top of page
Search

2025-26 Christmas Cracker: A Leader Emerges from the Pack!


ree

After the recent friendly and a successful match against SGA, the NGC returned to the season championship with the festive Christmas Cracker competition hosted by Royal Golf Club Hainaut. Sadly a few seasonal injuries prevented a number of leading contenders from playing but the event saw 2 new members making their debuts (Kristof and Bogdan) and a couple of guests (Petter and Bryan). Steve, attending his last event (no - really this time), won the best 'adult' Christmas outfit competition for obvious reasons. Very generously, Matt (and Di in her absence) offered some additional motivation by offering some Australian vino for the prize winners.


The President leads the way with a scorching drive off the first - it even hit the fairway!
The President leads the way with a scorching drive off the first - it even hit the fairway!

4 flights of 3 players teed off on the Quesnoy course, with conditions appearing to favour those at the top of the order, with rain forecast for the back nine. The pack were broadly paying above par with Darryl and Steve leading the way with 18 points. 2 players however showed their class and turned the corner below par, with Rick, making his season debut, hitting 23 points and Joe sensing another win just behind with 21 points. The nearest the pin on the 8th proved tricky with only one player landing on the dancefloor to claim the crystal ball.


The course was in great condition, although putting for some appeared challenging.
The course was in great condition, although putting for some appeared challenging.

But for others ....less so!
But for others ....less so!

With rain falling and light closing in, expectations were high although the more challenging Etangs course was expected to take its toll. And so it proved with the pack way off the pace with Darryl finishing the best of the rest with 32 points in third. However, Joe defied the conditions with a solid 18 points posting a daunting total of 39 points overall. Could Rick hold his nerve? Never in doubt, as he matched Joe's18 points to win by 2 points with a superb 41 points. The longest drive saw a mammoth strike by our guest Bryan on Etangs' 4th hole to claim the prize by some distance.



Rick walked away with a win on his season debut receiving the 'trophy' from the President.  100% record going into 2026!
Rick walked away with a win on his season debut receiving the 'trophy' from the President.  100% record going into 2026!


Joe claimed a deserved second place to go clear at the top of the season's standings.
Joe claimed a deserved second place to go clear at the top of the season's standings.


Steve won the closest to the pin prize, with a great shot which would probably have won it on any day. He departs with a number of crystal balls.
Steve won the closest to the pin prize, with a great shot which would probably have won it on any day. He departs with a number of crystal balls.


Bryan deservedly receives his Longest Drive Prize.
Bryan deservedly receives his Longest Drive Prize.

 

Updated season points are listed below with Joe breaking clear of the field to claim a 2 point lead:


ree

Our next event is the Celtic Quaich at Golf de Pierpont on 18 January 2026.  Please help to get the word out to our members and sign up early. It will also mark the departure of Matt and Di.

 

Thanks for all you do in support of our club.  Enjoy the upcoming Holiday break with your families and best wishes as we enter a new year and the race for the NATO title hots up! 


 
 
 

Comments

©2021 by NATO Golf Club

bottom of page