Hill Barn Golf Club Men's Section
Match Comments
West Hove Away 2-4-25
Always a tough fixture with firm & fast fairways and a strong breeze helping your ball to go where you really didn’t want it to. Even our hosts looked a bit confused by the unusual North Easterly but they dealt with it a little better than we did and ran out worthy winners at Seven & a half to a half. John Young and Alastair Kay being the pair to save us from the ignominious white wash. Match lost 7.5 to 0.5
Mid Sussex Home 9-4-25
Could we show that home advantage is a reality – well if it is we only just took advantage of it. A close match which swung on the final game coming in as a 3&2 win for Hill Barn giving us an overall 4.5 to 3.5 win. Our losses were to some particularly good golf from our opponents, with one of their number beating his handicap by a distance. We’ve all had good days but it’s difficult to compete when the ‘Red Letter Day’ falls on your opponent’s shoulders. Story of the day was Grubby Tyrrells ‘birdie’ on the 13th. He took out a Buzzard at 50 feet with his second shot. The poor old thing crashed to the fairway looking stunned, but otherwise uninjured, so we carried it to some cover. There was no evidence of it the following day so we hope it recovered. Match won 4.5 to 3.5
East Brighton Home 14-4-25
Another very enjoyable day playing in the nicest conditions and with a very dry wit as an opponent for company. My partner, Bob Ellarby, had one of those ‘Red Letter Days’ mentioned in the last match if he didn’t ‘come in’ I managed to get something done. Our opponents just couldn’t get a look in and we shook hands on the 12th. The three games behind us were also won well but we had a slight wobble in games 5 & 6 before our final two groups came in and wrapped it up. I think East Brighton have gone home to sharpen their knives so watch out for the return, I doubt it’ll be easy. Match won 6-2
Dyke Home 16-4-25
A bright but breezy day for our home match with The Dyke. The lead game was John Young and myself and, for a change, we were actually getting some shots. Mind you their 5 handicapper was a demon with a 3 wood, and most of the other clubs too. We had a very tight game with neither side getting more than 1 up at any stage. Whilst we had a chance to win it on 17 and 18 a half was the fairest result with two guys who were very comfortable company. Two more of our sides had very slim losses whilst the rest managed wins. Dave Humphrey and Ian Clarke were first back to the clubhouse with a storming 7&5 win. Match won 5.5 to 2.5.
Chichester Home 12-5-25
Now here’s a fixture we never seem to do well in but perhaps today could be different. Home advantage against Chichester is somewhat diluted as many of them come to Hill Barn through the winter. Ken G and I found out that one of our opponents has been playing it at least once a week since the 80’s, so probably knew it better than we did. Having said that we got to 2 up by the 4th and had thoughts of running away with it. Over confidence saw us play the next two poorly but we did manage to get to the turn 0ne up. Apart from a win on the 15th we halved every hole until we scrambled the 17th for a 3&2 win. The story behind us must have been very similar as we recorded wins as far as the 6th match. Only the last two matches went against us, both of them hard fought. Jim and Chris S were particularly bemused by a pair they were giving shots to only to watch them both hit the 8th in one. Now that’s a properly tough school. Roger J also got ‘a mention’ by his opponents for his 3 birdies and multiple pars. It does seem that as soon as you have a ‘red letter round’ you’re being measured up for a mask by your opponents. Crowning glory was Nearest the Pin (Richard W) and Longest Drive (Andy K) both being won by Hill Barn members. Match won 6-2 but they’ll be seeking revenge at their place.
Slinfold Home 19-5-25
An awkward day at Hill Barn as we were hosting our match plus a Cyril Blake round just behind us. Consequently the start had to be rushed to get some separation. Trevor H and I lead the way, both ‘coming in’ when the other struggled but I have to say Trev held us together on the back 9 as my driving collapsed. A very tight match that went to the last hole with us taking it 1 up. Behind us Jim D and Gary Edgar were playing well but finding their opposition something of a handful. Both giving shots they held on until the 16th but couldn’t halt the inevitable. Ray B and John Y got us another win whilst Roger J + Bernie T and Dave R + Bob E had very narrow losses. It was all getting a bit nervy in the clubhouse now as the final 3 games came in but we needn’t have worried as Steve W + Martyn M and Tim M + Grubby came home with big wins of 6&4. With the overall match now being ‘Dormie’ for us the icing on the cake arrived in the shape of a 3&2 win for Tony D + Ian C. Match won 5-3. The machine rolls on but with the next 5 fixtures being away can we keep up this strong showing ?
Chichester Away 6-6-25
Bugger !! We had such a lead that winning the Haygarth Cup this year looked like a formality. We only needed two and a half games to bring home the bacon but just missed out again. First game out was myself and Ken G and we were hanging on to shirt-tails from the start. We’d both admit that we weren’t playing our best stuff but our opposition had a player that was a class above and we were well beaten 6&5. Stuart A and Steve W put up a slightly better fight but ultimately lost their leg too whilst John Y and Andy Kershaw came in frustrated. They had both played well but just couldn’t force a result from it. Our first bit of good news arrived with Richard W and Ian C claiming a half, so we still had a decent chance. Roger J and Trevor H, a pair that I’d put my money on, came home with a narrow loss but in behind them we had a great result from Gary Edgar and Alistair K who stormed in with a 5&3 win. Late replacement Bob E and his partner Stefan K had been close, but ultimately lost out and, our last hope, Steve H and Dave “in form” Humphrey just couldn’t save the day for us. Match lost 6.5 to 1.5. All a bit galling having to stand up and announce that after the lunch but we gave them a scare. We just need to push it over the line next year.
Portsmouth Away 9-6-25
Oh dear, I think the 5 consecutive matches at home might have lulled us into a false sense of security. Tony D and I led the way with Tony winning us the first hole. Back level after 2 we then won the 3rd but we capitulated for the rest of the front 9 to give them a 3up lead. Despite some better form coming in we’d given them too much of a lead and lost 5&3. We had two ‘bankers’ behind in Roger J and Richard W. They put up a valiant fight but just couldn’t get our first point on the board. George S and Dave H followed but with an opponent using his shots wisely they couldn’t win a hole. Apparently even several pars failed to make an impression. Stefan and Steve H next but the story was becoming familiar with another loss. Surely Trevor H and Ken G could pull something out of the bag ? As our joint best pair they very nearly did, but it was still a loss. When Ian C came in before the rest of his 4 ball I had to hope that it was because they’d won convincingly. They were nearly our last chance of some good news but, unfortunately, had been treated to the same punishment as the rest of us. The good news – George Smith won Nearest The Pin on the 16th. The result though was still bitter, our first Whitewash. Match lost 0-6
Pyecombe Away 14-7-25
I like Pyecombe, it’s a proper adventure of a course. A bit hilly for some but some really inviting holes. Tim Martin and I led the way and, after a friendly start, soon made some headway. Three up after 7 we were ‘gelling’ nicely. If one of us went wonky the other played well. We turned 2 up but lost a bit of momentum on 14 and 15 and were finally brought level on the 17th. We halved a very friendly game. Chris S & John Y came in next looking a little down. They’d played well enough but couldn’t get a result. Gary Edgar and Bob Ellerby suffered a similar fate but Roger J & Grubby got a bit closer with our narrowest loss, and that against a player off 15 who owned up to playing off 2 in his prime, the toughest of opponents. Some good news arrived with Richard W and Dave H, who came in with our only win 3&2, but the final 3 games were all against us and we lost another away match 6.5 to 1.5. There’s a definite trend here that we can only hope we can break next week at Slinfold. We’ve won there before so I hope we can repeat the feet and stop this nasty run we’re on. Fingers crossed. Match lost 6.5 to 1.5
Slinfold Away 21-7-25
Warmed by thoughts of last years’ win at Slinfold I was hoping we’d be able to stop the run of away losses we’re currently suffering. With mine and Nigel’s game starting with a run of ‘halves’ it initially looked like it could go either way. Turning 2 down we pulled one back but soon lost another. Despite halving the rest of the way for a close match it was still a 2&1 loss. Good news was just behind us though as George and Roger won 3&2. Tomas and Tony P were fighting hard but even an eagle from Tomas, holing out an approach from a very long way, couldn’t get the required result. Lost 1 down. Gary E and Trevor had their chances but their opposition hung on and forced the ‘half’. The following games with the 2 Steve’s and then Grubby and John Y both had narrow losses but Andy K and Tony D broke that run of results with a 1 up win. With Bob E and Martyn bringing up the rear they unfortunately followed the general trend of narrow losses. Match lost 5.5 to 2.5 Comments I heard on the day were “Tomas played like a champ”, “Grubby found some better form”, “Roger was on form” (known to most as steady Eddie so no surprises) “Oh, you can hit a drive then” from one of my group on the 17th tee, I’d struggled until then. I know they meant well.
Dyke Away 25-7-25
Unfortunately our away form rumbles on. Looking at the statistics I was hoping for something better as, for a change, we weren’t giving most of the shots. I went out first with Steve W and we did well to hang on to two very steady players. Not even birdies guaranteed a win so when we got to the turn level we were pleased with ourselves. The back nine was our undoing as we ran out of steam in the humid weather finally conceding 4&2. With the next three games all going the same way, albeit with Grubby and Dave H only a marginal loss at 1 down, we had to wait until our ‘mole’, Nigel P, and sidekick Bob E managed a commendable 3&2 win. The next two matches fell back to Dyke wins with our last hurrah coming from Chris S and the ever reliable Trevor H winning 1 up. It turned out that Chris had lost his 5 wood when they were 4 down but the lighter load gave him the strength to battle back for the win. A lesson for us all ??? Match lost 6-2
Pyecombe Home 20-8-25
We needed to stop the rot with this first home match after a sequence of 4 away losses. Trev and I went out first and sped into an early 3 up lead as our opponents struggled with the pace of the greens. We did lose the 4th but were never less than 2 ahead and finally shook hands on the 14th for a 5&4 win. Steve Wilcock and late substitute Chris Smith had an epic tussle, just losing narrowly, 1 down. Old hand George Smith partnered by ‘new to matches’ Murray Chisholm were obviously firing on all cylinders as they brought home a convincing win 5&4. Roger Jenns and Tony Prescott were next and I feared the worst for them as I’d seen their opposition ‘signal’ that they were 2 up at the 12th. I knew Rog wasn’t feeling well so expected the worst but they battled back and came in with a half. Dave Humphrey and Martyn McLennan next and a pairing I’d put a fiver on every time. Their opposition must have had a good day as they managed a win over our trusty pair. Behind them Rod and Ken Green brought us in another half whilst Bob Ellarby and Robin Johnson won a tough battle, 1 up. Last to get home were Grubby and Graham Willis with the score that levelled the overall match, lost 2 down. Longest drive was won by Pyecombe and Tony Prescott went close to Nearest the pin on 17 until Ken Green got that bit closer. Portsmouth at home next and our heaviest defeat to be avenged. Fingers crossed !! Match drawn 4-4
Portsmouth Home 1-9-25
Oh dear. Whitewashed away I was hoping for a little pride to be restored in this match. Gary Edgar and I were out first and started well. Unfortunately that was short lived as we swapped results from hole to hole with a very steady pair. Turning 1 down I was ‘leaning’ on Gary perhaps a bit too much and missing a winning putt on 12 didn’t help. When they putted in from off the green on 14 with one man out of the hole it spelt the end for us. Lost 2&1. Being out first we got the best of the weather but still had to endure a couple of downpours. Those behind us had worse so when our usually reliable Roger and Robin came in looking bedraggled their 3&2 loss didn’t seem so bad. Tony P and Bob E next with a steady start but finding themselves 3 down at the turn. Losing the 10th gave them a mountain to climb but they fought hard and got that back to one before finally losing out 2&1. Ray B and George S out next and, once again, a steady start with 3 halves. The lead was then swapped, followed by a half but a sign of things to come as they lost the 9th to turn 1 down. They were against Portsmouth’s 8 handicapper who must have found his form as they closed out the back 9 with 4 wins and a 5&4 loss for our boys. Said low handicapper went on to take the longest drive and nearest the pin too. A proper clean up. Trevor and Ken out next and Trev with an enviable record at stake. The first didn’t go their way but that was quickly corrected before their opposition found their feet and got to the turn 3up. It all became a bridge too far from there with their opponents claiming a comfortable win on the 14th. John Y and Steve H bringing up the rear and also the only good news for the day. They looked a bit drowned when they finished but a 2&1 win was some sunshine at last. If ever there was an argument for our course to be re assessed for its’ slope rating, and consequently our handicaps, I think this was it. With the remodelling on the horizon though I fear that correction may be some years away. Match lost 1-5
East Brighton Away 15-9-25
Match cancelled due to gale force winds.
Mid Sussex Away 25-9-25
Always a nice course to play in drier times Mid Sussex was in great condition for our match there today. Richard W and I were out first and got off to the best of starts winning the first hole. Level again after the 3rd we won the 4th but then lost a couple to be one down at the turn. Two more losses had us on the back foot and a catastrophe for both of us on the 14th gave the opposition Dormie 4 up. We shook hands on the 15th which we could only half. Andy K and Tony D next and they had a close match. Two down after 3 they rallied to level at the turn. The lead swapped around for a couple of holes until they managed to get to 2 up after 15. A fightback from their opposition took the match to the last hole where an honourable draw was declared. Little did we know that it would be the only match that we didn’t lose. Grubby and Tomas B next out and against a very low handicapper who did plenty of damage. Several birdies were impossible to beat. Five down at the turn They hung on until the 13th until finally giving in to the inevitable. Steve H and Tony P next sharing the first two holes in a steady start. Up against another tough pair though they found themselves 4 down at the turn but rallied with 3 wins in the next 5 holes. Losing only one of the next 3 holes just edged them out in a 2&1 loss. Our newest recruit, Kevin Jeffrey, and Chris Hare out next and a flying start too winning the first 2 holes. From what looks like a very steady card for all 4 players they turned level. A close match where neither team gave much away was finally lost 2&1. John Y and Roger J up next playing a man on a very purple patch they never really stood a chance. When a 13 handicapper goes round in the low 70’s all you can do is watch, admire and hope that, one day, you get the same purple patch. Match lost 6&4. Rod O and Bob E next. A friendly start but a match that just crept away from them after that. Four down at the turn a couple of halves must have given them some hope but their opponents pressed their advantage to inflict a 5&4 loss on them. And finally, Steve W and Trevor H. With their opposition giving nothing away the match was heading the wrong way from the off. Turning 4 down they never had an opportunity to establish themselves and, despite winning the 12th they were to follow in most of our footsteps losing 5&4. The away fixtures have proven to be a test that we’ve all mostly struggled with this year. With just one home fixture left I’m looking forward to writing a report that shows we can get a result. Fingers Crossed ! Match lost 7.5 to 0.5
West Hove at Home 29-9-25
The last match of our summer season and a chance for payback on the near whitewash we suffered at their course. Chris Smith and I led the charge but going 3 down in 3 we were an example that didn’t need to be followed. We turned 4 down and only ever won one hole, finally conceding to a 5&3 loss. Steve Hyde and John Young out 2nd and they had a much better idea. They didn’t lose a hole for the front and turned 6 up. They actually got to 7 up before the final blow was dealt on the 13th for a 6&5 win. Roger Jenns and Steve Wilcock next and they had a very tight game. Losing the first 3 holes they then won the next 3. Another 3 were lost but, again, cancelled out with 3 more wins. Unfortunately the loss on the 15th was eventually added to by a loss on 18 for a 2 down loss overall. Chris Hare and Trevor Henson followed next and had another tight match. They were one up after 5 but eventually turned 2 down. Initially staying in touch for the back 9 they got a little adrift on the 15th, 3 down. Pulling out all the stops they won the next 3 to come in with a well earned half. Nigel Packham and Grubby flying our colours next but with the shy and retiring Grubster keeping his card in a personal code my reading of it is less than complete. Fortunately the message at the bottom was – Win 2&1. Bob Ellarby, stepping in late for the unwell Dave Humphrey, with partner George Smith were next in line. They started with the same poor fortune as my match but continued the story to the 4th, all being lost holes. The fightback started on the 7th and they got themselves to the turn just one down. The 11th got them back on even terms and then wins on 15 and 17 got them what must have felt like an unlikely win early on. A proper fightback. Kevin Jeffrey and Ken Green followed. They went 1 up on the first, held that until the 4th, and then turned on the afterburners for a lead at the turn of 5. Losses at 10 and 11 must have spurred them on as they claimed both 12 and 13 to shake hands on 14 for the 5&4 win. Bringing up the rear Tony Donovan and Richard Williams in a match that never strayed far from the centre line. Mostly 1 ups and 1 downs with just two holes threatening to start the wrong trend at 2 down. Such an even match was never going to produce a runaway result so it was no surprise to find it level on the 16th. The 17th provided the tiebreak and that 1 up score was to bring in the last match in our favour. Match won 5.5 to 2.5 Longest drive was a monster on the 9th (I saw the second place and that was plenty far enough) won by WH’s Stuart King. Nearest the pin on 17 our own Steve Hyde.
The Season
Out of 15 matches played (East Brighton away was cancelled due to gale force winds) we won 6 at home, drew one at home and lost one. All away matches were lost with which pretty much proves home advantage is all. Portsmouth were the ones to buck the trend and against whom we had our worst results, a whitewash there and a 5-1 loss at Hill Barn. The loss that hurt the most though was away to Chichester. After a good win at home I was convinced we’d get the two and a half points there that would win us the Haygarth Trophy for the first time in several years. If only we had Lowry and Hatton in our team !! Looking forward to next year we have two new clubs to play, with Cowdray Park and Seaford Blatchington added to our fixture list. With some newer and younger members beginning to play in our matches who knows, we might just start to reverse the away trend and tip the balance in our favour.