Seniors Section

    Senior Men’s Section – August 2026 Update

SENIORS MEDAL No. 5 – Competition Report

Played Thursday 13th August 2026 Beeston Fields Seniors Section

A compact but competitive field of 26 Seniors assembled for Medal No. 5, armed with determination, sunscreen, and the usual assortment of swing theories. Prize money was divided pro‑rata, ensuring that every crisp iron shot and every slightly‑panicked chip had financial significance.

🏆 Division 1 – Tight Scoring and a Familiar Face on Top

With 15 players in Division 1, the leaderboard produced three excellent medal rounds — and a finish that kept the countback calculator busy.

• 1st – John. Hopwood Nett 69 – £18 Hopwood delivered a composed medal round, keeping the ball in play and the mistakes to a minimum. A tidy 69 secured top spot and a healthy payout.

• 2nd – Graham. Pretty Nett 70 – £16 Graham continued his strong summer form with another podium finish. A solid round, just one shot shy of the winner.

• 3rd – Alasdair. Carruthers Nett 71 – £14 Carruthers claimed third with a steady performance, proving once again that consistency is king in medal golf.

Division 1 scoring was neat, controlled, and mercifully free of any “I’ve never been in that bunker before” incidents.

🏆 Division 2 – A Runaway Winner and Two Steady Chasers

Division 2 featured 11 players, and one man decided to make the rest of the field look like they were playing a different course.

• 1st – Keith. Evans Nett 66 – £16 A superb round — the lowest score of the day by a comfortable margin. Evans’ card was described by playing partners as “annoyingly good.”

• 2nd – Anton Craddock Nett 69 – £14 Craddock produced a strong medal round, finishing three shots behind the leader and well clear of the rest.

• 3rd – Anil Patani Nett 73 – £12 Patani secured third with a steady performance, keeping the ball moving forward and the card respectable.

Division 2 offered drama, determination, and at least one moment where a player stared at their putter as though it had personally betrayed them.

📌 Closing Notes

Medal No. 5 delivered strong scoring, good humour, and only a modest amount of ball‑hunting in the shrubbery. Congratulations to all prize winners, and commiserations to those whose rounds contained “character‑building” holes.

The Seniors march on to the next fixture with optimism, determination, and at least one player insisting they’ve “finally sorted their swing.”

SENIORS MEDAL No. 4 – Competition Report

Played Thursday 23rd July 2026 

A warm July morning greeted 36 Seniors for Medal No. 4 — a day of steady scoring, tight finishes, and the usual mixture of optimism, disbelief, and selective amnesia regarding certain holes. With prize money divided pro‑rata, both divisions produced close contests and a few raised eyebrows.

🏆 Division 1 – A Four‑Way Scrap Worth Watching

Division 1 delivered one of the tightest finishes of the season, with the top four separated by just two shots. The back‑nine countback was busier than the clubhouse coffee machine.

• 1st – Graham Pretty Nett 69 (Back 9: 35) – £18 A composed round from Graham, who kept the ball in play, the nerves under control, and the Treasurer happy.

• 2nd – Mark Brook Nett 69 (Back 9: 36) – £16 Mark matched the winning score but lost out by a single shot on the back nine. Still, a cracking medal round.

• 3rd – Steve Wilson Nett 71 (Back 3: 11) – £14 Steve’s finish was strong enough to win the countback for third — proof that sometimes the final three holes do matter.

• 4th – Derek Robbins Nett 71 (Back 3: 13) – £12 Derek was edged out of third by two shots on the last three holes, but still produced a tidy medal round worthy of applause.

21 players competed in Division 1.

🏆 Division 2 – Steady Scoring and a Clear Winner

Division 2 produced another close contest, with three solid medal rounds taking the prizes.

• 1st – Anil Patani Nett 71 – £18 A calm, controlled round from Anil, who kept mistakes to a minimum and the scoring steady.

• 2nd – Terry Unwin Nett 72 – £16 Terry’s dependable medal golf earned him second place — a round described by playing partners as “quietly efficient.”

• 3rd – Peter Bowler Nett 74 – £14 Peter secured third with a solid performance, keeping the ball moving forward and the card respectable.

15 players competed in Division 2.

💷 Prize Fund Summary

With prize money divided pro‑rata:

• Total players: 36

• Division 1 payout: £18 / £16 / £14 / £12

• Division 2 payout: £18 / £16 / £14

• All prizes allocated correctly and Treasurer still smiling

📌 Closing Notes

A well‑supported medal event with tight finishes, good humour, and only a modest amount of ball‑hunting in the shrubbery. Congratulations to all prize winners, and commiserations to those whose rounds contained “learning opportunities.”

The Seniors march on to the next fixture with optimism, determination, and at least one player insisting they’ve “finally sorted their swing.”

John Simpson
Seniors Secretary

Seniors Inter‑Club Match Reports & details below 

Beeston Fields vs The Nottinghamshire (Home)

Monday 10th August 2026

The BFGC Seniors’ proud 100% home record for the 2026 season came under serious early pressure in this match. After the first three pairings, Beeston found themselves trailing 2½–½, and the Captain — outwardly calm but inwardly rehearsing his post‑match excuses — began to wonder whether Fortress Beeston was finally about to be breached.

Would this be the day the walls came tumbling down?

He need not have worried. The brave Beeston Fields Seniors mounted a determined fightback, adding two more halves and three superb wins, turning the match around for a narrow but richly deserved 4½–3½ victory. The match was played in excellent spirit, with both teams producing fine golf on firm fairways and fast greens. And once again, thanks to the late substitutes who stepped in and contributed to a memorable morning.

Match 1 – Phil Harrison (Capt) & Vince Dale L 1 DOWN

The opening pairing of Captain Phil Harrison and Vince Dale faced a tough Nottinghamshire duo. Phil struck the ball well, but a couple of firm‑fairway bounces behaved like they’d been programmed by a mischievous robot mower. Vince contributed steady golf throughout, but the visitors edged ahead on the closing holes, leaving Beeston 1 DOWN and already on the back foot.

Match 2 – Eddie Easton & Ade Firth A/S

Eddie Easton and Ade Firth produced a gritty performance, refusing to let Nottinghamshire extend their lead. Eddie’s short game was sharp, and Ade used his shots cleverly, especially on the long par‑4s where the fairways were running like airport runways. Their match finished all square, a valuable half point — but Beeston still trailed overall.

Match 3 – Tony Gilbert & John Sallis L 1 DOWN

The third pairing of Tony Gilbert and John Sallis fought hard but were narrowly beaten 1 DOWN. Tony’s iron play was crisp, and John’s putting kept them in the contest, but Nottinghamshire’s pair found just enough at the right moments. At 2½–½, the Captain’s outward calm was beginning to look suspiciously like denial.

Match 4 – Tim Hawkins & Julian Ennis W 4&3

The comeback began here — and in style. Tim Hawkins and Julian Ennis delivered a superb 4&3 win, combining steady tee shots with confident putting. Tim’s approach shots repeatedly found the centre of the green, and Julian’s short game was razor sharp. This was one of the highlights of the day and exactly the spark Beeston needed.

Match 5 – Phil Hudson & Malcolm Leivers W 2&1

Next came another excellent win: Phil Hudson and Malcolm Leivers secured a composed 2&1 victory. Phil’s accuracy off the tee kept Nottinghamshire under pressure, and Malcolm’s clever use of his handicap shots proved decisive on the closing stretch. Suddenly, the match was level — and the Captain’s confidence looked far less theatrical.

Match 6 – Mike Gilbert & Ray Stevenson A/S

Mike Gilbert and Ray Stevenson earned a battling half point, finishing all square. Mike’s ball‑striking was solid throughout, and Ray’s touch around the greens ensured they never fell behind. Their resilience kept Beeston in the hunt and moved the overall score to 3–3.

Match 7 – Dave Bull & Bob Jones A/S

Another half point came from Dave Bull and Bob Jones, who also finished all square. Dave’s reliable tee shots and Bob’s steady putting ensured Nottinghamshire couldn’t regain the lead. A tight match, well contested, and another important contribution to the comeback.

Match 8 – John Swan & Pete Bull W 3&1

The final pairing — John Swan and Pete Bull — sealed the overall victory with a confident 3&1 win. John’s length off the tee (still under investigation by the Seniors Handicap Committee) and Pete’s calm, controlled short game proved decisive. Their win completed the turnaround and ensured Fortress Beeston remained unbreached for yet another home match.

Final Score: Beeston Fields 4½ – 3½ The Nottinghamshire

A narrow victory, but a hugely satisfying one — especially after the shaky start. The Captain’s outward calm was eventually justified, and the Seniors’ unbeaten home record for 2026 remains intact.

Thanks again to all who played, including the late substitutes, whose efforts helped secure this hard‑fought win.

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Beeston Fields vs Longcliffe (Home) –

Thursday 6th August 2026

With the Captain unavailable for this fixture, the armband passed — for the very first time — to Vice‑Captain Matt Lavelle, who embraced the role with all the calm authority of the old Liverpool Boot Room. And what a debut: played one, won one, as Matt led the Seniors to a solid 5–3 victory over Longcliffe.

The fairways remained hard and fast, the grass continued its summer holiday, and the ball ran like it had somewhere urgent to be. But Beeston adapted beautifully, producing another strong home performance and keeping Fortress Beeston firmly intact.

Match 1 – Matt Lavelle & Eddie Easton W 3&1

Vice‑Captain Matt Lavelle, stepping into the Captain’s shoes for the day, partnered Eddie Easton and delivered exactly what a stand‑in leader hopes for: a confident 3&1 win . Matt’s composed tee shots and Eddie’s tidy short game set the tone for the morning and gave Beeston the perfect start.

Match 2 – Ray Stevenson & Malcolm Leivers W 7&6

The standout performance of the day — and arguably of the season — came from Ray Stevenson and Malcolm Leivers, who demolished their opponents 7&6 . This was the golfing equivalent of finishing your round before the kettle has boiled. A superb, ruthless, magnificent point.

Match 3 – Andy Lowe & Andy Beer W 1 UP

The two Andys — Andy Lowe and Andy Beer — combined well to secure a tight 1 UP win . The match went all the way to the 18th, but steady nerves and sensible golf ensured Beeston claimed their third point of the day.

Match 4 – John Swan & Mike Gilbert L 1 DOWN

John Swan and Mike Gilbert fought hard but were narrowly beaten 1 DOWN . The firm fairways produced some unpredictable bounces, and Longcliffe edged ahead late on to claim their first point.

Match 5 – Tony Gilbert & Tim Hawkins W 4&2

A strong performance from Tony Gilbert and Tim Hawkins resulted in a confident 4&2 win . Tony’s crisp iron play and Tim’s reliable putting kept Longcliffe under pressure throughout.

Match 6 – Dave Bishell & Martin Bottomley W 5&4

Dave Bishell and Martin Bottomley produced another excellent result with a 5&4 win . Dave’s accuracy and Martin’s consistency proved too strong for the visitors, adding yet another point to the Beeston tally.

Match 7 – Graham Pretty & Rob McWilliam L 3&1

Graham Pretty and Rob McWilliam battled throughout but slipped to a 3&1 defeat . Longcliffe’s pair handled the firm greens well and secured their second point of the day.

Match 8 – John Hopwood & Julian Ennis L 1 DOWN

The final match saw John Hopwood and Julian Ennis narrowly beaten 1 DOWN . They fought hard all the way to the last, but Longcliffe held on to claim their third and final point.

Final Score: Beeston Fields 5 – 3 Longcliffe

A strong home performance, led superbly by Vice‑Captain Matt Lavelle, who now boasts a flawless managerial record: 100% success rate — played one, won one. Fortress Beeston remains secure, the Boot Room philosophy clearly working, and the Seniors continue their excellent run of form.

Thanks again to all who played — including the late substitutes — and congratulations to Ray and Malcolm for a truly outstanding victory.

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Beeston Fields vs Kedleston Park (Home)

Monday 3rd August 2026

Another excellent home win for the BFGC Seniors, this time by 6½–1½, with every player coping admirably with the hard ground and the distinct lack of green grass on the fairways. The ball was running forever, the bounces were unpredictable, and several tee shots travelled distances not seen since the 1980s. But Beeston adapted brilliantly and produced one of the strongest results of the season.

And in a moment of perfect convenience, Keith Evans won the bottle of wine for nearest‑the‑pin in two on the 18th — extremely handy, given that he’s the one who sources the wine. Some might call that suspicious. We call it efficient.

Match 1 – Phil Harrison & Lance Rosie W 3&2

Captain Phil Harrison and Lance Rosie led the team out and delivered a composed 3&2 win. Phil’s steady play and Lance’s trademark accuracy proved too strong for Kedleston Park. A perfect start and a very tidy point on the board.

Match 2 – Tony Gilbert & Dave Bull A/S

Tony Gilbert and Dave Bull combined well in a tight match that finished all square. Tony’s crisp iron play and Dave’s reliable tee shots kept them competitive throughout, but Kedleston Park held firm on the closing holes to share the point.

Match 3 – Malcolm Leivers & Kev Murray W 4&2

A superb combined performance from Malcolm Leivers and Kev Murray produced a confident 4&2 win. Malcolm’s clever use of his shots and Kev’s steady rhythm kept Kedleston Park under pressure from the start. A strong, well‑earned point.

Match 4 – Matt Lavelle & Keith Evans W 3&2

Vice‑Captain Matt Lavelle and Keith Evans delivered another excellent result with a 3&2 win. Matt’s composed approach play and Keith’s reliable tee shots proved a winning combination on the firm, fast fairways. Keith’s later wine‑winning heroics were simply the icing on the cake.

Match 5 – Bill Hurrell & Eddie Easton L 1 DOWN

Despite Bill’s smooth ball‑striking and Eddie’s tidy short game, the pair were narrowly beaten 1 DOWN. They fought hard, but Kedleston Park edged ahead on the final holes to claim their only full point of the day.

Match 6 – Rob McWilliam & Mike Gilbert W 2&1

Rob McWilliam and Mike Gilbert produced a composed 2&1 win, managing the tricky lies and firm greens beautifully. Rob’s consistency and Mike’s accuracy ensured Beeston added yet another point to the tally.

Match 7 – Drew Armstrong & Anil Patani W 4&3

A stylish performance from Drew Armstrong and Anil Patani resulted in a commanding 4&3 win. Drew’s confident putting and Anil’s clever use of his handicap shots made this one of the standout victories of the day.

Match 8 – Andy Lowe & Tim Hawkins W 1 UP

The final match saw Andy Lowe and Tim Hawkins deliver a tight 1 UP win, closing out the day in style. Their steady play over the closing holes ensured Beeston finished strongly and secured the overall result.

Final Score: Beeston Fields 6½ – 1½ Kedleston Park

A strong home performance, played in great spirit and under challenging ground conditions. Thanks again to all who played — and special congratulations to Keith Evans, who once again proved that the best way to win a bottle of wine is to be the person who buys it.

Thanks again to all who played 

Full results are in the News Section

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Senior Matches 2026 – Upcoming Fixtures

The next three Senior Matches are:

These matches will be available to book on the website from 23rd July, and will remain open until 17th August, when team selections will be made.

RUDDINGTON GRANGE AWAY Friday Sep 04
BF LADIESHOME Wednesday Sep 09
WOLLATON PARK AWAY Monday Sep 14

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 above matches are with the Captain for selection

Senior Men’s Inter‑Club Matches

The Senior Matches against

STANTON O/T WOLDS AWAY Monday Aug 17

CHILWELL MANOR AWAY Monday Aug 24

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.

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Next Fixture

Thu 20th Aug 2026

Seniors 18 Hole Singles Medal No 3 REPLAY from 11th June - (Q)

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