Thorpeness Mixed Pairs

For our first UK event of 2024 we visited one of our most popular “home” venues. Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club on the Suffolk coast always welcomes us so warmly and with its sandy soil it was an ideal location with many course around the country still waterlogged.

Day 1

The weather was not kind to us on the opening day. Persistent drizzle made for difficult conditions, but in true Fairways spirit the whole group kept a smile on their face and remarkably by the end of the day, some incredible scores were posted.

With birdies at the 8th & 13th, Edwin & Lol Lewis (St. Ives) hadn’t let the inclement weather affect their play as they carded a wonderful 39pts. But on top of the leaderboard just one point ahead, we had four couples tied on 40pts.

Out in 20pts and mirroring the same on the back, Tony & Mo Bell (Woodbridge). The ever consistent Kevin & Val Walsh (Harpenden) had played another fantastic round. That left two couples who were attending their first ever Fairways event. With a steady front 9 of 18pts, Chris & Ann Lockhart (Eaton) really came to life on their final 9 , coming home in 22pts. But remarkably, Steve & Louise Wiltshire (Harpenden) went 1 point better on their back 9. With a birdie on 14 from Louise, the Harpenden duo raced home in a fantastic 23pts. It left 5 couples within one shot of the lead overnight and an exciting finish instore

Day 2

Thankfully the rain had stopped during the night and the second round was played in calm overcast conditions.

Newcomers Steve Brown & Sarah Heath (Goring & Streatley) set the pace when Sarah (2 h/cap) fired 3 birdies as they signed for 37pts. Joint overnights leaders Kevin & Val would match this score but would it be enough to clinch the win?

After a quite opening round, Richard & Ro Kennett bounced back with a fine score of 39pts which included a birdie on the 8th. Chris & Ann after their opening 40pts, couldn’t quite match their first round, signing off their campaign with a solid 37pts.

This just left two couples to battle it out. Steve & Louise had again played beautifully. With birdies at the 6th & 13th, they matched their day one score and finished with a total of 80pts. Not a bad debut! But in the closest of margins Tony & Mo came through. With Mo birding the signature par-3 7th and Tony adding another birdie on 17 they added a back 9 score of 20pts to add to their front score of 21pts to take the spoils by just one shot!

Many thanks once again to Thorpeness for taking such care of us all during our stay, especially the group dinner which produced a great atmosphere. Many congratulations to Tony & Mo for two superb rounds of golf!