Raphael Roberts rises to the top

The ACGA massive gathered in the leafy sleepy village of Cookham, near Maidenhead, where nestled among the rolling countryside and grand homes is the little gem of a course that is – Winter Hill. Winter Hill - a club created by John Spedan Lewis, the founder of the John Lewis Partnership (JPL) in 1976 and previously the exclusive preserve of JLP partners and guests. However, since 2018 it is now open to all – and thank goodness – as this allowed the ACGA to visit this course for the very first time.

This was against this stirring backdrop that the drama of the 2nd Major of 2024 was to be played out. 35 of ACGA faithful answered the call and duly turned up on time to hear captain Mark Henry opening remarks. Taking their place among the colourful throng of excitedly expectant golfers was ACGA stalwart and former Vice Captain Roger Greenidge who evidently brought the Bajan sunshine with him. It was good to see Roger whose silky skills and good company have not graced our events for far too long. We also had former member Dudley Stephenson (and hopefully new members) Desmond Gustave and Clayton McLean, guests of Mayhe Bernard and Hector James respectively. All were given a very warm welcome and soon enough it was time for the first group to tee off.

As the players made their way around the course they were greeted by course that whilst it did not play long (only 5656 off the yellow tees) it had plenty of tricks up its sleeve to catch out the wayward and the careless. One could immediately appreciate the challenge that course designer Charles Lawry and Donald Steel had in mind when they carved out this gem in the Berkshire countryside. Taking full advantage of the undulating terrain and countryside views including that of the meandering River Thames in the distance, the course was a test and treat in equal measure.

Soon enough, the first group made its way back The scores weren’t bad either with George Grant taking an impressive early lead with 33 points. This went unchallenged by the next group with some eye catching underwhelming scores by serial winners Del Manderson and Captain Mark who had 24 and 28 points respectively.

Group 3 and Group 4 produced matching scores from former members and “guests” on the day Dudley Stephenson & Roger Greenidge. Guest Desmond Gustave also matched that score as well. Which still left George Grant’s score of 33 leading with half the field in. Woody Woodstock’s fine effort of 33 points became the 5th score of 33 of the day. However, an inferior back 9 saw him slip to 2nd place. All this changed within 10 minutes as groups 5 produced a score that surpassed the leading score of 33 points. The irrepressible Richie “Course Record” Payne posted an amazing 39 points (playing off a handicap of 7)! At that point PaddyPower stopped taking bets on the winner – so good was the score and so far ahead he was of the other scores that had been returned. And so the scores kept rolling in alongside tales of what could have and should have been. Many consoling themselves with collecting their lifer bets – or despondently paying out.

And then came group 6 – and the mighty Raf! Playing off his lowest ever ACGA handicap of 9, this serial winner and current Singles Champion, posted a remarkable score of 39 points. Although this matched Course Record’s score it had that all important better back 9, by 1 point. Other than Hector James’ score of 33pts for 5th place in the last group, no other score came close to the podium places.

Raf’s impressive scorecard – a gross of 6 over 78 - showed 13 pars, 4 bogeys and just 1 double bogeys. (1 blob). A dream day for sure and another major to add to his already impressive haul. And surely already a ACGA legend! Spare a thought though for Ritchie who played no less impressively with a gross of 4 over par 76. And he apparently missed a couple of 2 feet putts – a sleepless night beckons for sure.

But the plaudits was with the champ whose smile was a wide as his burgeoning wallet as he collected life bets aplenty. A great day at the office indeed and a fitting reward for a spectacular round of golf.

Full Roll of Honour – Winter Hill

1st Place – Raf Roberts (39 points)

2nd Place – Richard Payne (39 points)

3rd Place – George Grant (33 points)

4th Place – Mike Woodstock (33 points)

5th Place – Hervin O’Connor (33 points)

Nearest the Pin – Richard Payne

Nearest the Pin in 2 – Clayton McClean

Guest Prize – Dudley Stephenson

Blob Money collected - £175.