Old Wrekinian Association - Public Schools Putting Competition 2007

Royal Wimbledon Golf Club

Qualifying competion - Monday 4 June

Following a tip off from Graham Murray, an old Wrekinian member of Royal Wimbledon Golf Club (RWGC), we entered a four man team to play in this rather unusual event. For those not familiar with the format, Schools play each other in a series of 18 hole matches on a putting green that could comfortably park a medium sized passenger jet and all the ground support vehicles that go with it! Each team member plays their opposite number fom the other schools until they have worked through seven schools in all.
The winner is the team with the most combined points (two for a win, one for a half and zero for a loss).

The Wrekin team of John Smith, John McKenzie, Peter McFarland and Simon Westgarth had a very pleasant round of golf prior to the 5.30pm tournament start. We were blessed with dry weather even if it was a little overcast. Following a spot of lunch we then attempted to tame this monster putting green. The final results were:

1. Blundels 37 pts (qualified for the final)
2. Berkhamstead 35 pts (qualified for the final)
3. Canford 30 pts
4. Glenalmond 28 pts
5. Whitgift 28 pts
6. Stowe 27 pts
7. Wrekin 24 pts
8. Kings Taunton 15 pts (relegated for next year)

It must be noted that Peter McFarland endured a fitness test because, owing to a mix up at the beginning, Peter played three matches at number four when in fact he was due to play at number three (I'm not sure whether the extra practice helped or hindered).

Although not a great result, we have qualified for next year and I am sure that we will enter again. Anyone who does not have a tendency to three put
too often is welcome to contact Simon Westgarth if they are interested in playing.

I would like to make a special mention of Graham Murray who came to give us some moral support. Graham was undergoing chemotherapy and we really appreciated him coming along. We wish him well.

Simon Westgarth
Captain OWGS
Tel 07870 602 184