Seniors Section

    Senior Men’s Section – October 2026 Update

Annual Presentation Day and Annual Review Meeting

We’ll be holding our Annual Presentation Day and Annual Review Meeting on:

Thursday 5th November – 1.30pm

you can find last year’s minutes and the programme of events, iin the clubs PDF section

Before all that excitement, there’s an American Greensome 14‑hole comp at 9.30am. The start sheet will be on the noticeboard Tuesday at 1.00pm, so feel free to rush over and elbow each other out of the way for your preferred slot.

We’ll be awarding prizes for the comp and all our annual honours‑board trophies. We would ask EVERYONE to stay for this — especially if you’ve won something this year. It’s your chance to applaud, influence, and possibly confuse the committee, who work tirelessly on your behalf (and occasionally on behalf of the bar staff).

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Seniors Winter Stableford No. 2

Forty-one Seniors, a birdie from the winner, and enough countbacks to keep the Competition Secretary occupied all afternoon.

A tremendous turnout of 41 players supported Winter Stableford No. 2, proving that a drop in temperature does little to dampen the Seniors' enthusiasm for competitive golf. The scoring was impressive throughout the field, with seven players collecting prize money and several others left wondering where that one missing point had gone.

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🏆 Patani Tops the Leaderboard

Leading the way was Anil Patani, who returned an excellent 38 points to claim first prize and continue his impressive run of form.

Anil's winning round featured 1 birdie and 1 par, and his total was enough to finish two points clear of his nearest challenger. In a Stableford competition where every point counts, that proved a comfortable margin by winter standards.

His reward was a well-deserved £22 first prize and, perhaps more importantly, the opportunity to remind everybody about it in the clubhouse afterwards.

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🥈 Carruthers Takes Second

Second place went to Alasdair Carruthers, who posted a very solid 36 points to secure £20.

While unable to match Patani's winning total, Alasdair comfortably led the chasing pack and continued a season in which his name seems to appear rather frequently near the top of the results sheets.

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🥉 Heselton Completes the Podium

Third place went to Kent Heselton with 35 points, earning £18.

Kent's steady scoring kept him firmly in contention throughout and secured the final podium place ahead of a tightly packed group of players on 34 points.

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🏅 Countback Fever for the Remaining Places

The battle for the remaining prize spots was extremely close, with four players all finishing on 34 points.

Matt Lavelle claimed fourth place thanks to the strongest finish of the group, recording a back nine of 18, earning £16.

Russell Holmes took fifth place with a back nine of 16 and collected £14.

Nick Titmus finished sixth with a back nine of 15 and a superior back six of 10, receiving £12.

Andy Lowe also recorded a back nine of 15, but his back six of 9 left him seventh on countback, earning £10.

As is often the case in Stableford competitions, countback proved that every point on the closing holes can be worth its weight in gold.

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🌟 A Warm Welcome to New Seniors Members

Winter Stableford No. 2 also saw three of our newer Seniors making an immediate impact on the prize list.

A warm welcome goes to Nick Titmus, and Kent Heselton,  bothl of whom were playing in Seniors competitions as official members for the first time.

As is customary, their £2 Seniors membership fee was deducted from their prize winnings, although judging by their performances they should have little difficulty earning it back in the coming months.

Particularly impressive was Kent Heselton's third-place finish with 35 points, while  Nick Titmus featured prominently in the tightly contested group on 34 points.

We hope you enjoyed being part of the Seniors Section and look forward to seeing them feature regularly in future competitions.

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📌 Closing Notes

Winter Stableford No. 2 produced an excellent turnout, some impressive scoring, and a leaderboard packed with close finishes. Congratulations to Anil Patani on an excellent winning score of 38 points, and to all the prize winners who successfully negotiated both the golf course and the countback system.

The winter season is now gathering momentum, and if this competition is anything to go by, there will be plenty more close finishes before spring finally arrives. Meanwhile, the rest of the field can console themselves with the traditional golfer's promise:

"I hit it much better than the score suggests." 🏌️‍♂️❄️

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Seniors Winter Stableford No. 1

Thirty hardy Seniors, five pars from the winner, and countback calculations brought into action before winter has even properly arrived.

With the golfing season edging towards winter, a field of 30 Seniors turned out for the first Winter Stableford of the season. Conditions may have been cooler, but the competition at the top of the leaderboard was anything but, with just a single point separating the leading trio.

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🏆 Shields Gets Off to a Flying Start

James Shields claimed the title with an excellent 34 points, built on a solid round featuring 5 pars. In a competition where every point mattered, Shields kept the card ticking over nicely and did just enough to stay ahead of the chasing pack.

His victory margin was a slender one point, but as every golfer knows, one point looks exactly the same as ten points on the honours board.

James collected £18 for his efforts and, more importantly, earned the right to remind everyone of it in the clubhouse afterwards.

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🥈 Schofield Takes Second on Countback

One point behind on 33 points was Steve C. Schofield, who secured second place after countback was called into action.

With a back nine score of 18 and a back six of 12, Steve edged ahead of the other players tied on 33 points, proving that a strong finish can make all the difference.

Steve received £16 for his efforts and can consider himself unfortunate to run into a man who found that extra point.

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🥉 Harrison Claims Third

Also posting 33 points, David Harrison took third place. His back six score of 11 left him narrowly behind Schofield in the countback calculations, but it was still an excellent round and worthy of a place on the podium.

David collected £14 and can reflect on a round that kept him firmly in contention throughout.

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🏅 Patani Leads the Chasing Pack

Fourth place went to Anil Patani, who also finished on 33 points, but his back-nine score of 15 left him just outside the main prize positions after a series of countbacks.

Completing the prize winners were:

• 5th: John Sallis - 31 points (Back 9: 16) - £10
• 6th: Kevin Giles - 31 points (Back 9: 15) - £8

With three players tied on 33 points and two more tied on 31 points, the countback calculator enjoyed one of its busiest afternoons of the season.

📌 Closing Notes

Winter Stableford No. 1 produced exactly what a Stableford competition should: plenty of close scoring, several countbacks, and a clubhouse full of players convinced that one more putt dropping would have transformed their day.

Congratulations to James Shields on getting the winter season off to a winning start. With five pars and 34 points, he set the benchmark for everyone else to chase.

The rest of the field will no doubt be back for Winter Stableford No. 2, armed with fresh determination, revised swing thoughts, and the firm belief that this week's mistakes were entirely caused by the weather. ❄️

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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.

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 29th Oct 2026

Seniors Pairs Betterball Stableford Competition - (NQ)

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