Why golfers and committee members deserve praise at Mannings Heath

So it’s a tribute to the enthusiasm of its committee and members that, periods of lockdown apart, seldom a week has passed without at least one competition being played, including all the club’s major events such as spring and autum meetings and club championships.

The last Stableford competition of the year saw a lower entry than usual with a temporary trolley ban in force on a heavily rain-soaked course.

Greg Laming, playing off 11, earned a countback victory over Gerry Bradley after both carded 37 points.

Joe Hicks was a point behind in third place.

Both competitions were staged with members using their old CONGU handicaps because course mapping issues outside the club’s control meant the implementation of the new World Handicap System had to be deferred.

The problems have now been resolved and members should be able to use their new handicap indexes for 2021 events.

But with tier four rules restricting play to two-balls demand for tee slots is likely to exceed supply until there are longer daylight hours.

Keep your sports news, views, pictures and memories coming in the latest sporting shutdown. Our sport sections will continue but we need your contributions. Email items to [email protected] for publication in the paper and online