Mooney takes the honours at SJA Golf Day - Sports Journalists' Association

TREVOR BOND (words) and PHILIP BARKER (pictures) on the 2011 SJA Golf Day at Muswell Hill

AIMING FOR THE PIN AT THE 18TH — Feeling chipper: after laying up successfully short of a ditch, a player hits his approach shot to the 18th on the SJA Golf Day

There’s a new name on the Phil Sheldon Trophy, after Patrick Mooney was the leading member at the SJA’s Golf Day at Muswell Hill on September 12.

Mooney, the former sports editor of the Ham and High and now freelance golf travel writer (clearly gaining an unfair advantage in terms of practice time) scored 35 points, three more than runner-up Charlie Randall with Mark Lomas, third on double countback.

FOURSOME WATCH PUTTING AT 18TH — Closing out: SJA members watch as one of their group putts on the final green

The story behind the score. Twenty players were listed to start the day. That became 19 when one who shall be nameless went to the wrong golf club and arrived too late to play (but stayed on to enjoy the rest of the day). Then an unannounced player arrived, and do we were all set at 20 once again.

With the course in fine nick and the sun shining, there was enough wind to set a challenge. Those who played well said the wind was no problem; those who groaned about their game blamed the wind. What else?

Muswell Hill once again set us up wonderfully, meeting all our requests and providing an excellent lunch and bar service.

Mooney did not have it all his own way. Randall had a good day all-round by taking the team prize with Lomas with 39 points. Guest winner with 29 points was Nick Callow, playing with a previous winner, David Jacobs, and Gerry Cox and newcomer, Richard Fleming. Sam Emery was guest runner-up with 26 points and last year’s winner, Don Cave, third with 24 on countback.

Three-times guest winner, Peter Nunn said: “ Everything was great – the course, the conditions, the company. Only lousy thing was my golf.”

John Samuel, who could not play, kindly donated a bottle of good wine for the “Klammer” – the booby prize. It was won with much personal delight and great amusement all-round by stalwart attender, Lawrie Hacker.

In addition to the Sheldon Trophy, Mooney received a bottle of wine kindly supplied by Graham Morrison. Mooney said: “I’m thrilled. This was my second time of playing. I shall be back to defend the title.”

Morrison also supplied his usual case of six good wines and other prizes included a set of the European Tour 2010 books. All the players received a sleeve of golf balls.

SJA chairman, Barry Newcombe, and Phil Sheldon’s widow, Gill, presented the prizes.

“It’s a delight for me to be here and know that you still remember and honour Phil in this wonderful way,” Gill Sheldon said. She has offered some of Phil’s very special prints as a prize for next year’s SJA Golf Day.

Any players wishing a golf shirt should email Paul Trow, ptrow76780@aol.com, registering size and preferred colour.

UPCOMING SJA DATES