Yellowdot Christmas Cup 2018
The 2018 Yellowdot Christmas Cup once again featured a nail-biting climax, as the leading golfers finished in a very tightly packed group – the top five separated by just two points.
The action took place at Hampton Court Palace Golf Club in cold but sunny conditions, with thermals very much the order of the day. In fact, such was the attention to detail in the event planning, that two prizes (a couple of pairs of thermal mittens) were actually awarded in the clubhouse before a ball had been hit – Mark Sykes and Iain Godwin happily accepting their new goodies having correctly answered the sporting quiz questions over breakfast.
Back to the golf, and now in it’s 20th year we once again witnessed a very close finish to this event. Perennial bridesmaid Jez Hampton once again found himself nudged off top spot by first time winner – and blushing bride himself – Paul Calfe. Both scored 35 points, with Paul finishing the strongest on the back 9 to snatch the famous trophy. In a modest acceptance speech, he was more than a little surprised to have finished with the ball he started with – not something he’s used to.
Back in third, and just one point behind on 34 was Mike Linforth, with Tony O’Connor and the defending champion David Marlow both on 33 points each. However, Mike, David and Jez didn’t leave empty handed, collecting the longest drive and nearest the pin prizes between them. Chris Foreman also collected a prize for his ‘nearest the pin in 3’ on the 5th hole, although the highlight here was surely him collecting the impressive ‘You Tried’ trophy (egg cup) for finishing at the rear of the field (the Yellowdot host excluded of course…)
Finally, Mike Leney won the Champagne Moment for his behaviour and attitude in a bunker on the 17th – you really should know better Mike!
Many thanks to all for making this such a competitive and enjoyable day.
