The Rabbits Section

We know we’re not the best golfers in the club we’ll leave that accolade to the Tigers and juniors but we do regard ourselves as the friendliest section at Pinner Hill.

We currently have a full calendar of events throughout the year brief details of which are listed below.

Spring Competition

This competition was introduced in 1986 by former Rabbits Captain, Barry Pipe. One of the original purposes of the competition was to help in assessing players for inclusion in the Rabbits team competing for the County Stanley West Trophy. This is a singles format Stableford Competition played between March and Early May. Competition is open to all Rabbits.

Summer Competitions

Ingersoll

This is one of the oldest competitions in the section dating back to the late 1940's. The trophy was presented to the section by the Managing Director of Ingersoll Watch Company. The competition itself symbolises the encouragement the Rabbits section gives to other sections of the club. The competition is played as a 4 ball match play knockout with a Tiger or Fox drawn to partner a Rabbit. The competition is normally played between April & October.

The Woodley Cup

This is the oldest Competition in the Rabbits section dating back to 1946/47, the season when the Rabbits section, then known as the high handicap section, was formed by Donald Woodley and friends.
It is a singles match play knockout competition open to all Rabbits, played between April and October.
Special Rules:-
1. All matches must be played as singles. In the event that players break this rule, both players will be disqualified

Summer Eclectic

The Summer Eclectic started in 1991 and the Dowell Cup was presented by Peter Dowell, Rabbits captain in 1989.
The Eclectic is played by putting in one card in each of the six months (April to September) with the best score on any hole during the competition period being counted. The player with the lowest net score is the winner. It is not necessary to submit a card for all months. In the event of a tie the winner will decided on count back.

Autumn Competition

Forster Cup

This competition was established in 1949. The Silver Cup was presented to the section by 2 brothers called Phil & Effing Forster, an affectionate referral to 1 brothers use of very colourful language! This is a singles format played mid to late September. Stableford points. Open to all Rabbits, full handicap.

Winter Competitions

The Stan Bryant Singles

This Competition started in the Winter of 1997/98 with the trophy being awarded by Stan Bryant, a long serving committee member and twice Rabbits Captain. The Competition starts out in singles leagues with the winners, and depending on the numbers in groups, potentially some runners up going through to a knockout stage.

Air Canada

This competition started in the 1980/81 season. At that time there were 2 Canadian Rabbits, Gary Richards and Bill Yerex, who worked for the Canadian Air Force. They returned to Canada in 1983, and prior to their departure donated the Air Canada Shield as the winning trophy for the Winter Four ball.
The competition is open to all Rabbits. Partners will be drawn and the competition is played as a 4 ball better ball knockout. The competition is played between November & March.

Winter Eclectic

The Winter Eclectic was started many years ago with the trophy being presented by the committee to encourage competition in the Winter. The winner’s name goes on the honour board in the main lobby area.
The Eclectic is played by putting in one card in each of the six months (October to March) with the best score on any hole during the competition period being counted. The player with the lowest net score is the winner.

All Year Competitions

Birdie Trophy

This competition started in 1993/4. The Birdie Cup was presented by Mrs Bob Jones in 1993, wife of the late Bob Jones who was a previous Rabbits Captain. The competition runs all season commencing October 1st in any year.

Atkinson Salver

This award was presented to the Rabbits Section by the late Bob Atkinson, Rabbits Captain in 1971. It was awarded to the Rabbit who scores the most points throughout all the Rabbits Singles Competitions.

Rabbit of the Year

This award is made totally at the discretion of the outgoing captain and is presented at the AGM to the Rabbit whom he believes has contributed most to the Rabbits Section either during the year, or over a period of time above & beyond the call of duty.

Other Matches and Events

Intersection Matches

During the Summer months we have matches with the Ladies section, against the Juniors, against a team of Former Rabbits Captains and the Intersection Challenge. These matches are all followed by dinner to round off an afternoon of friendly but competitive golf. A notice will be published for each match and all Rabbits are invited to make themselves available. Team selection is decided by the Rabbits Captain.

Friendly Matches with other Clubs

Matches are played home and away from February to November against 11 local clubs followed by informal lunch or jacket and tie dinner. The timetable is posted on the Rabbits board so please mark your availability. A Match Organiser picks the team from those available and preference is given to those able to play home and away dates.

The Stanley West Memorial Trophy

This commemorates the late Stanley West from Sudbury GC who began the friendly matches above. It is a knockout 10 man team singles event within the other local clubs and is the most prestigious competition we play. A place in the team is highly prized and candidates must have played in at least 3 of the friendly matches above. Team selection is decided by the Rabbits Captain.

Invitation Day

The Rabbits invitation in September is a great day for Rabbits and guests. The day starts with breakfast then an 18 hole better ball Stableford competition, followed by lunch, a 9 hole Texas Scramble then a rolling dinner and prize giving finishing at around 7.30 pm. Teams from other Clubs are also invited for an excellent day of golf and fun.

Rabbits Away Weekend

This weekend away is normally in September. Sometimes these trips are close to home while in 2008 we went to Portugal for 3 days of Golf. The trip for 2009 is yet to be arranged so watch the notice board for details but it will surely be the normal mix of golf and good cheer.

Ladies Night

The highlight of the Rabbits social calendar, is generally recognised by all sections as "the one not to miss!” It's a black tie event in April and is our way of saying thanks to the ladies who support us and put up with the endless analysis of our (golfing) great moments.

AGM and Dinner

The AGM is held in November and marks the end of one captaincy and start of another. The evening starts with the AGM (around 40 minutes) followed by welcoming in the new Rabbits Captain then dinner and prize giving of the years competitions. It is far from dull and is always full for dinner.

Your Rabbits’ Contacts are as follows

Captian John Choopani 01923 823082 john@publicityoverload.co.uk
Vice Captain Tim O’Regan 020 8866 3650 timoregan@btopenworld.com
Secretary Oliver Mannion 020 8866 2880 oliver@mannion22.freeserve.co.uk
Treasurer Bob Benbow 01895 255507
Competitions Sec. Stewart Anderson 020 8866 9628 andersonmrsj@aol.com

If you would like any more information about the section please don’t hesitate to contact me or other officers in the section at the contact details above.

John Choopani
Captain 2008/9