The Harrogate RUFC Annual Golf Day took place last Wednesday 26th August, the 23rd year in succession, with Pannal Golf Club once again providing the venue.

19 teams took part, playing a team of four Stableford competition, with the best two scores to count on each hole. Despite the somewhat dire forecast earlier in the week, the weather kindly obliged and the players enjoyed the fine and sunny conditions throughout the day. The course at Pannal was in its usual excellent condition and the dry surface rewarded the longer hitters, although one player’s drive on the par 4 18th found its way onto the patio terrace…

In the evening, 80 people enjoyed a superb three-course dinner in the Pannal clubhouse, with the former professional football referee Kevin Lynch, presiding over the proceedings with his usual entertaining style. The Pannal Captain Gary Macnair welcomed all the guests, commenting on the outstanding spirit and camaraderie that had been evident throughout the day and into the evening. ‘Gate’s Director of Rugby, Jake Brady also took to the floor to thank all the supporters and give an update ahead of the new season.

The climax of the evening was the announcement of the competition results and prize-giving. There were some outstanding scores in the top half of the leaderboard, with Gary Macnair leading his Pannal Captain’s team to third place with 90 points. In second place was Steve Dodds’ Chargers, who returned a most impressive 92 points. However it was Myles Janson’s Stroke Play Specialists, a team comprising current Gate players, who topped the leaderboard with an exceptional 94 points. A low handicapper, Myles had an outstanding round himself, with his team players taking it in turns to contribute to the winning score and take the coveted silverware back to Rudding Lane.

A special thank you to former HRUFC player Martin Boyle for organising another entertaining day of great golf and after dinner evening.

Thanks also to Oscar and Elliot Cowling for their work during the day on the administration and team photos.

The Club was delighted to welcome to the dinner, Mrs Jo Finnegan, the Harrogate RUFC President, who awarded the prizes.

With the raffle and auction prizes, a considerable sum was raised for the Harrogate RUFC Charity.