Six trophies, one course, and some unforgettable golf
Glorious sunshine, a packed tee sheet, and four fiercely contested competitions – the 2025 Blackwell Grange Golf Club Championships delivered everything we hoped for and more. With over 130 players across the weekend, the course was buzzing from the first tee shot to the final putt.
From the higher-handicap RAFA Rabbits to the heavy hitters in The Flowers, every division saw brilliant performances and big stories. Add in a dramatic playoff in the Ladies Championship and some top-tier Sunday roast action, and you’ve got a classic Blackwell weekend.
RAFA Rabbits Trophy – Higher Handicap Division
The man, the myth, the leg-end Steve Bethray delivered on the hype, taking the RAFA Trophy with a combined 172, winning by three shots from Harry Parker and Shaun Newnham. Calm and consistent across both days, Mr Bethray showed that class and experience still count for plenty.
Hewitson Trophy – Mid Division
A nail-biter throughout, the Hewitson saw Marcus Duncan hold his first-round lead to finish on 159, just two ahead of Derek Welland. Third place went to Pricey, who hobbled heroically across the finish line – dodgy hips and all. With 46 players in the field, the quality of golf and competitive edge were top drawer.
Ladies Club Championship
This one had it all – youth, experience, and a playoff finish for the ages.
12-year-old Nixie Corcoran led after day one by two shots from the legendary Anne Wraith. After 36 holes, they were dead level, forcing a sudden-death playoff up the first. Both found the fairway, but it was Nixie’s composed par that sealed her first Ladies Club Championship title, becoming the youngest in club history to do so.
Anne, ever the class act, took home the Scratch Trophy, while Nixie – supported by proud parents and coach Aaron Cox – showed incredible maturity and grace in victory. A defining moment for the future of Blackwell golf.
The Flowers – Club Championship / Low Handicappers
The big one. The big swings. The big scores.
Final groupings teed off late Sunday afternoon, and the leaderboard was constantly shifting.
Rochy bounced back from a tough Saturday to shoot a superb 68 (-3) and take third place.
Lew, always steady, followed his level-par Saturday with a brilliant 67 (-4) to briefly take the lead.
But it was Lewis Beardwell who rose to the top, posting a 68 to back up his opening 69 – giving him a one-shot win and the 2025 Club Championship title.
A special mention to Boom Boom Dean Bates, who claimed the Best Nett (Tim Stace Trophy) and celebrated with a well-earned dip in the hot tub. ????
More Than Just Golf
The weekend was a huge showcase not just of playing ability, but of the community spirit at Blackwell Grange.
The bar and kitchen teams delivered all weekend – Sunday roasts flying out, Nigel Alderson's burgers in demand, and the drinks flowing well into the evening.
The course was in immaculate condition thanks to our fantastic green staff, and the support from members, friends and family around the course created an atmosphere we’ll all remember.
Chairman Paul Dummett summed it up perfectly:
“What a brilliant weekend. The standard of golf was outstanding, but more than that, the way players supported each other and the spirit around the club was something special. Congratulations to all our winners and to everyone who made the event what it was. Blackwell is in a great place.”
Winners Summary
♦ RAFA Trophy: Steve Bethray
♦ Hewitson Trophy: Marcus Duncan
♦ Ladies Champion: Nixie Corcoran
♦ Ladies Scratch Trophy: Anne Wraith
♦ Club Champion (The Flowers): Lewis Beardwell
♦ Best Nett (Tim Stace Trophy): Dean Bates
Well done to all players, organisers, staff, and supporters. Here's to next year!
