Seniors The Guy Birkin Trophy Charity Comp SHOTGUN START Result

Guy Birkin Trophy – Cancer Research Cup

8th October 2026

(Pairs betterball, charity spirit, and a countback that worked harder than half the field.)

The Seniors Section turned out in force for the annual Guy Birkin Trophy — Cancer Research Cup a day where competitive golf meets generosity, camaraderie, and the occasional muttered apology to one’s partner.

This year’s event was generously sponsored by Chris Tunnicliffe, who teamed up with Seniors Captain Phil Harrison and ensured that every penny raised went directly to Cancer Research UK. The support was outstanding: 48 players took part, smashing expectations and filling the course with good humour, good golf, and the occasional questionable club selection.

A superb £270 was donated to CRUK — made up of £240 in entry fees and £30 in additional donations. A tremendous effort from everyone involved, and a reminder of what the Seniors Section does best: golf, generosity, and organised chaos.

🏆 Winners – Potter & Dale Lift the Trophy

Dave Potter & Vince Dale produced a superb betterball performance, scoring 42 points and winning on countback thanks to a brilliant back‑nine of 22 and back‑six of 16.

Their round combined steady scoring with timely bursts of brilliance — the sort of partnership where one player steps up just as the other mutters “I’ve let you down there.”

Their reward:

• £30 each

• A bottle of wine

• A sleeve of golf balls

• And the Guy Birkin Trophy, presented by Captain Phil Harrison with sponsor Chris Tunnicliffe proudly looking on.

A deserved victory from a pairing that clearly clicked from the first tee.

🥈 Second Place – Evans & Hopwood

Also finishing on 42 points, Keith Evans & John Hopwood pushed the winners all the way. Their back‑nine of 22 matched Potter & Dale, but the back‑six of 13 left them just short in the final calculation.

Still, a cracking performance — and Hopwood continues his run of strong results this season.

They each received £17.

🥉 Third Place – Robinson & Hill

In third place, Mark Robinson & Jeremy Hill posted 42 points as well, proving just how tight the competition was. Their back‑nine of 20 kept them in the mix but wasn’t quite enough to challenge the top two pairs.

A solid, well‑balanced round from a partnership that clearly enjoys the betterball format.

They each received £15.

🏅 Fourth Place – Grewcock & Carruthers

Rounding out the prizes, Richard Grewcock & Alasdair Carruthers finished with 42 points, their back‑nine of 19 placing them fourth after the countback marathon.

They each received £13.

Alasdair Carruthers also added to his day’s achievements by winning Nearest the Pin on the 3rd, while Vince Dale claimed Nearest the Pin on the 18th — proving that the winners were accurate as well as consistent.

Both nearest‑pin winners received:

• A bottle of wine

• A sleeve of golf balls

🎟️ Card Draw Winners (£5 each)

A little extra luck went the way of:

• Drew Armstrong

• Edward Easton

Always a welcome surprise — especially for those whose golf didn’t quite go to plan.

💷 Charity & Prize Summary

• 48 players

• £270 donated to Cancer Research UK

• Countback activity: intense

• Complaints: surprisingly few

• Enjoyment level: high

• Wine consumed: classified

📌 Closing Notes

Chris Tunnicliffe gave a heartfelt speech thanking everyone for their generosity and support for Cancer Research UK, and expressed his hope that next year’s event will be even bigger.

The day was a resounding success — excellent golf, excellent turnout, excellent fundraising. And with the winners proudly photographed receiving the trophy from Senior Captain Phil Harrison with sponsor Chris Tunnicliffe proudly looking on, it was a fitting end to a memorable charity competition.

The Competition Manager for this fixture was Alasdair Carruthers