The Bower Cleek Challenge Trophy

The annual Pairs Knock-Out Competition will re-commence in 2026. Participants will compete for the Bower Cleek Challenge Trophy (T.C. Bower MC was the HACGS Captain in 1922), a Runners Up prize and a Third Prize. Pictures of the rather lovely trophy (last won in 2017) can be found here. The trophy is kindly being refurbished by David Rivers.

Format:

  • Greensomes matchplay over 18 holes, using Yellow tees or local equivalent.

  • Each pair will use 40% of the higher WHS handicap + 60% of the lower WHS handicap to give combined handicap, then add slope adjustments to give a combined on-course handicap with shots given where necessary. (e.g. Player 1, HC 20. Player 2, HC 10. So Player 1 = 8 Player 2 = 6, therefore combined HC is 14)

  • The minimum number of drives rule, sometimes used for Greensomes, will not be in place for this competition.

  • Visiting pairs will be given a 2 shot addition to their on-course handicap to balance out “home advantage". If only 1 player is on their home course then a 1 shot addition will be given to the pair of visitors.

  • In the event of a drawn match after 18 holes there will be a “sudden death” play-off over subsequent holes, starting at the 1st.

  • The winning pair will proceed to the next round.

  • After each Round there will be a draw for the subsequent round.

  • All "second place" pairs from Round One will be entered into the Repechage Rounds. This will ensure that all pairs get the opportunity to play at least two rounds. The Repechage will eventually produce the overall 3rd place for the competition.

Entry:

  • Pairs do not need to be from the same club.

  • If you want to play but don’t have a partner, we can try to identify one for you. In this case just put Player 1 details on the entry form.

  • The entry fee to the competition will be £15 per player.

  • Players are expected to use their official WHS Handicap.

  • To enter please complete the Google Form at: https://forms.gle/Ngn8oDYeFmW1G1Xa7

Venues:

  • Matches are to take place at mutually agreed convenient venues.

  • In the event of a venue dispute, the first-named pair will have a casting vote.

  • Bower Cleek matches are intended to be supplementary to the fixture list, so we would prefer them not to be played at Society meetings.

Timings:

  • Entries by 7 Jan 2026 - Done

  • Draw made on 14 Jan 2026 - Done

  • Round 1 to be completed by 30 April 2026 - in progress

  • Round 2 to be completed by 30 June 2026

  • Round 3 to be completed by 31 August 2026

  • Round 4 to be completed by 31 October 2026

  • Any subsequent matches to be completed by 1 December 2026

Results:

  • Results must be submitted to the Competition Match Manager within 48 hours of a match being completed.

  • Draws for subsequent rounds will be made within 48 hours of the round completion date and published on this website.

Prizegiving:

The prizegiving shall take place at the AGM (rather than the Annual Dinner).

Competition Match Manager:

Mike Medley has kindly agreed to fulfil this role and is happy to answer any questions about the competition. His Email is: mike.medley1@gmail.com