2009 RESULTS - HOVE HAVE IT

Walton Heath Golf Club once again hosted the climax of the Rugby Clubs Golf Championship on a glorious day in late October. Teams of golfers from all over England had competed in two pervious stages to reach the National Final and the last 12 had a day to remember at a course that hosted the Ryder Cup as recently as 1981.

Bright clear skies and a heavy dew formed the backdrop as the teams started, but as the sun rose Walton Heath’s New Course was in ideal condition on a breathless day.

Clubs from Yorkshire, Sussex, Somerset, the West Midlands and all points in between were tested by quick greens and unforgiving heather (for those who wandered off the fairway). The verdict from everyone was that it was a privilege to play the course and whatever the score, it was just a fabulous day to be playing golf.

Meanwhile on the Old Course the Sponsors and Guests battled out an individual Stableford. William Eve of RAM Rugby, a perennial sponsor of Rugby Clubs Golf, hosted a team of stars - Mike Corby, the most capped Englishman (hockey and squash), Spencer Jay - a former Saracen and John Gallacher - the All Black World Cup winning fullback. Other guests included the now retired, Alan Black, who has done much to support Wooden Spoon during his years working for the RFU.

Winners, Hove RUFC

After play the teams were royally fed by Walton Heath’s chef and excitement built as the winners were announced. A closely fought day saw Hove RUFC, captained by Jim Tierney and containing the first lady golfer in a winning team, crowned National Champions with 84 points. Hove RUFC will receive a set of RAM playing shirts for the club, as well as a golf holiday at Five Lakes Golf and Country Club courtesy of Golfbreaks.com.

Last year’s winners, Cleckheaton RUFC from Yorkshire were Runners Up with 83 points, captained by the indefatigable Steve Burnhill. Third place was claimed with 82 points by former champions Stourbridge RUFC, good supporters of the event led by left hander, Nigel Baker.

Thanks go to all the teams who completed throughout the year and everyone who made the Championship run smoothly.

Runners Up, Cleckheaton RUFC (with Steve Burnhill cut off on right of pic).

The last act was to draw the winner of Sport Abroad’s donated trip to next year’s Hong Kong 7s. Terry Fitzgerald of Dartford RUFC, who played in the Kent Spoon Region Rugby Clubs Golf Day in August was drawn and he’s delighted to be off to the Far East. Apparently his wife has developed a keen interest in rugby since his ticket was drawn. We wish them a successful trip and thank Sport Abroad for this generous support.

Click here for the full results from the 2008 National and Regional Finals.

Click here for the full results from the 2007 National and Regional Finals.

Click here for the full results from the 2006 National and Regional Finals.

Click here for the full results from the 2005 National and Regional Finals.

Aireborough RUFC, Wooden Spoon winners (not mentioned in the report, but given a RAM ball to play with, as they can’t do a great deal with a golf ball).

Third place, Stourbridge RUFC.