Please click HERE for the preliminary staring times for this Championship. This is by Club name only. Detailed information will be sent to Clubs and the 1st named player on the entry form on 18th June. Instructions can be found HERE. Just in case we have a nice day, please remember that shorts are not allowed at any BB&O events and we expect the Championship winners to have a jacket and tie for the Presentation.

Harewood Downs - Winners 2012

The 2nd round of the Hillman Trophy Plate is underway. Click HERE for the draw.

Thorney Park - Winners 2012

We had our fifth event at Badgemore Park on Sunday 2nd June. On a lovely day, overall scoring was good with Melan Dhaubhandel (Calcot Park) recording a brilliant 12 under 57 to win the handicap section of the Under 12s.

Oliver Huggins (Carswell) secured his first win, in the Under 14s, with an excellent 73 just edging out Seb Jones (Castle Royle) and Steven Stanhope (Frilford Heath) who both posted 75s. In the Under 12s, Gregor MacKenzie (Kirtlington), emulated Oliver's maiden win with his 77 and was 5 ahead of Sebastian Tannum-Donnaldson (Stoke Park).

For the Under 14 Results click HERE. For the Under 12 Results click HERE. For the Under 14 Order of Merit table Click HERE. For the Under 12 Order of Merit table Click HERE.

Oliver Huggins

Gregor MacKenzie

The 3rd round of the Hillman Trophy is underway. Click HERE for the draw.

Maidenhead - Winners 2012

We had our fourth event at Hadden Hill on Friday 31st May. A tough course in brezzy conditions made scoring quite difficult, especially with some heavy rough in a number of areas.

With the Gough Brothers away in Scotland, now was good time to pick up some points in the OOM and Nick Elmey (Drayton Park) won the Under 14 section and James Gregory (Stoke Park) the Under 12s section. We have another event on Sunday ant Badgemore Park. For the Under 14 Results click HERE. For the Under 12 Results click HERE. Order of Merit tables will be updated after Round 5 at Badgemore Park.

Nick Elmey

James Gregory

The England Golf South East Group Boys County Qualifier took place at Studley Wood on 30th May. A great perfomance in the morning saw us 8 ahead of Essex and 11 ahead of defending Champions Hampshire. The afternoon was not quite as good but we still looked like winning until the 2 Hampshire England Internationals both produced 5 under par rounds of 68. Two great scores that made all the difference and we lost out by just 2 shots. A terrifc effort from our young side and something we can build on for next year. Click HERE for the result.

The Team at Studley Wood

The Colts Championship had to be abandoned due to heavy rain and a waterlogged course. It has been rescheduled for 20th August and is only open to the original entrants.

Malcolm Reid (Sonning) just held off defending Champion, Carl Corbin (Wokefield Park) to win the Mid Age Championship at The Oxfordshire on 27th May. In difficult windy conditions nobody was able to break the strict par of 72. However Reid's excellent 73 in the morning gave him a one shot lead over Peter Clements (Frilford Heath) and 2 over Nick Adby (Goring & Streatley). A steady 77 in the afternoon just got him home as Corbin fired a 73 to post the clubhouse lead at 151. Click HERE for the full result.

Malcom Reid (Sonning)

Both the Hadden Hill and Badgemore Park starting times have been published. Click HERE for the Hadden Hill start times HERE for the Instructions. HERE for the Badegmore Park start times and HERE for the Instructions.

After 3 events, Adam Batty (Hazlemere) leads the Order of Merit. Next week we go to Castle Royle for The Masters and then we have the Colts and Mid Age Championships the following week. Shortly thereafter, The Beaumont Pease and the Frilford Heath Gold Medal. For current placings click HERE

Last year's Joint Winners - Jack Haines and Carl Corbin

The starting times for the Mid Age Championship are available by clicking the link below. The missing names have been identified and notified.

http://www.bbogolf.com/competition.php?go=startsheet&compid=3122

The starting times for the Mid Age Championship are available by clicking the link below. The missing names have been identified and notified.

http://www.bbogolf.com/competition.php?go=startsheet&compid=3121

The draw for the Hillman Trophy Plate was published on 10th May and hard copies posted to Club Managers and Organisers. For a copy of the draw click HERE.

Thorney Park - Winners 2012

Michael Verity (Burnham Beeches) wins the inaugural Spring Trophy at Temple on 6th May. George Bell (Stoke Park) was just one shot after a 71. More details will follow. Follow this link for the Result:

http://www.bbogolf.com/competition.php?compid=3120

Michael Verity

 For a copy of the May 2013 County Jottings please click HERE

Brothers John and Conor Gough from Stoke Park lead their respective age group Order of Merit. John has won two events and come second in the third. Meanwhile Conor has had two seconds and a share for third. In the Under 14s, Steven Stanhope is in second place just a few points ahead of Guilhem Loisel-McFadden in third. In the Under 12s Daniel Stafford is in second place thanks to his two early wins and James Greogry lies in third place, fractionally ahead of his brother Thomas.

Click HERE for the Under 14s Order of Merit table

Click HERE for the Under 14s Order of Merit table

Both the Amateur and Seniors Championships are open online. Remember that the Penfold Trophy is part of the Amateur Championship and you sign in to that event. There is no separate Penfold Trophy entry facility.

Stoke Park

Will you be here in August?

We had our third event at Sunningdale Ladies on Sunday 28th April. On this short, but demanding, course a number of players were able to shoot some really low scores. If you have a good short game you can certainly get your handicap down here if you can play the par 3s. Oscar Fuentes (Bearwood Lakes) proved that point with a remarkable nett 45 (14 under the CSS) off a handicap of 27. Amazingly he only won the Under 12s handicap prize by 2 from James Gregory (Stoke Park) with 3 others a further 2 back with nett 49s. Those lads will be happy with their handicap reductions!

The main events, of course, are Scratch and it was Steven Stanhope (Frilford Heath) who won the Under 14s secton with a gross 59 - just one over par. It may be some time before Steven enjoys breaking 60 again in his golfing career. He was 3 clear of John Gough (Stoke Park), who won the first 2 events. His second place keeps him heading the Order of Merit. Struan Hancock (Bearwood Lakes) had an excellent 66 to win the Under 12s section on countback from Thomas Gregory (Stoke Park). They share the OOM points as all ties share combined points. We move on to Hadden Hill at the end of May for Round 4. For the Under 14 Results click HERE. For the Under 12 Results click HERE. Order of Merit tables will be updated during the week. 

Steven Stanhope

Struan Hancock

Under 13 Squad member and East Berkshire Junior, Thomas Lawton, has been awarded the first BB&O U14s Achievement Award introduced to recognise the most improved younger golfer.

Voted for by the County’s Junior Management, factors taken into account include the more obvious handicap reduction as well as on-course attitude and dedication to practice.

During 2012, Thomas achieved a handicap reduction of more than 10 shots and ended the year playing off 9. He is obviously a fast learner and a junior capable of satisfying county coach Jason Brand who was full of praise for his dedication to practising correctly. Congratulations to Thomas who received his award from BB&O U14 Manager Peter Smith at his Club’s AGM.

Peter Smith presents Thomas Lawton with his Trophy

Stoke Park won the Junior Champion Club event at Harewood Downs on 11th April. The Team of John Gough, Aidan Osobase and Arron Millar finished just one shot ahead of East Berkshire and Hadden Hill in a very close contest. Just 3 shots separated the first eight places and if was good to see such a big field with 23 Clubs taking part. Stoke Park go on to Woodhall Spa in early August to see if they can repeat Hadden Hill's success of 2004 when they became Junior Champion Club of England. Click HERE for the Result.

John Gough and Aidan Osobase

Aaron Millar absent

The second event of the Nike Futures Tour took place at Temple on 9th April. Slightly better weather than last week but the same result! Both John Gough and Daniel Stafford recorded back to back wins in the Under 14s and Under 12s sections respectively. John Gough (Stoke Park) had another excellent 73 to win by 2 from Stanley Lewis (Chartridge Park).  Daniel Stafford (Castle Royle) again pipped Conor Gough (Stoke Park) into second place this time by 2 shots after a 81. Click HERE for the Under 14 Result and HERE for the Under 12 Result. For the latest Order of Merit tables click HERE for the Under 14s and HERE for the Under 12s.

John Gough

Daniel Stafford

The Preliminary Round of the Hillman Trophy was completed on 8th April and details sent to Clubs and Organisers. Click on HERE for the draw and HERE for  the Terms and Conditions. The 1st Round must be completed by 7th April and the 2nd Round by 3rd June.

Maidenhead - Winners 2012

The first event of the Nike Futures Tour took place at Ellesborough on 4th April. In freezing cold conditions the boys struggled round and managed to enjoy the day despite the weather. In the Under 14s section John Gough (Stoke Park) produced an amazing round of 73 to win by 6 clear shots from Guilhem Loisel-McFadden (Castle Royle). Daniel Stafford (Castle Royle) won the Under 12s with John's brother Conor Gough (Stoke Park) taking second place. Click HERE for the Under 14 Result and HERE for the Under 12 Result

The white bits in the pictures are SNOW FLAKES!

John Gough

Daniel Stafford

Both the Ellesborough and Temple starting times were published on Monday 25th March. after 12noon. Click HERE for the Ellesborough start times HERE for the Instructions. HERE for the Temple start times and HERE for the Instructions.

Adam Batty (Hazlemere) finished 5 under par for the day to win by 3 shots from Matt Kippen (Enmore). Eight other BB&O players finished in the top 10 to earn OM points. There are 5 counting events in May so by early June we should have some idea who will be challenging towards the end of the season. For the current rankings click HERE

230 members and guests enjoyed a splendid evening at Blue Mountain on 4th March. Pam Benka, President of England Golf proposed the toast to the BB&O and Pierre Bechmann, Captain of the R&A replied on behalf of the Guests. Geoff Miller, Chairman of the England Cricket Selectors concluded the evening with a wonderful series of anectdotes and had the audience in stitches for 40 minutes.

Geoff Miller, Pam Benka, Max Kaye (President) & Pierre Bechmann

The Captain, George Wilson was delighted to present the Captain's Tankard to Joe Richardson (Frilford Heath).

The Junior Manager, Jan Hubrecht was delighted to present the Boddington Trophy to Elliot Wills (Beaconsfield).

We have made some changes this year to our Fixtures formats. We have introduced a Spring Trophy over 18 holes on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May at Temple GC. The Autumn Trophy will be played at The Lambourne on Sunday 6th October again over 18 holes and will also incorporate the new BB&O Open Championship for Pros and Amateurs. At the same time we have split the Colts and Mid Age Championships back to 2 separate events and have limited the field so that we can use a one tee start. We hope you will like these changes and I look forward to us having slightly better weather this season.

Click on the Competitions Menu above and then on the Competition, you wish to enter, for more details.

You can now register on-line for the 2013 season by clicking HERE

A copy of the Registration form must be sent in even if you pay on-line. A copy may be found HERE 

The BB&O County Card Scheme has been put together to enable Members of Affiliated Clubs to play at other courses – both within BB&O and other English Counties – at reduced green fee rates. The scheme mirrors those which have been adopted in most County Unions and provides benefits to Club Members, Clubs and the County Union. Unlike Commercial 2 for 1 schemes ALL the income collected by the County Union goes straight back into the game at grass roots level.

Click HERE for more details

Within England there is a ‘consortium’ of County Unions which enables County Card Members to play at any of the host courses within any of those County Unions. The participating Counties are Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire & Rutland, Middlesex, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire & Herefordshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Yorkshire. Currently, these County Unions have over 1,300 clubs who host County Card Members. All of these courses – together with those BB&O Clubs who have joined up – will be available to BB&O County Card Members.

We look forward to receiving your renewal or welcoming you as a new member of the scheme.

For a copy of the November County Jottings please click HERE and for the August Edition HERE and for the May Edition click HERE 

A first win of the year for Ross Hampshire from the home club and the 6th win of the year for Nick Elmey (Drayton Park) on an autumnal day at The Oxfordshire on 31st October. Despite Nick's record number of wins on the Nike Tour this year he was not able to overtake Steven Stanhope (Frilford Heath) in the Order of Merit. With Steven's 4 wins and 3 second place finishes on the Tour and his win in the Under 12s Championship, he just crept into the top spot finishing just over 3½ points ahead of Nick in the best 9 from 12 format. In the Under 14s Order of Merit an extremley close finish saw Zac Cooper (Harleyford), Elliot Wills (Beaconsfield) and Michael East (Burnham Beeches) all in with achance of taking the title. Michael just squeezed in by the narrowest of margins with Zac finishing second and Elliot in third place.

Click on 'Competitions' in the Menu above then on 'Previous Opens' then on 'Nike Futures Tour The Oxfordshire' for the amalgamated Stableford result and HERE for the Under 14s Scratch Result and HERE for the Under 12s Scratch Result.

Click HERE for the final Order of Merit for the U14s

Michael East (Burnham Beeches) Nike Futures Tour U14s Order of Merit Winner

Click  HERE for the final Order of Merit for the U12s Order of Merit table.

Steven Stanhope (Frilford Heath) Nike Futures Tour U12s Order of Merit Winner

The County Seniors finished their season in style by winning the Southern Counties Seniors at Sherborne on 21st October. The four finalists from the Preliminary Rounds were BB&O, Suffolk, Gloucestershire and England County Seniors Champions - Hertfordshire. We were drawn to play Hertfordshire in the morning semi final and were determined to make up for our narrowest of defeats in the League and in the County Qualifying at Moor Park in June. Much discussion over dinner resulted in a change of our batting order as we tried to second guess the Hertfordshire strategy. They must have had the same thoughts as we ended up playing the same people - just in a different order!

As predicted we lost games 1 and 3 but compensated with good wins in games 2 and 4. It was all down to the last game and we went down the last 1 up. A half would be no good as the tie break formula would give Hertfordshire the win. Rod Crisp and Gilbert Runnicles were not looking too good after the tee shots, but a good recovery and excellent 3rd shot saw the reach the par 5 in regulation and 2 putts were good enough to win 1 up.

We took on Suffolk in the final after lunch and with the weather closing in we had to finish after 11 holes. We were well ahead and the end result was about right at 3½-1½. This was a fitting end to David Shaw's tenure as Seniors Manager and we thank him for all his hard work over the past 6 years.

For the Semi Final Result click HERE and for the Final Result click HERE

The Southern Counties Seniors Foursomes Champions 

Thorney Park overcame Harewood Downs Artisans in the Final of the Hillman Trophy Plate at Burnham Beeches on 21st October. Both teams were in their first Final but there were not many signs of nerves as the contest got underway. Most of the games went down to the wire but it was Thorney Park who got the better in the close matches and took the Trophy 5½-1½.

Thorney Park - Winners 2012

Harewood Downs Artisans - Runners Up 2012

The Final Result can be seen HERE and the full 2012 Hillman Trophy Plate Results can be seen HERE 

Maidenhead got the better of Sonning in the Hillman Trophy Final at Temple on the 13th October. They got off to a flying start and soon had a 2 points advantage after winning the first 3 games but losing the 7th quite heavily. With Maidenhead dormie 4 in game 4 it was not long before they closed this one out to get the 4 points need for victory. With games 5 and 6 producing a win for both Clubs, the overall result was 5-2 to Maidenhead as they won the Trophy for the 3rd time having had success in 1993 and 1997. 

Maidenhead - Winners 2012

Sonning - Runners Up 2012

 The Final Result can be seen HERE and the full 2012 Hillman Trophy Results can be seen HERE

David Niven won the England Golf South Eastern Seniors Championship at Felixstowe Ferry on 26th September. He led by 1 shot from John Ambridge, a recent England International, after an excellent 74 in terrible conditions. The second round was abandoned after torrential rain (makes a change in 2012) and theresult declared on the first round score. Dunan Forbes (Sonning), our President Elect, won his age group with an excellent round of 79.

David Niven (Newbury & Crookham) - Alan Hobson Trophy

In a nail biting finish to the Order of Merit, 4 players were in with a chance at Harleyford on 21st September in the final event of the year. Going in to the Autumn Trophy, Carl Corbin (Wokefield Park) held a 6½ point lead over Ashley Watkins (East Berkshire), a 7 point over Alex Lodge (East Berkshire) and an 8 point lead over Jack Haines (Buckinghamshire). Any number of permutations were possible but for any of the others to win, Carl had to finish outside the top 6 at least. With all the players in the last 2 groups in was not until the complete scores had been entered that it transpired that Carl and Jack had tied on 37½ points with Ashley in 3rd on 35 points and Alex 4th on 34½ points. With no rules in place for a countback to decide the winner the Trophy was awarded jointly to two outstanding players. For full results click HERE

Jack Haines (Buckinghamshire) and Carl Corbin (Wokefield Park) - Order of Merit Winners

Jack Haines (Buckinghamshire) successfully defended the Autumn Trophy over 28 holes at Harleyford on 21st September. Due to extreme slowness of play, with many groups taking between 4½ and 4¾ hours to complete 18 holes, the Committee decided that there was no chance of all the players finishing in daylight and therefore curtailed the second round to just 10 holes.  Chris Little (Frilford Heath) finished just one shot adrift and Marc Grimsey (Harewoods Downs) a futher shot back. For the full result click HERE

Jack Haines (Buckinghamshire) Autumn Trophy Winner

Once again just ½ point could see the difference between winning a League and coming second. This time at Romford we got off to a poor start against Essex and trailed at lunch 1-3. Nonetheless we felt we could still pull off an escape and despite losing the first 3 games in the afternoon we were still in with a shout right until the end but we never quite closed it out. We can still win the League but must beat Hertfordshire in our re-arranged match at Brocket Hall on 23rd September. Any support would be welcome. Click HERE for the match result and HERE for the latest North of the Thames League positions and HERE for the final South of the Thames League positions.

The Team at Romford

The Under 16s completed their season at Pavenham Park on 30th August with a whitewash of  Middlesex and a narrow victory over Bedfordshire. We win the League for the first time. Click HERE for the Middlesex result and HERE for the Hertfordshire result and HERE for the final League Table.

The Team at Pavenham Park

A win for John Gough (Stoke Park) in the Under 14s and yet another win for Nick Elmey (Drayron Park) in the Under 12s Nike Futures Tour at Frilford Heath on 30th August. Click on 'Competitions' in the Menu above then on 'Previous Opens' then on 'Nike Futures Tour Frilford Heath' for the amalgamated Stableford result and HERE for the Under 14s Scratch Result and HERE for the Under 12s Scratch Result. Click HERE for the up to date Order of Merit for the U14s and HERE for the U12s Order of Merit table.

The Under 16s took on Surrey in the annual match sponsored by 'The Mugs'. An excellent performance in the morning foursomes was followed up with a strong series of singles games and we eventually won 11-4. This makes the score 10-9 in our favour over the 19 years the match has been played.

The Team at Huntercombe

The Under 14s completed their season at Ashford Manor on 23rd August with a big win against Middlesex and a narrow victory over Hertfordshire. Hertfordshire win the League on game points difference. Click HERE for the Middlesex result and HERE for the Hertfordshire result and HERE for the final League Table 

Another win for Zac Cooper (Harleyford) in the Under 14s and yet another win for Steven Stanhope (Frilford Heath) in the Under 12s Nike Futures Tour at Goring & Streatley on 21st August. Click on 'Competitions' in the Menu above then on 'Previous Opens' then on 'Nike Futures Tour Goring & Streatley' for the amalgamated Medal result and HERE for the Under 14s Scratch Result and HERE for the Under 12s Scratch Result. Click HERE for the up to date Order of Merit for the U14s and HERE for the U12s Order of Merit table.

The Seniors played Surrey in the Semi Final on the morning of August 14th at Hockley GC near Winchester. We played well to achieve a 4½-½ win. The other Semi Final was between Hampshire and Sussex which Hampshire won 3-2. We looked forward to some revenge over Hampshire who beat us last year at Hankley Common and we were not disappointed as we won 4-1 in a series of tight games. We now go to the Finals at Sherborne in October to play the winners of the 3 other Group Sections. For the Morning Result click HERE and for the Afternoon Result click HERE ...................when available

The Team at Hockley

The Amateur Championship has been won by Max Smith (Newbury Racecourse) in one of the tightest finishes in a number of years. Four players were all in with a chance coming into the 16th. Only Max (in the final group) was able to play the last 3 holes in level par. With a great second into 18 he could afford 2 putts from 10 feet to win the 83rd Championship. For full results click HERE.

Max Smith (Newbury Racecourse) Amateur Champion

Defending Champion David Langley (Castle Royle) shot two rounds of 70 to finish 4 under par and beat George Bell (Stoke Park) to retain his title at Buckinghamshire on 6th August. Trailing by one after the morning round he had 4 birdies in the afternoon and could even afford to drop a shot at the last to become only the 6th player since 1954 to defend the title. Click HERE for full results.

David Langley - Junior Champion

A first win for Sam Bower (Burnham Beeches) in the Under 14s and another win  for Nick Elmey (Drayton Park) in the Under 12s Nike Futures Tour at The Berkshire on 5th August. Played around the Blue course the scoring in this Stableford competition was very good. Click on 'Competitions' in the Menu above then on 'Previous Opens' then on 'Nike Futures Tour The Berkshire' for the amalgamated Stableford result and HERE for the Under 14s Scratch Result and HERE for the Under 12s Scratch Result. Click HERE for the up to date Order of Merit for the U14s and HERE for the U12s Order of Merit table.

Our 5th playoff in 8 years saw Arrun Singh Brar (Brockenhurst Manor) see off the challenge of Harry Burt (Wrekin) to win the Douglas Johns Trophy at Harewood Downs on 2nd August. In tricky conditions, scoring was slightly higher than in previous years, but nevertheless Arrun held off to win from a big chasing pack of 4 who all finished 1 shot off the playoff. For full results click HERE 

Arrun Singh Brar - Douglas Johns Trophy Winner

Elliot Wills (Beaconsfield) scored a very impressive 74 around Castle Royle to win the Under 14s Championship on Monday 31st July. Michael East  and Sam Bower both from Burnham Beeches were just a couple back after their rounds of 76. For full results click HERE

 Elliot Wills - Under 14s Champion

A disappointing end to the League season with the narrowest of defeats to Hertfordshire on 30th July. Needing a drawn match to win the League we fell frustratingly short by just ½ a point. We were hoping for something from the first four games but got nothing. With the first three Hertfordshire players being very strong it strengthens the remainder of the team below them. Even so we did get four and a half out of the last six, but without at least a half from the first four games we didn't quite get there. We must now hope that Bedfordshire can somehow manage a draw against Hertfordshire. Against such strong opposition this looks highly unlikely.

The Team at The Berkshire

Gary Mumford (Woburn) was the runaway winner of the Penfold Trophy after a steady morning round of level par, he played superbly in the afternoon and returned a 5 under par 66 to finish 5 clear of clubmate George Wilson who finished level par for the day. 23 players gain entry into the Amateur Championship at East Berkshire next week and there are another 8 reserves. Click HERE for the full result.

Gary Mumford - Penfold Trophy Winner

Click on 'Competitions' in the Menu above, then on 'Previous Opens' then 'Nike Futures Tour Donnington Grove', for the amalgamated Stableford result and HERE for the Under 14s Scratch Result and HERE for the Under 12s Scratch Result. Click HERE for the up to date Order of Merit table for the U14s and HERE for the U12s Order of Merit table.

A good win at Fulwell on a hot day (makes a change) now means that we need a draw against Hertfordshire next week to win the League. A good start, had us in the driving seat for most of the match and with just one loss in the first few games we were never really in trouble of losing and we closed out the match 7½-2½ For the North of the Thames League Tables click HERE

The Team at Fulwell

Steven Stanhope won the Under 12s Championship by 4 shots from Conor Gough at Beaconsfield on a glorious sunny day on Monday 23rd July. The course was still playing tough, with heavy rough after such a prolonged wet spell, so his score of 80 was a very creditible effort. For the full result click HERE

Steven Stanhope (Frilford Heath) Under 12 Champion

I'm fed up

Yes, once again another weather affected event. This time, for the most important County Team event of the year. Play was abandoned for the day at 2.30pm. About 2/3 of the field had finished Round 1 but as a result was needed, it was decided that as after everyone had played 12 holes (3 players on each 9 holes), those cumulative gross scores would count. I'm afraid we were nowhere near in the final shake up. We had not performed very well at all and were not even close to Suffolk who go through to the English County Finals. Hope the weather stays fine for them! Click HERE for the Result

Rain, rain, rain and then more rain!

On another awful day of weather the Champion Club and Courage Trophy was reduced to an 18 hole tournament. Everyone was disappointed as Stoke Park was in stunning condition and was a real test off the Blue Championship tees. The players were all aware that in the event of the Championship being reduced to 18 holes, then all 3 scores would count to determine the Champion Club. With one 3 ball left on the course, Harewood Downs were leading on 15 over before Woburn's Sam Whitehead produced a great round of 2 under par 69 put them in the lead at 14 over par. Sam's round won him the Courage Trophy by a marigin of 2 from Harry Chapple from Calcot Park. Woburn will now go on to challenge for the England Champion Club title at Stoneham in September. Clich HERE for Champion Club scores and HERE for the Courage Trophy.

Woburn - Champion Club

Sam Whitehead, Andy Taylor & Ryan Thrussell

Sam Whitehead - Courage Trophy Winner

For the up to date standings in the Order of Merit click HERE

The team of George Bell and Paul Heselden had a terrific day at Heythrop Park on friday 29th June when they won both the Scratch and Handicap Club Foursomes Championships. Playing off a combined handicap of 2 they had an excellent round of 75 in the morning to share the lead with Alex Lodge and Ashley Watkins from East Berkshire in the Scratch Championship. Their nett 74 was just one behind first round joint leaders Bob Lucas and Brian Kelly from Sand Martins and Dan Scourfield and Nathan Gibbard from Bicester in the Handicap Championship. A fine found of 73 in the afternoon saw them open up a large lead in both events and they eventually finished 5 clear of the Gerrrads Cross pair of Craig Buttivant and Jake Haines in the Scratch Championship and 4 clear of Simon Hopkins and John Wilks from Burford in the Handicap Championship.

Click HERE for the Scratch Results and HERE for the Handicap Results and for the Overall Results click HERE

George Bell and Paul Heselden

Paul Raines (Winter Hill) won Colts Championship at The Lambourne on 15th June. In very difficult conditions his score of 3 over par was an excellent effort and he just got the better of Adam Batty (Hazlemere) who was 2 shots back as he finished runner-up for the second year in a row. Alex Lodge (East Berkshire) finished 3rd on 152. For the full Result click HERE

Paul Raines (Winter Hill) 

Carl Corbin (Wokefield Park) enjoyed a 4 shot margin from  Nick Scrutton (Castle Royle)  to take the Mid Age Championship at The Lambourne on 15th June. His scores of 71 and 74 were  exceptional on a really difficult day and his 3 under par outward half in the afternoon gave him a comfortable lead that he never relinquished. For the full Result click HERE

Carl Corbin (Wokefield Park)

A resounding and well earned victory in atrocious cold, windy and wet June weather conditions. With two matches remaining the aim is to retain our current first place in the standings and set ourselves up for the League decider.

The Team at The Bedford - Nobody wanted to go outside!

Click on 'Competitions' in the Menu above, then on 'Previous Opens' then 'Nike Futures Tour Badgemore Park', for the amalgamated Medal result and HERE for the Under 14s Scratch Result and HERE for the Under 12s Scratch Result

Wet and horrible conditions were the order of the day at Heythrop Park on Sunday 3rd June as we played our second League Match against Middlesex. A great morning with a clean sweep in the foursomes and despite a few early losses we held on at the end and finished with a 9-3 win. Three players were awarded their County Colours after making 5 League appearances. Ashley Watkins (East Berkshire) Joe Richardson (Frilford Heath) and Ollie Tite (Witney Lakes). Well done to all three.

Ashley Watkins, Joe Richardson and Ollie Tite wearing their County Colours

Click on 'Competitions' in the Menu above, then on 'Previous Opens' then 'Nike Futures Tour Badgemore Park', for the amalgamated Medal result and HERE for the Under 14s Scratch Result and HERE for the Under 12s Scratch Result.

A convincing 10½-1½ victory aginst Bedfordshire at Heythrop Park on 27th May saw us get off to the best possible start for the season. Taking the foursomes 3½-½ gave us a comfortable margin at lunchtime and with 4 wins in the first 5 afternoon singles games, the result was confirmed. With 2 more wins and a half we gained a healthy 'game point' score which may come in handy at the end of the season should the League be tied.

Andrew Lynch (Stoke Park) received his County Colours from George Wilson after making 5 League and South East Group appearances

The Seniors got off to a great start to the season with an emphatic win against Essex on 21st May at Maidenhead. Excellent performances from the 'youngsters' were backed up by solid play from the 'the old guard' to ensure a comfortable win.

A great win for Carl Corbin (Wokefield Park) after a playoff with Jack Haines (Gerrards Cross) in the second event of the season. They both finished on 5 under par 1 shot ahead of David Langley from the home club. For the OOM table click HERE

Bob Lander (The Lambourne) won the Seniors' Championship at Denham GC on 14th/15th May by 5 shots from David Niven (Newbury & Crookham). His exceptional round of 70 on the second day saw him leave the field in his wake after 2 days of extremely testing weather conditions. Click HERE for the full result and HERE for the Team scores.

Bob Lander receives the Seniors' Trophy from Max Kaye.

The Age Group Winners were David Niven, Gregor Brown (Frilford Heath), Chris Osborne (Temple) and David (not so) Young (Denham).

David Niven (Newbury & Crookham)

Gregor Brown (Frilford Heath)

Chris Osborne (Temple)

David Young (Denham)

Click on 'Competitions' in the Menu above, then on 'Previous Opens' then 'Nike Futures Tour Sunningdale Ladies', for the amalgamated Medal result and HERE for the Under 14s Scratch Result and HERE for the Under 12s Scratch Result.

Due to the current economic climate it has been decided by the R&A to save everyone a lot of time and money and to change the format of the Championship this year. This year's Champion, with (just) an Active Handicap, blitzed the field with an impressive 144 stableford points over the 72 holes with just 6 blobs, on the demanding Hunstanton pitch and putt. Tigger was tied for second but had 7 flobs and lost on countback. Luke and Rory were left in the shade - it was quite sunny though. Colin was grumpy and Lee couldn't putt. If only he had my short game!

Shrivenham Park - Junior Champion Club

An excellent turnout of 23 Clubs contested the Junior Champion Club event at North Oxford on 11th April. Some fantastic scoring from a number of players resulted in a very close run contest until the 3rd member of the Shrivenham Park team - Callum Jeffries -  produced a stunning round of net 59that helped his team leapfrog the field to win by 5 shots from Frilford Heath with 3 other clubs just 1 shot further back. Shrivenham PArk now go on to represent BB&O at the England Golf final at Woodhall Spa in August. We hope they can emulate Hadden Hill who won the final in 2004. Click HERE for the full result and HERE for the Individual scores

Click on 'Competitions' in the Menu above, then on 'Previous Opens' then 'Nike Futures Tour Caversham Heath', for the amalgamated Stableford result and HERE for the Under 14s Scratch Result and HERE for the Under 12s Scratch Result

Chris Wilkes and Peter Frost

The Annual Council Meeting was held at Maidenhead GC on Thursday 29th March. The business side of the meeting comprises the reports from the Team Mangagers and the approval of the Accounts and nomination of Officers.

Duncan Forbes (Sonning) was elected as President-Elect and will take office in 2013. Peter Phillips (Henley) was appointed a Life Vice President for his work in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the Junior teams. Charles Tennant (Reading) was similarly honoured for his 8 years of work as the Championship Chairman. Most of the 'Any Other Business' focused on the effect of the current water shortage on Golf Clubs.

On a glorious Spring afternoon the first 'Major' of the year took place with Peter Frost and Chris Wilkes of Buckingham edging out the Executive Committee duo of Mike Partridge and David Cowap to claim the spoils.

After a couple of successive Winter Coaching programmes we are pleased to announce that we will continue to use Heythrop Park Resort as our 1st Team Coaching Headquarters. With excellent practice, coaching and fitness facilties and good support from the Club it was an easy decision for the new Captain, George Wilson, to make. The Club have also embarked on a Junior Academy programme - details of which can be found HERE

Stoke Park - one of the latest additions to the County Card Scheme 

There are now over 1,250 clubs to play at.

County Card Poster

The 50th Annual Dinner was held at the Blue Mountain Golf Centre on 5th March. The Toast to the County Union was proposed by Paul Baxter, President of England Golf. Max Kaye responded and Toasted the Guests. Alistair Low, Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, replied on behalf of the guests and the evening was rounded off by Bob 'The Cat' Bevan MBE who had everyone in stitches.

Left to Right: Max Kaye, Paul Baxter, Bob 'The Cat' Bevan and Alistair Low

Andrew Lynch (Stoke Park) was presented with the Captain's Tankard by outgoing Captain - Malcolm Reid

Max Nicholls (Newbury Racecourse) was awarded the Boddington Trophy for the most improved Junior Golfer in BB&O in 2011.

Jan Hubrecht made the presentation

For the Result Click HERE For the Report Click HERE

Please click on the 'Junior Section' part of the Menu above then click on the 'Futures Tour'  Sub Menu to see more details.

We pleased that Nike Golf have agreed to sponsor our U12/U14 Futures Tour in 2012. They will be providing prizes for all the events in the schedule as well as supporting the cost of the clothing for the 'Futures Tour' boys. They will also be the providers of the 'Official' golf ball for the Under 14 and Under 16 teams playing in the Home Counties League in 2012 and will also provide a range of products to our 1st Team Squad. We thank them for their support and hope we can win a few things this year.

Can you win as much as our Boys Champion of 1993 and Amateur Champion of 1997 and 1998 ??

Fixtures 2012

May Jottings August Jottings November Jottings

The merger of the English Golf Union (EGU) and the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) was approved today (16 November 2011) at simultaneous general meetings of both organisations.

The merger will come into effect on 1 January 2012 and will create England Golf, one national governing body to represent all amateur golfers in England.

The merger proposal was approved by 86 per cent of the voting members of the EGU, meeting at its headquarters in Woodhall Spa; and by 100 per cent of the voting members of the EWGA, meeting at the National Motor Cycle Museum at Solihull. Both organisations had to approve the proposal by a majority of at least 75 per cent for it to be successful.

The decision was immediately hailed as a triumph for golf and a vital step forward for the game. Nigel Evans, Chairman EGU and Sylvia Perrins, Interim Chairman EWGA said: “This merger is in the best interests of golf and we are delighted that it has been given overwhelming support by our members. We look forward to a new era and to realising our vision for the future. “England Golf will speak with one voice and send out the powerful, modern message that golf is a game for all, for men and women, boys and girls.

“A unified organisation, which promotes both the men’s and women’s game, will be more attractive to new golfers, will help us to grow the game, will be more appealing to commercial partners and sponsors and will mean we can be more cost effective.”

The merger vote followed a long period of consultation and preparation, which began in 2009 when a steering group was formed of members of both organisations.

Following lengthy discussions, and the involvement of ten working groups, the proposal was produced and ratified by the Boards of both organisations before being put to the voting members.

Key points of the merger

• The headquarters of England Golf will initially be at the National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa. The EWGA offices in Edgbaston will continue in use until at
least October 2012.

• The counties will continue to be the voting members. Counties will be encouraged to merge their Unions and Associations, but this will not be
mandatory.

• The Board of England Golf will initially include 10 stakeholder non-executive directors, six nominated by the EGU and four women nominated by the EWGA. One of these 10 will be nominated as Chairman.

• The first sole President of England Golf will be a woman. The President will be supported by the immediate Past President and the President-Elect. One of
these three will always be a woman.

• Club golf will go on, from day-to-day, as it does now, but members will benefit from the positive perceptions created by the merger and by the better
support available for clubs.

• All the championships and tournaments currently run by the EWGA and the EGU will continue.

• The regional and group structures of the two organisations will continue to run competitions. The decision-making role of the EWGA regional committees will end.

• Affiliation fees for men and women will be harmonised and will be equal by 1 January 2014. Women will continue to pay an additional subscription to the
Ladies Golf Union.

I am pleased to announce that Fuller's London Pride will continue to be the sponsors of and the 'Official Beer' of the BB&O Championship and Trophy events. Needless to say this will not include our Junior events and we thank Fuller's for their continued support.

Picture from left to right - David Spencer, Brands Marketing Manager, Fuller's, Scott Parker, London Pride EGU Steward of the Year 2011 and Craig Wagstaff, English Golf Union Finance Director. Copyright Ben Fisher.

Scott Parker, Steward at Buckingham Golf Club has been named The London Pride EGU Steward of the year 2011. He was declared the winner and presented with his prizes at a special end-of-season lunch, hosted by Fuller’s Beer Company at The Counting House in the City of London. “I’m speechless,” he said. “This is unbelievable. Listening to the quality of the other regional winners, I thought they had more credence for winning than me.”
 
A panel comprising of Fuller’s and EGU officials as well as the 2010 winner Andy Shaw from Southport Old Links Golf Club voted for Scott, the South East Regional winner ahead of the other successful regional stewards, Yvonne James from Rugby Golf Club, representing the Midlands, John O’Donoghue from Portmore Golf Park, the South West winner and Simon Ward, Wilmslow Golf Club, representing the North.
 
“I can’t thank everyone at the club enough for their support and encouragement,” added 40 year old Parker. “Two years ago I was out of work and doing a part-time job in a pub. Then a Past Captain of Buckingham said there was a job going that I might like and that was that”. Watched by his smiling fiancee Kelly, Parker added: “The club gave me a massive opportunity and it has led to this. I can’t believe it.” 
 
The London Pride EGU Steward of the Year is a joint initiative run by the English Golf Union (EGU) and Fuller’s London Pride and aims to reward the steward providing the most outstanding service and welcoming experience for the golfer at the 19th hole. Now in its fifth year, the competition has received a record number of initial nominations, with standards of candidates exceptional, making judging harder than ever. The final candidates were judged on their level of commitment, as well as their innovation and standard of service and presentation.
 
In review of Scott’s achievements, the Judges remarked, “It is clear what an asset Scott is to Buckingham Golf Club. The atmosphere created by him and his team is so welcoming to everyone involved or visiting the club, with many of the members coming to consider themselves as not just customers, but friends as well. "Not only this, but it is unmistakable how committed, dedicated and passionate he is about every aspect of his work, with welcoming words and humble attitude nothing is too much trouble and this is why we are delighted to be awarding Scott as the London Pride EGU Steward of the Year 2011."  In addition to his trophy, Scott takes away with him two tickets for a day’s play at a Lord’s Test Match, with two nights accommodation at a Fuller’s hotel.
 
David Spencer, Brands Marketing Manager for Fuller's London Pride, said: “Fuller's London Pride and the English Golf Union have been working together for five years on the Gold Medal, Winter Warmers and the Steward of the Year award and it’s all about high standard, quality and service with a smile that makes people want to come back. "We're delighted to see the standards of the competition getting higher and higher each year and the event becoming more popular with the number of clubs involved increasing by 50%.”
 
Craig Wagstaff, Finance Director of the EGU, added: “This award is all about someone who makes a difference at the 19th hole. There are some extraordinary men and women behind the bars at clubs and Fullers and the EGU congratulate everyone that has been nominated this year. “It is a rewarding and mutually pleasant arrangement we have with Fuller's and we are extremely grateful in the current economic climate to have them on board”.
 
The London Pride EGU Steward of the Year is part of a five year partnership between Fuller’s London Pride and the EGU to support clubs and members throughout the country and recognise the importance of amateur golf in the development of the game as a whole.

The result of the Final can be seen HERE. The full draw for 2011 can be seen HERE

Reading - Winners 2011

West Berkshire - Runners up 2011

The Half Yearly Council Meeting was held at East Berkshire GC on 19th Ocotber. There was a good audience of nearly 60 to hear the EGU CEO - John Petrie - give a presentation on the proposed merger between The English Golf Union and The English Women's Golf Association. He outlined the benefits of the proposed merger and answered a number of questions from the floor. The President then asked those present if they were in favour of merger. The Clubs  represented were unanimoulsy in favour of merger. The Secretary/Treasurer advised, at the end of the meeting, that he had also received 38 positive responses, 2 abstensions and one not in favour, from those Clubs who had sent apologies for non attendance. He also advised that the Executive Committee, 2 weeks earlier, had also supported the merger and in conclusion it was apparent that the President, as BB&O Voting Member, should vote in favour of the proposal at Woodhall Spa on 16th November. Once again the Club Represenatives present, endorsed this action.

The rest of the business of the Meeting was dealt with and then an excellent lunch was provided by the host Club and a number went out to play the Greensomes Foursomes competition, which was won by Peter Smith and Derek Andrews from Donnington Valley.

Peter Smith & Derek Andrews

The Final was played on a lovely Autumnal day at Frilford Heath on 16th October. In a very closely fought match, the result was 3½ points each after all the games had finished. Game 4 then went into extra holes and Mill Ride won the 1st to take the Trophy for the first time having been Runners Up in 1993.

The result of the Final can be seen HERE. The full draw for 2011 can be seen HERE.

Mill Ride  - Winners 2011

Studley Wood - Runners Up 2011

Tim's funeral will take place at Chilterns Crematorium on Tuesday 4th October at 10.45 am. The address is Whielden Lane, Amersham. HP7 0ND

After a long season Sandy Bolton (Frilford Heath) just got the better of 4 time winner Ashley Walton to win Order of Merit Trophy. His joint second place in the Autumn Trophy at Flackwell Heath was good enough secure the title having been runner up to Ashley for the last 2 seasons. He needed a near record score to achieve his goal and we look forward to another battle next year. Click HERE for the final rankings.

Sandy Bolton (Frilford Heath) 

Jack Haines (Gerrards Cross) produced 2 excellent rounds of golf to win the Autumn Trophy at Flackwell Heath on 23rd September. His rounds of 71 and 69, giving him a 2 under par total, were just good enough to edge out Sandy Bolton (Frilford Heath) and Daniel Caton (Burnham Beeches). We had a record field for this event and everyone thought the course was in excellent condition, especially the greens and we were blessed with almost perfect weather for the day. A good end to a busy season. Click HERE for full results.

Jack Haines (Gerrards Cross)

We had a good win at Stanmore against Middlesex on 10th September. Needing to win by 9-3 to win the League we got off to a great start and ought to have won the foursomes 4-0. Unfortunatley that turned into 3-1 and left us a huge task to win 6 of 8 games in the afternoon. At one point in looked possible but it wasn't to be and we shared the afternoon singles 4-4. Luke Williams (Donnington Grove) played his 5th League match and was awarded his 'colours' by the outgoing Captain - Malcolm Reid - who has done a great job over the past few years; but has had to settle for 2nd place in the League each season.

The Team at Stanmore

Luke Williams

Chris Aubrey (Caversham Heath) had a terrific run in the first 3 weeks of the JOOM season and won by 18¼ points from Junior Champion, David Langley (Castle Royle) with Matt Milligan (Sand Martins) in 3rd place. Click HERE for the full results.

Chris Aubrey (Caversham Heath)

The August 2011 copy of can be found by clicking HERE. Copies have been sent to all Clubs. For the May 2011 copy click HERE.

John Kemp receives the Amateur Championship Trophy from Max Kaye 

Chris Little (Frilford Heath) successfully defended his Under 14s Title at Castle Royle on 22nd August. In a close run contest he just held off David Evans on countback after an excellent back 9 of 1 under par. David Bart (Burnham Beeches) was another shot back in third place. Clich HERE for the Results. 

 Chris Little (Frilford Heath)

We went to Dunstable Downs on Sunday 21st for our third League match of the season. A must win situation otherwise we had no hope of winning the League. We got off to a great start taking the foursomes 3-1 and kept up the good work in the afternoon to win the singles 5-3 and the match 8-4. Hertfordshire were playing Essex on the same day and had the same 8-4 result. We must win our match against Middlesex on 10th September by 9-3 to win the League.

 The Team at Dunstable Downs

The BB&O Junior team of Josh Stanners (Hazlemere), George Bell (Harewood Downs), Luke Fitzpatrick (Stoke Park), James Foster (Newbury & Crookham), David Langley (Castle Royle), Matt Milligan (Sand Martins) and Jordan Williams (Frilford Heath) won the rain affected Junior Foursones at Sudbury on the 18th & 19th August.

Leading after 3 round of the round robin format, torrential rain flooded the course on the Thursday afternoon and play was suspended after just a few holes of the final matches. We were playing the bottom two sides and were confident of getting our hands on the Trophy as no one could catch us if we won these 2 matches. The Championshop Committee took the view that as the forecast was for more torrential rain (as it transpired) that the Title would be decided on the positions at lunchtime. This gave us our first win in this since 2006 and both the Manager, Chris Wilde and Coach Matt Woods were delighted with all the players perfomances. Click HERE for final placings. Go to the Results tab to find individual County results under the EGU South East section. 

The Team at Sudbury

John Kemp (Woburn) had an emphatic win at Sonning in the 82nd Amateur Championship. After many years as a Bedfordshire player, John moved to become qualified for BB&O last year. His 11 under par total for 4 rounds was 8 better than his nearest rivals. Lindsey-Ben Woolford also from Woburn just edged out Andrew Lynch (Syoke Park) on countback to take the runners-up spot. Altogether 21 players made the cut for the final day at 3 over par. Click HERE for the results.

John Kemp (Woburn)

David Langley of Castle Royle added a 2 under par 70 to his morning 71 to win the Junior Championship by 2 shots from James Foster (Newbury & Crookham) with Dean Marshall (Stoke Park) in third place. Sam Brass (Castle Royle) won the Under 16s title by just 1 shot from Tom Butterworth (Harewood Downs). Tom's elder brothr James finished 4th in the overall Championship and his net 135 saw him take the Handicap Trophy. Click HERE for the results.

David Langley (Castle Royle)

Sam Brass (Castle Royle) Under 16s

James Butterworth (Harewood Downs)

60 players from as far afield as St Mellion and Aberdeen contested the Douglas Johns Trophy at Harewood Downs on 28th July. Jordon Boulton from Notts had two good rounds to finish on 1 under par just edging out Haydn McCullen from Delamere Forest by 1 shot with Marco Penge from Worthing in third spot. Click HERE for the results.

Jordan Boulton (Notts)