L to R The team and secretary. Bro. Alex Richardson, Bro. Daren Field, W.Bro. David Rushforth, W.Bro. Paul Battle (Secretary) W.Bro. David Bedford. Centre and front: ‘The Battle Jug’.
The WMGS were responsible for the instigation of the 10 Province, Midlands Masonic Golf Championship back in 2022.
Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire & Rutland, Northants & Huntingdonshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire were the original 10 Provinces represented.
Regrettably, Derbyshire and Shropshire were unable to enter a team this year.
The Competition was hosted by Gloucestershire this year and held at the Tewkesbury Park Golf Complex, on Tuesday 23 June 2024. With a very damp start, the day looked like being a washout but the weather quickly changed, resulting in a very pleasant day for golf with around 23 Deg. of sunny periods. The format was 4 ball better ball Stableford, with both pairs to count. Each Province used its’ own criteria for choosing their team of 4. In Worcestershire we selected those who were currently demonstrating consistency and form.
Our representative team, selected on current form, W.Bro. D.R. Rushforth (WMGS Captain) last minute stand in for W.Bro. A.J. Hill (WMGS Chairman), W.Bro. D.W. Bedford, Bro. A. Richardson and Bro. D. Field.
In 2022, the Inaugural year, the WMGS came second, scoring 77 points and losing by only 1 point. Last year 2023, sadly the WMGS came equal last.
What a difference a year makes! This year, the WMGS, having played some commendable golf, managed to score an incredible 87 points to find themselves Victors.
The Trophy, known as the ‘Battle Jug’, which was donated by W.Bro. Paul Battle, has found itself back in the Province from which it originated. To the sheer delight of the donor.
It is considered a great tribute to W.Bro. Paul Battle, who will be retiring as the Secretary of the WMGS in July 2025, after 20 years of true dedication to his role in keeping the WMGS afloat and raising many thousands of pounds for various Masonic Charities.
In 2025, the MMGC will be hosted by Herefordshire, compliant with the alphabetical order of the engaged Provinces.
Even more Par busting golf from our Provincial stars of the game!
The regular Provincial matches straddled the MMGC. Early dismissal of Warwickshire and Staffordshire on 6 June, at Robin Hood Golf Club inspired the team for the MMGC.
Back out, on those Green and Pleasant Lands, August 6 at Burghill Valley Golf Club, the WMGS managed to overthrow Herefordshire and Shropshire to add to their ongoing success.
Finally, with all playing WMGS golfers travelling down to Woodlake Park Golf Club, Gascoed, USK, on 2 September for the match against Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire. The WMGS were able and more than capable of thrusting their ongoing form into sealing a 100% total victory over our surrounding Provinces and Brother Golfers.
What a year for the team. What a year to be Captain. A great deal of Thanks go out to all our dedicated and committed golfing stars. Far too many to name individually but they know who they are.
It is worth noting, that all our matches this year, were played away from home.
For full details of the WMGS please scan here
David R Rushforth (Captain 2024)
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