2008 Challenge Matches

Format

Revived after an absence of several years, this is a three-way competition on a mutually agreed course. Each society submits a team of 8 players.

This year the team played on 3rd July at Basingstoke Golf Club. Wind and showers did not dampen spirits or skills as BGS successfully defended the title, going 'round in 214 points. Surrey and Sussex took 266 and Hursley 272. Captain Mike Bell topped off the victory with an ace on the 184 yard par 3 12th, and joins our Hall of Fame.

Team selection

Players are invited by the captain to play based on their current performance in the Strokeplay Competitions. The 2008 team is:

Dave McCormick
Malcom Large
Mike Bell
Nick Buse
Peter Barford
Rona Barford
Terry Wall
Tony Ransley

The trophy

A stunning silver cup.

The holders

IBMBGS successfully defended the trophy in 2008, defeating Surrey & Sussex and Hursley.

Format

An annual Ryder Cup style match with the two societies alternating as host. The host society chooses the location. Each society submits a team of 12 players. The captain chooses the pairs for the morning doubles and the lineup for the afternoon singles.

Team selection

Players are normally invited to play based on their current performance in the Strokeplay Competitions. For latest positions see the Champions Cup Table. The society wants to field the strongest possible team so the captain has some wildcard selections to complete the twelve. The 2008 team is:

Mike Bell
Peter Barford
Dave McCormick
Rick Jones
Mike Davis
Alex Wood
Rona Barford
Roger Harrington
Terry Wall
Myles Coleman
Nick Buse
Rupert Tomkins
First Reserve: Martin Smith

The trophy

A special trophy is played for: a cut glass racing car on a wooden plinth.

Click the image for photos of the 2008 event.

The holders

Our team made a valiant effort against Warwick in glorious sunshine at Frilford Heath on Friday 10th October. Despite winning the afternoon matches 7 to 5, our 1 1/2 to 4 1/2 loss in the morning fourballs allowed Warwick to keep the trophy with a final score of 8 1/2 to 9 1/2.

Format

An annual Ryder Cup style match with the two societies alternating as host. The host society chooses the location. Each society submits a team of 12 players. The captain chooses the pairs for the morning 4-ball better ball, and the lineup for the afternoon singles Stableford..

Team selection

Players are invited by the captain to play based on their current performance in the Strokeplay Competitions.

The trophy

The trophy is difficult to award because the top part always falls off! However, it is a nice glass relief on an engraved wooden base.

The holders

North Harbour declined to contest the trophy, so BGS retained it in 2008.

Format

An annual Ryder Cup style match with 12 players competing in 9-hole doubles in the morning followed by 18-hole singles in the afternoon.

Team selection

The Captain's team is chosen from past captains of the Society. The President's team is drawn from this year's committee and event organisers.

The trophy

A beautiful etched-glass trophy on a wooden plinth of a golfer about to strike.

The holders