SENIORS HOME MATCH AGAINST RUTLAND WATER - 25th April 2025 RESULT W 6 - 2

Another Match. Another very good performance by The Seniors Team. Rutland Water selected a strong team with handicaps under 16 for 9 of their players. Nevertheless some excellent play with special mention for Richard Cook and Kevin De Trafford who came up against Graham Ball, off 11.8, and Doug Hesketh, off 9.1 and gained a half in the last match. Special mention too for Clive Pearce in Match 1 whose driving, particularly on the Front 9 was exemplary and led to BP being 5 Up after 7. Myself and Clive in fact had a Better Ball of 82. Very good wins by Keith Duff playing with George Clayton-Jones, Peter Hickman & David Jackson, David Shales & Mark Crampton and Richard Martin & Mike Barton led to a 6 points to 2 victory. 

Nearest the pin for Rutland Water, on the 16th, was Dave Mee, and for BP Mark Crampton reached the Upper Level to edge out the author. (It must have been a great shot!)

The Course continues to improve and Rutland Water GC were fulsome with their praise. As ever an extremely cordial match, Captain Chris Malyon and Frank Gerbin were excellent company as were the rest of Rutland Water GC. Lunch, Lincolnshire sausages, was top notch.

We have started with 3 wins but more importantly we’ve made new friends and BP’s reputation has been enhanced.

Paul

SENIORS HOME MATCH AGAINST RAMSEY - 16th April 2025 RESULT W 41/2 - 31/2

On a windswept Golf Course Burghley prevailed by 4 1/2 to 3 1/2. It was certainly a day for careful club selection, with many Par 4s being unreachable, in 2, for mere mortals. In the leading match myself and Steve Wilcox, on debut, had a lovely match with Kelly Richardson & Gavin Stokes. Lots to talk about and lots of good shots from everyone to admire. Wins by Mike Barton & Clive Pearce, 4/3, and Michael Marriott & Kevin De Trafford, 7 & 5, meant that after 4 matches we were 3 -1 up. But Ramsey came back strongly and a crucial half by The Two Michaels, Earl & Wright and a 2&1 win from David Court with Saj Chowdry, also on debut, saw BPGC home. HOWEVER the BIG TALKING POINT came in Game 5 where Bill Glencross scored his first ever HOLE IN ONE. Bill was the first to admit that it was a lovely shot, sadly he didn't witness the ball disappearing down the hole, with the left bunker obstructing his view. Very well done Bill. Always a great talking point. Nearest the Pin for Ramsey was Ron (Dave) Gilbert and David Court, two weeks in a row for David, for BP, both on the 16th.

Kelly Richardson, Ramsey Captain, wrote to me later and said how much Ramsey had enjoyed their day; the course, the food and being made welcome. Friendship in golf ... excellent.

Paul

SENIORS HOME MATCH AGAINT TOFT - 9th April 2025. RESULT W 4 - 2

Another glorious day at Burghley Park. The course was in very good condition and seems to get better each day.

For our first match of the season we hosted Toft GC. I think it safe to say that Toft thoroughly enjoyed their day, judging by the many positive comments regarding the friendly reception, the quality of the course and the excellence of lunch. Thank you to all Non Players who contributed in any way.

BPGC won the Match 4 points to 2, but it is important to note that 5 of the 6 matches went down to the 17th Green, and 2 of those to the 18th. 

In the Leading match Toft Captain Ray Bills started off quite brilliantly and BP were quickly 2 Down, but by the 9th BP had recovered to be 1 Up. On the Back 9 it was nip and tuck with no holes halved until the 18th, Graham Hughes, an ex BPGC member, was very consistent. David Court played very well and his good play was rewarded by being Nearest to The Pin on a tricky 16th pin placement. 

In the 2nd match Michael Earl and Clive Pearce were up against an inspired Toft Pairing and despite scoring well could not live with Messrs Barnes & Clarke. Jim Clarke was rewarded for his generally excellent golf by being Nearest The Pin for Toft.

David Jackson & Keith Duff were pleased with a Half in the 3rd Match , but in Matches 4, 5 & 6 BPGC came to the fore. A close win by Tim Chapman & Richard Martin, followed by two 3/1s from Bill Glencross & Michael Marriott and Alan Kinch & Kevin de Trafford tipping the balance in our favour.

A super day out. A big Thank you to The Players, fine ambassadors of their Club.

Paul