16/17th April 2023 - Overnight at Breadsall Priory Golf & Contry Club
Seniors Overnighter – 2023
This year’s overnighter playing for the John Williams trophy and in memory of John Williams was organised by last year’s lucky winner Adrian Finnis. Following a couple dropping out through injury and unavoidable circumstances we soon had 2 willing replacements bringing us back up to 16, unfortunately Phil Turrell had to drop out at the last moment with injury.
An eclectic sample of some of the "BW Senior golfers"
Due to recent heavy downfalls a nail biting period leading up to the event of will we/ won’t we be playing led to some relief with the news that we did indeed get to play on a restricted course with only the first 14 holes available on the Priory championship course. Those hardy enough had the option to play the first 4 holes again to make up 18. Buggies were not allowed due to the conditions which made the round very challenging physically as the course is extremely hilly and was aptly described by a member recently as having to be” a mountain goat “to get round. Nevertheless get round we all did and were rewarded with a great course with some amazing views especially teeing off at the elevated 11th. After recent heavy downpours the greens were slow and one comes to acknowledge how spoilt we are with the quality of our greens at Belton Woods. The winner on the first day was Bob Clarke with no one claiming ‘nearest the pin’ ( ntp ). Second was Adrian Finnis and third was Nick Townend. Following very enjoyable drinks in the Tempo bar and celebrations by a few United fans watching them beat Forest (apologies to Forest fans) the weary group got ready for the evening dinner. Rejuvenated following baths/ showers drinks were soon flowing again in the Cast Iron bar before an excellent 3 course dinner in the restaurant where it became quite clear to other guests that The Belton Seniors had arrived who kept the right side of noisy but not raucous. A great evening full of banter carried on through to around 11:30 ( not bad for a bunch of oldies) who then retired to what were very comfortable and spacious bedrooms. Breakfast followed the next day with the welcome news that buggies were allowed on The Moorland course much to the relief of a few especially Colin Musson who bravely got round 14 holes on the Priory. The Moorland proved to be much more forgiving both in terms of physicality and degree of difficulty with the greens playing a bit faster although a tad lumpy reflecting in the improving scores. Winner on the second day was Adrian Finnis, second was Nick Townend and third was Tony Slipper. Ntp on the 6th was Adrian Finnis and ntp in 2 on the 10th was Tony Slipper. Overall winner on the 2 days was Adrian Finnis who successfully defended the title, runner up was Nick Townend and third was Bob Clarke.
Overall winner - Adrian, second Nick Townend and third Bob Clarke - don't know how Mr. Slipper got in !!
The John Williams wedge and trophy in memorial of John Williams therefore goes to Adrian Finnis who handed it to Nick Townend for safekeeping as it will be Nick who will be organising next year’s event following a rule preventing the organiser arranging 2 years running. All in all it was a great venue with excellent service particularly by the staff in the golf shop.
24/25 April 2022 - Overnight at McDonald Portal Hotel
Seniors Overnighter – 2022
The Overnighter this year was organised by Mike Whitington after being ‘elected’ by winning the previous year. The event was held at MacDonalds ‘The Portal Hotel’ in Tarporley, quite a distance away from Grantham but, as it turned out well worth the trip. Originally planned for 22 people to attend this eventually through all sorts of problems for individuals this whittled down to 15 hardy seniors actually turning up.
The golf on day one was played on the Premier course - and what a course it was. Superb vistas and some quite ‘different’ holes, with the first of the ‘nearest the pin’ (ntp) holes being played from an elevated tee some 200 feet above the green. Well done Phil Turrell for achieving the result. Nobody managed to score on the second ntp which in theory was a long shot over water, picturesque but obviously not achievable. Most found that the greens were not good, and it must be said that by comparison we have been spoiled at Belton with the standard of our greens. However, our leader in the club house after day one was Adrian Finnis. After the travel and a late in the day round of golf we made our way back to the main hotel and booked into our accommodation. Several of the group had been allotted suites, however, there were no complaints regarding any of the rooms. The meal, which included a Birthday cake celebration to Ian Nisbet, courtesy of Phil, and an indulgence of beverages saw an early night to bed for some. Golf on the second day was to be completed on the ‘Championship’ course, located at the Hotel site and after a self-help breakfast off we set. Well, if we thought that the Premier course was scenic, we hadn’t seen anything yet! Truly magnificent views, well kept fairways and better greens made for an interesting morning. Two of the group suffered with ‘tummy upsets’ and Ken had to leave back to the Hotel, he did manage to come back and complete the back 9, thankfully feeling much better. Lunch in the clubhouse and the allocation of spoils. Ntp on two challenging holes went to Henry and Chris, Senior Prize to Ian. The best value for money, after a dreadful day one, went to Steve who fought back on day two. The Williams wedge second prize went to our illustrious Captain Chris who was also presented with a voucher to be used as a prize for the Captains Charity made up from deposit paid from Gordon Scott.
We of course were all there to remember and play for the ‘John Williams Wedge’ and hopefully we did him proud. In addition to winning this years wedge and the honour to organise next years’ Overnighter went to Adrian Finnis who ‘gladly’ accepted the challenge, all congratulations go to him.