PW_03_2017

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Section UK Inter-Regional Golf Competition – Hosted by No 3 Region In June, 2016 when I was elected as a Vice President I was delighted to be allocated the Sports and Social portfolio, which includes the National Golf Competition. B eing a golfer and Captain at my local golf course I looked forward to planning the event. I was helped by Karel Simpson in identifying venues. He travelled Some scorecards painted a picture of some excellent golf while others obviously encountered some difficulties. It was clear Neil’s practice round paid dividend as he was the leader after the first day.

to various locations, managing to fit in a game of golf along the way. We settled on Slaley Hall, Hexham. Thanks Karel for all your assistance, it was very much appreciated. At last year’s National I met Britt Hermansson, an IPA Member from Sweden and her husband Kaj. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and requested they be allowed to play this year. Having finalised the arrangements with the Hotel and Pro Shop, we met Britt and Kaj, Neil Offord and Martin D’eath from Region 10, in the Hotel bar and new friendships were made. After lunch we all played the Priestman course which was very enjoyable until the wind got up and the rain came down. Despite the downpour we continued with our round but were glad to reach the 19th hole. In the interim, Duncan and Liz Kenworthy from Region 10 had arrived at the Hotel and joined us for dinner. On Wednesday morning the skies were blue, not a cloud in sight, very little wind and temperatures in the mid 20’s making it an ideal day for golf. I was delighted that the other 27 players arrived safely and on time. After our bacon rolls and coffee, followed by a quick run down on the Teams and Rules we headed out onto the Priestman course for the first round. I am not quite sure if it was the high temperature or some other reason but one of the competitors ended up submerged in one of the many water hazards on the course. I am reliably informed that due to a failure of one of his garments and in order to maintain his dignity, he had to return quickly for a change of clothing.

After a hearty breakfast on our second morning, I watched them all tee off and awaited their return some four and a half hours later as it was a long and challenging course. While the competitors enjoyed a light lunch, David and I checked the scorecards and announced the following results. The winning Team was 6 Region comprising of Chris Wood, Andy Lamb, Paul Fenn and Dickie Clinch. 2nd were 1 Region, Scotland, 3rd were 10 Region. The Individual winner was Neil Offord, 10 Region, who had maintained his previous day’s consistency, eventually winning by 9 points from Graham Fenton, 1 Region, with Andy Lamb 3rd. Liz Kenworthy won the Ladies Prize on what was her inaugural IPA event, a great achievement. Neil, the overall individual winner, gave a vote of thanks for the organisers and his fellow competitors for making it such a successful and memorable competition. Next year the event moves to Scotland and will be held on the week commencing 28th May. I know some of this year’s competitors are considering extending their stay and I am happy to assist with finding accommodation and recommending courses, but I would ask for early notification. I have started my search for next year’s venue which will be in Perthshire.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 62 No. 3, 2017