The Duke of Lancaster’s annual golf day – The Kingsman Cup at Formby Golf Club

The Duke of Lancaster’s annual golf day – The Kingsman Cup at Formby Golf Club

The Annual Regimental Golf Day took place at Formby Golf Club (FGC) on Friday 1st September 2017. 36 golfers from across the regimental family came to test their skills on a glorious sunny day against a fantastic but unforgiving

championship course. This year seen Bob Casson come over from Australia, Jimmy Burns from Los Angeles and two from our 1st Bn in Cyprus, WO2 Scott Dickinson and Sgt Kyle Cooper, plus we had our first female player Linda Tully join us.

The regiment have had a link with FGC which dates back 78 years, when The King’s Regiment crashed out of Harington Barracks in Formby at the beginning of World War Two. Battalion Headquarters moved into the Golf Club whilst the remainder of the battalion deployed on the golf course. I invited Major Austin Cartmel, to come along for the golfers’ supper a few years ago and he reminded the players of that day. Austin was a young 19 year old 2Lt at the time and remembers the Adjt speaking to the Golf Club Captain in the alcove underneath the Clock Tower. The Adjutant was heard to say: “I can only apologise for the damage that our soldiers have done digging-in along what is now the 18th fairway.” The Captain replied: “I really wouldn’t worry as none of us can hit it anyway!”  I can only imagine the relief and feeling of ease that the Adjt must have felt during those first few difficult days. I have to say, that feeling of ease is still relevant today, for which the golfers are immensely grateful. Our numbers increased this year to 36 and it has to be said; “What a great day we had.”

A regimental tie was presented to the Club Captain, Mr AWS (Tony) Webster who went on to praise the regiment for its affiliation and then presented the prizes as follows:

Champion golfer (the Kingsman’s Cup)

Tony Molloy 39pts

Runner up

Wo2 Scott Dickinson 37 pts 

Third

Ex drum major Brian Harrison 36 pts

Captain Les Larsen Trophy – best young kingsman

Kgn Shaun Walsh 29 pts

Mr Mick Satchell – The Crusty Kingo’s cup- over 55s

Ex drum major Brian Harrison 36 pts

Nearest the pin (5th hole)

Stevie Allen

Longest drive (18th hole)

Wo2 Scott Dickinson (under 55)

Degga Edmunds (over 55!)

Major Ray Taylor cup – Most Golf 

Stan Boardman 13 pts

Dave Weaver v2 Trophy – ‘two’ ball sweep

Wo2 Scott Dickinson 10th & 16th 

Paul Sweeney 5th 

Formby Irons Golf Society winner

Tony Molloy 39 pts

Many thanks go to Major Dennis Vickers who took time out to sort the administration on the day and to Major Roy Bevan MBE for copious amounts of photographs.

Captain Hunt handed over the regimental responsibility of the day as he announced his pending retirement from regimental duty. It will enable the day to continue to run under the Regimental Flag. He was presented with a wonderful retirement present from Maj John Harker MBE.

Captain Hunt quoted that Formby Golf Club are brilliant with the support that they give for the event each year and it is greatly appreciated and also that the Club Captain had joined them for the Dinner and presented the prizes. A great day all round!

A true ‘Bunker in One!’

Photos by Roy Bevan

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