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
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.
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.
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.
Image © Shutterstock
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Article
POLICE WORLD
Vol 62 No. 3, 2017