Attracted by the prospect of playing fantastic links courses a grand total of 47 golfers made up the IGC’s largest ever touring party as we returned to the Kent coast for its annual Stay and Play.  A full list of winners is at the end of this summary and don’t forget to check out the photo album too.

We got things underway at Littlestone Golf Club and in relatively calm conditions given what was to come….On Sunday we moved onto Prince’s Golf Club with the late starters having the worse of the conditions as the weather forecast stayed true and the wind and rain rolled in.  The conditions sadly (but not surprisingly)  put many off playing in the afternoon which was a pity as we had some very interesting competitions arranged in the provisional pairings over the newly opened Himalayas 9 holes at Prince’s.

The weather bomb did not really go off until later Sunday evening and when it did it made quite a bang as 60mph winds and lashing rain made conditions unplayable at Royal Cinq Ports.  The 54-hole competition therefore was rolled over to the next day.  With no golf possible most kept themselves busy with alternative arrangements until the gala dinner at Prince’s on Monday evening.

We ended the tour at two places: 30 golfers were fortunate enough to play Royal St George’s and the rest playing Walmer and Kingsdown.  Weather conditions were glorious with blue skies and sunshine.  After dealing with first tee nerves on such a historic links course RSG was a fantastic way to end the 2018 tour.

After a magnificent 37 points on the final round Richard George won the overall 54-hole competition from Iain Gidman in second place and Alastair Fyfe in third.  Thanks to all for joining in and making it a very enjoyable tour.  see you all again in 2019 – venue to be decided….

54-hole competition: Littlestone, Prince’s & Royal St George’s

Winner: Richard George 104 points

2nd: Iain Gidman 103 points

3rd Alastair Fyfe 99 points

Winner: Richard George 104 pts – 2nd: Iain Gidman 103 pts – 3rd: Alastair Fyfe 99 pts