Oscar is 100th Men's County Champion

This year's renewal marked the 100th playing of the County Championship. We returned to where it all began in 1921, the magnificent Delamere Forest GC who are tremendous supporters of county golf and were hosting their 12th men's championship.

There is always something special about a championship at Delamere and a full field is guaranteed. But as anticipation of the event rose, so did the mercury. With a national heat warning in place we were promised 32 degrees C for the opening day. And we got it. In sweltering conditions the field of 105 players battled it out on a course presented beautifully by Course Manager Andy Williamson and his team. The rain of 3 weeks ago had resulted in some very thick rough in places to add to the challenge.

Leader after round one was Sam Burton with an excellent 69, followed closely by Max Ranson (70).

Day two dawned with a promise of even higher temperatures from the meteorologists. They weren't wrong and it proved to be a blisteringly hot day that was very uncomfortable for all.

With players coming off the course resembling the cast of Flight of the Phoenix, the committee had to consider how advisable it was to expect players to undertake 36 holes on the final day and for volunteers and referees to be out in such heat for up to ten hours. In order to protect the well being of everyone, it was decided to reduce the championship to 54 holes. There were very few complaints!

Early morning conditions were noticeably cooler on the final day, but the temperature shot up again in the late morning as the contenders battled it out on the increasingly fast and bouncy course.

Of the two Oscars in contention, Sandiway's Oscar Craig got out of the blocks quickly and reached the turn in 34. Host club member Oscar Doran found trouble on the 5th and 8th holes but remained very much in contention going into the back nine along with defending champions Sam Johnson, Max Ranson (Dunham Forest), Sam Burton (Tytherington), Jack Duncalf (Sandiway) and the other half of the Doran brothers, Tom.

The back nine would settle the 100th championship and Oscar Craig was playing excellent golf with very few errors. He posted a tremendous best of the day 68 to set a total of 211. Level par golf from the turn saw Oscar Doran come to the final hole needing an unlikely eagle to tie. After an excellent drive into the light rough, he could be excused for a tired-looking second which disappeared into the deep rough 90 yards short of the green. He was fortunate to find a reasonable lie but could do no better than a six, leaving Sandiway's Oscar Craig the 100th winner.

The completion of the event without any serious health issues for players, volunteers and supporters was a relief to all.

County President Marjorie Griffiths conducted an amusing and enjoyable presentation ceremony including a summary of past winners at Sandiway. She presented the Delamere Captain with the traditional plaque to recognise the host club who she thanked for once again giving up their fabulous course for the three days of the championship

Prizes went to:

Champion: Oscar Craig 211Runner-up: Oscar Doran 214 (Israel Sidebottom Trophy)Leading qualifier: Oscar Doran 139 (Darlington Trophy)Over 35's winner: Paul McFerran 219Leading Colt (under 23): Oscar Craig 211 (TPD Taylor Trophy)Team Champions: Sandiway

Round 1 Sam Burton 69Round 2 Oscar Doran 68Round 3 Oscar Craig 68

Full results

A buffet lunch had earlier been accompanied by a fascinating video covering the first decade of the championship created by our good friend David Lawton. He has used AI to turn still images into a fabulous video that you can view below

Images: Geoff Garnett, Dominic McAllister and Jerry Dixon