Golf week kicked off in seasonally breezy conditions and Ramsey Town Cup being played on a Saturday.

With many players designing their season around a good performance in this prestigious competition, kindly sponsored by the Two Daves, it was good to see the course again in excellent condition. A steady first round is key and both Jamie Arneil and Tony Scambler headed the leader board by half time with each shooting 67. Steve Mitchell was a shot behind with birdies on the 4th and 5th helping him along. Lewis Howland came in with a 69 but a double bogey on the 15th was crucial for him. Paul Allison played excellent steady golf with a 2 on the 18th bringing him a 70 before his lunch. Joining him on 70 was previous winner Johnny Cowley with Keith Ward, Tony White and Stu Douglas alongside. So by half time there were really only 3-4 shots separating the leading bunch and anyone close to 70 would be in there with a magic second round. Jason Craine, Nigel Gregg and Dave Ball had a go with fine 69’s and the Captain, Phil Hassall, shot an excellent 67 which still wasn’t quite enough given his opening 79. Steve Mitchell played another steady round and a 71, total 139 was a good benchmark. Jamie Arneil couldn’t match his opening round and a 74 will have been disappointing. Charlie Garside, always a Town Cup seasoned pro, carded a 70 and 72 total 142 which was a good day out in Ramsey for him. Paul Allison started his second lap with a double bogey 7 on the first but recovered his fine form with birdies on the 2nd and 4th. Steady golf would surely put him in the prizes. A 4 on the par 3, 17th was the only other blip for Paul Allison who also carded a 69 and 139 total. He won the Critchley Cup for the best gross for two rounds on the day which is a special achievement for anyone. The main prize went to a player whose fortunes have certainly changed over the year. Tony Scambler’s poor(ish) recent form resulted in a significant handicap rise over the year for this experienced Town Cup player but this year’s Town Cup saw him pull out the stops and a second round 70 and total 137 made him a three time winner of this prestigious Trophy.

A wet and windy Sunday saw the Junior Town Cup won by Dollin Jansen in the over 28 handicap group and in the under 28 division Jamie Corlett shot a nett 68 to win by 4 shots from Will Broadhead and coming in 3rd with a 73 was Thomas Franchamps. Also taking the brunt of the stormy Sunday weather were the Seniors in a new competition for Golf Week. The Ladies saw Joy Platt capitalising on her Championship form head the list with 37 points just ahead of Linda Webb on 36 and Jane Gaines on 34. The Men’s competition saw some excellent scores with John Rotheroe, returning to form on 37 points in 5th place. Phil Scales 39 meant he just missed out on the main prizes. With 42 points Jimmy Callow was 3rd and David Gaines, playing excellent golf also carded a 42 with a better back 9 to take 2nd place. But for a disaster on the 14th David Gaines would have put pressure on winner, Jeff Ward. Ever the pro, Jeff Ward put in a superb 44 and took first place in the Seniors.

Later in the week Ramsey Golf Club have the Cannacord Genuity medal on Thursday and the Mann Link Travel AM AM on Saturday. Contact the Club for tee times.