Mens Club Championships 2019 – Report

Mens Club Championship 2019

Congratulations to HLSGC junior Dan Ellison on becoming 2019 Club Champion.

Dan’s hard work and recent form combined perfectly in less than perfect conditions yesterday to secure the 2019 title against a strong field of experienced golfers and past champions. Dan was the only player in the field to go level par (72) in the morning round taking a one shot lead into the afternoon round ahead of his dad John and fellow junior member Jack Laidler who both scored 73. That was in itself a fantastic achievement by 15 year old Jack in his first Club Championship. Others in contention included David Stabler, Graeme Stubbs, Ian Baxter and Sean Foster on 75 and also Rio Jones on 76.

The afternoon round saw some much better scoring in general including an impressive 78 by Jack Laidler , 75 by David Stabler , 74 by Gavin Spensley and Jamie Purvis , and 73 by Eddie Mackie and Adam Laidler.
Dan came down the 18th with 2 chasing groups behind him on -2 for his round. With a nervy putt to secure par in front of the watching members gallery Dan holed out in style to post a score of 70 and combined with his morning 72 the clubhouse target was set at 142.
So with 2 groups to come in which saw Graeme Foster par the course with an excellent 72 the only threat to Dan’s lead came in the form of his Dad John and Sean Foster. John came up short with a 75 and despite a fantastic one under par 71 by Sean to give him a combined total 146 it wasn’t enough to better the mark set by Dan who won by 4 shots securing his first Club Championship title. A tremendous achievement by 17 year old Dan who earlier in the season won the Junior Club Championships.
When awarded the trophy by Captain Dave Bryson Dan paid tribute and thanks to his parents John and Joanna for all their continued support in his achievement.

The full leaderboard is pictured below along with the moment Dan holed out to win the competition.

Thanks to everyone who took part and returned all scores promptly.  A special thanks to those who completed both rounds despite remote chances of success after disappointing first rounds !

Ian Cassap – Competition and Handicap Secretary