PPA – ‘RYDER CUP’ 2014

Following the success of Rory McIlroy at the Open, golfers from Portsmouth Property Association (PPA) met at Petersfield Golf Club on 21st July 2014 for their annual ‘Ryder Cup’ challenge.

Professional courtesy was put to one side as a team of estate agents and surveyors led by Neil Hawkins of Chandler Hawkins competed against a team of lawyers and bankers under the captaincy of Chris Upfield of Coffin Mew LLP.

Bright sunshine and perfect conditions greeted the players as they posed for the camera in front of the 18th green before hostilities commenced.

The event is in its 21st year and competition is fierce with the format comprising 6 morning greensome matches and 12 afternoon singles encounters.

As with previous years, the agents and surveyors displayed better teamwork and won the greensomes by 3½ points to 2½.  Refreshed by a hearty lunch and couple of pints (orange juice of course) players went head-to-head in the afternoon singles.  Early successes for the lawyers looked to be decisive but following a late rally, winning 3 of the last 4 matches, victory went to the agents and surveyors by the narrowest of margins.  The final score was 9½ – 8½.

At the evening presentation dinner, the trophy was presented to winning captain, Neil Hawkins by Hywel Small, Director of Portsmouth News who sponsored the event.  Team members were presented with individual gold medals. 

Chris Upfield and his team received silver medals and were congratulated on the exciting finish to the match. 

The agents and surveyors now lead 13 – 8 in the series of matches, emphasising their superiority over lawyers and bankers … at least at golf!

Neil A Hawkins

PPA Golf Secretary