Jeff Dawson won the Woking GC Tournament

[<<] [>>] by Bernard Jones at Woking CC
9 Jun 2015 (GC)

Midsummer in name but not in temperature! The Woking annual level-play golf croquet tournament took place over two days in dry but decidedly chilly weather. Fourteen players from as far afield as Australia took part in a round robin tournament, each playing seven games on the first day and six on the second. At the end of the first day, only two players were unbeaten: Jeff Dawson (Woking, handicap -1 and three times previous winner of the event) and Les Heard (Northampton) with a handicap of 2.

This situation changed immediately on Day Two with both the leaders losing their eighth round games. However, after twelve rounds only two players, Jeff and Lionel Tibble (Northampton, handicap -1), could win the event, with Jeff on 11 wins and Lionel on 10. This was because, by coincidence or good planning, they met in the thirteenth round. If Lionel won he would draw level on games won but under the rules of the tournament would win overall.

By hoop eight Jeff had a two point lead. This was reduced by a jump shot at the next hoop over two balls. The fight for hoop twelve was a protracted affair which Jeff eventually won to take the game 7 - 5 and the tournament. Les had kept up his outstanding play of the first day to gain second place with 11 wins. His performance in this tournament and a very impressive record leading up to it led to his handicap being reduced to 1 by the Tournament Handicapper. Sara Anderson also got her handicap down from 3 to 2 by virtue of the automatic system.

As usual at Woking the players enjoyed splendid two-course lunches and teas provided by the catering team.