Richmond Park entered two teams in the 2026 competition and the “A” team played their first (Round 2) match away at Bird Hills golf club. This is a 4 ball better ball matchplay format competition with 6 players (3 pairs from each team).  

Our team captain Russell Stewart reported on the match, as follows:

“It has to be said that the course was in excellent condition and has undergone significant investment recently.  The course benefits from improved drainage and tree surgery to open up airflow across the course and present a much dryer course in winter and during wet spells.  A number of the greens are two tier and generally the course was interesting and enjoyable to play.  

The RPGC A team players made up the following pairings – John Perkins & Russell Stewart (captain) , Alan Treacy & Craig Johnstone, with the last pair being Alan Boyd and Simon Russett.  

Our first team out dominated their game losing the honour on only 1 of the 18 holes and eventually winning 5&3.  

The second team were not so fortunate and the home advantage was exploited. Some long putts and taking advantage of handicap advantage, the Bird Hills team won 3&2. 

Unfortunately it was a similar result for the last pairing who lost 4&3.  The home pairing also clicked with one of them confessing to have played his best round since last year. 

Our hosts were very friendly and the games were played in good humour, on a beautiful day for golf.”