On Tuesday 6th November, a Panel representing the Executive Committee of the Wiltshire Golf League was convened, chaired by Mr Nigel Long a former President of the Somerset County Golf Union who is an English Golf Union Tournament Panel Referee.

The Panel considered two cases that had been brought to the attention of the Wiltshire Golf League Executive Committee.

In both cases, the key issue was that arranged matches had not been played.

The Panel, having considered the correspondence circulated prior to the Hearing and the statements made by the club representatives at the Hearing, imposed a two point penalty on each club that had failed to play an arranged match. These points will be deducted and the final position of the clubs will now be displayed on the website.

In passing down the Panel’s decision, the Panel Chairman, Mr Nigel Long stated:

“The purpose of this League Competition is to play golf. The Wiltshire Golf League therefore expects its participants to honour that obligation and play matches as arranged.”

The Chairman also added:

“Whilst recognising that Competition Rules cannot allow for every eventuality, the Executive Committee of the Wiltshire Golf League would be advised to give consideration to a revision of the Competition’s Rules prior to the start of the 2008 season.” This will be a matter for the Clubs who constitute the League to be dealt with at the AGM in February 2008.

In accordance with the Rules of Golf, the Panel’s decision is final and there is no right of appeal.

Many thanks to all at Chippenham Golf Club for a first class organisational effort yesterday.

On occasions in the past the League Committee has had to apologise to Finals Day competitiors for the fact that greens have been hollow tined and / or top dressed because it was "that time of year". Yesterday we had the pleasure of a course presented at its very best (Greens Double Cut on Saturday and again on Sunday morning etc). To add to this the kind Starters (Chippenham Members) had pin positions to hand out to those taking part.

As regards the outcome well done to Broome Manor with 116 points (commiserations to Wrag Barn missing out by one point on 115).

Also congratulations to Ben and Josh Loughrey of Woodbridge Park with a fantastic 39 points scratch foursomes stableford.

Overall points scores as follows:-

Broome Manor 116
Wrag Barn 115
North Wilts 111
Hamptworth 108
Marlborough 106
Upavon 105
West Wilts 103
Cumberwell Park 101
Manor House 100*
Ogbourne Downs 99
Chippenham 98
Woodbridge Park 85
Kingsdown 69
Erlestoke 66

NB Sadly both South Wilts and The Wiltshire "failed to show on the day".

Turning to the best Pairs the top scores were:-

1st Ben and Josh Loughrey 39 pts

2nd Tom Ruddle and James Milton 34 pts

3rd Miles Mackman and Ian Blood 33 pts**

(**on countback from a Cumberwell pair)

Very many thanks to all who competed in such good spirit and once again many thanks to Chippenham who on top of everything else added good food and great weather!!

Adrian Northall
Secretary WGL

Congratulations to Marlborough the Division One winners in 2007 (only the year after returning to Division One as the Division Two winners) and to West Wilts for their success in Division Two (only a year after promotion as the winners of Division Three).

As regards Division Three (as mentioned at Finals Day yesterday) the outcome is yet to be confirmed as Rules Decisions are awaited in relation to two of the Season`s Matches - Committee Meeting yet to be arranged because awaiting available dates from all of the necessary participants.

As such the 2008 Divisions are currently as follows:-

Division One - Marlborough, Broome Manor, Cumberwell Park, Wrag Barn, West Wilts and Ogbourne Downs.

Division Two - Bowood, High Post, Upavon, Chippenham, Manor House and Tidworth (plus either North Wilts or The Wiltshire).

Division Three - Hamptworth, Kingsdown, South Wilts, Woodbridge Park and Erlestoke Sands (plus either North Wilts or The Wiltshire).

I hope that this early ntification of the position assists Clubs to arrange their 2008 Fixtures.

Adrian Northall
Secretary WGL