Mike Lamont won the prestigious HAGS/PWDGS Trophy on his first outing with HAGS/PWDGS-UK with two steady rounds over the demanding Heythrop Park course.
Our outing to Heythrop Park Resort on (6) 7/8 August 2013 was, I think, a success and enjoyed by all, albeit the golf course was not quite as expected. The weather was perfect - neither too hot nor too cold with just a light breeze - and the course was in excellent condition, although the greens were rather slow given the weather. However, the course was more demanding than expected, both long overall and having some very long carries off the tee. Moreover, some of the treks between green and tee were long and hard work, even in a buggy; indeed it was overall a definite "buggy course" for most if not all of us. At least there was little or no restriction on where buggies might go on the course.
The Annex and Crowne Plaza rooms were well-appointed and met with general approval. The wining and dining was good, despite a mix-up over the menu for dinner on 7th and some rather slow service.
Results
HAGS/PWDGS Trophy Competition 7th & 8th August
Winner : Mike Lamont 58 pts
Runner-up : Alan Green 52 pts
Individual Competition 7th August
Winner : Les Thompson 28 pts
Runner-up : Alan Green 27 pts
Team Competition 7th August
Winners : Green, Herbert, Thompson 26.33 pts
Runners-up : Crockett, French, Lamont, Thomas 23.75 pts
Nearest Pin (No 9) 7th August Not claimed
Nearest Pin (No 15) 7th August Jeremy Crockett
Individual Competition 8th August
Winner : Nigel French 33 pts
Runner-up : Alan Green 25 pts (CB)
Nearest Pin (No 9) 8th August Mike Lamont
Nearest Pin (No 15) 8th August Jeremy Crockett
Planning for 2014
The main considerations for the arrangements for next year's outing remain as previously agreed, viz:
Location - south midlands or south central
Venue - possible venues mentioned were The Springs, Hellidon Lakes, Donnington Grove or Donnington Valley
Date - first or second week of August 2013
Duration - main event two days, but with the option of an additional day for those who want a longer outing
Buggies - unless the course is very flat, there need to be buggies available and usable all over the course
Accommodation - on site and at least 4-star standard
Participation open to members of other Hong Kong golfing group (ex-Football Club)