Having only gained a disappointing half a point from the opening two home league games Surrey
travelled away from home to play National Champions, Hampshire. A very firm and fast Hayling
Island was the venue and Surrey found themselves 2.5-1.5 up at lunch after foursomes wins from Will
Dugdale and Jacob Aaholm and Harry Plowman Ollington and David Corben. The singles started well
with the ever impressive and reliable David Corben dispatching of Tom Robson in the opening match
5/4, however after that Surrey were up against with six of the remaining seven matches down at the
turn. It was then that the strong spirit in the camp shone through as debutant Lewis Hinton beat
Hampshire Captain Colin Roope 1up and Max O’Hagan got a precious half having won the 18th hole.
It was then down to County Champion Jacob Aaholm to get up down from sand at the last in front of
the Hampshire faithful to secure a 6-6 draw against a strong Hampshire side in their own back yard.
The final game of the season came away at Kent at another fine links course in Princes. Having seen
the vast majority of the team head back to America Surrey fielded a side that was mixed with youth
and experience with England Boys International Enrique Dimayuga getting a first league start as well as
fellow junior player Tom Spreadbrough. Kent fielded a side of players that had recently performed well
in the South East Links and who ultimately proved too strong for Surrey coming out 8-4 winners.
This signalled the end of the season and looking back although the results were disappointing the First
Team have no doubt taken steps forward. Over the past two seasons we have made a conscious effort
to integrate youth with the great experience we have within
the squad and 2018 has seen that take a step on with the introduction of our juniors into the first team
environment. The biggest strength we have is the spirit within the camp and this is what will continue
to tie us together moving forward. Pre-season plans for 2019 have already been locked down and with
incremental coaching sessions all agreed our plan to improve is in full steam ahead. On that note may
I take the opportunity to thank our coaches Jim Christine and John Noble as well as Simon Crockett
whose commitment to Surrey Golf remains unwavered as well as the players who continue to show
great commitment and energy towards the county.
Have a great 2019!
Friendly Matches
The County v Sunningdale
The County v Royal Wimbledon
The County v Walton Heath
The County v Wentworth
The County v Hindhead
The County v St Georges Hill
The County v Woking
League Matches
The County v Sussex
The County v Dorset
The County v Hampshire
The County v Kent
Surrey won 8 - 4
Surrey lost 6.5 – 5.5
Match Cancelled due to weather
Match Cancelled due to weather
Surrey won 10.5 – 4.5
Match Cancelled due to weather
Surrey won 7 – 1
Surrey lost 6.5 - 5.5
Halved 6 - 6
Halved 6 - 6
Surrey lost 8 – 4
SENIOR TEAM REPORT FROM BILLY MITCHELL
The Seniors year got underway early through winter coaching sessions with John Noble and
Jim Christine which were hugely appreciated by those players who attended. This year we are
indebted to Burhill GC and to Dubravka Griffiths and her team at Burhill for hosting Surrey
Seniors. We had a very successful get together and trial on 10th April on the Old course at
Burhill. Our first fixture was at home on 12th April against Hertfordshire where we got off to
a good win 6.5-3.5 and this was followed by a visit to Sonning Golf Club on the 20th April
where we came away with a 9-5 win against BB&O. On 25-26th April we hosted Jersey Seniors
at Worplesdon and Burhill and emerged with a comfortable win over the two days. During
these friendlies we introduced several new players and had every reason to look forward to a
successful competitive season.
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