Hard-Fought Handicap League Final Sees Abbey Take Second Place

Source: Worcestershire Golf League – October 2024

On Sunday, October 6th, the thrilling finale of the Handicap League 2024 took place at the picturesque Great Barr Golf Club. The match featured divisional winners, The Abbey and Gaudet Luce, competing for the prestigious 2024 Handicap League title.

With overcast skies and a light drizzle, Gaudet Luce set the pace early, thanks to Steve Lewis and Steve Partridge, who claimed the first game on the final hole, defeating The Abbey’s Jon Reid and Andy Sinclair. However, The Abbey quickly responded as Jimmy Elliott and David Whitworth leveled the score with a commanding 5&3 victory over Dean Pointon and Steve Roberts, bringing the overall score to 1-1.

Gaudet Luce regained the advantage in the third game, with Mike Wilde and Darren Williams winning 2-up against The Abbey Captain Graham Catt and Andrew Davill. This lead was further extended after Dan Gandy and Paul Binning secured a 4&3 win over Nigel Whitaker and Mark Young, making the score 3-1 to Gaudet Luce after four games.

As the drizzle grew heavier and daylight began to fade, The Abbey made a stunning comeback with Mark Goddard and Dave Stocks dominating their match with a 7&6 win over Richard Moran and Brian Symonds, taking the match to a deciding final game. However, Gaudet Luce’s Ian Gandy and Rob Blount clinched victory on the 17th hole with a 2&1 win over Jason Austin and Mike Hoult, securing the 2024 Handicap League Championship for Gaudet Luce.

At the trophy presentation and celebratory meal, Gaudet Luce Captain Steve Lewis proudly received the trophy, thanking his team for their outstanding performance and congratulating The Abbey Captain Graham Catt and his players on an incredible final. He also extended thanks to Great Barr Golf Club for hosting the match in such excellent conditions.

Final Score: The Abbey 2.0 – Gaudet Luce 4.0

Gaudet Luce are the 2024 Handicap League Champions

Team Lineups

Gaudet Luce – 2024 Champions
Captain: Steve Lewis
Team: Steve Lewis, Steve Partridge, Dean Pointon, Steve Roberts, Bryan Symonds, Mike Wilde, Darren Williams, Dan Gandy, Paul Binning, Richard Moran, Ian Gandy, Rob Blount

The Abbey – 2024 Runners Up
Captain: Graham Catt
Team: Jon Reid, Andy Sinclair, Jimmy Elliott, David Whitworth, Graham Catt, Andrew Davill, Nigel Whitaker, Mark Young, Mark Goddard, Dave Stocks, Jason Austin, Mike Hoult

Report by: Mark Hawkins – Worcestershire Golf League, October 2024