We returned to the beautiful North Norfolk coast following our first visit last year, once again taking on the mighty links of Sheringham & Hunstanton with our base for the stay the delightful Briarfield Hotel.

Sheringham

We arrived to a much softer and greener landscape than from the previous twelve months. The rain from the week before had changed the playing surfaces vastly turning it into a longer course but now the chance to fire at the pins and get some stop.

A whole bunch of fine scores were being recorded as the couples returned. Low-handicap duo Gary Thomas & Anne Anttonen (Prince’s) signed for a solid 38pts. It proved to be a popular score as it was matched by John & Alison Moss (Goodwood), John & Mary Watson (Radcliffe), Phill Crocombe & Chris Jenkins (Royal Mid-Surrey) & Sarb & Judy Matharu (Hinckley)

It wasn’t until late in the day that one couple broke out of the pack. David & Fran Eyre (Bedfordshire) had played beautifully to card a wonderful 39pts around this wonderful links layout. But the day belonged to last year’s champions. Playing an immaculate round of golf, Matt & Angie Harrison (Walmley) waltzed around Sheringham signing for a brilliant 42pts. It left them with a 3 shot overnight lead and a wonderful start to their defence of the title.

Hunstanton

Hunstanton is links golf at its very best. During the club’s 125 year history it has hosted more than forty events of national standing including twelve British & English Ladies Amateur Championships, five Brabazon Trophies and three English Amateur Championships.

What an absolute stunning morning we were greeted with. Thankfully, not quite as warm as the previous year when the hottest day in England was ever recorded and only 5 of our couples managed to complete their round due to the extreme heat.

It was to prove to be one of the best ever scoring days on a UK event. This famous links was bought to its knees, as no fewer than 8 couples scored in the forties!

Sarb & Judy & Gary & Anne each signed for a superb 43pts matching their previous day’s score of 38pts giving each couple a very respectable total of 81pts. Two of our new couples, Andy & Helen Parker (Thorndon Park) and John & Caroline Harrison (Prince’s) signed off in style as they both blitzed around the old links in a magnificent 44pts.

Just when we thought we’d seen it all, the ever consistent pairing of Phill & Chris returned and had compiled a card to go one better, posting a superb 45pts and a 36 hole aggregate of 83pts setting a very tough challenge for our leaders.

But this little part of Norfolk seems to belong to Matt & Angie. With fantastic scores being made all around them, they put their feet firmly to the metal matching the weather and scorching round Hunstanton with the “best of the day” score of 46pts. After an incredible day’s scoring from the group, they finished with a total of 88pts to retain their ” Norfolk Links Mixed Pairs” title by  5 shots, a truly magnificent performance.

A special thanks to both golf clubs for once again presenting both courses in stunning condition and to the Briarfield’s Hotel for taking such great care of us all.