GGU calendar started with the team golf in April we had 144 people playing everyone enjoyed themselves and the food the Royal served was delicious, thanks to the Royal for hosting and to Maya and Julie.
The CI match against Hampshire in April didn't go our way with only Conor McKenna winning his singles match 5/4.
In May Conor & Jayden represented Hampshire under 18's. Jayden also qualified for the Brabazan trophy the last Guernsey person to qualify was Bobby Eggo back in 1990. A great achievement from Jayden.
31 men entered the men's Championship, we witnessed some great matches, for those who didn't watch you missed some great golf.
The final between Conor & Jeremy was excellent ,going to the 41st hole is proof of the quality of golf on show. It was a nail biting final.
11 Ladies entered the main Championship ( De La Rue Trophy)
6 ladies entered the Coutanche/Darling Trophy
6 ladies entered the Lindsay Trophy
The main Championship final was between 2 Juniors Chloe Gaudion and Lily McNeela another great final both players played some excellent golf. Chloe we t on to win the Guernsey Championship.
Janette Riley won the Coutanche/Darling Trophy
Jill Pritchard winning the Lindsey Trophy.
Junior championship 9 Junior boys entered resulting in the final between Conor & Jayden with Conor winning. Conor winning the Junior and Men's Championships, the first time this has happened a great achievement.
Conor also became under 21 Hampshire County Champion he went on to play in his first match in Hampshire County Championships. Conor lost in the quarter finals to a very experienced player, a great experience for Conor.
Senior men & Ladies Championship was held in July 43 men and 18 Ladies entered, for the first time the Ladies top 4 gross players went into matchplay as the men do each year. The semi final weather was horrendous Di Aitchison match against Dee Relph had finished with Di beating Dee, leaving Di Stenner and Veronica Bougourd still playing I remember the 3 of us walking up the 14th when it poured with rain, then thunder and lightning resulting in suspending play, play resumed on Sunday with Veronica winning on the 20th.
Dan Griggs v Bobby Eggo in the men's final with Dan winning on the 17th. Although Bobby lost I applaud him for even entering the Seniors 10 weeks after having major heart surgery.
Di Aitchinson beat Veronica Borgourd, Di went on to play the Inaugural match in the CI Championship.
I'd like to thank DWJ Prestige Vehicle Sourcing for his sponsorship for the Guernsey Championships he has been sponsoring the Championships for 4 years now. His sponsorship is very much appreciated.
The CI finals hosted by RGGC the Mems Championship between Conor & Matthew Parkman
Conor went on to win beating Matthew Parkman 8/7 a remarkable win for Conor.
The Ladies Championship 2 Juniors girls in the final a great achievement from both girls. Chloe Gaudion v Anabelle Lucas -Villar a great match to watch with good golf, unfortunately Chloe lost to Anabelle.
Mens Seniors Dan Griggs lost to Jeremy Philips, Ladies Seniors inaugural match Di Aitchison beat Brona Lambert 4/2
Ladies Bronze Jull Pritchard beat Susan Thomas 6/4. The ladies bronze final will no longer be played in the CI Championships.
The Junior CI Championship played in August Conor v Anabelle. Conor beat Anabelle 8/6 excellent golf from both players.
Junior and Seniors inter insular
Thanks to Mich Davy and Steve Mahy for securing Oaks sponsorship for the Juniors. Thank you very much to Oak, it’s much appreciated.
Although we didn't win the Juniors should be exceedingly proud of themselves, on and off the course the matches were played in the spirit of golf. They are a credit to Guernsey, you could see how proud they were putting on their green shirt.
One Jersey parent took the time to write to me saying the Junior ( James Troop) who played and won the game against her son showed respect and kindness to him.
Unfortunately the seniors didn't win their Inter insular, only Nigel came away with 1/2 point.
The men and the ladies inter insular hosted by RGGC and sponsored by Alpha, we thank Alpha for their sponsorship.
Only winning 3.5 points on Saturday, not sure what Dave said to his team for Sundays singles, what a comeback amazing golf on both sides, Jayden secured his point on the 17th, resulting in a 11-9 win Fabulous result.
The Ladies were beaten 13-7 again some great golf from both sides am the score didn't reflect the play.
Hopefully next year we can win all inter insulars.
The last team event was held for the first time at Golf 19, for those of us who played we had a great day in glorious October sunshine.
Over the three years as President I've watched the Juniors thrive, so rewarding to watch them grow, they all help each other, you see them on the practice range they are so committed. They are a credit to Guernsey Junior golf is in a good place and thanks to Angela she has started a girls development group and has 16 girls all eager to play.
We have 3 Juniors one already in USA Tanner Austin, Chloe Gaudion will be leaving in September after signing her scholarship in US , Conor McKenna will also leave in September after securing his sponsorship in the US. We wish them all the very best for the future, I hope they know how proud we are of them we will be following their progression.
Another stand out highlight was hosting the Island Games, really proud to be part of it, the icing on the cake was the men winning the gold medal. Hopefully next year we win again in Orkney.
To all the team Captains, I know you put in endless hours thank you.
Delighted to announce Mick Marley is the Island Games Team Manager for the Men and the Ladies Orkney Games, we wish him all the very best, hopefully he will return with medals.
To Roy, Harry Maya, Julie & Royal Guernsey for all their help nothing was too much trouble, again to Roy and Harry for me pestering them with lots of questions, always willing to help me, they always go above and beyond. They sort out enteries for GGU team, Championship’s help with results for Facebook and many many more jobs for the GGU and always with a smile, Thank you !!
Thank you to the Juniors for their lovely card and voucher for Coco’s.
Thank you to Bill Le Huray, Alan Mahy Iveta & L'Ancresse club for all their support, at their annual dinner they presented me with a voucher for Dan Nello’s and thanked me for the last 23 years, the last 3 years as President. The voucher and your kind words were very much appreciated.
Thank you to the green keepers for their hard work, they do a wonderful job, especially over the Inter Insular weekend ensuring Sundays singles matches.
To Arthur for his hard work & staying an extra year as treasurer to help the GGU. To the committee, Claire who does an excellent job, to the club reps & Jeff and Angela who have been a huge help to me.
I know we may not always get it right, we try our best. All our positions are voluntary we all do the job for the love of golf.
Huge thanks to the GGU for presenting me with a beautiful pendant made by Bruce Russel at the AGM, I will treasure it.
Chloe Gaudion, still a Junior having won the Ladies championship a fabulous achievement, narrowly missed out on being CI Champion, Chloe has represented Hampshire several times this year. Recently signed her scholarship to go to Redlands in the US.
Men’s GGU player of the year
Lewis Marley
Scoring average of 72.2 from late July through to the Inter Insular securing his debut in the Mens team. A great run of form winning the President's Prize with a 67 gross.
GGU Overall player of the year
What can I say about this young man, from a little boy in Orange on the practice range and the course, it's been a pleasure to watch him grow, he's fearless.
Winning Men & Juniors Island Championship, countless scratch prizes throughout the RGGC season. Sundays singles win a great comeback for the Men's Inter Insular. Played in the RGGC scratch league winning team, won singles match at Hayling Island in CI Hampshire Men, recently has signed his Scholarship to go to the US. A worthy winner Conor Mc Kenna.
Thank you so very much. It’s been an honour to be your President.
Wishing Jeff a successful 2025 as President.