Kent Golf Limited
Oscar Ash Cups report
Date published: 21 Sep 2023
With the wind gusting at nearly 40mph, we were facing the threat of a course closure when we arrived at Kings Hill for this year’s Oscar Ash Cups. Fortunately - or not, depending on your point of view! - it stayed below the threshold, and play was able to begin for our 40 competitors.
With the forecast for heavy rain in the afternoon not improving, the decision was made early on that the competition would be played over 27 holes instead of the intended 36. Taking the lead after the morning 18 was Dean Lanning (Rochester and Cobham) with a 76, two shots in front of James Moore (Dartford), last year’s champion, and Alistair Woods (Hever Castle), playing in his first Kent competition. It was a lead that Dean would not relinquish, and his 39 over the nine holes in the afternoon gave him an unassailable total of 115, seven over par. Coming out of the pack to take second place was Mark Hutchinson (Chart Hills) with a total of 118, and third place went to Nick Nowotny (Bearsted) with 119, on countback from James Moore. There was more delight to come for Dean as he also took the nett honours on 106 (two under), with Stephen Haffenden (West Malling) taking the runner-up spot on a level par 108, on countback from John Salway (Langley Park).
As ever, Kings Hill were terrific hosts, and the players did a fine job in getting round swiftly in the afternoon and avoiding the downpour.
Thank you to the referees and volunteers for their time and wisdom and for making the day run so smoothly in the face of meteorological mayhem.
Many congratulations to Dean on his double triumph, and we look forward to seeing him defend his titles next year at Lamberhurst on the 12th September.
Oscar Ash Cups winner Dean Lanning (Rochester & Cobham Park)
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