Ealing and The Darenth host the final two meetings of 2025 for the SPARTA Golf Society

The SPARTA Golf Society report from their Autumn meeting which was held at Ealing Golf Club.

After torrential rain the day before, the sun shone brightly throughout the day of their Autumn meeting.

Two guests from the Home Office Golf Society were invited along to enjoy the day but the rules did not allow them to take away any trophies, however one was awarded some golf balls for the best Stableford score on the day.

Unusually for the SPARTA Golf Society, the venue was some way inside the M25 but thanks to this some members were able to take advantage of the underground with Perivale tube station just across the road (the A40!) from the course.

The course itself was in great condition despite some ground work in recent weeks. However, with the river Brent affecting many holes, it was tricky to navigate and there were many tales of watery graves. The course is also crossed by public footpaths meaning that golfers had to negotiate several gates to access some holes.

Ealing Golf Club with the River Brent

With free refreshments at the halfway house, any trials or tribulations were quickly forgotten and some went on winning ways.

Andrew Gardner broke the 'M' surname rule with runners-up spot on the Robinson Bowl, after the not more than one prize per person rule was adopted. The trophy itself went back to Tom Millard, the winner in 2024. 

In the Chapman Cup, it was an all family affair with James Milligan taking the prize and brother Dave in the runners-up slot. Dave did however receive the nearest the pin prize with another 'M' surname, Tom Millard, taking the Nearest the Pin in 2 accolade.

With only 3 points between Pete Frost and Andrew Gardner in the race for the Golfer of the Year trophy heading into the final meeting of the the year at the Darenth it was all to play for at the AGM meeting in October.

The final meeting of the year took place at The Darenth Golf Club which is just outside Sevenoaks in Kent. It was beautiful warm and sunny day which surprised everyone considering it was 6th October. The only thing that tried to ruin the day was swarms of ladybirds!

Beautiful Sunny Skies over the 9th hole at The Darenth

The final meeting is always a challenge match against the Ashdown Golf Society which is always popular and a closely fought contest.

Ray Owen tees off on the sixth hole at The Darenth

At the end of the match the SPARTA golfers were able to say "It's come Home!" after they won back the Pauley/Richards Trophy by four matches to two. After a non-event last year, our team were magnificent in winning back the trophy and score between the two societies is now nine wins a piece. That just shows how close this contest has been over the past twenty years.

Separate from the match in the singles match, Andrew Gardner was triumphant and took the Secretary's Cup from James Milligan. James unfortunately had to leave early but his efforts did ensure that he took Golfer of the Year by one point. Another winner was Justin Bone after his epic match against Peter Millard in the Mond Cup final. Unfortunately, the trophy wasn't to hand but he was awarded a picture of it!

Other prize winners were Owen Jones for his excellent tee shot to the 5th green, whilst Nearest The Pin in Two went to Peter Millard.

The SPARTA Golf Society are always looking for new members so if you fancy a fun round of golf in some beautiful surroundings with some good company then why not come along and Join the SPARTA Golf Society TODAY.