Heavy rain doesn’t put a dampner on Charity Texas Scramble

Teams were based on players’ region of origin with Wales 1 comprising ladies’ captain Sandra Roberts, Rhodri Marsden, Neil Jenkins and Tony Harris posting a gross 65 for nett 59 to pip London 2 – Kim Francis, Sam Barnes, Martin Kennell and David Williamson – on countback.

Countback was also needed to separate the third and fourth teams where Ireland, featuring Cormac Whelan, Meriel Jolley, Mike Mullen and Paul Smyth , saw their nett 60 just give them the edge over ‘local boys’ Elliott Webster, Bob Dann, Lawrence King and Mike Coombs representing Sussex 2.

The low scoring reflected the excellent condition of the Waterfall greens and fairways which have stood up well to recent soakings. It was also testimony to the skill and resilience of those taking part. “Support for the competition was fantastic as the rain was forecast well in advance ” said Steve Wild whose nominated charity, Sussex Air Ambulance, were the beneficiaries of the event.

The Ladies at least managed to dodge the rain for their stableford competition and countbacks were needed to find the winners in both divisions. Fifteen-handicap Pat Etheridge carded five pars and a birdie to win the Silver division from Brenda James with 35 points . Mary Grange shaded Anna Sowerby for the Bronze honours after both signed for 34.

Captain’s Charity Texas Scramble: 1st Wales 1 (Sandra Roberts, Rhodri Marsden, Tony Hill, Neil Jenkins) 65 – 6 = 59; 2nd London 2 (Kim Francis, Sam Barnes, Martin Kennell, David Williamson) 64 -5 = 59; 3rd Ireland (Cormac Whelan, Meriel Jolley, Mike Mullen,Paul Smyth) 65 – 5 = 60; 4th Sussex 2 (Elliott Webster, Bob Dann, Lawrence King , Mike Coombs) 65 – 5 = 60.

Ladies’ Stableford

Silver Division: 1st Pat Etheridge (15) – 35 points; 2nd Brenda James (17) – 35 points; 3rd Lesley Anne-Collins-Powell – 34 points.

Bronze Division: 1st Mary Grange (29) – 34 points; 2nd Anna Sowerby (26) – 34 points; 3rd Julie Hill (29) – 29 points.