West of England Seniors Scratch Open - 2009

Somerset Golf Union, in collaboration with Burnham & Berrow Golf Club, managed to incorporate the West of England Seniors Scratch Open into their already busy championship season. The number of entries for the inaugural competiton in 2008 was disappointing but the quality of the field was first class. It clearly takes time for such a championship to become established so the organisers were pleased that the number of entries was up on last year.

Doug Arnold relinquished his crown to Bill BcIntyre of Harpenden Golf Club and Eddie McIntyre from Olton Golf Club made it a family affair by taking the best net score over 36 holes prize voucher.

Somerset President Dennis Longden, Bill McIntyre, Burnham & Berrow Captain Stuart Cook

On a blustery day at Burnham & Berrow it was always going to be a tough test for golfers of all abilities and this year's field certainly contained some quality golfers. Even so only 4 of the 37 starters managed to break 80 which left the championship open to anyone who could compile a decent score on the Wednesday.

Local man John Smith of Burnham & Berrow, after a disappointing 83 in the first round stormed into the lead with a solid performance scoring a creditable 74 for a 157 total. Geoff King from West Essex GC, the first round leader on 77 could only manage an 80 also for a total of 157 but Smith was still leading with a better second round score. Doug Arnold, the reigning champion, had the same scores as King but the other way round which left Smith still in first place with Arnold in second. It was left to Bill McIntyre to push them aside with a 79 and 75 total 154 to become the 2009 West of England Seniors Champion.

Feedback from the players will result in next year's championship, although retaining the same two day format, having a greater spread of prizes including net and gross prizes for the best scores in each round as well as 36 hole prizes. No one will be allowed to win more than one prize which I have no doubt will give the organisers a bit of a headache sorting out the winners.

In his prize presentation speech Somerset President Dennis Longden tahked Burnham & Berrow for hosting this prestigious championship and Richard Whyman, the Course Manger, for a well presented course. He also thanked all the players for entering, especially the three from Jersey, and looked forward to meeting them again next year. He encouraged the players to tell their colleagues about the championship and to encourage some of them to enter next year.