 points.
WW 2021/10 - Durham City, 28/08/21
After two aborted attempts in recent years to play this scenic and challenging parkland course, once due to the weather and once due to the COVID lockdown we finally made it. It's been a while since we have visited Durham City, the last time was way back in 2012 though as I have said it wasn't for the lack of trying. Two of our members were certainly looking forward to this visit, Dave Watts who has been asking for us to play here for years and Derek Griffiths who only lives a couple of miles down the road, therefore winning the award for the "Shortest Drive"!
Saturday afternoon gave us perfect weather conditions, warm, calm and above all dry and the course was in beautiful condition making for an excellent afternoon for a saunter through the Durham countryside!
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Anth Johnston with 37 points (42 with win/tie bonus) taking his firstSociety round win.
2) John Ford with 36 points.
3) Andy Dodd with 35 points.
WW 2021 - Tim Aberdeen Shield
All four quarter final matches were played on time meaning we now have our four semi finalists, Andy Trewick, Jim Rooks, Dave Coates and Eddie Harrison here is how the pairings will play -
Match
|
Player
|
Score
|
Score
|
Player
|
|
1 |
Andy Trewick (16hc) |
Vs |
Dave Coates (15hc) |
||
2 |
Jim Rooks (10hc) |
Vs |
Eddie Harrison (13hc) |
Semi-final matches MUST be played BEFORE round 12 at Teesside (19/9/21)
WW 2021/9 - Newbiggin, 8/08/21
Following two matches played in warm if not hot weather things returned to more normal Wanderers conditions with a cool breeze and the occasional, sometimes heavy shower. At least we managed to avoid the forecast thunderstorms!
Being a true links course Newbiggin's main line of defence is the wind off the North Sea but for this visit the quite strong breeze was coming off the land instead. This helped on down wind holes but was tricky when playing into the wind. Overall the course was in very good condition, even the greens played well and not too difficult to get the ball to stop on.
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Dave Coates with 40 points (45 with win/tie bonus).
2) Andy Trewick with 38 points.
3) Gordon Grant with 37 points (on countback).
Well done to Dave Coates who is the first player to win two rounds this season and he did it with back to back wins.
WW 2021- Tim Aberdeen Shield
The first two quarter final matches have been played with Andy Trewick beating John Ford and Jim Rooks beating Anth Johnston. There are still two matches to be played BEFORE our next Championship gathering at Durham City in two weeks time. Please click HERE for full details.
WW 2021/8 - South Shields, 25/7/21
After the sweltering conditions last weekend at Chester-le-Street everyone was looking forward to playing South Shields in similar conditions for a change. In the past we have had almost gale force wind, heavy rain and even horizontal hailstones. This visit started with cloudy and overcast conditions but the sun quickly burned through leaving us with a warm, sunny and very pleasant afternoon.
South Shields has been a regular fixture on the Wanderers tour but we missed it last year due to the COVID Lockdown messing up our fixtures so it was nice to return after a year away. This is the first time we have played in high summer and haven't encountered the rough so tough before. The Club championship is coming up and the greenkeepers have allowed the rough to grow. The greens were also very good, overall the course was an excellent but tough test.
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Dave Coates with 40 points (45 with win/tie bonus).
2) Les West with 39 points.
3) Dave Watts with 35 points (Mickey Bell scored 37 points but is not Championship registered).
WW 2021/7 - Chester-le-Street, 18/7/21
Usually on the morning of a Wanderers match I send out a message confirming the course is open or closed due to rain or even in some cases snow! For this match I should have warned everyone to wear sun block. The weather was nothing less than beautiful, with unbroken sunshine almost all weekend, if anything it was a little too warm but beggars can't be choosers I suppose.
This was our second visit to this course, the first was way back in 2004 and I must say it was much better than I remembered it. The greens especially deserve a mention. very fast and almost carpet like. The rough was difficult to get out of (though not as bad as at Royal St Georges where the Open was being played!).
Chester-le-Street marked the half way point of the 2021 season it was also the final round of the League phase of the Tim Aberdeen Shield so we now have the eight contenders for the Knockout phase. Here is the quarter final draw -
Match
|
Player
|
Score
|
Score
|
Player
|
|
1 |
John Ford (15hc) |
Vs |
Andy Trewick (16hc) |
||
2 |
Jim Rooks (10hc) |
Vs |
Anth Johnston (12hc) |
||
3 |
Dave Coates (25hc) |
Vs |
Mark Wilson (19hc) |
||
4 |
Eddie Harrison (13hc) |
Vs |
*Dave Watts (20hc) |
*Defending Champion
Quarter final matches to be played BEFORE round 10 at Durham (28/8/21)
For the full details and results click HERE.
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) John Ford with 32 points (37 with win/tie bonus).
2) Dave Coates with 30 points.
3) Andy Dodd with 29 points (on countback).
WW 2021/6 - Wearside, 4/7/21
As our name suggests Wearside is our home course and in the past has been host to our Finals day celebrations towards the end of the year when the course sometimes hasn't been at its best. For this visit the course was in excellent condition with many positive comments from our members. Some commented on the speed of the greens, saying they were slow, this may have been due to the heavy rain the previous day, but at least they ran true. In the lead up to this game the weather forecast was for potential heavy rain and possible thunder and lightning. Thankfully for the best part the storms passed us by with only the odd distant rumble of thunder and some rain towards the end of the round.
A healthy 19 members turned out for this game, which was also round 2 of the Three Rivers Challenge (this year's Borders Championship) Please click HERE for more details of that competition.
One final thing, A very big thank you to Paul Marshall & Paul Baker of DESCO Ltd who sponsored the golf, I know we all paid £20 but this will be returned to you by paying for the golf at Finals day at Houghton in October
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Bryan Mountford with 41 points (46 with win/tie bonus).
2) Dave Sanders with 36 points.
3) Jim Rooks with 34 points (on countback).
WW 2021/5 - Sharpley Springs, 20/6/21
Over the years Sharpley has beena regular fixture on the Wanderers calendar but we usually play here early in the season and often the weather is cold and windy. This year due to the Covid induced late start to our golf season our visit coincided with the best spell of weather so far this summer.
Since it first opened about 10 years ago Sharpley has matured nicely and the recent addition of interestingly placed patches of long rough has certainly made the course more of a challenge though our scores would indicate otherwise. No less than four players scored more than 40 points and severn scored enough points to merit a handicap reduction.
One thing Sharpley always prided themselves on was the greens and it has to be said they were in excellent condition for this visit. At £27 this course was at the upper end of what we usually pay though we have recently paid more for "big name" courses in a lot worse condition.
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Mark Wilson with 43 points (48 with win/tie bonus).
2) Dave Coates with 42 points (on countback).
3) John Ford also with 42 points.
WW 2021/4 - Tyneside, 6/6/21
Before we discuss the golf I have to mention we had a celebration as our Glorious Leader and Society President Paul Marshall reached the "Big 60" on Sunday. We had planned to give him the "bumps" but decided discretion was the better part of valour as we didn't fancy a spate of bad back's. Happy Birthday Paul and welcome to the senior "Senior's club"!
Tyneside Golf Club has been a regular fixture on the Wanderers calendar over the years. Tyneside is the joint second most visited venue since the Wanderers were formed back in 2002 (13 visits, tied with Houghton and only 4 visits behind our home course of Wearside). On previous visits the course has always been in good condition, this visit was no different. Overall the course was in excellent condition and the greens were the best we have played so far this season.
Even the weather played ball with glorious sunshine and just a light breeze making for a beautiful afternoon. In the days leading up to our visit the weather had been beautiful once you got more than a mile inland and away from the costal sea fret.
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Andy Trewick 40 points (45 with win bonus).
2) Gary West with 37 points.
3) John Ford with 36 points.
For the full round results click HERE
Tyneside is also the first leg of this year's Borders Championship, for further details click HERE
WW 2021/3 - Brancepeth Castle, 23/5/21
Brancepeth Castle Golf Club is widely regardless as one of, if not the best course in the North East and it's a tough test of anyone's game, some more than others but more on that later.
In the days leading up to our visit the weather had been very unseasonable, even for England, with high winds and persistent heavy rain. Thankfully we managed to get through most of the game before the rain returned. The conditions may have contributed to the condition of the course, especially the greens (not that I saw many!) which were very patchy and bobbly in places.
As stated above some faired better than others with the winners carding an excellent 37 points, meanwhile others, namely myself, struggled massively only managing 4 points! I have now beaten my previous "Lowest Society Score" of 8 points, set back in 2011 at The Hunting at Slaley Hall. Following that dismal display I stopped playing for a couple of months and I think I will do the same again now. I will carry on doing the background work and may see you off at Tyneside but at the moment I don't intend to play again as I have lost all interest in playing golf.
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Derek Griffiths on countback with 37 points (42 with win bonus).
2) Eddie Harrison also with 37 points (42 with tie bonus).
3) John Ford with 33 points
WW 2021/2 - Beamish Park, 9/5/21
Wanderers rounds are Just like busses, you wait ages for one then two come at once! Just a week ago we were almost frozen to the core at Catterick then this week the temperature was a positivelybalmy 17 degreesas 20 of our 23 Members and 1 guest gathered outside the pro shop.
Over the years our visits to Beamish have provided us with just about every form of weather and this visit was the same, starting off in warm sunshine and finishing in a squally downpour. Thankfully the majority of the game was played in fair & dry conditions. On the whole the course was in very good condition with just the odd wet patch, not surprising given the previous day's torrential downpour. The greens were a bit patchy, this may be due to the very cold and dry April we have had and it's still early in the season.
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Jim Rooks with 37 points (42 with win bonus).
2) Stu Barron with 36 points.
3) Paul Marshall with 35 points.
WW 2021/1 - Catterick, 2/5/21
Finally, after a long and depressing winter following the national lockdown due to the COVID-19 virus we gathered in the car park at Catterick Golf Club for the first round of our season as we did last year.
Last April & May, while we were all suck inside due to the first COVID lockdown, the weather was beautiful, sadly this year reverted to form with a cold, northerly breeze & the odd light shower.
The course itself was in generally good condition though the greens were a bit bobbly and there were some evil flag positions making putting very difficult. This season we have 23 members signed up and it was good to see 18 of those playing along with two guests, though one of our members had to withdraw due to a bad back, a very healthy turn out for the first match of the season.
Now for the results, after card scrutiny the top 3 were confirmed as-
1) Gordon Grant with 34 points (39 with win bonus).
2) Andy Dodd with 31 points (on countback).
3) Jim Rooks with 31 points.
