Hurlingham August Weekend Golf Croquet Handicap Doubles Tournament

[<<] [>>] by Tony Bingham at Hurlingham
27 Aug 2018 (GC)

16 pairs played in this popular one day open doubles event, representing 13 different clubs, though none from Hurlingham. Handicaps ranged from 10 to minus 1, with 11 players on 2 or better. Thankfully the weather was dry throughout and the lawns played well, as ever. A 6-round Swiss was completed and most of the leading places were in doubt until the very end. After 3 years of relative domination by the Norrises from Phyllis Court this year new pairs came to the fore. The clear winners of Hurlingham Whisky Tumblers were Diana Langridge (10) and Sue Rice (6) from Reigate Priory, who won 4 and drew one out of 6, losing only their final game. They made very good use of their extra turns and showed that you don't have to be low handicappers to win such an event; well done them.

5 pairs tied on 4 wins, giving the manager a headache to separate them. Who Beat Whom didn't work but on Quality of Wins Mike Huxley (Guildford & Godalming, 2) and Gavin Taylor (Surbiton, 3) narrowly came second, making a late run. Even they were surprised by the outcome! 3rd and 4th places were still tied by this measure but after counting Net Hoops Jean (5) and Ian Cobbold (1), both from Cheam, were awarded 3rd place. Others on 4 wins were Sharon & Alan Clark (High Wycombe), David Barnicoat & Desmond Taylor (Enfield) and Louise & Stuart Smith (Northampton). It was good to see 9 couples among the entries (though they didn't all play with each other!) and also 9 pairs returning after last year. Next year, I hope our own members will join in; please apply early, preferably soon after the CA Fixtures book is issued.