Where does the time go? It’s amazing to think we have completed the final meeting for 2023 already. For the Finale, a total of 24 players assembled at Purley Downs Golf Club near Croydon in pretty foul weather, which alternated between rain and mizzle for most of the front nine holes.

The format was stableford and the competition was quite tight at the top of the leaderboard. The most impressive shot of the day was played by James Greenley who won the nearest to the pin on the 160 yard 8th hole with a stunning soft draw to a few inches! Steffan Lewis, a newcomer to BEGS, launched a prodigious drive to win the longest drive and guest player Simon Smollett was the winner of nearest the pin in 2 shots on the 16th. The final (and coveted) prize of longest drive in the rough went to Nigel Whaler who hit a monster drive, which managed to sneak past Trevor Marsh’s valiant attempt by a foot or so and just trickle into the rough.

It did brighten up considerably and there was some sunshine for the last few holes, which was most welcome, until it rained gain at the very end. Overall winner and Purley King was Simon Cox on 36 points, narrowly ahead of 3 players all on 35 points, messrs Ravenscroft, Wiggett and Greenley. Nigel & Graeme scored 33, Mackie & Capt Smollett managed 32, Chris, Trevor, Laurence & Andrew got 31 and Jim was on 30 points. Everyone else was sub 30 and the wooden spoon went to the Hon Sec who scored a shocking 22 points. 

A cracking day that was well organised by Trevor. Thank you all very much for your time and effort, and thanks a lot to Purley Downs for such a great course and hospitality.

 

Next year is booked for 4 November 2024 so be sure to find out more about the Baltic Exchange Golf Society here.