Chestfield Golf Club, near Whitstable, currently enjoying their centenary year, were our hosts for the 2024 Mid Age Championship on a gloriously sunny May day. Forty-one men aged between 35 and 55 did battle over 36 holes on an excellently presented course with surely some of the finest – albeit trickiest - greens that our players will putt on this year.
Defending Champion, Liam Burns (Chislehurst), might not have been too happy with his opening round of two-over-par 72, but it was good enough to give him a one shot lunchtime lead over Ross Capeling (Bearsted), with home player, Alex Young, one further behind on 74. But the afternoon brought about a change of fortune for many, and both Ross and Alex dropped out of contention. Danny O’Reilly (North Foreland) matched his morning score of 75 and took third place with a total of 150 (+10), with Danny Jones (Wildernesse) carding the only under par round of the day to shoot up the leaderboard to claim second place with a total of 149 (80,69). But nobody could wrest the trophy from Liam who followed up his 72 with a steady 71 to claim the title by an impressive six strokes.
Taking the handicap honours was Richard Tinklin (Chart Hills) on nett 146 (72,74), with runner-up, Andy Scott (Wildernesse), just one behind (76,71). Rounding out the prize-winners in third was David Garcia Colomer (Chart Hills) on 148 (75,73).
Thank you to our invaluable referees and volunteers – Sam, Ian, Jon, Allan, Christine and Adrian – for giving of their time so willingly.
Finally, our sincerest thanks go to Richard and his team at Chestfield for their superb hospitality and we wish them well for the rest of their special year.