Golf Sports Section Annual Reports  2001
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Out January 2010  2008 top
Golf Sports Section
By Secretary Chris Walsh
The golf team had a disappointing season in comparison to the previous years.
In April the team lost narrowly to GMP in the annual Palfrey Trophy held at Garstang Golf Club. This was the first time in several years that GMP have won the match so it seemed only right to allow them one year with the trophy before we take it back once again.
In the Hart Trophy the team made it to the finals day and were unfortunate to lose to a Cumbria team on their game in the semi finals, hopefully it will be one step further next year.
In the PSUK Team Championships the team lost their crown by being defeated in the quarter finals by the eventual winners Cheshire. It was a sweet victory for the Cheshire boys after we defeated them the previous year.
2009 will hopefully see Lancashire regain the titles lost in 2008. Anyone wishing to join the squad is more than welcome to join in. Strength in numbers is the way forward. A big thank you to Phil Waring who captained the team admirably throughout the year, and best wishes to Martin Kay who takes up the mantle in the forthcoming season.
2007 By Secretary PC Chris Walsh The golf team had another successful season. In September the team went to Duddingston in Edinburgh and successfully defended the British Police Team Championships and in doing so became 6 time champions, and by far the most successful force in the Championships history. Dave Butler and Kevin Boyce represented the constabulary in the inaugural PSUK National Handicap Championships and came 2nd, while the Team Captain Mike Hanson won the North West PSUK Championships at Warrington. The ladies also enjoyed success in August with Christine Fletcher and Joyce Green competing in the women’s PSUK Golf Championships in Lossimouth, Scotland, and play host to the prestigious event at Fairhaven in August 2008 and would appreciate your support. 2006 By Secretary DC Ian Hill The season opener was the annual match against Myerscough College, Garstang back in mid April. It is a team of 12 played in fourball match play. The match was instigated ten years ago by this years Lancashire golf team Captain P.C Peter Murphy in an effort to engage the local students with the local officers. We had not lost the match and under the command of the match organiser confidence was high. A short time later all was not well when the students thrashed our team 5 1/5 to a 1/5. It was not without notice that a certain professional Richard Smith working at the college had turned out with his clubs, under the rule “ ex students welcome”. He and his partner Tom Winn who’s father is a copper beat the Captain and secretary 5 & 4. Other results Samuel Hamer and Alan Foley 4&2 winners over Gary Hamer and Phil Waring. Elliot Taylor and Sam Matthews 1up over Peter Nelson and Michael Hansen. Sean Nicolls and Richard Simpson 1 up over Nigel Barnes and Chris Kinsen. John Mccardell and Matt Harrison 6 &5 over Martin Kay and Dave Wilkins. Andrew Dent and Daniel Jones halved with Chris Walsh and Craig Stackhouse. The photo of the trophy being presented appeared in the Garstang Courier and thanks should go to Dominic Sainsbury for his efforts along with Peter to make this fixture the popular event it has become over the last decade. Now Peter has retired it is hoped this event will live on for many years and I’m sure he will be present on the first tee with his clubs for many more years to come. Remember the 15 th May? I do it was the Northwest wettest day of the year or so it felt. It was also the 36 hole North West Police Sport UK Golf Championship, held at Stockport Golf Club. This is a course used for Open qualifying and it is a wonderful test of golf and always worthy of a day out. We did have a water baby amongst us who turned out to be HQ based D.C Nigel Barnes. He won the overall scratch with fantastic scores of 72 and 70 gross net 68/66 against a par of 72 a truly impressive performance under any weather conditions but with such heavy rain all day a fantastic display, unbeatable even. This edged out Merseyside player Matthew Denton who’s score I suggest would have won on any other occasion 142. Other scores form Lancashire players were as follows. Dave Wilkins 90/77 and 86/73. 32 stableford points. Ian Hill 74/ NR. Peter Nelson 77/73 and 77/73. Mike Hansen 78/76 and 74/72. Ian Nickson 78/72 and 79/73 and 33 points. Paul Clayton 81/75 and NR. Martin Kay 83/76 and 83/76 and 23 points, David Butler 89/81 and 78/70 and 36 points. Peter Murphy 83/74 and 87/78 and 28 points. Dean White 94/76 and 94/76 and 31 points. Gordon Beattie 83/73 and 86/76 and 31 points. Lancashire drew Wigan in the Hart trophy draw following the presentation.  Early June was National Championship time again, this year Lancashire were the host force with Fairhaven Golf Club presenting the wonderful test a of a true championship venue. It is fair to say that all the competitors considered it to be one of the best-run championships at a truly wonderful venue with the benefit of the best weeks sunshine of the golfing season. Thanks must go to Peter Murphy, Championship organiser for all his time along with a great number of team members acting as volunteers for the event. We did Lancashire proud !! A full report of the action can be found on the Police Sport UK website. Ian Hill and Mike Hansen represented the British Police Team in the annual match verses the Civil Service at Walton Heath, where the Civil service came out the victors in a closely fought match. It is one I know all the competitors in the Championships strive hard to finish in the top ten in order to represent their National team in. On a pleasant day that was the 3 rd July Lancaster Golf Club hosted the Chief Constables Cup. It was fair to say this was not as well supported as in previous years. Seven players battled it out over a course that is renowned for its lovely fast undulating greens, beautiful scenery and generous hospitality. Gordon Bettie took the Captains prize with 50 points over 27 holes stableford. Harry Kay shield for pm stableford went to David Butler 79/71 35 points. Woodmansey Cup, best gross Ian Hill 75. After a walk over against Warwickshire in June the 12 Th July at Sandwell Golf Club hosted the quarter final of the British Police team championship. We were drawn away to strong favourites West Midlands on their home track. Led by our determined Captain fantastic Peter we pulled through three matches to two in a very closely fought match. The result was not unknown until the very last put was missed on the 18 green of the last match out on the course. Away players first. Chris Gadd, John Harries lost to Ian Hill , Nigel Barnes 2&1( Lancs). Martin Kirk-Bride, Chris Fox beat Mike Hansen , Peter Nelson 2&1. Dave Scriven, Kerr Ross lost to Chris Walsh, Philip Waring 2 down. Buck Rogers, Nedd Barker lost to Peter Murphy, Gordon Beattie 1 down. Aaron Beck, Kevin Hall beat Paul Lomax, Dean White 6&5. On 13 July, Garstang Golf Club played host to the resurrected Inter Divisional match. This year’s format was six players per division with the best five net scores to count. Eastern division won with the winning team net scores being Nigel Watson 67, John Ramsbottom 76, John Whitehead 66, Simon Scott 73, Mark Wheelan 74, Ian Geogarty 72. Lowest Individual score Ian Hill 64 after a card play off with Colin Gooch G Div. Eastern will now host this event in 2007 when hopefully all divisions will be able to compete, as disappointingly Pennine did not show in 2006. In late July, Lancashire played host to GMP at sunny Garstang Golf Club. The match was an honourable draw. Home team players first the match results were as follows. Ian Hill, Mike Hansen beat D. Gloster, Mike Schofield 3&1. Kevin Boyce, Craig Stackhouse lost to Iain Foukes, Simon Barlow 3&2. Peter Murphy, Gordon Beattie halved with Martin Bottomley and Alan Priestly. Eric Taylor, Nigel Watson lost to Alan Green and Mel Pelham 1 down. John Lomax, Dean White beat Chris Kinsen, Gary Carter 5&3. Lancashire retained the trophy. How, I am not sure as we lost the year before! 1st September was ladies PSUK championships day at Five Lakes Essex. Two Lancashire ladies competed they were Christine Fletcher from HQ and retired Joyce Green. Alison Gemmill defended the gross title with the organiser Toni Hodge taking the net prize. During mid September Fairhaven hosted the Hart Trophy first round match against Wigan Police. A tough match was played 18 holes fourball better ball Lancashire coming out as victors. Home players first results were. Hill, Hansen 3&2 winners over Caddick and Ritchie. Nelson, Walsh 1 up over Schofield, Liptrott. Clayton Butler 4&3 winners over Hurst, Mcmath. Murphy, Beattie halved with Priestly , Malee. Lomax White lost 4&3 Holden Adamson. Lancashire travelled to Norfolk to compete in the finals of the British Police Championship in September. We were drawn against Essex in the semi final and won through to the afternoon final in a closely fought match, in lovely weather conditions. The afternoon final was played against Wiltshire. After nine holes all was not looking well at all for the Lancashire boys as we were down in four matches. It was at this point I think match fitness kicked in and the last nine holes witnessed a come back of epic proportions by Lancashire’s players who eventually won through three matches to two. The decider finishing on the twentieth hole where a par four took the title. Lancashire had won the title for a record fifth time. Well-done guys! The Hart trophy final at Mere in early October was somewhat of an anti climax by getting knocked out against Cheshire the eventual winners in the morning semi final. Peter Murphy and Dave Butler took the pm stableford prize. The end of season AGM decided the following positions for the 2007 season. Secretary. Christopher Walsh. Captain. Mike Hansen. Vice Captain Phil Waring. Chief Cons Cup. Venue. Lancaster Golf Club. date to be arranged. 2007 Fixtures of note. First handicap national championship. Fairhaven Golf Club 16/17/18 Sept. 2 players per force. Ladies championship. Moray Golf Club Aug North West PSUK. Warrington Golf Club 30 May. Scratch PSUK Calcot Park May. Ladies British rep match Fairhaven July verses Army. Mens British rep match Army, Ganton Golf Club June. Mens British rep match Civil Service Aug Walton heath. 2005 By Secretary DC Ian Hill The season got underway back in April with the first county medal at Green Drive Golf club in April. John Wilkinson and Dave Butler took the honours with fine net scores of 66 each. Early May saw the first team match led by Captain Tim Parker (now retired) At Myercough college. Always a good opener on greens that can challenge the strongest minds. We won again keeping our 100 % winning streak intact. Since 1999. The force team was eliminated in the Battle of Norfolk in a closely fought match in late May held in the local zone final of Royal Norfolk ! You may have read the fine report detailed by Captain Parker. I understand his sword hangs proudly in his hallway to serve as a small reminder of this experience. At the same time as this match the National Championships were being contested on the fine course of Belviour Park Belfast. A week that suffered more than most from the Irish weather systems known locally as always raining. Day three was rained off and this led to the days sight seeing of Belfast city centre. A treat in itself followed by a few glasses of the local brew. I understand Rod Stewart who was in town attracted several competitors to attend his concert in the town that week. Ian Hill finished in the top ten and went on to represent the force against the Civil service later in the season held at Walton Heath Surry. The North west championships were held at Formby Hall a delightful golfing complex where we saw an excellent turn out of Lancashire Officers. Ian Hill took the top honours along with Dave Butler. June saw an attempt to move the county medal inland to encourage competitors to attend. my thanks goes to Ian Geogerty who organised this event. It was held at Turton Golf Club in conjunction with an Eastern division match. Garstang golf club held the final medal attended by 17 players a fantastic turnout to a course that is improving every year. The Christmas dinner was Ok too I can confirm. Carl wood closely followed by Tim Parker took the honours with scores of 67 and 68 respectively. The Palfrey trophy was played at Didsbury golf club where we used some retired officers and were defeated by GMP officers in a match played in good spirits. Mid Sept saw us eliminated by Merseyside in a battle royal held at West Derby Golf Club Merseyside. Dave Butler summed up the match by stating " How can a ball hit three trees and still end up in the middle of the 18 fairway on a shot ? " The luck was definitely not on our side this day it was fair to say. End of September saw Captains Day held at the finest of golfing venues Fairhaven Golf Club. Nigel Barnes took the net honours with scores of 147 net followed by Gary Haley and Dave Butler on 151. Ian Hill won the Woodmansey trophy gross prize with an am 72.Again the event was struck by heavy rain during the afternoon. All credit was due to those that managed to complete 36 holes. 20 players attended and reported a fine day and thanks to Tim for arranging such fine prizes in his final season as a Bobby. The 2006 season holds much expectation of success with some strong new players fighting for team places. The inter divisional match is on the agenda again if the support is there. Fairhaven hosts the British Championships week commencing 5 June. Volunteers sought. special leave available. Membership has risen I am pleased to say again and there are now 68 golfers on our books. It will be difficult to see if we can maintain these current levels of participating in matches / competitions with the proposed budget cuts for sectional sport but one can only try. Good luck to all in 2006. 2004 By section secretary PC Peter Murphy The team overall had a good year without winning too much. We reached the Northern Zone finals of the British Police Team Championships, narrowly losing to Cumbria. In the North West regional Hart Trophy we made the final (gaining revenge on Cumbria in the semis) but were beaten by Merseyside. In the annual Palfrey Trophy match against GMP we won easily to regain the trophy which we had lost the previous year for the first time in 20 years. Back in its rightful place! Individually for County Players it was a fantastic year. Inspector Martin Kay entered the North West PSUK Championships for the first time and blew away a very strong field over two rounds to win the event. PC Ian Hill had two excellent rounds to be runner-up in the Gross section of the event. Following on from this Ian took part in the National PSUK Championships and for the first time in Lancashire's history he won it! After four rounds it needed a play-off to sort it out and Ian won at the third extra hole. 2003 By section secretary PC Peter Murphy The force team are the reigning British Police Team Champions .In the finals held at Moor Allerton Golf club in Yorkshire the force team defeated a strong Met Police team in the semi-final and overcame Norfolk in the final to win the competition for a record equalling fourth time. PC Ian Hill, last years force captain, reduced his handicap to +2 over the season which would class him as a semi-pro. He sets the standard for the rest. DC Bob Thompson and Pc Pete Murphy represented the force at the British Open golf championships held at Royal St. George's in the summer. The pair acted as Army golf Marshals and were involved in the on course protection of many of the worlds leading golfers. 2002 By section secretary PC Peter Murphy The year started badly when we were knocked out of the British Police Team Championships in the first round by Merseyside.
In the annual challenge match with the golf squad of Myerscough College we managed to retain the trophy.
In the regional Hart Trophy we made it to the finals but were beaten by Cheshire.
The Palfrey Trophy, against GMP, was again won by ourselves, about the 10th year running!
In the PAA National Final we had six players representing the force and PC Ian Hill, for the third year running, made the top ten and was selected to play for the British Police team. The County medals were well supported this year and the culmination of
these led to the Chief Constables Final at Fairhaven Golf Club and this was won by DC Bob Thompson of A division.
27 golfers played in the medals and 22 represented the county in the force team.
2001 By section secretary PC Peter Murphy In the British Police Team Championships the force were runner-up in the national final and the force were also runner-up in the Hart Trophy team knockout. In the PAA Regional DC Barnes was 2nd overall with Chief Inspector Boyce being Stableford winner. In the PAA Nationals DC Barnes was 5th overall and went through to represent the British Police. In the Palfrey Trophy versus GMP the Constabulary won the event.  
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