BLETCHINGLEY 28th April 2025
So, a quite glorious April day of sunshine, heat and a slight breeze – it could have been mid-July!
The HoGS came out in force for the first meet which was great to see, all eager to get their hands on the stunning trophy, now complete with an extended plinth as remarkably, this is the 26th year of your Society. The inaugural event took place at the long lost Cranbrook Golf Club under the auspices of your first HOGMEISTER, Mr Robert Lancaster in September 2000 and was won by Graham Wicker.
As a tribute to their longevity (and fitness) both Lancs and Graham were in the running (at least on the first tee) for the grand prize in the 73rd running of the HoGS.
Sadly, neither featured in the running and indeed many HoGS found the unexpected heat, the trees and the water just too much, including yours truly…
However, as always, some found the course to their liking (as long as they weren’t chatting with our guest – the Bletchingley Lady Captain) and there were some good scores.
The longest drive for the Ladies was Linda Davies and just ahead for the Men was Simon Begg – well done, two at least on the fairway AND both Ladies & Gentlemen found the nearest the pin! A Bowden monopoly there.
The prizes for front and back nines were hotly contested and using the no-one wins more than one prize dictum, successful winners with 17 points were Nick Hunter and defending champ, Neil Barrington-Johnson.
On to the placings – in 4th with 32 points winning on countback was Vanessa Barrington-Johnson thereby securing the B-J household bragging rights at least until June! In 3rd with an excellent 35 points was Dave Goodwin clearly keeping the infamous low ball flight on the straight and narrow.
Contesting the winners circle were two previous double winners – David Robinson and Liz Page – both scoring a highly creditable 36 points – Liz securing the HOG for the 3rd time on countback; well done Liz.

As mentioned at prize giving, the next meet is at Redlibbets Golf Club on Tuesday 10th June.
Invitations etc have recently been sent out.