During the year, Silsoe Golf League arrange a number of golfing breaks. The members have enjoyed the course at the De Vere Dunston Hall in Norfolk and more recently at Whiston Hall near Leek in Staffordshire.
In May of 2004, members and their guests paid Whiston another visit and once again enjoyed a round amongst the rolling hills, dry stone walls and elevated tees.
Winner of the 9 hole stableford competition was Duncan Fraser with Ned Lawton as Runner-up on count back. Winner of the 18 hole stableford competition was guest, David Oldroyd with 35 points.
Below (right) we see the members and guests on the opening tee with Geoff Olney taking the first shot of the main tournament (left).
In June 2004, Silsoe Golf League played the Greyhound Golf League in yet another Challenge Shield match. On this occasion the Greyhound players were clearly on form and convincingly won the tournament.
The 2004 Silsoe Golf League was probably one of the most keenly fought since the Society was formed with the top 3 League positions unresolved until the final round of fixtures played in September. Eventually 3rd Place was taken by Tony Smith and Ned Lawton with 24 points. Paul Glenister and Duncan Fraser were the 2004 Runners-up with 25 points with Mark Hewitson and Gerry Bernstein taking the honours, also on 25 points but with 66 winning holes from their 15 games against Paul and Duncan’s 60.
A new competition was introduced in 2004, namely the ‘3 Club’ Tournament, whereby players are restricted to the use of 3 clubs only. Mark Hewitson was the overall winner and collected the trophy at the 2004 Awards Dinner.
Also honoured at the Dinner were the various winners of the End of Season Tournament which was, as in previous years, played at Beadlow Manor Golf Club. Peter Jenkins put in the best card of the day with 33 Stableford points. Carol Baillie came second and Pete Davies 3rd. Nearest the Pin was won by Ned Lawton with Nick Ecart taking the Longest Drive Trophy with an impressive drive on the 14th hole. John Malia from Silsoe took the Guest prize.
From left to right, 2004 League Winners, Mark Hewitson and Gerry Bernstein. League Runners-up Duncan Fraser and Paul Glenister and End of Season Tournament Winner Peter Jenkins (right), receiving his trophy from sponsor Tony Evans.
From left to right, Tony Evans presenting the End of Season Tournament Runner-up Trophy to Carol Baillie, Nearest the Pin to Ned Lawton and Longest Drive to Nick Ecart.
On the 3rd and 4th October, 2004. SGL visited the Bank House Hotel Golf & Country Club in Bransford, Worcestershire. The 5,912 yard 18 hole course overlooks the Malvern Hills and is noted for its numerous water hazards stretching across the 123 acres of picturesque countryside. Stableford Winner on the Sunday was guest Nigel Beddall who beat the 40 point barrier and justly deserved the win. Highest scoring SGL member was Gerry Bernstein closely followed by Tony Smith and Alan Janes.
Here we see Tony Smith ready to tee-off on the 1st, a 316 yard par 4 ‘Wildcat Run’.
Tony, Mark Hewitson and Geoff Olney putting-out on the par 5 8th Green ‘Twisted Oaks’.
Mike Frain on one of the par 3’s at Millbrook Golf Club, near Ampthill.
The 2004 Mashie Trophy was played at Millbrook Golf Club, near Ampthill. Winner of the Mashie with 13 points over 9 holes was Duncan Fraser. Winning guest was Jamie Lawton with 19 points. Even though the match started in sub zero temperatures, everyone enjoyed the tournament and retired to the Star & Garter for lunch.