56


SENIORS GOLF From its inception, the Seniors assumed the right to modify Seniors handicaps


for their own matches and competitions without reference to the Club handicapping system. However, since the introduction of the new handicapping system in 1983, Seniors handicaps can only be altered by reference to the Club Handicap Committee. However, a small sub-committee still exists to monitor Seniors handicaps and refer when necessary. Te first inter-Club Seniors Section meeting was held at Henbury in 1970 and


this is now held annually in December. Most of the Clubs running Seniors Opens within a fiſty mile radius of Bristol attend this meeting. It has no agenda and no officers but a pleasant and productive time is had by all. By 1971, the Seniors Section was well established with 24 matches being


played and the membership rising to 90. Te next landmark in 1973 was the running of a social evening to which the


ladies were invited. Tis has since become the Ladies Night, one of the most popular social events of the year. 1973 also saw the establishment of a 13 hole (1, 2, 8-18) format for the Walter


King and all Seniors Competitions. Tis continued until 1979 despite the difficulty of calculating 13118th of handicaps. 1974, saw the establishment of the match against the Juniors, now considered by the Seniors, as one of the more important fixtures of the season. In 1976, the number of Clubs running Seniors Opens had increased to the


point where it was suggested that a poster be circulated giving notice of these events. Te following year Long Ashton Seniors produced such a Poster advertising 16 Opens. Each year since then, Long Ashton has produced a Seniors Open Poster, the number of participating Clubs has risen to 48. In 1983 both the Walter King and Joe Bennett Opens were extended from 14


hole to 18 hole competitions. It is of interest to note at this point that the concessions to age have almost disappeared, although 8 closed competitions are still played over 14 holes. 1986 saw a peak of 161 members of the Seniors Section. Te Seniors, on the occasion of their Jubilee in 1987 gave the Club the


weathervane and the four shrub beds in the proximity of the Clubhouse. Although few will be here to enjoy the new holes in the field between the 7th and 8th they overwhelmingly supported its acquisition, in the spirit of planting oaks for their grandchildren to enjoy. In 1988 the Club raised the qualifying age for a Seniors subscription


from 65-70. Tis year for the first time ever the Club charged the visitors a £2 entrance fee for the Seniors Opens. Tis has since risen to £4 a head. In order to accommodate the management of the Club it was agreed that the Seniors closed competitions would be played in the mornings, a rather unpopular decision.


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