It was fitting that East Riding's two team managers went head to head down the stretch in the prestigious Rex Warren Medal played at its ceremonial home Driffield Golf Club. ERUGC President Jonty Hall presented the medal to the victorious ER Men's skipper Andy Lockwood after his duel with his outgoing junior equivalent Sunil Mukerjea.
The 'marquee group', as many were calling it, lived up to their billing down long 1st hole at Driffield after three absolute bombs down the middle. The third member of the trio Jonathan Clark of Hull got out of the blocks quicker though and was level gross through the front nine for 22 points. Andy was two under gross and had 19 points (after giving a shot back to the course on the short par four 8th). Sunil played well off his 3 handicap but rued an OOB at the dog leg 4th to have 16 points at halfway.
Jonathan's challenge fell away in spectacular fashion with blobs at 10, 13 and 16, just as his stellar partners started to pour in the birdies - Sunil at the tough par 3 10th and long 11th and then Andy at 11 and 12. They reached the 17th with only two points separating them and both made avoidable bogies. Neither hit the green at the last, but both got up and down for 4s to leave Andy the only player to break par and take the Rex Warren Medal for the first time.
Pictured below on the first tee from left to right are: Jonathan, Andy and Sunil
Hull's John Chambers finished strongly to just keep Jonathan off the podium with his 34 points on countback.
Rex Warren Medal winner: Andy Lockwood (Hessle) 38 points
Runner-up: Sunil Mukerjea (Ganton) 36 points
3rd place: John Chambers (Hull) 34 points (on countback)
Nearest the pin at 15th hole – Richard Porter (Driffield)
Nearest the pin in 2 at 16th hole – Andy Lockwood (Hessle)
[Full results at HowDidIDo under East Riding Union of Golf Clubs]
Many thanks to all at Driffield GC, the course really was in wonderful condition with some of the best greens many had played on all year. Delighted that the Club Captain Richard Porter was able to join us on the day. He accepted a donation of £50 from the East Riding Union to Driffield GC's junior section from Jonty Hall. Many thanks to catering team for the excellent food and hospitality.
The turnout of 21 included Union referees John Florence and Steve Whiting. Thanks once again for all you do for the Union during the long golfing year. Past Presidents Allan Craig, Edward Clark and Steve Thornton played a 'super seniors' 9 holes at the back of the field, but it was wonderful to see them at the event and enjoying the meal with old East Riding teammates and friends. Thanks to John Illingworth for organising the event as always and what a pleasure it was to see Yorkshire Union President Phil Woodcock after a long season and 1000s of miles up and down the country in charge of his England champion boys team inbetween all of his other golfing duties.
The Rex Warren Medal will return to Driffield GC on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 (tbc).
Note: It was decided in 1986 to inaugurate this medal to celebrate the high office of President of the EGU bestowed upon Rex Warren, President of the East Riding Union in 1974 and the Yorkshire Union 1981. It was first played for in 1987. [see past winners here]
Jonathan Clark
Junior League Secretary
