On Monday 19 September the 2016 Fairway Credit Regional GCMA Final was held at the Forest of Arden. Fairway Credit Sales Director Steve Taylor reports on one of the most eagerly anticipated dates in the association’s golfing calendar:
The trophy, first awarded in 2003 to the North West Region, returned to its original home some 13 years later, unluckily for the rest of the regions. Congratulations to Garry Lacy from Ashton in Makerfield and Lawrence Bateson from Shaw Hill – representing the North West – for their excellent performance on the day, running out very well deserved winners. The region’s pride in taking home the trophy was made clear when the trophy arrived in the breakfast room to be put, pride of place, in the middle of their table in full view of the entire hotel! Congratulations also to the singles event winner, Mathew Bowman of Morpeth Golf Club, who survived a late wobble to win by a single point.
View a gallery of photos from the day on Facebook
Two qualifying players from each regional event, played earlier in the Spring, represented their GCMA region, with pride at stake. As always the competition was tough but played in excellent spirit – well, at least until everyone returned to the bar. Rivalry is a great thing when fuelled effectively.
As Sales Director for Fairway Credit I always look forward to this event as the camaraderie always makes for a pleasurable day, and it’s great to meet up with so many serving club managers, some of whom use our facility and those currently yet to be persuaded! Importantly it’s an excellent opportunity for the Fairway Credit team to keep in touch with what’s happening on the front line in golf clubs.
I had the pleasure of playing with GCMA CEO Bob Williams, alongside Rob Wormstone (Midand Regional Manager) and and Bob Tawell from Rushmere GC. Bob and Rob challenged Bob T and I to the customary wager. Bob W’s spirit of fair play was exemplified when he elected to increase the stakes just after I realised I’d left my spectacles in my car as we stood on the first tee-the GCMA is truly blessed to have such an opportunist leader. Recovering from 4 down with 5 to play, Bob and I stood confidently on the 18th green with my ball two feet from the pin in as many shots, only to see your erstwhile CEO chip to within a foot and halve the hole to win the game. I know there were many similar stories of hard fought victories with serious banter along the way amongst the other fourballs, and I am delighted to reflect that it’s this kind of fun that makes the game of golf so very special and why I’m sure that its appeal will endure.
Results:
Individual Scores
1 Mathew Bowman | 37pts // Morpeth GC
T2 Ben Tawell | 36pts // Newton Green
T2 Tony Moon | 36pts // Copt Heath
3 Garry Lacy | 36pts // Ashton in Makerfield
Nearest the Pin on 8th Alan Creber // Launceston
Longest Drive Alan Findlater // Pinner Hill
Nearest the Pin on 5th Chris Gotla // North Hants
Regional Trophy Winner North West with 70 Points
Regional Trophy Winner Runner Up East Anglia
I extend thanks on behalf of the Fairway Credit team to all of the attendees from across the Regions, and for the assistance of Club Systems with the scoring and Mike Hyde for the photos. It seems good fun was had by all, and we look forward to furthering our excellent relationship with all GCMA managers into 2017 and beyond, and to answering the big question:
Who can wrestle the trophy from the members up North?!
By GCMA
