We returned for our spring golf meeting to an old favourite, Reigate Hill Golf Club. It was a blustery day, with sunshine, a little cloud and, thankfully, no rain. Attendance was average, with 16 golfers, and our numbers were boosted by some welcome guests who joined us for a wander around the Surrey Hills. As always with Shanks, there was a mixture of talented players who managed the hillier stretches well, and most golfers also succeeded in steering clear of the water hazards.
After the golf, we returned for a meal of stroganoff and chips (boys like chips!!) followed by a calorific dessert, Eton Mess, before moving on to the prize-giving.
Shanks Golf - Reigate Hill GC 2026
The Steele Bowl
The first award went to Peter Thompson, winner of the Steele Bowl, to add to the L R Humphries Trophy he won last year at Badgemore. Clearly, Peter’s handicap must now come under review, as he has won both trophies for handicaps of 24 and over, making his current 28 look ready for a drastic reduction!
Yellow Ball competition
Two teams, B (Peter and Stephen Thompson, and Tim Bowler) and E (Ryan Langworthy and Gary Brady plus guests), managed to bring their yellow ball home. Just ahead on points was Team B, so congratulations to them.
The Divot Trophy
Awarded for the number of bunkers visited and presented by Mike Windett’s family in memory of his love of bunkers, went to secretary Kit Kat. Surprise, surprise, he visited seven bunkers, while only one golfer came anywhere close: Patrick Carty with five visits.
The best score of the day
Shared by Tim Bowler and Kit Kat both finishing on 38 points, with Tim winning on countback.
Steve Beckett Trophy for Shanker of the Day
There were two nominations among a number of misdemeanours: Mike Gee, for après-skiing down a slope with golf clubs, plopping his ball on the green and then using the same clubs to climb back up again; and, by unanimous decision, the winner was Gary Brady, for attacking two golf buggies on the same green with golf balls ricocheting in and out of them. So ended another enjoyable golf day.
Please remember that Shanks is not only about golf, but also about comradeship among friends and acquaintances in the paper trade.
All members of PICT and their guests are welcome.
Signing off,
Kit Kat (alias Mike Kerlogue, Shanks Secretary)
The Steele Bowl Winner - Peter Thompson
Mike Windett (Divot) Trophy Winner - KitKat
Yellow Ball winners - Team B
Steve Beckett Trophy Winner - Steve Brady