Chronicle Open is back in full swing

Anthony Smith • Published 3 Feb 2013 07:00 0 Comments

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THEY were among the most coveted trophies on the local golfing circuit for many decades.

And now, after a nine year absence, the Berkshire Chronicle Cup and the Berkshire Chronicle Bowl are making a welcome return to the competitive calendar.

The sheer size of the magnificent, silver trophies themselves gives an insight into their glorious past which stretches all the way back to 1948 when the tournaments were first launched in conjunction as the Berkshire Chronicle Open.

Sadly, organisers were forced to pull the plug on both mixed pair's events in 2004 after a decision to change the date clashed with other competitions.

But now they hope that nailing down a regular slot in the annual golfing calendar will bring people back.

The competition, originally sponsored by our predecessor, The Berkshire Chronicle, will continue to be staged at its spiritual home at Reading Golf Club.

This year's event, which is limited to 40 pairs, takes place on Friday, July 19 and is open to all club golfers in the region.

Reading GC vice captain Sian James has been heavily involved with the relaunch. She explained: "It's very sad the competition finished for a while but this now gives us the opportunity to put it back on the golfing map.

"It was once a major competition and a big honour for previous winners lucky enough to have their names engraved on the trophies. It would be wonderful to see it regain the status it deserves."

The organisers are leaving no stone unturned in their attempt to restore the tournament to its former glory.

There is the lure of an excellent prize find - including guaranteed prizes for the top pair not belonging to Reading GC - plus regular coverage in the Reading Chronicle, Observer and sister papers across Berkshire, with golfers from all over the county and beyond expected to enter.

And even the format has changed to make it more accessible to players of all abilities, with handicaps of up to 24 accepted for men and 30.5 for women.

The entry fee is £75 per pair which includes coffee, lunch, dinner and prizes. For more details go to the Reading GC website at www.readinggolfclub.com. Alternatively, email secretary@readinggolfclub.com or call 0118 947 2909.

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This article appeared in Bracknell News 31 Jan 13

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