CIPFA North East Annual Golf Day
Read about the most recent Regional Golf Day
2017 Golf Day
The last week in September 2017 will be remembered in golf history for two major competitions taking place within miles of each other on the same day. Despite the draw of the British Masters, a dedicated field turned out for the annual CIPFA golf competition, held this year at Prudhoe Golf Course.
The day started off poorly weather wise as the opening 9 hole completion was played between heavy showers and torrential downpours. However this provided a sterling test to the day and it was Kevin Suttie, freshly returned from Kosovo who took the honours with a very good 20 Stableford points.
The course was in excellent condition and the club staff were superb. The lunchtime soup and sandwiches were a welcome break from the wet weather and a good indication of a change in fortunes. The main competition for the Lady Lambert trophy teed off just as the sun began to appear and there was much dumping of waterproofs and umbrellas at the first tee. The true glory of a Northumberland Autumn day was brought out as the golfers tackled the rolling parkland course.
The winner was George Clark closely followed by Martin Barnes (pipped on count back) in second place, and John Grant in third. The longest drive was won by David Smith and George Clark was closest to the pin on the 15th hole. George had just returned from a tour around the National parks of the USA so the jokes surrounded bandits and masked men!
As George was the highest placed CIPFA member he also lifted the Lady Lambert Trophy. Undoubtedly the pinnacle of every golfer’s career. Not even Rory can win this unless he can get through Bye Law 4.
Many thanks must go to EY and George Clarke (he just couldn’t let those golf balls go) who provided the prizes and to the Golf Course staff who looked after us very well despite my poor organisation. Next year we are planning to go a course further south in the region so keep an eye open for the notification and get practicing. It's an enjoyable day.