2024 HARGA Dinner

Knaresborough Golf Club, Friday 25th October

As is tradition, the day of the HARGA dinner starts with a game of golf. The forecast, a few days before, suggested the potential for a nice day which bode well for playing at Knaresborough, a course known for its vulnerability to wet weather.

Andy Robinson, ( HARGA comp sec), was pleased with this news, so decided on a Texas scramble format, played in pairs, 6 drives per individual, with the idea that two pairs playing together would soon get round the course leaving plenty of time for the players to get into the clubhouse, shower, change into their lounge suits and then have a relaxed chin wag chatting about the game they had just played, before dinner. Tee times were allocated for all this to happen in good time.

Oh dear, how things turned out so different!

The weather was drizzle, misty and wet underfoot making “clean” shots something of a rarity. After 5 hours of play and Andy having to join the last two pairs and act as ball spotter for 3 holes, it was decided to end the game after 16 holes played, although it has to be said that it stopped drizzling eventually and remained mildish.

As far as a relaxed shower etc, it was a very rushed affair to get upstairs before folks were being called to their tables, but, Hey Ho, that’s golf for you!

The format for the evening however is run on traditional lines which means the role of the MC is a reasonably straight forward task, one which Jeff Loveday, (HARGA press officer) has enjoyed over the past few years.

The evening started with the floor clapping in the HARGA President, this year Geoff Fitchett, and his top table guests, comprised of the Yorkshire President, Mr Richard Poynton, and other Area Presidents. Once seated, Geoff welcomed everybody attending and introduced his guests, giving his audience a little amusing anecdote on each one.

Following grace, the Knaresborough GC catering staff sprung into action and provided a very tasty and sumptuous meal, much appreciated by all.

Following the meal the awards for all the year’s competitions were presented, after thanks went to Andy Robinson’s hard efforts compiling results etc. and Keith Lewis (HARGA Sec):

2023 Kershaw Cup – Oakdale GC

2024 Awards

Immediate Past President's Trophy – Otley GC 

HARGA Invitational Cup – Rudding Park GC 

HARGA League Section A – Otley GC 

HARGA League Section B – Catterick 

Loveday-Reveley Plate - Knaresborough GC 

2024 Kershaw Cup – Catterick GC.

The winning pair of the afternoon’s Texas Scramble were Arthur Hayward (Kna) and Graham Mableson (Thirsk & Northallerton) and the nearest to the pin on the 11th was won by Richard Poynton (YRGA President).  All recieved a token prize of a bottle of wine.

Geoff then gave out the results of the Area matches against the other Yorkshire Areas.

HARGA League Finals Day

Saturday October 5th, Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club

What a glorious day of autumn golf played in great spirit and very close outcomes.  It was great to host six pairs of HARGA Club golfers, and a few extra supporters, at Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club for the HARGA League Finals Day.

Here is a run-down of the results from today's HARGA League Finals, 2023 and 2024, played at a neutral course for all the teams involved:

Firstly the 2023 Final (Eric Kershaw Trophy) - this was played between Ripon Rabbits (represented by Ian Jeal and Vaughn Watts) and Oakdale Rabbits (represented by Jamie Letts and Paul Ibbotson).  This was an incredibly close match that was settled on the 20th hole in favour of Oakdale.  Well done to Oakdale and to all the players involved for a great game.  Technically the 2023 final finished after the 2024 final because of the extra holes!

The 2024 League Final (Eric Kershaw Trophy) was played between Otley Rabbits (represented by Neil Barker and Paul Hughes) and newcomers to the HARGA League, Catterick Rabbits (represented by Michael Platt and Mark Evans).  Again a really close match which went down to a match winning final putt on the 18th hole, nailed for a closing par by Mark.  Well done to Catterick and to both teams for an excellent final.

The third match of the day was the League Runners-up (Loveday-Reveley Plate), played between Rudding Park Rabbits (represented by Andy Robinson and Andy Hamilton) and Knaresborough Rabbits (represented by Dermot Keegan & Kevin Bates).  This was another close match in which the lead changed a couple of times with Knaresborough winning 3 & 2 on the 16th hole.

All these close matches showed that for all the concerns about the WHS system it really does work and can produce such close matches played betwwen different generations of Rabbit golfers covering a wide range of handicaps from different clubs. 

The official presentation of Trophies for these matches plus the HARGA Invitational Trophy will take place at the HARGA Annual Dinner and Awards Night, Knaresborough Golf Club, Friday October 25th.  See invite and link to the regiatration form below:

https://forms.gle/SuKV4UzuARiiyHnWA

We hope to see many of you there celebrating a great year of HARGA golf!

HARGA Updates

Mon 16th to Sunday September 22nd

Last week was very full and busy week for HARGA.  We started on Monday with the YRGA President's Team at Romanby golf club.  It was a glorious day and the course was in excellent condition.  YRGA pulled together a strong team, including quite a few of our HARGA colleagues, and then in good spirit gave the HARGA team a bit of a beating 5.5 to 2.5.  Never mind we will endeavour to do better next year!  YRGA President Richard Poynton lamented the abscence of a Trophy for what has now become an annual fixture - this is a challenge the HARGA Officers are now looking to rectify in time for the 2025 match-up.

On Wednesday 18th we held the Autumn HARGA Quarterly Meeting at Catterick golf club on another glorious autumn day.  This meeting was preceded by the Annual President's Prize Competition which was won this year by Andy Robinson of Rudding Park  with a score of 34 Individual Stableford points, winning on a count-back from Phil Grant of Oakdale with the same score.  Nearest to the Pins were won by Micheal Platt of Catterick and Dick toft of Otley.  Congratulations to all the winners and to Catterick GC for excellent hosting of their first HARGA Event.  Draft minutes from the meeting are available on the Council workspace.

HARGA Invitational Results

Sunday September 22nd, Oakdale GC

Hi All

Firstly, a big thank you to Oakdale Golf Club and the support of the Oakdale Rabbits Section for hosting yesterday's excellent invitational.

The table above shows the results from yesterday and the overall result, with Ruddiing Park prevailing with an excellent score.

AUTUMN TOP PAIRS

John Noble & George Bellis - 45

Rudding Park

Kevin Simmonds & Kenny Ross - 44

Rudding Park

Peter Brunskill & Jeff Loveday - 44 (3rd on count-back)

Masham

Thanks to all clubs for your participation today.  Formal presentation of the Trophy will be at the HARGA Annual Dinner.  All welcome to attend.  See details and registration link in the article below.

Regards

Andy & Keith

HARGA Annual Dinner Registration 

Friday October 25th, Knaresborough GC

Use the Following Link to Register for this Event

https://forms.gle/zguxUKeEVT4Br4JB9

HARGA League Results

August 31st

Firstly, huge recognition and thanks to all those who worked so hard to get 100% of the matches played before the August 31st deadline - this was the largest number of matches we have played in the HARGA League (112).  Also special recognition to Andy Robinson, HARGA Competition Secretary, for so quickly compiling and checking the results.  His efforts to keep everyone informed on matches to be played in the final weeks have been very successful.

Congratulations to Otley on their convincing win in Section A and also congratulations to Catterick on a much closer win in Section B.  These two clubs will receive their Division Trophies at the 2024 Annual HARGA Dinner at Knaresborough on October 25th and before the dinner, conditions permitting, they will play for the Kershaw Trophy.

The runner-up clubs in Division A, Knaresborough, and Division B, Rudding Park will play for the new Loveday-Reveley Plate also before the Annual Dinner, weather permitting.

HARGA V Wakefield Area Match, 

Tuesday 27th August 2024

It was a gloomy day that met all 16 players from HARGA as they stepped from their cars at Wath Golf Club to play their last Area match against Wakefield.

However, after a bacon buttie and a cup of coffee in the club house before the game, spirits were raised.

Then, following the pairing up of the couples from each Area by the respective Presidents, in the case of HARGA, vice president, Bill Barnett, standing in for President Geoff Fitchett, the 4 balls began dispersing to the 1st Tee to begin their games.

The course was in excellent condition, the fairways and greens worthy of special note, although, the par 3, 15th, across the pond, is a bit deceptive! Whoever dredges that stretch of water will be made for life!!!

The course definitely favoured the big hitters (provided they hit straight, of course!)

Certainly, it helped the two Wakefield lads who were playing in the last 4ball (said with painful memories.)

That said, everybody agreed, the spirit of Rabbits golf was much in evidence on the course and continued in the club house over a very fine pork and/or turkey carvery followed by a splendid apple crumble or chocolate fudge cake pudding.

After the food came the words from first, the Wakefield President, John Bryan, who gave credit to the friendliness and good company of our HARGA lads and secondly, from Bill, who likewise spoke well of the spirit in which the Wakefield Rabbits played, as well as thanking Mike Burton (Kna) for stepping in literally at the last moment for Derrick Howell, who, everybody wished for a speedy recovery, before announcing the result of the day’s match and handing the trophy over to the Wakefield President.

Wakefield won 41/2 to 31/2

Thanks to all who played and put up a good show.

Jeff Loveday

Publicity & Communications Officer

Immediate Past President's Trophy

Results

Oakdale GC, August 15th

Results:  Congratulations to Otley

1st.    Otley: 72pts

2nd.   Heworth: 67pts

3rd.    Bedale: 64pts

4th.    Skipton: 63pts

5th.    Masham: 62pts

6th.   Pike Hills: 61pts

7th = Ripon: 60pts

7th = Romanby: 60pts

9th = Thirsk & Northallerton: 59pts

9th = Harrogate: 59pts

11th   Rudding Park: 58pts

12th = Knaresborough: 52pts

12th = Wetherby: 52pts

14th.   Oakdale: 40pts (Only one counting score)

Kind regards,

HARGA Plowright Trophy Result

Howley Hall GC, July 11th

The HARGA Team had a very good result in the prestigious YRGA Plowright Trophy event held at Howley Hall on July 11th.  We finished overall 2nd with 198 points, only 5 points behind Bradford who were the winners with 203 points.  The team representing HARGA was:

Anthony Bretherick (Knaresborough GC)

Frank Foy (Thirsk & Northallerton GC)

Fraser Marshall (Romanby GC)

Gary Smith (Pike Hills GC)

Jeff Loveday (Masham GC)

John Danby (Wetherby GC)

Mike Burton (Knaresborough GC)

Nigel Jones (Pike Hills GC)

Keith Lewis

HARGA Secretary

HARGA vs Flamborough Area

Heworth GC, July 10th

After a very wet Tuesday the Heworth team did a great job making the course fit for play on Wednesday.  The arrangmeents for this fixture were very hastily re-arranged to enable everyone to get home in-time for compelling Engalnd versus Netherlands Euro semi-final.  This resulted in an earlier than planned start off of mutiple tees.  It was a fine very match with honours evenly shared in a honorable draw,  A big thanks to all those non-regulars we filled-in for us on the day (you know who you are!). 

Keith Lewis

HARGA Secretary

Summary of the Summer Quarterly Meeting 

Skipton Golf Club, July 4th, 2024

 & Cyril Jones Pairs Results

We had an excellent quarterly meeting at Skipton Golf Club who were hosting a HARGA Event for the first time.  The golf was extremely challenging due to a tough course with heavy rough (the USGA would have been proud!) combined with very strong westerly winds and and for a while "summer showers" that felt more like horizontal rain.  Consequently most scores were on the lower end of the spectrum and the course "earned" quite a few errent balls.  Nevertheless, some played outstanding golf with Brian Stockdale having the highest individual score with an excellent 37 Stableford points.  However, due to the "blind pairs" format, the winners on the day with 66 points was Past President Phil Grant and Nigel Jones.  Keith Lewis got nearest to the pin on the 12th.

Following the golf we were served an excellent dinner of cottage pie (one of the best I have ever had!) and peas followed by a delicious dessert which was a fitting treat for our "birthday boys" Dave Birch and Mel Goody who joined us for a day out despite it being their special day (full marks for getting their priorities right!)

Following the dinner we had the Quarterly Meeting.  The meeting was opened with a few moving words from Phil Grant recognising the contributions and golfing career of Ken Richardson who sadly passed away shortly after the Spring Meeting.  For a full report of the meeting and the Proposals that were passed see the draft minutes which will be posted in the Council Workspace in the next week.

Here is a photo collage showing a few highlights of the day including the presentation of the Cyril Jones salvers, the first tee conditions and usual banter between the meeting participants.

Keith Lewis

HARGA Secretary

HARGA vs Halifax and Huddersfield Area

Masham GC, June 11th

HARGA vs Bradford Area

Bracken Gyhll GC, May 15th

The team representing HARGA against Bradford Area had a very good day-out at Bracken Gyhll yesterday.  It was an interesting Yorkshire Dales location with plenty of former pastures, plenty of elevation changes, tight greens and dry stone walls!  We were blessed with only one sharp shower and most of the afternoon was sunny, warm and humid.  It was a very close match but HARGA prevailed 4.5 to 3.5 to win the "Rennison Shield" for the 29th time since 1980 when it was first played.

HARGA President Geoff Fitchett receiving the Shield

HARGA Spring Invitational Results

Ripon City GC, April 14th

Congratulations to Masham on an excellent team result that puts them 2 points into the lead going into the Autum event which will be played at Oakdale GC on Sunday September 22nd.  The top pair of the day was Andy Robinson and Ian Chesnick with a great score of 44 points.  Shaun Reilly hit a magnificent shot to within 8.5 inches of the pin on the 14th to win a box of balls.  All other prizes will be sent by the HARGA Treasurer to the winners club accounts.  See a few more pictures below:

REMINDER: Minimum Number of Qualifying Cards for HARGA 2025 Events

As you plan the 2024 playing season for yourselves and also your Rabbit friends a gentle reminder of an important proposal that was approved with discussion at the recent AGM:

Minimum number of qualifying cards for HARGA events

PROPOSAL:  For players to be eligible for a HARGA event they must have a minimum of five handicap qualifying cards registered in England Golf in the 12 month period preceding the event.

Notes:  

1. This proposal to be implemented from 2025 onwards to enable HARGA membership to submit sufficient cards in 2024.

2. England Golf guidelines and policies on medical exceptions etc. will be applied.

3. This is primarily a self-policed, good faith directive. The responsibility for compliance rests with the player together with the club rabbit secretary in the case of selections for HARGA League matches. The HARGA Competition Secretary may randomly ask registrants or a club rabbit secretary to verify compliance.  Non-compliance, identified before or after an event or match will result in player disqualification and loss of any trophy or league points awarded.

Reasoning:  Proposal on this issue was requested via a quarterly meeting

Discussion:  After some discussions on the time-line for implementing the proposal and the number of qualifying scores there was general consensus that 5 cards is a reasonable request. 

Practically this means that you should plan on playing in a good number of events in 2024 in which you can submit qualifying cards (some of the HARGA events this year will enable this).  Furthermore, think ahead who might you want to field in your teams for HARGA events next year e.g. HARGA League, HARGA Invitationals etc. and encourage those players to submit a good number of qualifying cards in 2024.  

Keith Lewis, HARGA Secretary