A Weekend to Remember: WLGS Championships at Puckrup Hall

What a spectacular weekend we had at the beautiful Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel & Golf Club for our annual Championships on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st July! Nestled in 140 acres of stunning Gloucestershire countryside on the edge of the Cotswolds, this magnificent venue provided the perfect backdrop for what turned out to be one of our most memorable championship weekends yet.

The Perfect Championship Venue

From the moment we arrived at this 4-star resort, set just 5 minutes from the M5 and M50 motorways, it was clear we were in for something special. The par-70 championship course, measuring 6,219 yards, challenged every aspect of our games with its gentle undulations, strategically placed lakes, and mature trees creating natural hazards and intriguing doglegs. As a course that has hosted a number of regional championships, Puckrup Hall truly lived up to its reputation for providing "a novel challenge for every level of player."

Sunday's Action-Packed First Round

Sunday morning dawned crisp and clear – perfect conditions for championship golf! Our members gathered in the elegant clubhouse, excitement buzzing as everyone prepared for the first 18 holes of our prestigious annual championships. The course had been set up beautifully by the greenkeeping staff, with pins positioned to reward precision and strategic thinking.

What struck me most throughout the day was the incredible camaraderie among our members. Whether someone was having the round of their life or battling through a tough patch, there was constant encouragement and support flowing between playing partners. This is exactly what makes the West London Golf Society so special – we're competitive, but we never forget that golf is about friendship and enjoyment above all else.

Monday's Thrilling Conclusion

Monday brought even more drama as our championship battle intensified. The pressure was on as players knew every shot could make the difference between glory and heartbreak. The practice facilities came in handy as many members arrived early to fine-tune their games on the driving range and putting green before their final rounds.

The atmosphere around the 18th green as the final groups came in was electric. Members who had already finished their rounds stayed to watch and cheer on their fellow competitors – a testament to the wonderful spirit that defines our society.

Celebrating Our Champions

After two days of excellent golf, we gathered outside in front of the 18th green for our traditional championship prize-giving ceremony. The setting was perfect with the beautiful Puckrup Hall course as our backdrop, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter, stories from the weekend's play, and genuine appreciation for everyone who participated in making the event such a success.

What a thrilling finish we had to our championships! With 30 men and 8 ladies competing in stroke play format, the competition was fierce right down to the final putts.

Men's Championship Drama

The men's championship provided edge-of-your-seat excitement as Pun claimed the title with 76 points, but only after a nail-biting countback! Both Pun and Tariq K finished tied on 76 points, making for one of the most dramatic finishes in recent WLGS history. In the end, it was Pun's superior back nine score of 40 (compared to Tariq's 39) that secured him the championship trophy and a well-deserved 20 Order of Merit points.

Tariq K should be immensely proud of his performance, not only finishing as runner-up but also recording the most birdies in the men's field with an impressive four! His 19 Order of Merit points reflect what was truly championship-level golf.

Special mention must go to Jon, who fired the best back nine of the entire men's field with a superb 41, and to Abbey who rounded out the top three with 75 points.

Ladies' Championship Excellence

In the ladies' championship, Veronika produced simply outstanding golf to claim the title with 67 points - the highest individual score of the entire weekend! Her commanding performance earned her the maximum 10 Order of Merit points and established her as a worthy champion.

Linda put up a spirited fight, finishing just one point behind on 66 to claim the runner-up spot, while Karen secured third place with 65 points. The quality of golf from our ladies was exceptional, with all eight participants contributing to what was a wonderful championship atmosphere.

What stood out was how every single member who participated contributed to making this weekend truly special. From the championship battles at the top to the encouragement and camaraderie shown throughout the field, everyone played their part in creating an atmosphere of friendly competition and mutual respect.

Beyond the Golf

One of the highlights of choosing Puckrup Hall was the exceptional hospitality we received. The extensive hot and cold breakfast buffet each morning gave everyone the perfect fuel for championship golf, while the LivingWell Health Club facilities provided a great way to unwind after each round. Many members took advantage of the indoor pool, sauna, and steam room – perfect for easing those post-golf aches!

The evening meals were outstanding, featuring a perfect blend of British and international cuisine. The drinks on the terrace overlooking the golf course provided the ideal setting for reliving the day's highlights over a well-deserved drink.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I want to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who made this championship weekend possible:

• The incredible team at Puckrup Hall – from the professional golf staff to the restaurant and hotel teams, your service was exceptional throughout

  
  

• Our dedicated WLGS committee members – who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly

• Every single participant – all 38 of you who made this weekend truly memorable with your enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and friendship

  
  

• The supporters – those who came to watch, cheer, and celebrate with us

Special congratulations once again to our champions Pun and Veronika, and to all our prize winners including Tariq K, Linda, Karen, Abbey, and Jon for his outstanding back nine. Your performances will be remembered for years to come!

Looking Forward

As we reflect on this fantastic championship weekend, it's clear that events like these are what make the West London Golf Society such a special community. We've stayed true to our founding principle of making "golf competitions enjoyable (but also competitive)" while offering "a warm welcome to golfers of all backgrounds and abilities."

The friendships strengthened, the memories created, and the pure joy of playing championship golf in such beautiful surroundings – these are the moments that remind us why we fell in love with this wonderful game in the first place.

Congratulations to all our champions and prize winners – you've earned your place in WLGS history! And to everyone else who participated, thank you for being part of what made this such a special weekend. Whether you were Sarwar battling it out in the top group, Steve B and Simon T enjoying their rounds, or any of our other fantastic members like George, Trevor, Yusaf K, Richard, Colm, and Antony – every single one of you contributed to the magic of this championship weekend.

Here's to many more championship weekends filled with great golf, fantastic friendship, and unforgettable memories. Roll on next year!

Want to be part of future WLGS championships and events? Visit www.westlondongolfsociety.co.uk to learn more about joining London's friendliest golf society.