The Golf Society of Great Britain AGM returned to Ramside Hall during July following a seven year absence which was extended by Covid. Day one was certainly one to remember as it coincided with the highest temperature ever recorded in Durham, comfortably beating the previous record by four degrees. Playing golf in 37 degrees is rare enough anywhere in the world but who would have believed we would see it at an event in Durham. Many considered the temperature to be a little on the warm side when the mercury hit 30 degrees at Carden Park in 2021. Little did we know what 2022 had in store for us!

The Sixty two members who attended coped remarkably well with the conditions although understandably some did not complete their rounds. Thankfully the second day delivered much cooler conditions and all were able to enjoy a more comfortable day.

The golf courses at Ramside are very different in character; the older Prince Bishops course is a relatively flat parkland design with large bunkers and a handful of water hazards coming in to play. The more modern Cathedral course occupies a more interesting and undulating piece of land which is regarded by most as the premier layout. The Cathedral course is also the more difficult of the two courses even if the course ratings suggest otherwise. The society will almost certainly return to Ramside sometime in the near future as the hotel is very comfortable with superb facilities, excellent food and friendly staff.

Giles Hinchcliffe, our excellent and entertaining Chairman for the previous four years handed over the baton to Robert Hill who knows the inner workings of GSGB very well after previously serving on the committee for a six year period. Robert and Linda have also organized numerous GSGB tours in recent years. Robert presented a new wedge to Giles to mark the completion of his term in office. We were also sad to see two of our long serving committee members complete their six year terms. Ed Devine was presented with a chipper and Clare Fulton received an orchid. Giles presented wife Christine with a selection of wine for her supporting role at the meetings particularly with photographic duties and the compilation of results. Richard Wadkin from Sand Moor was welcomed onto the committee by all in attendance.

Cups and prizes were presented at Dinner on the second day. The Handicap Cups for the best two day aggregate scores were won by Yogi Jackson (Gog Magog) with 82 points and Paul Jackson (Gog Magog) 69 points. Paul & Yogi with 151 points also claimed the “Enjoy Golf Together Trophy” by compiling the best husband and wife aggregate score over the two days.

Robin Moser (Gog Magog) was the overall men’s runner-up with 67 points and Sue McRae (Northants County) with 76 points was the Ladies aggregate runner-up.

The Day 1 winners were Steve Coventry (Chelmsford) and Pippa Lyons (Royal Wimbledon) and the Day 2 winners were Ed Moss (Alwoodley) and Shirley Singh (Gog Magog).

A full list of the all prize winners can be found below.

The 2023 AGM will be held at Dale Hill, located near the Kent/East Sussex border.

Our next Meeting will take place at Littlestone/Cooden Beach on August 24th/25th.

Brian