This year we were blessed with decent weather and were able to successfully complete all our scheduled meetings. The Autumn meeting at Prince’s Golf club in Sandwich Bay even offered one day of “proper” links course conditions (very windy). That said the yearly mixed couples match for the Larsmon Tankard against Hadley Wood was unfortunately cancelled due to the opposition failing to field a team. We sincerely hope this was a one off as this challenge has managed to prevail for over 50 years.
Clubs generally allocates tee slots for 20-24 players. It’s pleasing to note we fill those, accounting for some 40% of our members. It’s advisable to sign up early to secure a place!
The Spring Meeting was held at Woking Golf Club on 26 April, combined with the AGM. The sun was shining, and the course was in mint condition.
The winners were:
The King’s Jug: Lena Lindqvist 35 points
Gunilla Assmundson 32 points
Einar Flygt Challenge Bowl: Bo Ekberg 37 points
Bengt Grundberg 32 points
Scratch Trophy: Steve Hill 78 strokes
The International Meeting was arranged by our Swiss friends but held inside the French border in Divonne. We played in the foothills of the mountains with spectacular views. The course was unusual as it offered 6 par three, 6 par four and 6 par five holes.
England performed exceptionally well this year taking Silver against six other nations (the Gold went to Spain). We saw great individual achievements in various competitions and categories as well. Congratulations to Gunilla Assmundson, Inger Savén, Christine Lõfberg, and Claes Andreasson.
The Summer Meeting: On 7 June we returned to lovely Effingham Golf Course where Bengt-Arne and Ann Magnusson kindly hosted us and provided the herring and snaps yet again. The following players landed the prizes:
Dampokalen: Gunilla Huldt 37 points
Helene Öberg 26 points
The Midsummer Trophy: Lars Löfberg 38 points
Karl Olle Sundberg 35 points
The Pricess Birgitta Trophy: Lars Löfberg 38 points
Londonpokalen was played for on August 25th at Gothenburg Golf Club. First out in the series of competitions was the Old Boys Trophy on Saturday the 24th, and sadly, no representation from RSGS. The winner was Roy Syle of GGK. The Sunday saw a flurry of activity with three bogey competitions: 36 holes men, playing for Londonpokalen. 18 holes ladies, playing for Queens Cup, and finally 18 holes juniors playing for Lilla Londonpokalen. Two RSGS members played: Annikka Kauppinen and Christine Löfberg. Winners of the respective competitions: Jonatan Sjöström, Gunnel Stenesjö, and Hampus Gross. Christine came fifth in Queens Cup with a score of -1.
Autumn Meeting 28-29 September. Thanks to Anne Anttonen and Gary Thomas we were privileged to hold our meeting at the great links course Prince’s GC, Sandwich Bay. The weather conditions were “interesting” and the perfect links courses offered challenging play.
Day 1
Magnusson Bowl: Gunilla Assmundson 37 points
Lotta Löfberg 30 points
Bommen Cup: Gary Thomas 31 points
Lars Löfberg 29 points
Day 2
The Ladies Prize: Lena Linqvist 32 points
Lotta Löfberg 23 points
Captain’s Prize: Gary Thomas 32 points
Steve Hill 29 points
Swinley Forest. On 1 November we showed up at Swinley Forest early in the Autumn morning. The dew on the fairway quickly burnt off as the sun rose. Playing this course is clearly a highlight in our calendar. Added to the delight is, of course, the splendid lunch after the games. We were honoured by the presence of Paul Williams who presented the Scratch Prize he himself initiated many years ago. He also very kindly donated a gold broach belonging to his late wife Lise.
Cutting Prize: Gunilla Assmundsen 33 points
Charlotta Lyckeus 32 points
HRH Prince Bertil Cup: Anders Spåre 37 points
Gary Thomas 36 points
Paul Williams Scratch Prize: Gary Thomas, 75 gross (against a par of 69)
And to the trophies that are not played for at a specific event:
Best Spring + Autumn combined:
Ladies’ Centenary Trophy: Gunilla Assmundson 69 points
Lotta Löfberg 62 points
Kroon Trophy: Bo Ekberg 64 points
Lars Löfberg 56 points
Knockout competitions:
President’s Cup: Bo Ekberg
Secretary’s Cup: Göran Nilsson & Lars Löfberg
Synnove Brasen Memorial Cup: Gunilla Huldt
Mixed Couples Cup: Christine & Lars Löfberg
Finally, I would like to thank you all for your support and friendship over the last couple of years. It’s been an honour to represent you and the prestigious RSGS as your Captain.
April 2025
Retiring Captain Kjell Bengtsson
