Juniors are central to Retford’s Success
Retford Golf Club values the contribution juniors make to the club. They are clearly important to the future of the game and the club. Many juniors begin very young, attending group sessions at weekends, others come along to practise with family and friends. Currently, several juniors are playing at a very good standard, playing a crucial role in teams and achieving great success in club competitions.
Stuart Moore, Retford Golf Club president reports on the contribution junior players have made to the success of the scratch team: With only the last match to play in Nottinghamshire’s prestigious scratch league, Retford were lying in second place and needed a good result in the last match — away to Bullwell Forest to stay in with a chance of winning the league and lifting the trophy. In the event, the result was very close. Two of Retford’s much valued junior players gave notable performances on the day to secure a draw and much needed point from the fixture, with Liam Bennet winning his match and Ralf Marshall securing the essential half to get the draw. Both youngsters slotted in birdie putts on the last hole to bring in the result.
The team was Norman Cook, Liam Bennett, Chay Rafferty, Ralph Marshall and Tony Inman. Retford therefore finished on 13 points — enough to win the league. They will now be in division 2 in 2018. All credit to the performance and dedication of all the players who represented the club this year — Pete Wheat Croft, Chay Rafferty,Norman Cook, Tony Inman, Chris Naylor, Liam Bennett, Alex Woodcock, Ralph Marshall and Lewis Hunt.
For more information about learning or playing golf in Retford, contact the club professional on 01777 703733.
Retford Golf Club competition supports captains’ charities
Captains’ Charity Day took place at Retford Golf Club on Saturday 22nd July. It is the main fundraiser for the year and attracted a large entry of 144 players. Although the early groups set off in heavy rain, most of the field completed their round in fine sunny conditions. The format was two from four and winners of the men’s competition were David Yau, John Lee, Mike Hook and Ralph Marshall with a huge 96 points. The winning ladies were Briony Pettifor, Kathy Buzzeo, Barbara Burton and Kimberly Vardy with 78. The winning mixed team were Pat Stirling, Dave Stirling, Lara Gaunt and Chris Scholey. Nearest the pin, winning a service and valet from Retford Honda, was Sheila Robinson.
The day raised nearly £2,500 for the captains’ charities. The men’s captain’s charity this year is Harefield Heart and Lung Hospital, which saved his son’s life nearly four years ago when a viral infection attacked his heart leaving him needing a heart transplant. The money raised will go towards new ICU facilities.
The lady captain has chosen Canine Partners across the UK as her charity. Canine Partners is a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with physical difficulties by partnering them with assistance dogs. These amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship and practical help with everyday household tasks. These life changing dogs also provide psychological and social benefits including increased independence, confidence, social interaction and self-esteem. Without government funding, the charity relies solely on donations from donations from the public and legacies to continue their work.
Fundraising by the club will continue throughout the year and will include donations from members playing in fiddles and, of course, penalties imposed on those unfortunate enough to visit the captains’ bunker besides the 18th green.