West Hill Golf Club

Father and Son Foursomes Tournament

ANNOUNCEMENT OF DATE CHANGE FOR 2024

The Father & Son Tournament has been running since 1931 and continues to thrive: in the last 2 years we have had over 70 new pairs apply for entry, testament to its continuing popularity. However, that does not mean that the event has been without challenges: on 2 occasions in the last 8 years, it was called off due to adverse weather conditions. The very same almost occurred this year - we were perilously close to it, due to biblical rainfall in the week preceding the tournament.

Cancellation is a last resort but, when it happens, wreaks havoc with family plans for the Easter holidays. As a consequence, given the challenges we face in putting the tournament on so early in the season, we have carefully examined the pros and cons of moving the event permanently to the summer. The success of the 2021 tournament, postponed to August because of the third covid lockdown, has given us confidence that such a move would not prejudice the continuity of the event. Indeed, we think it will be of benefit, overall.

Public examinations will have finished and so more teenagers and their fathers will be encouraged to apply; the chances of the course being playable are immeasurably improved (no snow, frost or fog and hopefully less rain!); and there are many more hours of daylight which will allow members to play the course late afternoons /evenings throughout the week. Most importantly, we think competitors will get greater enjoyment from an event held in high summer.

Beginning in 2024, the tournament will start on the first Monday following the week in which state schools break for the summer holidays. This means the 2024 tournament will be held Monday 29 July – Thursday 1st August 2024 (practice day Sunday 28th July).

We hope you appreciate the reasons for changing the timing and will continue to support the event, as many of you have, over so many years. Applications for entry will be sent out early 2024, but in the meantime, please make a note of the dates in your diaries.

Yours sincerely

David Alvis

Chairman F & S Committee

NEW Tournament Dates for 2024
Monday 29th July - Thursday 1st August
Practice Round Sunday 28th July

FULL RESULTS FOR 2023 Monday 3rd April - Thursday 6th April

2023 Winners - Pat & Jack Ashby from Worthing

2023 Main Tournament - Results click here

2023 Valerie Cornish Savler - Thursday 6th April 2023 - Results so far click here

2023 Father Father v Son Son - Wednesday 5th April 2023 - Results click here

The “Father & Son“ Tournament was introduced by Major Geoffrey Lubbock, who had two golfing sons, in 1929 when the competition was open to members of Surrey clubs only. The event was made open in 1931 and after Major Lubbock's death at the end of that year, Marguerite Lubbock his widow and owner presented a trophy in his memory which is still played for today.

The foursomes match play event is held over 4 days usually during the Easter holidays and attracts amateur golfers from all around the world.

This years winners were Pat & Jack Ashby from Worthing who beat Nigel & Chris Gray from Hankley.

2023 Full Results

The field is made up of 128 pairs who compete for the Geoffrey Lubbock Challenge Cup (2022 winners pictured below, Andrew & Tristan Greenleaf). A practice day is scheduled the day before the tournament which is then played as shown below:

Day 1 – 128 pairs compete in Round 1

Day 2 – 64 pairs play Round 2 in the morning and 32 pairs play Round 3 in the afternoon

Day 3 – 16 pairs play Round 4 and then the quarter finals

2023 Winners below

Pat & Jack Ashby from Worthing Golf Club with Club Captain Rod Curry

(An additional competition for Round 1,2,3 losers Father & Father V Son & Son stableford)

Day 4 – Semi Finals then Final

(Additional competition, Valerie Cornish Salver stableford takes place for all pairs out of the main event)

There is no minimum or maximum age but Fathers & Sons must have maximum combined handicap indexes of 26 and be affiliated to a golf club.

Enter online above or download the form below and send to secretary2@westhill-golfclub.co.uk.

Entry Forms for next year's Tournament will be sent out in Early 2024 and if you wish to be added to the database so you receive an entry form please email secretary2@westhill-golfclub.co.uk with the following information, Father Name, Club, Handicap, Email, & Mobile Number, Son's Name, Club, Handicap, email and Mobile Number.

secretary2@westhill-golfclub.co.uk

Testimonials

“Defined by its majestic trees and abundant heather, this is a delightful course that is consistently strong all the way round. With five lovely par 3’s and varied short par 4 holes it plays every inch of its length and more. In an area packed with first-class golf, it deservedly sits proud“

GOLF MONTHLY

"A quick note to say a big thank you to West Hill for hosting the Fathers and Sons competition. We were not only made to feel very welcome but were also treated to a course that was in magnificent condition and a big thank you to all the organisers, volunteers and greenskeepers who not only gave up their time but did so with a smile which in these times was extremely welcome!"

TIM MAYNARD

"We could not have had a better time : such an outstanding course, a beautiful afternoon and friendly service from Ben and the rest of the bar staff. Everything was perfect! Thanks again for hosting us at splendid West Hill. We would be delighted if you would pencil us in again for next year."