New golf challenge on the cards at Cowdray Park

Teams of three are being sought for the Cowdray Corporate Challenge, which stages its first qualifier in the first week of May.

It’s a stableford for players with a current handicap certificate and the winning team will receive a three-night stay in a hotel in Jersey.

The prize will include travel to and from the island, a hire car and rounds of golf at La Moye, Royal Jersey and Les Mielles Golf Club.

The runners-up will scoop a golf and racing package at the Lingfield Park Marriott, including an overnight stay.

There will also be prizes for the top two individuals at each qualifier.

Qualifying rounds of the challenge will be played at the magnificent Midhurst course on Wednesday, May 4, Wednesday, June 15, and Wednesday, July 6, leading to the final on Wednesday, August 10.

The maximum handicap allowance is 24 for men, 32 for ladies.

It’s three-quarters of handicaps and ladies will play off the men’s card and receive three extra shots before calculations.

The final will feature the three winning teams from each qualifier, who will play combined stablefords. A prac tice day is planned on Tuesday, August 9.

To enter, call 01730 813599 or email [email protected]

Cowdray Park seniors kicked off their marathon season of 54 inter-club matches at home to Ham Manor, and carried on as they left off the previous season – with a victory, this time with a resounding 8-0 scoreline.

Brilliant sunshine highlighted the superb condition of the course – a real tribute to the hard work of the greens staff after a severe winter.

Players were able to cast aside the jackets and mitts and their new-found freedom led to vastly improved performances.

Seniors’ captain and match manager Peter Burton and partner Derek Smith set the tone with an exciting 2&1 win. They were followed by wins of 6&4 and 6&5.

Pat Harrison, working his way back after injury, won 3&2 with partner Tony Castley.

Results (Cowdray names first): Peter Burton & Derek Smith beat Alan Orr & Bob Saddler 2&1; John Doran & Alan Godfree beat Vic Coles & John Barr 6&4; Ian Heustice & Rob Doney beat Gerald Casey & Colin Jones 2&1; Allen Sibley & Gordon Kendall beat Brian Parncutt & John Green 6&5; Dave Tilley & Graham Evans beat Mike Warnock & Ray Tucker 4&2; Pat Harrison & Tony Castley beat Steve Tellyn & Dave Soutar 3&2; Rex Woods & David Laver beat Mike Spooner & Peter White 6&5; Dave Darby & Bill Hummerston beat John Christian & Derek Duncanson 6&4.