Information relating to the Seniors Section at Beeston Fields Golf Club
Thursday 16th July 2026
Top marks in Division 1 go to Phil Harrison, who produced an excellent 40 points to take the win. A round full of steady scoring and just enough sparkle to keep everyone else firmly in the rear‑view mirror. Rumours that he floated serenely down the 18th fairway remain unconfirmed.
Two points back was Drew Armstrong, returning a strong 38 points and continuing his run of form that suggests he may be quietly assembling a highlight reel for the end‑of‑season dinner.
Third place went to Graham Pretty, who posted 37 points and secured the position with a sharp back nine of 19 — a finish that will no doubt be mentioned with a modest shrug and a satisfied grin.
Also on 37 points was Stu Newland, edged out on countback with a back nine of 18, but still very much in the prizes and proving once again that he is never far from the action.
Division 2 produced the day’s standout score, with Kevin Giles storming home on 41 points — the sort of total that makes the rest of the division briefly consider taking up gardening instead.
Behind him came a tightly packed trio all on 37 points, separated only by the countback calculator:
Ed Easton claimed second place with a back six of 13,
Chris. Young took third with a back three of 8,
Andy Love completed the prize list with a back three of 5.
A close‑run contest and proof that Division 2 remains a lively and unpredictable battleground.
1st Phil Harrison, 40 pts £18
2nd Drew Armstrong 38 pts £16
3rd Graham Pretty 37 pts (B9 19) £14
4th Stu Newland 37 pts (B9 18) £12
1st Kev Giles 41 pts £18
2nd Ed Easton 37 pts (B6 13) £16
3rd Chris Young 37 pts (B3 8) £14
4th Andy Love 37 pts (B3 5) £12
36 players took part,
Another enjoyable morning’s golf, full of tight finishes, good humour, and just enough drama to keep the Seniors Section lively.
Full resultd in the results section
By Mr Phil Harrison, Seniors Captain, 2026 Beeston Fields Golf Club
Captain’s Day arrived with glorious sunshine and temperatures that would have made a Mediterranean beach bar proud. As the day wore on and the thermometer nudged past 33°C, the Seniors Section began to resemble a slow‑moving convoy of safari explorers: hats pulled tight, suncream applied with decorator‑level enthusiasm, and water bottles clutched like precious artefacts.
Golf trolleys, normally obedient creatures, started showing signs of independent thought. Many were spotted hugging the shade of the trees, clearly deciding that the fairway was far too exposed. Some golfers insisted this was tactical course management. Others admitted it was simply where their drives had finished. A few claimed their balls were beginning to soften in the heat.
But while many Seniors were gently roasting, a handful of pairs produced golf of genuine distinction. At the very top of the leaderboard stood Drew Armstrong and Dave Bull, who rose above the shimmering fairways and delivered a superb 45‑point better‑ball Stableford. This wasn’t just a good score — it was a performance worthy of the Captain’s Tray, one of the Seniors Section’s major honours‑board trophies. Their names will now be engraved for posterity, admired for years to come, and pointed at by future Seniors who will claim, “I could have won that… if it hadn’t been so hot.”
Second place went to Phil Hudson & Ade Firth, whose 43 points and excellent 24‑point back nine showed they were made of stern stuff. Steve D’Arcy & Lance Rosie also carded 43 points, their 23‑point back nine securing third place. In fourth, Tony Gilbert & Mike Gilbert posted a solid 41 points, proving that family harmony can survive even in extreme heat — a remarkable achievement in itself.
A magnificent effort by all prize winners on a day when many competitors were last seen fanning themselves with their scorecards.
A huge thank you to everyone who played, perspired, and persevered. Your support for Seniors competitions and inter‑club matches this year has been outstanding. Long may it continue — ideally at temperatures where golf balls don’t feel warm to the touch.
1st – Drew Armstrong & Dave Bull 45 points (B9 24) – £18 each
Winners of the Captain’s Tray
The photo shows the Captains Tray being presented by Captain Phil
2nd – Phil Hudson & Ade Firth 43 points (B9 24) – £16 each
3rd – Steve D’Arcy & Lance Rosie 43 points (B9 23) – £14 each
4th – Tony Gilbert & Mike Gilbert 41 points (B9 21) – £12 each
Stu Newland (£5)
Terry Randle (£5)
John Simpson
Seniors Secretary



The BFGC Seniors recorded another excellent home victory, winning 5–3 against Stanton on the Wolds GC. It was a close, competitive match played in warm conditions, with both teams taking full advantage of the extra distance available from the hard, dry fairways. Some shots bounced like they’d been struck on concrete, but the Beeston players adapted well and produced a strong overall performance.
After four matches the score stood at 2–2, with two tight wins for Beeston Fields — both decided on the 18th green — and two narrow defeats. From there, the Seniors stepped up a gear, with three superb wins in the middle order securing the match.
Seniors Captain Phil Harrison partnered Anil Patani, and despite Phil still recovering from the emotional trauma of the most boring world cup final ever, the pair battled superbly. The match went all the way to the 18th, where Phil and Anil held their nerve to secure a 1 UP win. A gritty start and a valuable point.
Lance Rosie and Tim Hawkins faced a strong Stanton pairing and were narrowly defeated 2&1. Both played well, using their shots wisely, but Stanton’s steadiness on the firm greens proved just enough to edge the match.
Terry Unwin and Keki Ashburner fought hard but slipped to a 3&1 defeat. Stanton’s pair made full use of their lower handicaps, and despite some excellent approach play from Terry and Keki, the visitors levelled the overall score at 2–2.
John Swan and Kev Murray delivered another nail‑biting finish, winning 1 UP on the 18th. John’s length off the tee (still under investigation by the Seniors Handicap Committee) and Kev’s steady short game proved a winning combination. Their narrow victory kept Beeston firmly in the contest.
A superb performance from Andy Lowe and Eddie Easton produced a commanding 4&3 win. Andy’s accuracy and Eddie’s reliable putting kept Stanton under pressure throughout, giving Beeston their third point of the day and swinging the momentum decisively.
The outstanding win of the day came from Tony Gilbert and Martin Bottomley, who triumphed 5&4 with a dominant display of controlled, confident golf. Tony’s crisp iron play and Martin’s consistency proved too strong for Stanton, earning Beeston their fourth point and delighting the home supporters.
Keith Evans and Malcolm Leivers added another excellent point with a 3&1 win. Keith’s steady tee shots and Malcolm’s clever use of his handicap shots ensured Beeston stayed ahead, sealing the match victory.
The final match saw John Sallis and Bob Jones narrowly defeated 1 DOWN. They fought hard all the way to the last green, but Stanton’s pair held on to claim their third and final point of the day.
A close, competitive match with excellent golf from both sides — and another strong home win for the Seniors. Thanks again to all who played, including the late substitutes, whose contributions ensured a full and successful team performance.
The weather at Birstall was pleasantly more moderate than on some recent outings, and the BFGC Seniors enjoyed a competitive and good‑humoured away match. The fairways were still firm enough to produce the occasional odd bounce—just like at home—and the team refused to be distracted by the robot mowing machines roaming the course like slow‑moving hazards.
By the end of the morning, a hard‑fought 4–4 draw was secured, a result that, combined with the earlier home win, was enough to retain the annual wooden trophy for the aggregate home‑and‑away matches between Beeston Fields and Birstall.
Seniors Captain Phil Harrison partnered Andy Beer, who brought genuine local connections to the match—Andy’s father having been both Captain and President of Birstall, fondly remembered by many of their players and staff. Despite solid golf and some useful local knowledge, the Beeston pair were narrowly beaten 2&1, one of four tight defeats by that scoreline.
Andy Lowe and Rob McWilliam delivered Beeston’s first point of the day with a gritty 3&2 win, combining steady ball‑striking with sharp short‑game work. Their control of the middle holes kept Birstall under pressure and added a valuable second point to the Beeston tally.
The Beeston pairing of John Swan & Matt Lavelle went down by 2&1 in close contest. The firm fairways and tricky approaches favoured the home side just enough to tip the balance, despite determined play from the Beeston duo.
Another Beeston pairing of John Hopwood & Ade Firth suffered a narrow 2&1 defeat, again in a match that could easily have gone the other way. Birstall’s local knowledge and the odd bounce on the firm fairways combined to edge the home side ahead.
Lance Rosie and Phil Hudson produced an excellent 1 UP win. The match was tight throughout, but Lance’s accuracy and Phil’s calm approach under pressure proved decisive over the closing holes—a superb away victory that got Beeston properly into the match.
A standout performance came from Ray Stevenson and Malcolm Leivers, who recorded a confident 4&3 victory. Using their handicap shots wisely and putting solidly on the firm greens, they never allowed the home side back into the match.
The fourth and final Beeston defeat by 2&1 came in Match 7, where Bill Hurrel & Julian Ennis had another close encounter where small margins and local knowledge made the difference. Despite good golf, the point went to Birstall.
The final match saw Martin Bottomley and Drew Armstrong deliver a superb 4&3 win, closing out the day in style. Their confident approach play and steady putting ensured Beeston finished strongly and secured the overall draw.
A very creditable away draw, with four narrow defeats balanced by four excellent wins. And, thanks to the earlier 6½–1½ home victory, Beeston Fields retain the wooden trophy for another year—now proudly residing back at the club. The photo shows BFGC Captain Phil Harrison receiving the Tropy from Birstall Seniors Captain Steve Merrall (photo in the news section).
Thanks to all who played and represented BFGC with pride and good humour.
Full results are in the News Section
The next three Senior Matches are:
RUDDINGTON GRANGE AWAY Friday Sep 04
BF LADIES HOME Wednesday Sep 09
WOLLATON PARK AWAY Monday Sep 14
These matches will be available to book on the website from23rd July, and will remain open until 16th August, when team selections will be made.
To be considered for selection, please go to the SENIORS drop‑down menu, select Inter‑Club Matches, and complete the Match Sign‑Up Form.
The Senior Matches against
THE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE HOME Monday Aug 10
STANTON O/T WOLDS AWAY Monday Aug 17
CHILWELL MANOR AWAY Monday Aug 24
The above matches are with the Captain for selection
The Senior Matches against
Mon 27th July - Wollaton Park G. C. (Home)Mon
3rd August - Kedleston Park G. C. (Home)Thu
6th August - Longcliffe G. C. (Home)
These teams have now been selected and published in the News section.
Players representing the team are kindly asked to wear the Senior Men’s Club colours:
navy blue sweater and white polo shirt, both embroidered with the Club Badge.
Singles Medal White Tees 95% Handicap (Q)
This Competition will be in 2 Divisions
Division 1 0 - 16 playing handicap
Division 2 17+ playing handicap
This is a qualifying competition for handicap purposes.
Please book your tee time via BRS normally for Thursday.
Obtain your scorecard from the Pro shop and sign in to the competition on the How Did I Do system before you tee off
This will enter you into the comp and deduct the entry fee from your competition purse. Please ensure you have sufficient funds in your purse.
Enter full names and handicaps on your scorecard and exchange it with a partner for scoring purposes. At the end of the round. check your card and score, ensuring the Player and Scorer sign it.
Enter your score electronically into the How Did I Do system
Place the signed scorecard into the SENIORS letter box in the Players Lounge in the Club House
ALL OTHER CARDS WILL BE DISREGARDED.