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) and a Runners Up prize. Pictures of the rather lovely trophy can be found here. It 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 with slope adjustments to give an on-course handicap with shots given where necessary.

  • 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.

  • The winning pair will proceed to the next round. In the event of a drawn match after 18 holes there will be a “sudden death” play-off over subsequent holes.

  • All "second place" pairs from Round One will be entered into a Repechage Round. This will ensure that all pairs get the opportunity to play at least two rounds.

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.

  • 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

  • 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