Status: Completed

News and information from this event

MTGS v TRANSPORT GOLFING SOCIETY at HANKLEY COMMON G C
29th July 2014

This is a much anticipated fixture between two kindred spirit golfing societies and played on one of the best courses in Surrey. Two teams of eight players each playing singles matchplay format but in fourballs which is somewhat unusual. So too is the fact that each team is made up solely of Past Presidents. A fixture steeped in the mists of time but one where MTGS have in fact had a good record of performance in recent years albeit losing out to TGS on a tightly fought match last year.

So, much to play for the honour of taking the Motor Transport Cup. But where exactly was the Cup? In advance of the date of the match, a case of panic stations had engulfed the TGS. They had won the Cup last year but could not find it anywhere. Did we by any chance know what happened to it? All was soon to be revealed. It turned out that last year nobody at TGS remembered to take the Cup with them when they left Hankley. However, in an act of supreme awareness and consideration, John Smith, our esteemed Treasurer, not only took the Cup into his care and custody upon leaving the golf club, but even had it engraved for TGS. The only problem was he then forgot all about it! His powers of awareness however returned when prompted and all was saved much to the relief of TGS.

To the match itself. A strong looking MTGS team took to the field led by our illustrious President, Roger Prowting. A lovely morning beckoned. Sunshine and a coolish breeze but turning a little cloudier as the day wore on. Some players wearing shorts revealing an array of shapes, sizes and colours of legs not all of which were entirely pleasing to the naked eye. An elderly woman rambler on the heathland was heard to let out a shriek of astonishment on passing by one particular, but unnamed for the sake of decorum, flight. It was felt by some that her unease could not be entirely disconnected from the appalling state of dress she had just witnessed.

Another tightly fought match ensued. Notable was Lionel Squire’s 3 and 2 win over the normally unbeatable Frank Sylvester of TGS particularly as he closed out his contest with a fantastic birdie at the par 3 16th only needing a putt of under a foot for his 2! The ever reliable Peter Featherstone comfortably won his game 5 and 4 and Paul Richmond also triumphed 2 and 1 in a close contest. John Smith had an emphatic 8 and 7 win over his opponent bringing MTGS 4 points in total and thus requiring only another half point to win from the other 4 games. Sadly, this was not to be with TGS winning all the other four. So the match was halved and honours even but TGS retain the Motor Transport Cup.

Good as the golf was, the highlight for many was the Hankley Common lunch. Salmon roulette followed by roast pork or lamb shank or steak and kidney and then a selection of desserts and/or cheese board. There was rather a lot of wine consumed. Not surprising perhaps in view of what was on offer - a delicate Chablis Premier Cru 2013 and a magnificent Haut Medoc 2009.

Despite their eager quaffing throughout lunch, the TGS did remember to take home the Cup this year but we look forward to this most competitive and enjoyable encounter, which is always played in the best of spirits and sporting tradition, again next year.

Gerry Lynch
4 August 2015