2011 IBM National - 20th June - Results
More than 100 golfers were reduced in regional qualifying events to just 30 who made the trip to The Carrick at Cameron House on Loch Lomond for this year's Final - the latest in an unbroken series since 1970. Despite seven weeks rain, and torrential showers over the weekend, Monday 18th June arrived with a cloudless sky and remained dry for the 36-hole event.
The tough but beautifully scenic course claimed many victims in the first 18 holes, with individual scores on some holes into double figures. (Click image for a close-up view from the 14th tee on the day.)
This being a "medal" competition, every stroke counted. Fairways were soft and good ball-striking proved difficult despite the local "placing" rule, so it was no surprise that two of the lowest handicap players featured strongly, David Nunn leading by three with an excellent 75 off 5 (nett 70), and Andy White (79 off 5, 74) one of the chasing pack three and four strokes behind, along with Andy Sturton, Michael Naylor, Steve Bogan, and Alan Hadfield.
David slipped back in the afternoon while, of the top eight at halfway, only Andy held his form to return a 78 nett 73 and set a target of 147, with David lying second on 150. Those out on the course later would have had to shoot incredible scores to overhaul Andy's admirable total, and it was soon clear that he would again win the Ray Chester Shield for the best gross score, but his day was complete when his nett score was never threatened and he lifted the Jim Hayes Trophy as IBM UK National Champion for the first time. (Click image for a close-up of Andy receiving the trophy from Terry.)
After an excellent buffet dinner in the Carrick clubhouse trophies and replicas were presented, and Andy White took the opportunity to thank the UK Club and the organisers for putting on this event again and to express his pleasure at finally winning the title after enjoying competing for around 15 years. Undoubtably a worthy Champion, and the 42nd different name on the cup in its 42 years - maybe Andy will be the first to win it twice at Royal Ashdown Forest next June.
Overnight the forecast rain arrived and continued in the Loch Lomond area for 36 hours - a day earlier would have proved a miserable experience for the Finalists - and, on Wednesday, the course was so sodden it had to be closed completely.
Great good fortune for the IBM contingent!
Results:
- Best 36 hole nett score (147, +7), Jim Hayes Trophy winner and IBM UK National Golf Champion 2011: ANDY WHITE
- Runner-up for the Jim Hayes Trophy (150, +10): DAVID NUNN
- Best 36-hole scratch score, Ray Chester Shield winner: ANDY WHITE
- Best morning score (73) excluding above winners, on countback from Michael Naylor: ANDY STURTON
- Best afternoon score (73): CLARK MCFADZEAN
Full results:
» Final Results Report by Terry Wall & Mike Bell
Congratulations to the following IBMBGS members who qualified:
- Niki Orchard-Bungay qualified at Hayling
- Mike Bell qualified at Hayling
- Chris Jaques (2000 winner) qualified at Royal Winchester
- Gordon Whickman qualified at Royal Winchester
And to the reserves. We know they sometimes play in the final - and win...
- Peter Breakell made reserves at Hayling and played in the final
- Rob Stagg made reserves at Royal Winchester but sadly stayed home on 20th June
Full qualifying results:
BGS has sent many contenders and winners to the IBM National over the years. Details of the 2010 National are on our Last Year pages. The Hall of Fame and our Stories pages have more.