The Golf Society of Great Britain’s August meeting took place at Little Aston and Sutton Coldfield, two of the finest courses in the Midlands. Located only a few minutes apart, both are tree-lined and free-draining courses but are quite different in character.

On day one we visited beautiful Little Aston which is renowned for its bold bunkering and one of the prettiest putting greens in the land. Situated in a leafy and very attractive area, Little Aston has one of the most comfortable clubhouses in England and a rich history of hosting professional tournaments. Originally designed by Harry Vardon in 1908, Harry Colt was later brought in by the members to upgrade the bunkers.

The cooler weather seemed to encourage some good scoring, particularly from the ladies who it seems were better at avoiding the sand.

In the evening we enjoyed an excellent dinner with Events and Golf Operations Manager, Mr Dan Jones. Dan spoke of the success of Little Aston’s growing junior section before being presented with a £600 junior donation by the new, incoming GSGB Chairman Mr Richard Wadkin.

Members extended special congratulations to Doug Carrington and Kim Sparks on the announcement of their engagement to be married.

The clouds were threatening on the short journey to Sutton Coldfield Golf Club but thankfully a few minutes of light rain was all we had during the second day. Sutton Coldfield is a more natural and rugged Heathland layout with electric fences protecting greens and cattle roaming the course in some areas. Originally built in Sutton Park in 1893, Alistair MacKenzie was later brought in to revive the course in 1913.

As with day one, there were a number of good scores returned from the sixty three competing members with the ladies coming out on top once again.

The Men’s Handicap Cup was won by Graham Feltham (Bath) with an aggregate score of 67 points beating Giles Hinchcliffe (Sand Moor), also with 67 points, into second place on countback.

The Ladies Handicap Cup was comfortably won by Sally Barrett (Gog Magog) with 74 points followed by Angela Frith (Bath) with 69 points.

The Enjoy Golf Together trophy for the best combined aggregate scores from a couple was won by Paul and Yogi Jackson (Gog Magog).

Congratulations to all prize winners. A full list can be seen below.

Our next event will be at West Lancashire and Ormskirk on September 24th/25th.