Eighty-eight players took part in the January monthly medal last Saturday.

This medal was the first under the new divisional handicap split, division one up to 14 (inc), division two, 15 - 28.

Roger Schooling won the division one medal and Mike Argent won the division two medal.

A hard frost greeted the early starters and there was some doubt whether it should have been played, with a couple of players withdrawing.

The hard, bouncy conditions did produce some freak shots from some of the early starters; Dave Hancock drove past the bell on the first and then proceeded to go through the green with a sand wedge.

As the sun rose, the frost gradually dispersed and the later starters took full advantage. Division one produced a very tight finish, with only two shots covering the top six.

Roger Schooling and club president, Mervyn Tucker, both returned nett 70, but Roger's back nine pipped Mervyn to the post. Mervyn did share the day's lowest gross score of 77 with Adam Joseph, who finished third on nett 71, and Richard Morton, but had the satisfaction of having the winning lowest gross on count back.

Viv John on a nett 72 came in fourth, beating Gary McNeilly and Ian 'Yobbler' Thomas with a better back nine. Viv's round included a fine eagle two on the 15th.

As a result of Roger Schooling's fine return, his handicap was cut to seven, with Mervyn also being reduced to his former handicap of six. They were the only players in division one to earn reductions.

In division two, Mike Argent had a very fine round of 82 off 17 to win by two shots from Tony Morris.

Mike has been putting some time in on the course lately and it seems to have paid dividends. As a result of his return, his handicap came down two shots to 15 - one more cut Mike and you will be playing in division one!

Tony Morris has been playing really well lately, with some good returns in the seniors, so it was no surprise to see him come into the frame - highlight of his round was an eagle two on the fifth; in fact, he went out in a two over par gross score of 38. However, he had a disastrous four over par nine on the 16th. What a pity, Tony, as that spoilt what would have been an outstanding round. However, with the SPA kicking in, it still reduced Tony by one shot to 17.

In third place was Richard Prout off 28, returning a nett 69 and a cut to 26; Ross James nett 70 (97) came in fourth, with John Hall and Dai Skyme both returning nett 71 and both getting cut by one shot.

There were 10 twos on the day (holes in brackets) - Peter Brown (17), Mike Allen (6), Robin Hagley (17), Adam Joseph (17), Simon Rossiter (6), Neil R. Thomas (12), Neil Webb (17), Viv John (15), Mike Argent (12) and Tony Morris (5).

Bag draw winners were Simon Evans, Neil Thomas, Juan Cruz, Neil Roach and Simon Rossiter with £15.80 each.

Phillip Booth won the Pro Shop draw, winning a Titleist Vokey design utility wedge.

Leading scores (gross in brackets) and prizes were:

Division one: 1. Roger Schooling 70 (78), medal plus £40; 2. Mervyn Tucker 70 (77), on countback, £29.50; 3. Adam Joseph 71 (77), £19; 4. Viv John 72 (80), back nine, £10.50; 5. Gary McNeilly 72 (81), £6.50.

Division two: 1. Mike Argent 65 (82), medal and £40; 2. Tony Morris 67 (85), £29.50; 3. Richard Prout 69 (97), £19; 4. Ross James 70 (93), £10.50; 5. John Hall 71 (91), on countback, £6.50.

The next medal is on February 26, which can be entered from today at the club and HDID. By the time this report is read, the annual review will have taken place, so please check your handicap for any possible changes.

J.D.M.