Status: Completed

Welcome to the 5th MTGS Major meeting of 2023.
It is being held at the prestigious Walton Heath Golf Club ( Deans Lane, Walton-on-the-Hill, Tadworth, KT20 7TP - 01737 812060 ) on Tuesday 12th September
The format of the day will be:-

7.00 Clubhouse opens
7:15 Bacon Rolls & Coffee available
8:00 1st tee, 18 Hole Stableford, off full handicaps
14:00 Carvery Lunch followed by Trophy presentation

Many thanks to The Grove Group for their continued sponsorship of this event

News and information from this event

Thank you to all who played at our final 2023 MTGS Major Golf Day at Walton Heath the day before yesterday.
 
We had 45 players, thanks to a fantastic turnout of 19 guests.  There were a few early birds in the clubhouse at 07:00, ready for their coffee and bacon roll, but, after a steady stream of arrivals, the newly remodelled club lounge was full of familiar faces and their guests by 07:40.  Gerry Lynch arrived minutes before his 08:00 tee time (due to traffic delays) and was seen almost jogging to the 1^st tee, bacon bap in hand. 

Mid morning brought some very light rain showers, but, thankfully, the heavy rain and thunderstorms predicted by the BBC did not materialise.  It was not long before the clouds started to thin out and sunshine started to break through.
The course was in fantastic condition.   As anyone who has played Walton Heath knows, the abundant heather and deep bunkers are ready to catch all but the straightest of shots.  This year the heather was very thick, and in bloom, making it exceptionally difficult to find any wayward balls.  There were not many players who went home with the same number of golf balls they started with.

There were only 3 Members who managed to break par.  The outstanding performance of the day definitely went to Austin Smith, who came in with a tremendous 41 points, playing off 10.  Good golf Austin.

Once in from the course, nearly everyone had a go at the 18 hole President’s Putting Contest.  I think the club pro must have thought that we knew what we were doing as the course layout was not easy.  Only 2 guests just managed to break the magic figure of 36 putts.

The lunch this year was deliberately put back this year to 14:15, as some players were still coming in from the course past 14:00.  Apologies to the early groups out for having to wait so long before being able to eat.   Special mention needs to be made for John Smith and Roger Prowting, who were amongst the first in and then last to sit down for lunch.  They provided huge help by diligently collecting cards, checking scores and collating the results.  Thank you both so much.

Lunch itself was the usual top notch 3 course carvery, which was very much enjoyed by everyone.  Graeme’s threat of fining Members £5 for not wearing the correct apparel seems to have worked wonders.  I can’t remember the last time I saw so many Society ties being worn in the dining room! 
 

After lunch, our President, Graeme Hunt, stepped up to make the after-dinner speech.

Main points

• Thank you to the staff at Walton Heath for making us so welcome and for the excellent lunch.
• I have very much enjoyed my last two years of Presidency and am proud that the Society is doing so well, with record numbers attending events.  I especially enjoyed the recent President’s Cup Event in Trevose.  It’s a very special venue and Paul Newman (aka Dave) did an excellent job in his first year as Match Manager.  You will have to put up with me for a few more events, but I would like to announce that next year the Society will be in the very capable hands of Gerry Lynch.  Gerry may be bringing the next year’s President’s Cup match to Scotland and his home course of Gullane.
• The next event on the Society calendar is our annual Charity Golf Day in aid of the Motor Trade Charity Ben.  This is on Friday 22^nd September at Effingham Golf Course.  Please could I encourage those of you who have not signed up yet please to do so.  Teams of 4 are especially welcome.  
• MTGS would not be possible without the hard work of a small group of individuals behind the scenes.  Thank you to all the Members of the Committee and the Match Managers for all the sterling work they do.
• Lastly a sincere “Thank You” to our sponsors for today - The Grove Group.  Unfortunately Paul Newman is not able to be here today as he’s recovering from a recent hospital procedure.  In his place I’m delighted to welcome his fellow Director, Brian Dodson, to present today’s prizes.

Congratulations to all the prize winners today.   
  
Walton Heath Prizes
 
Best Scratch Score

Austin Smith   77  (41 points of 10 handicap) Hallen Trophy
 
Division 1

Winner             Paul Healy               39pts             Motor Industry Trophy
Runner Up       Tom Ames Waller   37pts             Lytton Trophy
Third                 Johnny Latimer         36pts (CB)  

NTP                   Gerry Lynch
NTP in 2            Alex Lugt
 
Division 2

Winner             Jaye Suter              36pts (CB)    Brew Salver
Runner Up       John Smith             36pts (CB)    Dunlop Challenge Trophy
Third                 Stuart Noakes       35pts    

NTP                    Andy Owen (Guest)
NTP in 2             Jaye Suter
 
Guest

Winner             Lewis Smith              41pts
Runner Up       Sean Roccia               39pts
Third                 Tom Ayling               35pts
 
Putting Competition

Guest Winner        Roy Dearn            35 putts
Member Winner    Roger Prowting   36 putts (CB)  Craig Trophy Ink Stand
 
2023 Aggregate Winners
 
Overall
Winner             Paul Healy               106pts          President’s Trophy
 
Division 1

Winner             Austin Smith            103pts         Philip Rickard’s Memorial Trophy
Runner Up       Sean Costa               100pts         Trader Challenge Trophy
 
Division 2

Winner             Stuart Noakes           102pts            Riches Trophy
Runner Up       Lee Cooksey               99pts             Douglas Lamb Trophy
 
Seniors
 
Winner             Nigel Baylis                96pts             Mobbs Bowl