2008 Tournament

THE 1ST ICKLESHAM CASUALS GOLF TOURNAMENT

On a hot afternoon in July 2008 the first Icklesham Casuals Golf Tournament was held at the Weald of Kent Course at Headcorn and proved to be a great success. A very enjoyable competition organised expertly by Bob Baker saw Dan Marsh emerge victorious.

It was a beautiful day and 14 players, ex-players, sons of players, sons of ex-players (you get the idea) arrived at the Course – each hoping to have a chance to take home the trophy.

THE COMPETITORS

Joe Beardsley and Micky ‘The Dog’ Zysemil looked surprisingly confident considering they hadn’t swung a club for 5 and 15 years respectively. Chris Baker was a bag of nerves after hacking his way round other courses in the previous two weeks but managed to get it over the water on the difficult first hole. Tim Linch and Dan Marsh – by far the most competitive individuals in the field – started well and unfortunately for the rest kept that standard up for the whole round. Steve Beale and Richard Forrest decided to have a buggy – a very wise choice given their advanced years. Ollie Beaumont didn’t even reach the water at the first and so briefly held the shortest drive title but received short shrift from his dad Mike who thought sympathy and advice weren’t the answer and announced that “it would be good for him.”

It was a long 18 holes and many people saw a lot of the course. Bob Baker waxed lyrical about Dave Tiltman’s putting stroke until it verged on hero-worship. Bob was also weighed down with organisational duties and failed to capitalise on his immense potential to finish a disappointing 10th. Lewis Tiltman – despite moaning about his handicap before the start – was consistent throughout and ended with 35 points. Mike Beaumont – the natural sportsman – was also consistent and scored 29 points. David Mayne and Keith Swallow – dark horses before the tournament – remained dark horses during the tournament but finished creditably with 25 points in equal 7th place. The Beale/Forrest buggy helped Richard rather than Steve. Richard finishing on 26 points and 6th place while the pre-tournament favourite Steve limped in 11th on 22 points.

Joe Beardsley was so rarely on the fairway that the Weald of Kent have named the trees down the side of the 9th hole ‘Beardsley’s Wood’ in his honour.

A welcome curry closed a very successful day. Next year is already being planned!

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Dan Marsh – Tournament winner and ‘Nearest the Pin’ on the 6th hole receives his awards from Bob Baker
Lewis Tiltman – Tournament runner-up receives his prize from Bob Baker
Tim Linch – 3rd place in Tournament and ‘Best Last Six Holes’ receives his awards from Bob Baker

Ollie Beaumont – ‘Nearest the Pin’ on the 13th hole receives his prize from Bob Baker
Chris Baker – ‘Wooden Spoon’ winner with Bob Baker
Mike Beaumont

Back row (left to right):- Mike Beaumont, Bob Baker, Chris Baker, Steve Beale, Richard Forrest, Keith Swallow, Dave Tiltman, Tim Linch, Joe Beardsley.
Front row (left to right):- Micky Zysemil, Ollie Beaumont, Lewis Tiltman, Dan Marsh, David Mayne.