Lance and Charlie Forster, from Basingstoke Golf Club, emerged victorious at the prestigious 75th staging of The Antlers 36-hole Scratch Foursomes Medal event held at Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club. Their total score of 142, including an impressive opening round of 66, secured them the top spot. They were followed by Liam Cella and James Lennon from Sandy Lodge GC in second place and Stephen Ross and Jacob Austin from Sunningdale GC in third place after a countback on scores achieved on the JH Taylor course.
Charlie Forster, who had previously won the Peter Alliss Memorial Trophy on the same course, is a player at Long Beach State College in the US and has recently been selected for the GB&I team for the St Andrews Trophy. To commemorate their win, the Forsters were presented with a new trophy for the event, named the Martin Christmas Trophy, in memory of the host club’s former president.
Over 50 teams participated in The Antlers competition this year, leading to the need for a handicap ballot to narrow down the field to 48 teams. Representatives from various top-tier clubs such as Sunningdale, The Berkshire, Wentworth Club, and others were part of the competition. Mark Gailey, the club’s general manager, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the tournament, citing it as having the biggest and highest-quality field in several years. He praised the course conditions, greens, catering, and overall organization of the event.
The Antlers, which derives its name from the club emblem, has a rich history dating back to its inception at Royal Mid-Surrey in 1933. It was once considered the final opportunity for the GB&I Walker Cup captain to evaluate potential foursomes pairings before facing the US team. Among the illustrious past winners of the event listed on the clubhouse roll of honor are notable personalities in broadcasting such as Bruce Critchley and Richard Boxall.
The event’s reputation as the leading scratch foursomes competition in the country was reaffirmed by the success and positive feedback received from the competitors. The tournament’s tradition and legacy, combined with the high caliber of players and competitive spirit, continue to attract top talents and maintain its status as a premier event in the golfing calendar. Participants lauded the course conditions, hospitality, and overall experience, highlighting the event’s significance in the golfing community.
The Martin Christmas Trophy, introduced in memory of the former club president, added a poignant touch to the event, further emphasizing the camaraderie and respect within the golfing community. The Forsters’ win, coupled with Charlie Forster’s impressive track record and recent selection to the GB&I team, underscored the talent and comradery at the heart of the sport. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the event each year serve as a testament to its enduring legacy and significance within the golfing world.
As players and spectators look forward to future editions of The Antlers and the thrilling competition it promises, the event remains a cornerstone of the golfing calendar, embodying the sport’s values of skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. With a rich history, competitive spirit, and tradition of excellence, The Antlers continues to attract top talents and showcase the best of foursomes golf, ensuring its place as a highlight in the golfing community for years to come.
