Warwickshire Golf
HEARSALL WINS BAINBRIDGE SHIELD
After an evening and early morning of persistent rain we were very grateful to be welcomed to Robin Hood for the Bainbridge Shield final by Robin Hood Club President, Graham Barton, who confirmed the course was open and playable.
A couple of the greens did have a little water on them but Robin Hood stalwart Anton Holliday was also there with squeegee in hand.
.... and that was all before 7:30am!
The final match of this Summer Knockout tournament was to be played over 36 holes with Coventry Hearsalls pairing of Tom Ibbertson and Stuart Bloxham playing against The Warwickshires, Gareth Jenkins and Ian Stranks. Both teams had won the title before so it was set to be a good match.
Even after the rain the greens continued to roll true and at a very good speed for mid-November, but a few putts were missed by both sides early into the first round meaning holes were regularly being exchanged between the pairings and both teams being 2up at one point in just the first 9 holes!
In fact throughout the first 18 holes only 5 hole were halved and Coventry Hearsall took a 1up lead at lunch.
I think both teams would agree that it wasn't a sparkling display of golf in the morning and obviously it wasn't played in the nicest of weather, but the sausage and egg baguettes must have hit the spot as both pairs played very well in the afternoon round with Coventry Hearsall shooting level par over the first 9 and increasing their lead
Holes continued to be exchanged by both sides until Coventry Hearsall began to take control and increase their lead to 3 up with 3 holes to play.
Both teams hit an excellent tee shot onto the green and close to the flag on the Par 3 16th, with The Warwickshire to putt first whose birdie just slid by the hole. This required Coventry Hearsall to just cozy the ball upto the hole to half the hole with a par but win the match and the Championship 3&2.
Both teams were extremely complimentary about the condition of the course especially after the weather, and it was also appreciated greatly to have the Club President and Captain watching the golf and assisting with the prize presentation following play.
Many thanks to everyone at Robin Hood for hosting the match.
FOR THE FULL DRAW PLEASE CLICK HERE
Matt Nixon
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