Seniors Section

Seniors Captain's Welcome 2027

As Seniors Captain for 2027, I would like to welcome all members of the BFGC Senior Men's Section. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Seniors gang for the past four or five years and will do my very best to ensure that we all enjoy our golf during the coming year.

Please do put your names down for our Senior Competitions, which are held on Thursdays. Tee times can be booked in advance through BRS, and competition entries are made on the day via HowDidiDo. Please check the Seniors website regularly for details and updates, and do take care when completing your scorecards.

Please also feel free to put your names down for the Seniors Inter-Club Matches via the Seniors website. These are held mostly, though not exclusively, on Mondays throughout 2027. Away matches are often more popular, so please try to volunteer for some home matches too. Many members like to pair a home and away fixture against the same club.

When matches are oversubscribed, I will do my best to be fair with team selection. It's not about picking the "best" players every time - after all, we can't all be Ryder Cup standard! Everyone who wishes to play will have the opportunity to do so, regardless of handicap. Experience has shown that high and low handicap combinations often work very well in Fourball Betterball match play, and there will be plenty of opportunity to play alongside both old friends and new acquaintances.

I could say that these matches are all about enjoying the day rather than winning or losing, but let's be honest... It's always nice to win as well! 😊

My Seniors Captain's Away Day is planned for Thursday, July 2nd 2027, at Scraptoft Golf Club. It will be an exchange visit, making it relatively inexpensive and not too far to travel. I am sure many of you will have played there before, and I hope to see a large turnout for what should be an enjoyable day.

I look forward to meeting and playing with as many of you as possible during 2027 and wish you all a happy, healthy and successful golfing year.

Best wishes,

Rob McWilliam
Senior Men’s Captain,
Beeston Fields Golf Club, 2027

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Seniors American Greensomes (14 Holes)

Forty-six players, plenty of teamwork, and proof that choosing the right partner can be almost as important as finding the fairway.

A superb field of 46 Seniors turned out for the latest American Greensomes competition on 5th November 2026 played over 14 holes. As always with Greensomes, success depended on teamwork, communication, and occasionally pretending not to notice your partner's tee shot disappearing in entirely the wrong direction.

The scoring was exceptionally close, with only three points separating the first five pairs and a countback required to separate two teams tied for fourth place.

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🏆 Milburn & Beale Take the Honours

Top spot went to Peter Milburn and Marcus Beale, whose excellent score of 30 points proved enough to secure a well-deserved victory.

The winning pair combined steady scoring with consistent teamwork throughout the round to finish one point clear of the field and collect £18 each.

A fine performance and a worthy winning score in a closely fought competition.

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🥈 Armstrong & Bull Close Behind

Second place went to Drew Armstrong and Dave Bull, who returned an excellent 29 points.

Just one point separated them from the winners, showing how little margin there was for error over the 14-hole format. Their efforts earned them £16 each.

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🥉 Douglas & Wilson Complete the Podium

Third place was claimed by Paul Douglas and Steve Wilson with 28 points.

A solid round throughout kept them firmly in contention and secured the final podium position, along with £14 each.

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🏅 Countback Required for Fourth Place

The battle for fourth and fifth places proved particularly tight, with both pairs finishing on 27 points.

Andy Hunt and Jeremy Hill secured fourth place thanks to a stronger finish, recording a back five score of 11. That earned them £12 each.

Agonisingly close behind were Phil Hudson and Graham Pretty, whose back five score of 10 left them in fifth place despite matching the overall score. They received £10 each.

It is further evidence that every point counts, especially on the closing holes.

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🎟️ Card Draw Winners

A little extra luck went to four players in the card draw, each receiving £5:

• Terry Unwin
• Matt Lavelle
• Stu Newland
• John Hopwood

For some, it was a welcome consolation. For others, it was probably the most accurate thing they managed all day.

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💷 Prize Fund Summary

The excellent turnout generated:

• 46 players
• Entry fees collected: £161
• Prizes paid out: £160
• Retained for Seniors Funds: £1

Once again, the Treasurer was delighted to discover that the figures balanced almost perfectly.

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📌 Closing Notes

The American Greensomes format once again proved popular, producing plenty of competitive golf, good-natured banter, and a leaderboard packed with closely matched scores.

Congratulations to Peter Milburn and Marcus Beale on their victory, and well done to all the prize winners. With just a single point separating first and second place, and a countback deciding fourth, this was another reminder that in Seniors golf every shot matters... especially the ones your partner has to play next! 🏌️‍♂️🏆🏌️‍♂️

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John Simpson
Seniors Secretary

Guy Birkin Trophy

Captain Phil Harrison Winners Vince Dale and David Potter, Main Sponsor Chris Tunnicliffe

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Seniors Inter‑Club Match Reports & details below 

Beeston Fields vs Worksop (Home)

Monday 21st September 2026

After last week’s traumatic expedition to Wollaton Park — where the Seniors were last seen wandering the deer park in a daze, muttering phrases like “How did that happen?” and “Is it too early for lunch?” — the Beeston Fields team responded in the most emphatic way possible.

In the final inter‑club match of the 2026 season, they produced a magnificent 7½–½ home victory over Worksop. It was the kind of performance that said: “We’re finishing this season on our terms — and preferably before the steak and chips go cold.”

It was the perfect bounce‑back performance: confident, ruthless, and sprinkled with just enough mischief to remind everyone that Fortress Beeston is still very much intact.Six matches finished early on the 13th, 14th or 15th greens, one wrapped up on the 17th, and only one went the full distance — and even that one didn’t lose. The Worksop team were gracious, the weather behaved, and the catering staff delivered steak and chips so good that several players briefly forgot their handicaps, their aches, and the Wollaton scoreline.

And in a twist that now feels less like coincidence and more like destiny, Martin Bottomley, who heroically secured our only half point at Wollaton, did it again — this time alongside last‑minute super‑sub Jim Shields. Martin is now officially recognised as:

“The Half‑Point Whisperer.”

A perfect end to the 2026 campaign.

Match 1 – Phil Harrison (Capt) & Peter Bull W 4&3

The Captain and Peter came out like men determined to erase all memories of Wollaton. Phil’s tee shots were laser‑guided, Peter’s short game was sharper than a new wedge, and Worksop simply couldn’t keep up. They wrapped things up on the 15th, leaving Phil smiling like a man who’d already chosen his dessert.

Match 2 – Matt Lavelle & Rob McWilliam W 5&3

Vice‑Captain Matt and the ever‑dependable Rob delivered a stylish 5&3 win, shaking hands on the 15th. Matt’s calm authority and Rob’s steady rhythm proved too strong for Worksop. A classy point — and a reminder that Matt’s captaincy record (played one, won one) still stands.

Match 3 – Marcus Beale & Dave Bull W 5&4

Marcus and Dave combined beautifully, producing a confident 5&4 victory. Marcus’s ball‑striking was excellent, Dave’s putting was steady, and the pair never looked in trouble. They wrapped things up on the 14th, just in time for an early sit‑down.

Match 4 – Mike Gilbert & Ray Stevenson W 6&5

The Standout performance of the day from Mike and Ray, who cruised to a 6&5 win. Mike’s irons were crisp, Ray’s touch around the greens was pure class, and Worksop were left wondering what had hit them. Another handshake on the 13th — the earliest finish of the day.

Match 5 – John Hopwood & Bob Jones W 2&1

John and Bob delivered a tidy 2&1 victory, shaking hands on the 17th — the longest match of the day, but still a comfortable win. John’s accuracy off the tee and Bob’s calm short game kept constant pressure on their opponents. Another excellent point.

Match 6 – Lance Rosie & Andy Lowe W 5&3

One of the standout performances. Lance and Andy combined brilliantly for a 5&3 win, finishing on the 15th. Lance’s trademark accuracy and Andy’s composed play made this pairing look very much in control.

Match 7 – Drew Armstrong & Ade Firth W 6&4

Another strong win from Drew and Ade, who triumphed 6&4. Drew’s putting was sharp, Ade’s ball‑striking was solid, and Worksop simply couldn’t keep pace. Yet another handshake on the 14th.

Match 8 – Jim Shields & Martin Bottomley A/S

The only match to go the full distance — and the only one not to finish early. Jim (called up at the last minute) and Martin battled superbly to secure a half point. Martin, having earned our only half at Wollaton, clearly decided to keep the theme going. He is now officially:

“Mr Postman — Guaranteed to Deliver.”

Their half point completed the scoring and ensured the season ended on a high.

Final Score: Beeston Fields 7½ – ½ Worksop

A superb response to last week’s disappointment, and a brilliant way to finish the 2026 season:

Great golf. Great spirit. Great steak and chips. The Seniors couldn’t have asked for a better finale.

Thanks again to all who played — especially the late subs — for making the final fixture of the year such a memorable one.

Full results are in the News Section

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Wollaton Park vs Beeston Fields (Away)

Monday 14th September 2026

The Beeston Fields Seniors arrived at Wollaton Park in high spirits, admiring the magnificent deer, the immaculate greens, and the fairways so lush that several players had to be reminded they were allowed to stand on them. Sadly, the golf did not quite match the scenery.

In fact, this was — let’s not sugar‑coat it — our biggest defeat of the season, a resounding 7½–½ thumping. The Wollaton Park team played superbly, and the Beeston lads… well… they enjoyed the walk.

But all was not lost. Thanks to the heroic efforts of Greg Duthie and Martin Bottomley, we avoided the dreaded 8–0 whitewash. Their fighting half point deserves applause, medals, and possibly a commemorative bench.

Match 1 – Phil Harrison & Dave Bonser L 5&4

A tough opener for Phil and Dave, who ran into opponents playing golf of such quality that even the deer stopped to watch. Phil struck the ball well, Dave fought hard, but Wollaton’s pair were relentless and closed out the match 5&4. A challenging start, but the lads remained cheerful — possibly helped by the promise of lunch.

Match 2 – Andy Beer & Malcolm Leivers L 1 DOWN

Andy and Malcolm produced a gritty performance, staying in the match all the way to the 18th. They used their shots well, kept things tight, and made Wollaton work for every hole. Sadly, the home side edged ahead at the last to win 1 DOWN. A narrow defeat, but a strong effort.

Match 3 – John Swan & Andy Lowe L 1 DOWN

Another close contest, with John and Andy Lowe battling hard but just missing out. John’s length off the tee (still under investigation by the Seniors Handicap Committee) kept them competitive, and Andy’s steady play kept the pressure on. But Wollaton found a key putt late on to win 1 DOWN.

Match 4 – Jim Shields & Bob Jones L 2 DOWN

Jim and Bob kept their match competitive throughout, with Jim’s tidy approach play and Bob’s reliable putting keeping them in the hunt. But Wollaton’s pair found crucial shots at the right moments and secured a 2 DOWN win. Jim was last seen muttering about “those greens being too perfect.”

Match 5 – Drew Armstrong & Ray Stevenson L 3&2

A spirited performance from Drew and Ray, who produced some excellent golf but were beaten 3&2 by opponents who made full use of their shots. Drew’s putting was sharp, Ray’s touch around the greens kept them close, but the home side proved too strong. The deer approved, though.

Match 6 – Greg Duthie & Martin Bottomley A/S

The heroes of the day. Greg and Martin battled superbly to secure a halved match, earning Beeston Fields their only positive result. Their resilience ensured we avoided the dreaded 8–0 scoreline. Rumour has it the Captain is considering awarding them honorary life membership.

Match 7 – Anil Patani & Rob McWilliam L 6&4

A tough match for Anil and Rob, whose opponents played extremely strongly and secured a 6&4 win. Anil kept battling, Rob used his shots well, but Wollaton’s pair were in top form. The deer were impressed. Our lads were… less so.

Match 8 – Graham Pretty & Peter Bowler L 2&1

The final pairing of Graham and Peter fought hard but slipped to a 2&1 defeat. Graham’s accuracy off the tee and Peter’s composed play kept them competitive, but Wollaton’s pair held firm on the closing stretch. A tough finish to a tough day.

Final Score: Wollaton Park 7½ – ½ Beeston Fields

A difficult day at the office, but played in great spirit on a superb course. Special congratulations to Greg Duthie and Martin Bottomley, whose fighting half point ensured we avoided the ignominy of an 8–0 whitewash.

Thanks again to all who played — including the late subs — for representing Beeston Fields with commitment, humour, and resilience. The deer enjoyed it. We’ll enjoy it more next year.

Full results are in the News Section

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Bearable Cup Match Report (Men’s Version… naturally)

BFGC Men's Seniors v BFGC Laidies

Wednesday 9th September 2026

The annual Bearable Cup once again rolled into Beeston Fields like a travelling circus of hopeful tee‑shots, nervous putts, and men quietly praying the ladies wouldn’t unleash another 4‑pointer from nowhere. But rejoice, gentlemen — the Senior Men emerged victorious by 4–2, reclaiming bragging rights and ensuring the trophy doesn’t spend another winter in the Ladies’ locker room.

A Close‑Run Thing (despite what Phil will tell you)

The final scoreline looks tidy, but the reality was anything but. Two matches finished all square, and two wins were scraped 1 up on the final hole, meaning the men were only ever one mis‑club, one mis‑read putt, or one lady shouting “I’ve got a shot here!” away from calamity.

The Partnerships – Heroes, Survivors, and Fashion Criminals

• Phil & Eddie – All Square A solid half, achieved despite Phil spending most of the round explaining the format and Eddie trying to remember whether he’d already used his shot on that hole.

• Rob & Julian – W 3&1 The best win of the day. Calm, controlled, and suspiciously professional. Rumours that Rob brought a clipboard and Julian wore his “serious socks” remain unconfirmed.

• Terry & Malcolm – Lost 3&2 Terry Unwin attempted psychological warfare by arriving in a bright pink polo shirt, presumably to distract the opposition or to be visible from space. Unfortunately, the tactic backfired spectacularly. Instead of unsettling their opponents, Terry and partner Malcolm Leivers slumped to a 3&2 defeat, proving once again that fashion is not a weapon—at least not in Terry’s hands.

• Andy & Ade – All Square A gritty half, with Andy providing the steady golf and Ade providing the entertainment. Several witnesses reported Ade muttering “She’s got HOW many shots?” at least six times.

• Lance & Bill – W 1 Up A nail‑biter. Lance’s calm demeanour and Bill’s ability to produce a par exactly when needed proved just enough to sneak home on the final hole.

• Jim & Ray – W 1 Up Another tight victory. Jim’s steady play combined with Ray’s occasional bursts of brilliance carried them over the line. Annette and Carol eventually ran out of 4‑pointers, which helped.

The Format Strikes Again

The better‑ball Stableford matchplay format once again ensured that the ladies’ higher handicaps were used with maximum efficiency. Several gentlemen were seen staring at their cards in disbelief as yet another “net birdie” appeared from nowhere. One man was overheard saying, “I swear she’s got more shots than are drunk in the bar on Captain’s Night.”

Thanks and Appreciation

A big thank you to Matt Lavalle and John Swan for organising the match with their usual blend of efficiency, diplomacy, and the ability to find last‑minute substitutes who don’t ask too many questions.

And thanks to all who played, including the late subs who were lured in with promises of fish and chips and vague threats about next year’s selection policy.

Full results are in the News Section

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Next Fixture

Thu 12th Nov 2026

Seniors 18 Hole Singles Stableford No 3 - (NQ)

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