As the world watched Europe retain the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, Verulam Golf Club members Dean Austin and David Dobinson were toasting their own win.
On September 13, the pair won the 17th playing of the Samuel Ryder Trophy. The competition is based on the famous Ryder Cup format and involves 18 holes foursomes medal in the morning and 18 holes four ball better ball medal in the afternoon.
Verulam GC is a significant place in Ryder Cup lore as Sam Ryder was the captain of the club when he presented the trophy, which he donated, for the first time in 1927.
Austin and Dobinson beat golfers from over 20 clubs with round of 75 and 70.
The handicap prize was won by Jack Randall and Lee Blythe of Chiltern Forest GC with a net score of 140. Saffron Walden GC’s Colin McDonald had an eighth hole to remember as his tee shot found the cup.
The prizes were presented by the captain of Verulam, John Wells, and the proceedings were handed over to representatives of the Samuel Ryder Foundation.
The Ryder Cup theme was continued later in the week when members of the Outpost Golf Society from America played the course on their itinerary of playing golf courses associated with the Ryder Cup, eventually ending up at Gleneagles much-anticipated match between Europe and the United States.
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