Congratulations to the Glass Sellers' Team who came third in the prestigious Prince Arthur Cup Inter-Livery golf competition
The Prince Arthur Cup competition took place on 19 May 2011, once again, at Walton Heath. Congratulations to the Glass Sellers' team who came third in this highly competitive tournament. The successful team were David Brooksbank (Captain) and John Darby; Claus Mikkelsen and Field Walton.
This is by far and away the most prestigious sporting competition for Livery Companies. Whilst there are now 108 Companies, only 54 are allowed to enter a team of 4 each year. Relegation is a permanent fear. With 216 golfers taking part every year this is believed to be the largest amateur tournament in England. The competition is for two teams of two players from each Livery playing foursomes. The teams play against the course and score 0 for a par – for bogey (one or more over par) and + for anything under par. The two pair’s scores are then added together. This is arguably the most difficult format to play; with the result that a plus score is a dream and the bottom score is usually anything from -30 to -50. The winning score is usually only just in plus territory. This year the winning scores were:
The winners - Founders with +5
Second - World Traders +1
Third - Glass Sellers +1 (placed 3rd on count back)
History of the competition
To commemorate the admission of Prince Arthur of Connaught, Arthur Hungerford Pollen who was Master in 1927 gave to the Coachmakers’ Company, the Prince Arthur Cup. This large silver-gilt trophy was to be competed for annually by the Livery Companies of London in a foursomes’ golf tournament. Companies were to be represented by two pairs playing a morning and an afternoon round of golf with lunch intervening. The first competition took place at Walton Heath in 1927 and thereafter the competition was held at many locations. However, in recent years it has been played, as in the beginning, back at Walton Heath. The Competition is one of the City Liveries most prestigious and fiercely contested annual sporting events.
