On Sunday 16th August, despite the possibility of thunderstorms, 208 competitors turned out for the prestigious Pork Pie Open. This annual event sponsored by Stephen Hallam of Dickinson and Morris of Melton Mowbray and included golfers from all over the Midlands. Besides various prizes, every entrant received a delicious pork pie to take away. The format for the event was a fourball better ball Stableford played from the white competition tees. The whole day was extremely well organised and overseen by David Bentley the Golf Operations Director, who passed on his thanks to all the volunteers assisting throughout the day.
The day started somewhat overcast, but warm, with a slight testing headwind on the first few holes. With the greens being soft and very receptive, it was no surprise when some high scores were returned early in the day. The golfers experienced and commented on the excellent hospitality they received from the staff/volunteers in the clubhouse and the Halfway House. The course was presented in excellent condition which was testament to all the hard work carried out by Head Greenkeeper Paul Robinson’s team and the Club Artisans.
As the day progressed and the weather deteriorated, it became harder to play consistent golf and keep the scoring low, and by mid afternoon the drizzle turned to torrential rain. Sadly, due to the heavy storm, only 80% of the field were able to complete their rounds but under the guidance given by the R&A we were able to declare a result. Interestingly, some groups did manage to fight their way through with one of them even finishing as prize winners. The Halfway House was manned by the the Lady Captain and several lady helpers, who helped raise over £500 for the Captains’ Charity, Headway and thank you again to the generosity of Stephen Hallam who also donated these refreshments.
Visitors with prizes are being contacted to arrange delivery, and members have been credited to their Pro Shop accounts.
The winners on the day were as follows:
1st D Mackie & B Manship 45 pts
2nd D Branson & T Lee 44 pts
3rd M Blackman & J Burgess 42 pts (back 9)
4th J Goddard & J Cliffe 42 pts
5th M Watchorn & M Curtis 41 (back 6)
6th M Sissons & C Ryl 41 pts (back 9)
7th B Kevan & N Eaves 41 pts (back 3)
8th D Poolan & J Honeywood 41 pts (back 9)
9th N Farish & M Hall 41 pts (back 9)
10th A Renwick & T Earl 41 pts pts
Nearest to the Pork Pie on 1st fairway D Branson
Nearest Pin Par 3 5th C Ryl
Nearest Pin Par 3 7th G Stephens
Nearest Pin Par 3 14th P Mannion
Nearest Pin Par 3 16th B Manship