The 15th annual outing for The Social Golfer Open Championship was held at Bletchingley Golf Club in Surrey last week, where more than 50 golfers from all over the south-east gathered to compete and raise money for the upcoming 2024 Cairns Cup – disability golf’s premier international match play event between teams from Europe and the USA, which is being held in Michigan later this summer.
The TSG Open Championship, which was played over 18 holes, included individual Stableford competitions for men and women, and a yellow ball team competition.
The men’s competition was a tight affair, with the winner, Kent’s Sam Cooke, taking the honours on countback after his 35-point total was matched by John Moody from Buckinghamshire.
The women’s event saw Chrissy Peachy ease to a four-point victory, with her impressive 39-point haul seeing the Essex player finish four points ahead of runner-up Ruth Brand from Sussex.
The yellow ball competition was won by The Stooges team, comprising Jason Croucher, Rich White, Cass Stevens and Phil Meadows. Jason is a disability golfer who is hoping to play in the Cairns Cup in 2026. Jason also won the Golf News Guest Trophy, open to TSG’s members guests, with a score of 35 points.
Commenting on the day, women’s winner Chrissy Peacham said: “How exciting! I have never won a golf event before. This is a fantastic golf day and all for an amazing cause. Big thanks to all the sponsors and donors. I cannot wait to defend my title next year!”
Croucher added: “I am so proud to win the Golf News Magazine – Guest Trophy. A massive thank you to The Social Golfer team for an amazing event and good luck to all The Cairns Cup players this year in Michigan.”
After the tournament, competitors were treated to a two-course American-style BBQ and the one-armed chip (sponsored by GoGoGo Sport Rangefinders),
The partnership between The Social Golfer and The Cairns Cup – which now in its fourth year – saw the attendees raise over £3,000 for disability golf on the day, providing much-needed funds for the European team to get to Michigan and for their supportive carers.
The prize raffle included four-ball vouchers to play at some of the South East’s leading venues, including West Hill, Sundridge Park, The Shire, The Inspiration, Hanbury Manor, Wentworth and many more.
The Social Golfer OPEN Championship results (stableford)
Women’s Trophy: 1st – Chrissy Peacham (Essex) 39, 2nd – Ruth Brand (Sussex) 35
Men’s Trophy: 1st – Sam Cooke (Kent) 35 (on countback), 2nd – John Moody (Bucks) – 35, 3rd – Steve Slater (Herts) – 34
Golf News Guest Trophy: 1st – Jason Croucher (Cambs) – 35, 2nd – Phil Meadows – 3
The One-Arm Chip competition – John Donaldson (London)
Other prize winners….
Nearest the Pin 2nd hole – Kim Brand (Sussex)
Nearest the Pin 17th hole – Sam Swanscott (Kent)
Nearest the Pin in two (8th hole) – Matt Steele (Sussex)
Straightest Drive (9th hole) – Judy Lilley (Kent)
Yellow Ball Team Winners – Jason Croucher (Cambs), Rich White, Cass Stevens (Essex) & Phil Meadows
For more information on The Social Golfer community, visit www.thesocialgolfer.com
