The annual Baltic vs Japanese golf match took place at the iconic Moor Park golf club in Hertfordshire on 18 September. With a last minute withdrawal there were 19 players, so we played nine singles matches in four balls, with the Hon Sec playing solo in a three ball. The weather was mixed. After starting in sunshine and warm temperatures, things changed to mizzle and then full on rain. It did not last for a very long time and most groups were dry again when they completed the 18 holes. What a feast of golf we had.

First match to tee off was Trevor Marsh taking on Toshi san and Nigel Whaler playing against John Madden (no san) who was on the Japanese team. Some great golf was played in this group, with Trevor just coming out on top and John beating Nigel to earn a point for each team. Next out were the two skippers with Jonathan Bond (SSY) versus Ogata san (Sojitz), along with Charles Keyworth (Dry Log) and Yuasa san (Namura). This group created BEGS history as we recorded our ever first hole in one by a left hander, which we believe is the 5th in overall BEGS matches.

Congratulations to Ogata san for covering the 147 yards in a single shot with his trusty 7 iron. Clearly this rattled Jonathan as Ogata san won the match on the 17th green, giving the Japanese a 2-1 lead. Charles overcame Yuasa san, thereby restoring parity at two points each.

The third match was the three ball with Hon Sec James Pendered and two newcomer rookies: Mark Hubbard from the Baltic Exchange and Mark Ma from the Singapore office of the Baltic Exchange who was playing for the Japanese team. With Mark Ma using the Hon Sec’s old Hogan irons, it was always going to be a challenge and it took a few holes to get used to the different clubs. With Mark Hubbard three up at the turn, the pressure was on for Mark Ma to make a sensational come back. Sadly he ran out of holes and the London office secured the bragging rights on the 16th green, with the Baltic now ahead 3-2.

The fourth match pitted Patrick Kirkness (Rigel) against the experienced Nino san from Mitsui and Jim Stewart played against Aoki san also from Mitsui. Some big hitting took place as Patrick won the longest drive on the 16th hole and Nino san won the coveted longest drive in the rough on the 15th. The Baltic won both these matches, which made the score 5-2 and an unassailable lead. Not knowing the cause was lost the final match continued with another rookie Ross Fothergill (Futureships) losing to Shibata san (NS United) and Jeremy Penn narrowly losing to Makino san (Iino), making the final score a respectable 5-4 win for the Baltic.

The nearest the pin contest on the 6th hole is likely to go to the European courts as some consider Ogata san to be the winner with his ace, whilst others contend a ball in the cup is not nearest the pin. As there was no VAR available to consult, for the time being Ogata san received the prize.

After a brief beer on the balcony (to toast Respect For The Aged day) and a shower, everyone convened for a most enjoyable meal, followed by the presentation of the William Adams trophy to the winning skipper Jonathan Bond. The course was in great shape and presented a good challenge for all the differing abilities. The staff and food were excellent and everyone had a fantastic day. Both teams are looking forward to this match next year, which will take place on Monday 16 September 2024 so be sure to put it in your golf diary (or mobile calendar).

The BEGS website has the current list up upcoming matches and meetings. Anybody interested in playing in a specific match or meeting, please go to the website and via the Events page, scroll to the relevant event, open the page and you should see a REGISTER button.