The EPiC Tourists have returned to the UK in various states of disrepair!!!
A huge “Thank You” to Captain Rob Seeley who despite the extreme and extensive efforts of Your Golf Travel to **** as much up as possible, produced a magnificent tour enjoyed by all 21 EPiC members.
An intrepid few braved the rain at Estoril on Friday in advance of the main tour.
It has to be said that all the courses were not in tip-top condition as in all cases the lack of green staff was clearly evident, however there was some magnificent scenery at all venues but the scores were mixed with only one person, Gavin Travica, playing to his handicap on the last day!!
Were the courses that difficult or did the Pre/Après Golf take its toll??!
Anyway enclosed here and here are for the anoraks all the details of “Green Jacket” scores, daily and overall prizes (please remember that as far as possible you cannot win more than one prize on any one day) and of course the match play totals.
Cash Prizes were awarded as we went along to the daily and overall winners as shown and the Captain’s team as winners were presented with a towel and a hat clip ball maker whilst the Vice’s team received a consolation ball marker.
Nick Archer – Winning a prize!! A very special occasion indeed!!Overall “Most Challenging Score” – Winner John BiscoeTour Winner – Oliver Tobin. The “Green Jacket” was presented by last years winner Jason Wood
Thanks to all the tourists for making the 2023 trip to Cascais truly memorable!!
Thursday 27th July opened with torrential rain, 20mm allegedly fell on the Knebworth course.
Thankfully by the time 25 EPIC members and their guests had consumed the bacon roll and coffee the weather looked if not set fair at least set dry!! In fact by the time the late finishers reached the sanctuary of the 19th the sun was shining and many enjoyed a “sundowner” on the terrace.
The course was in magnificent condition and all enjoyed the excellent meal after golf.
The ball sweep raised over £300 for the Presidents Charity, the British Heart Foundation with a further contribution coming from the ad hoc auction of an Augusta Masters shirt.
After a lively dinner Captain, Robert Seeley, presented the prizes as follows
James Barrett – Nearest the Pin on the 8th HoleAlan Perking – Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 16th HoleTeam Winners – Ben Hurworth and Raja Flora – 45 pts better BallGuest Winner – Graham Scott – Guest of Jon BrayEPIC Captain’s Cup Winner – Darrell Lewis 38pts (Cut 2) on countback from Ben Hurworth (Cut 1)
Thanks to everyone who supported the event and look forward to seeing members and their guests at Bishops Stortford on 19th October
25 Members and 14 Guests took to the High Course at Moor Park on 20th June 2023.
The day started with a torrential downpour, but we were extremely fortunate that the storm cleared the area in time for our 1pm tee off.
The course was in excellent condition with a mild breeze and sunny intervals being the prevailing conditions.
All enjoyed an excellent meal after golf, many thanks to Moor Park for their usual immaculate attention to our needs.
The assembled raised £390 for the Presidents Charity, the British Heart Foundation, and the Secretary thanked the company on behalf of Darrell Lewis who couldn’t be with us on the day!!
Captain Rob Seeley, thanked all for their attendance and informed everyone the next event was Captains Day at Knebworth on 27th July 2023, before presenting the prizes as follows.
Ro Harper – Nearest the Pin on the 18thChris Sunderland – Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 7th
Jons Coles and Bray – Winners of the Team Prize with a magnificent 48 pointsGuest Winner with a great 39 points was Paudie DelaneyWinner of the President’s Cup with 38 points was Geoff Green (Cut 2) from Ro Harper 37 points (Cut 1)
26 members with their 14 guests gathered for a buffet lunch at Ashridge on Wednesday 17th May 2023.
The weather was kind and the Rhododendrons and Azalais were in full bloom – Very Augusta like!!!
The course was in magnificent condition with the greens treacherously fast! Scoring was always going to be a challenge.
Everyone enjoyed the sunshine and a drink or two on the veranda overlooking the 9th and 18th Greens before sitting for an excellent 3-course meal provided by the superb Ashridge kitchens.
Following dinner the ball draw raised over £340 for the Presidents Charity, The British Heart Foundation and prizes were presented by Captain Rob Seeley as follows.
Nearest the Pin – Neil Meixner. Also here is new member Matt Stylianides who actually got his 2 whilst NM missed his!!Nearest the Pin in Two – Richard PiggottTeam Runners-Up – Iain Stevenson and Neil BlundyTeam Winners – Raja Flora and Chris YatesGuest Runner-Up – Alex Grocott – 36 ptsGuest Winner – Richard Piggott – 39 ptsEPIC Runner-Up – Steve Hurworth – 37pts – Cut 1EPIC and Finlinson Cup Winner – Matthew Jones – 40 pts – Cut 2
The next event is at Moor Park on the 20th June 2023.
The EPIC Team vanquished the visitors at the magnificent Knebworth Golf Club this week, winning by a margin of 4 to 2 in the traditional 4-Ball better ball competition.
Knebworth in the Sun
The visitors, BAGS (Building Alliance Golf Society), were valiant competitors and most matches were keenly fought out to the end.
We all enjoyed a great two course meal and lots of banter after the golf
Congratulation to the Team, Captain Rob Seeley and Neil Blundy who fought back from 2 down at the turn to earn a half. Steve Davies and Neil Meixner were always up securing a 4 & 3 win despite stiff resistance. David Wannerton and Darrell Lewis played out to a half despite being behind for a lot of the day. Steven Barker and Matthew Jones had a difficult day losing by a “Dog Licence”. Jason Wood and Ian Stevenson ensured that EPIC couldn’t lose bringing home a 2 & 1 win, whilst Raja Flora and Chris Sunderland were taken to the 16 before delivering a 4 & 2 victory and thus securing the trophy for the second year in a row!!
Rob Seeley receives congratulations and the handshake (if not the trophy) from Nick Finlay the BAGS Captain!!
Rob Seeley said a few words thanking all for attending and playing in the right spirit and thanking the Knebworth Staff for their attention. Nick Finlay then thanked Rob and congratulated EPIC on their Win.
Fantastic performances for the EPIC Team and many congratulations.
The next Event is at Ashridge on 17th May. If you haven’t signed up and are a member you’ll be getting a reminder very soon!!
22 Members and their 15 guests gathered, early on 14th March 2023 as the snow fell, for Bacon Rolls and tea/coffee. The 2023 Captain, Rob Seeley, welcomed everyone and as he spoke the snow stopped and the skies lightened!
First Tee was 08.50 by which time the rain had stopped and the skies cleared until we were bathed in magnificent sunshine as you can see below
Nearest the Pin on the Magnificent Dukes hole No 3
Everyone enjoyed this great golf course although achieving a reasonable score was a challenge to most. This was the first event where being signed up for a WHS handicap was a qualifying requirement to winning the silverware, in this case the Spring Cup.
We all gathered in the bar, “suited and booted” for drinks and banter prior to enjoying a magnificent two course carvery from 3.30pm
Delicious Carvery!!!!
Following sweets and coffee the ball sweep raised £340 for President Darrell Lewis’s charity, the British Heart Foundation. Thanks to all for that
Rob Seely said a few words, thanking all for coming and commenting on the course and the food. He then presented the prizes as follows.
Nearest the Pin on 3 – Guest, David MosebyNearest the Pin in 2 – Steve DaviesThe Team Winners (almost captured) – Guests – Tony Groves and Daniel Fryer
The Guest Prize was won by Drew Norman with a magnificent 41 points from Tony Groves on 39!! Unfortunately Drew had to leave before the Photos!!
EPIC Spring Cup Winner – Oliver Tobin with 38 points (Cut 2) from Rob Seeley 34 points (Cut 1)
Rob Seeley reminded everyone that the next event was at Ashridge on 17th May 2023 and wished everyone a safe and pleasant journey home.
30 brave souls, members and family and friends, ventured forth in the rain and wind to try and post a reasonable score on the challenging Letchworth course.
Returning wet but unbroken to the warmth of the clubhouse all enjoyed a filling two-course meal.
Afterwards Jason Wood was finally presented, by last years winner Ben Hurworth, with the Claret Jug, for winning the Jubilee Cup on tour in Vilamoura in the Autumn
So how did they do on the day at Letchworth?
This years Captain Jason wood did the presentations as follows:-
Nearest the Pin – Adam Merry
Nearest the Pin in 2 – Rob Seeley
2nd in the Team competition were Bill and Adam Merry, Neil Meixner and Steven Barker with 82 Points in the Waltz competition
However Team Winners were Simon Rose, Gary Crump, Derek Vickers, Charlie Nicholas and James Rideout with 88 points
Winner of the Guest Prize with a magnificient 40 points was James Rideout
Winner of the cherished Recessionary Rose Bowl for the 6th time was Bill Merry on 35 points.
Great work to all the winners. That concludes the 2022 season!
Finally a reminder that the AGM is on 7th February at Mark Masons’ Hall. Address 86 St James’s St, St. James’s, London SW1A 1PL
6pm for 6.30 prompt followed by a silver service meal!
Put the date in your diary. Details will follow by email very shortly.
20 Members and 4 “Northern” Guests checked into the Vila Gale Hotel in Vilamoura by Friday 9th September 2022 for the annual tour.
Some in hard training before the opening day!!
The 1st day saw us play the magnificent Quinta do Lago – South Course.
The Magnificent 15th
The Captains Team delivered a 4-1 defeat on the Vice’s Team on Day 1. Heading the Green Jacket standings were Martyn Howie on 33pts
1st Day Leader – Martyn Howie
followed by Joel Evans 32 pts and Michael Salmon and David Wannerton with 31 pts.
Day 2 saw a return to Quinta do Lago this time the North Course after an unscheduled change of coaches.
Waiting for Godot!! And a change of coach after a breakdown
Once again the Captains Team excelled with a 3.5-1.5 routing, extending their lead to 7.5-2.5 overall. Great individual scores for the Green Jacket were recorded by 1st Darrell Lewis 35 pts, 2nd Steve Davies 33 pts with Jason Wood, Neil Meixner, Rob Seeley, Chris Anderson, and Steven Barker all on 32 pts. Winners of the NP on 8 and 14 were Bradley Taylor and Joel Evans respectively and NP in 2 was Jason Wood
Leaders for the Green Jacket after two rounds were Martyn Howie and Steve Davies with 63 points each.
Round 3 saw the traditional head to head singles match-play on the magnificent, if slightly damp, Laranjal course where once again the Captain’s team triumphed by a margin of 6.5-3.5. The Captains Team under the magnificent leadership of Jason Wood therefore won the team event by 14 matches to 6. Bad luck to Vice-Captain, Rob Seeley, and his team who just couldn’t get going, despite their best efforts, against fierce and consistent opposition.
Day 3 also saw some changes of fortune in the fight for the Green Jacket, with different names in the frame for the Day Prizes. Steve Haley astounded the players and himself by producing the back 9 of all time coming home in 26 points for a magnificent 44 pts in total. Other notable scores were Joel Evans and Chris Anderson 35 pts, Jason Wood 34 Pts and Neil Blundy, Rob Seeley, Michael Salmon, and David Wannerton all on 33 pts! NP on 6 and 12 was taken by David Wannerton and Martyn Howie respectively and NP in 2 by Joel Evans
The guest prize was shared by Tia Sherburn and Bradley Taylor
In the end the contest for the Claret Jug and Green Jacket went down to the wire with no less than 9 players within 4 points of the winner, in reverse order with Steve Davies, Neil Blundy, Chris Anderson, Joel Evans, David Wannerton and Martyn Howie not quite making the podium
So in 3rd with 93 pts was Rob Seeley on countback from Martyn Howie, 2nd on 94 points Michael Salmon.
Captain Jason Wood receives the Green Jacket for last years winner Ben Hurworth
1st Jason Wood with a magnificent 95 points. Well done Jason for winning the Green Jacket and for the magnificently well organised 2022 tour!!
29 players sallied forth on Thursday 11th August 2022 in the midst of the heatwave to take on the magnificent Saffron Walden Golf Course. By popular agreement the greens were fantastic, quick and difficult to read.
After Golf all present enjoyed a 2 course meal and were extremely grateful the air-conditioning was working perfectly!!
Prize giving started with Captain Jason Wood presenting a replica trophy to James Barrett who won the Autumn Cup in 2021
Jarlath Rooney won nearest the Pin on 18
Jason Wood was presented with the prize for Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 2nd
President Ken Adams and Guest Charlie Nicholas scooped the team prize
Guest Winner was Jon Stone with 35 points
Graham Howe gets a consolation hug on scoring 38 points, coming second being cut one shot and not getting a prize. Ahhhh!!
EPIC and Autumn Cup Winner, Neil Meixner receives the Cup from Jason Wood. The winning score was 40 points and Neil is Cut 2 shots
It was almost a year to the day that the committee first met to start Planning the EPICS 45th Anniversary Charity event. It was around that time the two charities for the event were selected. Our President, Ken Adams continuing with Rosie’s Rainbow Fund, which our society has supported so well over the last five years, and our Captain Jason Wood, nominating Haven House Children’s Hospice. Two much deserving organisations.
On the 29th of June 2022, all the planning came to fruition as our society enjoyed a wonderful day at Moor Park Golf Club.
It was an early morning start for some, as the room was set, ‘goody’ bags laid out and the golf shirts, kindly sponsored by Life build Solutions Ltd and ig9 Ltd, were placed into team groupings by the wonderful ladies Ruth Mendis and Jane Adams.
Guests and Members started to arrive from just before 11am, many who had not played Moor Park previously, marvelled at the quality of the club house and welcome from both the EPICS and Moor Park teams. A joyful buzz was quickly created in the room as the member and guest attendance grew and everyone enjoyed the brunch on offer.
Slightly later than anticipated but no one cared, our society President, Ken Adams introduced the day and gave a run down of the agenda. It was at this point that the true meaning of the day was outlined, the need to raise as much money as possible for the two chosen charities. The talk included details of the various prizes on offer, including a car for anyone achieving a hole in one on the 4th. In a slightly surprising diversion from the day, Ken mentioned Steve Barker as the extractor. Bemusement in the room but all was to become clear later in the day!!
Looking resplendent in the sponsored golf shirts, everyone gathered on the front lawn for a group photo. Again, slightly worryingly, Ken asked everyone to turn round for a rear shot before departing to their nominated starting hole.
A shotgun start had been arranged and all golfers were in their tee positions. At 1.30 pm the klaxon sounded and, all but the couple of early starting groups, commenced play in glorious golfing weather. The West course provided a wonderful setting and golfing challenge reflective of the quality of the day. Setting off in a buggy, Ruth and Life Vice-President John Bush provided ongoing refreshments to the golfers throughout their round.
Stories of near misses and hitting golf balls onto tennis courts could be heard as the bar took its fair share of earnings upon golfers returning from their round. It was slightly later than 7.30pm when the dining room was packed as Ken introduced the charity representatives. The room fell silent as Carolyn Mayling (Rosie’s) and Kate Rosenthal (Haven House) gave a brief talk about the work each charity does and the positive impact they have. Each sat down after their talk to rapturous applause in appreciation.
Between each course of the meal, Steven Barker held court as auctioneer on gifts donated by various attendees and members of the committee. It quickly became clear that the attendees were keen to raise as much money as possible with some fantastic bids on auction items. Golf vouchers and tickets for Tottenham games raising particularly high values. As Steve prepared for his climax of the auction, he was suddenly approached by our President Ken, who quickly dropped to his knees. It was at that point the room gasped fearing that Ken’s earlier reference to extractor was about to be revealed. Showing his experience of reading rooms, Steve quickly backed away and the room once again settled. The final auction prize for a 3 ball at Wentworth was highly valued and bids increased rapidly. As the bidding concluded, one of our main sponsors, Franchi, kindly stated two vouchers would be available so the top two bidders had both been successful in their efforts.
The final part of the evening was the presentation of the trophy, vouchers and wine to those who had been nearest the pin on the various par three’s, nearest the pin in two and the runners up and winners in both individual and team competitions.
Anne Tomkins – Nearest the Pin on 2nd
Suzanne Biscoe – Nearest the Pin on 6th
Nearest the Pin on the 9th – Iain Stevenson
Nearest the Pins were, on 2nd Ann Tomkins, 4th Jason Wood, 6th Suzanne Biscoe, 9th Iain Stevenson and nearest the Pin in 2 on 17th was Martin Gibson.
Ian Harwood – Guest winner and nearest the pin on the 13th
Winner of the guest prize and nearest the pin on 13 was Ian Harwood with a magnificent 43 points
Finlinson Cup winner – Terry Dobbins
Winner of the coveted Finlinson Cup for the best EPIC score was Terry Dobbins on 38 points (Cut 2) from Captain Jason Wood on 37 points (Cut 1).
Team Winners were The Diales Drivers entered by Chris Sunderland on 94 points (Best 2 scores from 4) from Knight Harwood entered by Ian Harwood on 90 points
Scoring had kindly been collated by Mark Beer and demonstrated the hotly contested competition for the prizes.
Our thanks go to everyone who was part of this day. In particular, however, we must mention the committee who devoted extensive time and commitment to delivering this event, to Moor Park for being wonderful hosts and to all our sponsors who helped raise a fantastic amount of money for the charities, EH Smith and Franchi for being the main sponsors for the event. Special thanks also to those who dug deep and bought the auction prizes. The list could go on and on but to everyone who played a part in this day, you can be immensely proud and know that somewhere, in their time of most need, our fund raising will help make things that little bit better for a child and their family.
Congratulations all on a magnificent £22,000+ raised for our two charities Rosie’s Rainbow Fund and Haven House.
Looking resplendent in the sponsored golf shirts, everyone gathered on the front lawn for a group photo. Again, slightly worryingly, Ken asked everyone to turn round for a rear shot before departing to their nominated starting hole.
