Happy New Year

Members across the county were given their first taste of the new rules of golf when they competed in local club tournaments at the start of the year.
Following an extensive review of the game, the R&A and the USGA announced the revised guidelines, which are intended to make golf more attractive and accessible, would come into effect on New Year’s Day.
Amongst the notable alterations are changes to how a golf ball is dropped for a penalty, relaxed rules on penalty areas and bunkers, reduced time for searching for a lost ball and no penalty for accidentally moving the ball or a double hit.
Players also needed to adapt to the new rules on the putting surfaces, where they can now repair most marks and damage, as well as keeping the flag stick in for all putts.
Stephen West and Elliott West became the first members at Wellingborough to win under the new rules as they clinched top spot in the Kelly Bowls after posting 40 points on New Year’s Day.
Helen Roy was successful in the Four Club Challenge at Overstone Park on the same day as she beat Andrew Harrison by two after bagging 21 points over nine holes.
Gez Strangwood and Fiona Stevenson were the players to beat at Staverton Park in the Two Clubs and a Putter competition as they clinched the top prize in the men’s and ladies events respectively with 20 points apiece.
At Rushden, Yvonne Wilcox won the Ladies New Year Cup over nine holes, while John Lenaghan’s 23 points was the leading score over 11 holes in the Seniors Stableford at Priors Hall.