2025 Closing Cup: Title Decider

A beautiful July day at Enghien Golf Club provided a great venue to determine the final standings for the 2024-2025 Season with Steve White the defending Closing Cup Champion and Darryl Rupp nervously watching from afar to see if he would again be crowned NATO Cup Champion.

A great turnout saw 4 flights set out with the added interest of a major festival in the adjoining area providing an eclectic mix of background music throughout the round. With Darryl Rupp’s amazing 8 point haul from the Club Championship, it meant that one of the chasing pack had to win the Closing Cup and hit nearest to the pin and longest drive to tie the competition.

Enghien GC, making its debut in the NGC tour, proved to be a stunning but challenging venue, with lots of water and sand to keep the NGC patrons on their toes. Our highest handicap player, Di started with real determination, hitting a regulation par on the first hole. Some excellent scoring saw Trevor leading with 21 points on the turn with Jon and Ramon close behind.

The final 9 holes saw some sublime golf as Joe and Katrin hit the respective longest drives and Josh finding the dance floor in a very challenging closest to the pin competition. As the Group played the challenging Par 5 -18th hole, there was one point separating 4 players. Some fine approaches (although sadly not from the Captain), and pro-level chipping and putting saw Trevor and Steve level on 37 points with Joe a point behind. As the cards were reviewed and rechecked

(several times), Steve White had pulled it out of the bag with a stunning 20 point final 9 holes to pip Trevor by the smallest of margins.

Steve White defended his Closing Cup Title which meant Darryl Rupp retained the overall NATO Cup title with 19 points. Steve White and Joe O'Leary pulled clear of the field into joint second (16 points) with Jon Gunther and Martin Sonnenberger a point behind.

Joe O'Leary produced the longest drive for the men.

Katrin Wein accepts her prize for the longest drive.

It was a fitting end to a marvelous season, that has seen an expanded membership playing some great golf across Belgium. We said a fond farewell to our Captain Jeff Smith (the Putting Champion) and NGC stalwarts in Martin (still joint 4th in the standings) and Simone ‘longest drive’ Sonnenberger. We wish them all continued golfing success in North America.

On a personal note, I look forward to the new season as Captain, which starts at Golf du Château de la Bawette with the Barry Carr Trophy on 7 September. Sign up is open. I look forward to seeing you on the first tee (music festivals permitting). Have a great summer and thank you for your magnificent support.

Final season points for 2024-2025 are listed below: