Page 172 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
As sport in the Army continues to recover from the impact of COVID, RAPTC Golf has continued to grow, with society numbers increasing and new faces attending planned events.
The 2021 season started off great with the RAPTC Golf society’s annual fixture against the Royal Armoured Corps at Tidworth. With the normal mix of serving and retired Association members representing the Corps, the RAPTC came out on top in a close encounter.
After the promise of a good season ahead, things were again curtailed by the impact of the pandemic.
Fast forward to July and the Army Inter Corps Championships, held once again at the tough and unforgiving Saunton Sands Golf Club in North Devon. The first-round draw pitted the RAPTC team up against a very talented and experienced AGC “A” team. Despite a resolute and valiant effort, the team went down 3-2. Next up for the team in the plate competition was the REME “B” team. After a sterling effort from the team boasting 2 new players in Sgt (SI) John Palmer and WO2 (QMSI) Ryan Davies, the team narrowly lost 3-2.
Despite the result it was a great week, and the team gained some valuable experience which will be taken into this years’ Inter Corps Championships.
October saw the RAPTC Winter meet, held at Donnington Valley Golf Course in Newbury. With its picturesque rolling countryside, it had a host of tricky and exciting holes which made for a great test for all abilities. Being the first big event of the year post COVID it was great to see a good turnout of over 20 members made up of serving and retired RAPTCI’s.
As we move into a new season, more and more events and fixtures are being organised with upcoming fixtures against the RAC and Royal Signals just to name a few. This years’ long-awaited Festival of Golf is due to take place over 2 days in May at the prestigious Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club. The annual Inter Corps Championships at Saunton Golf Club in July and the RAPTC Biannual reunion in September both promise to be great events.
This year we are also excited to announce a Golf Tour to North Wales which will take place over 6 days in September.
Lastly as a committee we would like to say our sincere thanks and best wishes for our Chairman WO1 (RSM) Ash Allen who has
RAPTC Golf Society Winter Meet
deservedly been selected for commission and with that will pass on the role of chairman to WO1 (SMI) Stu Hawkins. Ash has been a valued and integral member of the committee over the years and without his stewardship the RAPTC Golf Society would not be where it is today. We wish him well with the next chapter of his career and no doubt he will continue to represent and support golf within the Corps.
The RAPTC Golf Society is in great shape and continues to grow in popularity. We are always on the lookout for new talent whether you are a seasoned pro, the occasional golfer or you are just starting out we would love to have you come along to one of our events.
Anyone interested in getting involved with RAPTC Golf, Serving or Association regardless of ability, please contact SSgt (SSI) L Beach RAPTC:
“Being selected to represent the RAPTC at the Army Inter Corps Golf Championships in 2021 was the highlight of my short golfing career. My aim over the past 3 years was to represent the RAPTC and fixtures around the UK in the Golf League; the Army Champs was a goal I hadn’t intended to tick off for another 3-5 years. The exposure of both watching and playing with the best in the Army was amazing. I learned so much in 1 week from both my opponents and team members. The Saunton Links GC was beautiful and relentless and challenges even the best of golfers. Observing and playing through the week allowed me to improve both my course management and scores going into the final stages, producing my best round of the week and finishing on a high.”
Sgt (SI) John Palmer on his first Inter Corps Championships.
RAPTC GOLF
SSgt (SSI) L BEACH RAPTC
Winter Meet Winner – Inter Corps Championships 2021 Watch out for the hazard! WO2 (QMSI) Chris Wood RAPTC