The Barry Carr: 25/26 Season Opener

Golf de la Chateau de la Bawette provided a great venue to host the Barr Carr Trophy, the opening event of the 2025/26 NATO Golf Club season. A superb turnout of 19 golfers including 2 guests from the SHAPE Golf Association saw battle commence in unseasonably warm conditions.

5 flights representing 10 nations set out in the early afternoon in a bid to secure the first silverware of the season. Despite the absence of the reigning champion, expectations were high, especially with a number of players making their NGC debut. We welcomed Glen, Juan, Jorge and Tomas to the NGC.

Golf de la Chateau de la Bawette, proved to be a challenging venue, with lots of water, narrow fairways and 29 degree heat adding to the difficulty. The first flight set the tempo with Ken Emerson and Jon Gunther scoring 19 points on the turn. This was matched by Matt Silver who was going well in the final group.

A difficult final 9 holes tested the NGC patrons and despite the extreme heat and the undulating landscape, the NGC played some sublime golf as Peter hit the longest drives and Darryl won the closest to the pin competition. A mammoth 5 hours plus round saw Matt Silver complete a phenomenal 18 holes, coming home with 20 points for a total of 39 points. Ken Emerson won the battle of the first flight finishing second overall with an impressive 36 points, pipping Jon by 2 points.

Matt Silver - 2025 Barr Carr Trophy Winner with 39 points.

Peter Vollmuth accepts his prize for the longest drive.

Darryl Rupp wins the closest to the pin (not sure what the Captain is doing - heat stroke!)

A great finish to a long day saw the NGC retire to the clubhouse for some well earned refreshment and an intense debrief

A great start to the season sees Matt take an early lead with Peter, Ken and Darryl close behind. We now look forward to the Captain's Cup on Saturday 11 October at Royal Bercuit GC.