The Jersey team that will bid to regain the Acorn Finance Challenge inter-insular trophy at the Royal Jersey was announced this week, with three changes from last year.
Geoff Ramskill is the current Inter Island Seniors champion and has reduced his handicap to two – and is playing the best golf of his life.
Ramskill, who has also represented the Island at rugby union and cricket, said: ‘I’m delighted and I think I must be the oldest first-timer to ever be selected for the team – I’m the oldest swinger in town! ‘I’m proud to be in the same team as my son, Richard, and I’m already looking forward to the match.
I’ve played my best golf in the past two years and it’s a combination of having a hip replacement and technology.
The golfers at the Open were saying it at the weekend too, technology is improving the game all the time.
‘I’m part of a good team and we have a lot to prove after they team lost heavily in Guernsey last year.’ Former Island Games gold medallist James Birch returns after two years’ absence due to work commitments.
He has reduced his handicap to +1 and returned some excellent scores earlier in the year.
Andrew Clarke has worked hard at his game and has performed well in club matches – he has been close to selection in the last two years and has finally made the break through.
The full team is: Richard Alker, James Birch, Andrew Clarke, Trevor Gray, Paul Le Chevalier, Christy McLaughlin, Gavin O’Neill, Matthew Parkman, Geoff Ramskill and Richard Ramskill.
Trevor Gray’s inclusion is for the 31st consecutive time – a truly remarkable record.
Matthew Parkman performed well in the NatWest and won both the handicap and scratch trophies in the La Moye Salver.
Gavin O’Neill is in excellent form, recently winning the NatWest Trophy and starring for Hampshire.
Christy McLaughlin is playing well and narrowly lost out to Gavin in the NatWest Championship.
Paul Le Chevalier continues to be the bench mark for other Island players.
He is the current Inter Island matchplay champion and is still playing off a handicap of +2.
Richard Ramskill has played well both at La Moye and in the County championships.
He was knocked out in the semi final at North Hants GC.
Richard Alker has maintained his scratch handicap and has played well in La Moye’s club matches.
Island team selectors were Terry Smith, Richard Alker and Rob Leader.
Said Leader: ‘We have selected a well balanced team of youth and experience and are hoping to build a good team spirit after last year’s defeat.
‘As in previous years team selection proved difficult with 15 players in the running for the ten places.’
