Senior Men’s Winter Pairs

After seven matches spanning six months, there are new names on the Senior Men’s Winter Pairs League trophy.  In glorious sunshine, largely firm fairways and fast greens, Keith Plowman and Ian Woosey beat defending champions Chris Alton and Dave Lippitt 5&4.

The match had promised to be a close affair as both pairs won their respective semi-finals on the 18th green.  After a nervy first hole, which was halved, Dave struck first with net par at the second hole only for Keith to return the favour at the third hole.  Then Chris won the next two holes as their opponents found trouble off the tee.  Two up after five holes became two down at the turn as Keith and Ian won two holes apiece, the highlight of which was Keith’s snaking 30-foot putt at the 7th for a birdie.

Could Chris and Dave stage a fightback?  Although they arrested the slide with halves at the 10th and 11th they went three down at the 12th when Keith took full advantage of a fortuitous kick off the banking by the greenside bunker. It soon became four down when Keith rolled in a shortish putt for par at the 13th before Ian applied the coup-de-grace with net par at the 14th.

After having been a straight knockout competition during the ‘Covid years’, it reverted to a four-groups followed by knockout format this year.  Interestingly, both pairs had lost a match in the group stage.  There was true sportsmanship – and a bit of banter – throughout the final.  Keith and Ian will receive their trophy at Presentation Evening in November.

Please find detailed a photo of the four finalists, – from left to right:  Chris Alton, Dave Lippitt, Keith Plowman, Ian Woosey.