1999: The Battle of Brookline
2012: The Miracle at Medinah
2019: The Stroll in the Park
Firstly, the important bits. The day raised £62.44 for the Captain's Charity. Secondly, huge thanks to John Cullen and The Boss for organising such an enjoyable day.
The morning greensomes were tied at 3.5 points each, despite a significant overall handicap advantage of 18 shots to The Northern Rockers. Highlights were Beautiful Southerners Kim and Rory halving the match with Robin & Gus despite a combined handicap difference of 9 shots, and a summary 5 and 4 win by Northern Rockers Colin and Tony Hurst over Paul Wright and Dave Reynolds.
The afternoon singles saw some great tussles, and with one group of 4 left to come in the score stood at 7 - 6 to the Beautiful South. Needing both matches to secure victory, Northern Rocker Captain Cullen waited greenside at the 9th., chewing anxiously on his pork scratchings. David Reynolds then wrote himself into Ryder Cup history by splashing out of a bunker at the second attempt, well he was nervous, and holing a long putt for a 5, securing victory over Andrew Loizides and for The Beautiful South. Trevor Pyne also defeated Mike Crofts leading to an overall points tally of 12.5 to 9.5.
The result has been described as a 'narrow' victory by Capt. Cullen, but it is well known that his perception of size is unreliable. It probably falls slightly short of 'resounding', but I would say it was 'emphatic' and it will be known as 2019- The Stroll in the Park. Joking apart, the real winner was golf with your mates on a glorious summer's day - what's not to like ?
The photos are available on the website 'Rogues Gallery', go to the 2019 Ryder Cup folder to see them. click here
