Following a wash out in 2007 reducing the Holt Putter to a 9 hole event, the weather forecast looked ominous. Fortunately, although there were one or two intermittent showers, the rain held off and a most enjoyable and exciting day’s golf was held at Coventry Golf Club once again.

The team event was extremely close with 7 of the 11 teams having scores in the 80’s. The winning team however comprising Robert Birch (Birchwood Developments), Richard Lawrence (Rodgers Leask Limited), Andy Tovey (Yorkshire Bank) and Richard Cox (Needham & James) amassed a total of 87 points to beat the runners up of Nick Holt (D&P Holt), Paul Smith (St Modwen Properties), Colin Searle (Market Town Developments) and Nick Jessett (the Club Captain) by just 1 point.

In the individual tournament, the scores were even closer. There were 5 players on 37 points, with the prizes having to be decided on countback.

Paul Smith of St Modwen (left) and Peter Holt

The winner, playing in his first Holt Putter, was Paul Smith of St Modwen’s with 21 points on the back 9. In second place was Richard Cox of Needham & James, third was David Burton (Spencer Gardner Grace), fourth was Rowan Kelley of Barwood Developments, and fifth was Ken Pearson of Lifford Holdings.

The Nearest the Pin prize was won by David Burton and the Longest Drive was won by Richard Ollis of Lodders.

An excellent afternoon was had by all with the excellent facilities of Coventry Golf Club, which has recently become a regional qualifying course for the Open Championship, being greatly appreciated and a golf course being presented in superb order.