And the last of the 22 players shall be first. Not in the Men’s Pro4Ball they weren’t. The pair first out and first home won the competition while a number of pairs were still toiling out on the course. Like Birkdale, and unlike the Wembley mud bath in the 1969 League Cup final, the course was playing firm, bouncy and fast and did require more strategy than simply blasting the driver and hoping for an easy short iron in. A strengthening wind, on average a two-club wind, and unpredictable bounces made conditions more challenging as the day progressed, enabling one team member to claim Rory like distance after smoothing a gentle 7 iron well over 175 yards and simultaneously losing the ball on the approach into the 16th. One player worked their way through 20 balls during their round. What happens on the course stays on the course. Another memorable moment occurred on the 14th as the group waiting on the tee were treated to something reminiscent of the mirage scene in Lawrence of Arabia where Omar Sharif rides out of the heat haze. The unidentified fleeting object this time emerged as Mr Kear running back to the tee to play a provisional after being let down by his search party after his first drive. As many members know, a good round in Stableford is usually considered to be 36 points (playing to your handicap). 5 pairs scored 37 or better, with the winners, Chris Thornett and Richard Podd, winning with a score of 46 points. This level of scoring was phenomenal, averaging 2.5 points per hole and the equivalent of 10 points under their handicap (the third competition where someone has achieved this in 2026). Well done gentlemen and the rest of the field will look forward to your handicaps dropping to give us a bit of a chance in the next competition. Congratulations are also due to Richard Standring and Steve Jones (runners up with 42 points), and Chris Chaundy and Rob Barson (third with 39 points). Thanks to Steve Finn, Steve Jones and Richard Standring for setting the comp up and dealing with the cards and score entries on the day. Thanks also to the greenkeeping staff for keeping the course and greens in the best condition possible in this extremely dry period. Sadly the winners had left before the final pairs competed their rounds, so the photo shows the runners up and third placed pairs. We hope to see you all at the next comps during a busy August: • David Head Greensomes (Sunday 9th August) • Lidstone Trophy Sunday (30th August)