‘Yes, that made up for the past two years’, said Madden after collecting his trophy, It was actually sheer fear of what John Witworth had said ton me before I went out to play. John is one of the most respected players in Warwickshire, probably England, and he told me not to bother coming back in if I didn’t win over my home course.’

It should have been a battle against Defending Champion Mike Schofield but Mike isn’t very well at the moment (he has the best wishes of all his friends for a speedy recovery). As it was 16 pars and just two bogies gave Madden a 74 and a three shot win.

Those who didn’t challenge included past Seniors Captain Peter Clifford – ‘I’ve putting problems, between the ears’ – Mike Dayus ‘I dropped two in the last three or else it would have been closer’ and Eddie McIntyre ‘ Not good today … I can’t describe it’.

For Atherstonian Ronnie Hiatt, there were more golf balls to go with the Shield for the over 70’s best gross (with an 83) – retaining his trophy. Ronnie never looses golf balls so todays prize will probably go into store.

The most surprised winner was John Simpson, also from Walmley. John has been helping out with the County Junior squad for the past two years as they have accumulated numerous individual and team trophies. He can now boast the Best Nett from the Seniors, to go with the Runners Up Medal from the Gross with a Nett 65.

‘I won the Club Championship a couple of years ago, beating all the kids. What made that really special was finding out how much they all wanted me to win. This is the next ‘Big One’’, said Madden, laughing, ‘Its strange now with you asking me all these questions when everyone says I am good at talking when no-one is listening’

What is special about Madden – about his golf game – is that when he keeps it straight he is one of the longest Seniors in England, possibly in the UK. He comfortably reaches medium to long par 5s and when he is ‘on his game’ he can shoot low numbers.

‘I would have played in the British Seniors, but I was in Italy for a Wedding. Seeing the scores from my mates playing made me want to be there ever more.’

What is for certain is that John will be a force in National Senior golf for many years. And the other John, John Stubbings, WUGC?

John (S) was playing in his second Seniors and there is room for a little improvement.

Leaderboard

74 – J Madden

77 – J Hodgkinson, M Shepherd, M Dayus, J Simpson, C Dedicoat

78 – G Reay

79 – B Coleman, E McIntyre, P Clifford

Other – 83 – Ronnie Hiatt

A Full Leaderboard will appear shortly and for more pictures of the presentation, please go to County Men / Championships / Seniors / Pictures