Liverpool Group held their annual Golf Competition for 2025 at the fantastic location of Lee Park Golf Club on Childwall Valley Road, Liverpool, with the competition open to Masons and non- Masons. In July 1957, the golf club was the venue that ‘The Quarrymen’ played at in order that their talent could be assessed prior to playing at the Cavern.
The course was in excellent condition, and it was hoped that the rain would hold off allowing the 28 Masonic and non-Masonic golfers to get around dry. The Liverpool Group Golf committee had done an excellent job of advertising and collating those who were attending. The golfers having cleaned their clubs, checked enough balls, tees, and other golfing accruements had been placed in their bags and made their way to Lee Park.
On arrival, the first duty being to report to Tommy Walsh (Liverpool Group Golf Secretary) and Phil Pattullo (Liverpool Group Golf Chairman) to ensure that the previously quoted handicaps were official and legitimate, also to ensure that no so-called bandits or sharks were present, something constantly heard after winners are announced within the golfing community.
Tommy had arranged the teeing groups and times, and issued score cards and timings to each golfer, which then allowed the golfers to say hello and greet their fellow Masons and non-Masons. The golfers then being the professional type then proceeded to complete their warmup routines, prior to tee times commencing. Warm up exercises and decisions being, one pint or two, and chips or non-chips with sandwiches ordered, the food being of a very high standard both from the bar and during the evening meal.
Stableford was the format for the competition, and for those non golfers reading this, it basically means that each golfer receives extra shots per hole based on their handicap, e.g., a golfer with a handicap of 36 will get two extra shots per hole, ( 36 divided by 18) so if the first hole is a par four, then they get to complete that hole in six shots, with points awarded for anything one above six or below.
The groups having teed off, many claps, whooshes, cracking of trees, other expletives, laughter and shouts of ‘four’ could be heard around the course, a nearest the pin and longest drive hole had been elected to further entice good golfing, and competition. After a wonderful day of golfing, unfortunately with rain and wind appearing, the golfers returned, handed in their signed score cards, some smiling some not.
Those dining changed and retired for a wonderful meal provided by the golf club. The meal consisting of home-made soup, home made steak pie, chips peas and salad, followed by strawberries and cream. Paul Robinson gave grace and thanks for the meal, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by those present. After the toast to the King, Phil Pattullo stood and thanked Lee Park Golf Club, with those present agreeing that the course was in good condition, the staff very helpful and friendly, and the companionship of those present also of a high standard. Phil also thanked all those that had attended both for the golf and the dining, explaining that any monies collected during the evening and the golf would be donated to Friends of Tithebarn House.
The eagerly awaited prizes were then presented by the Liverpool Group Vice Chairman Bob Patterson and Phil Pattullo, the Liverpool Group Golf Chairman. The first prize announced was for nearest the pin / flag, with Jim Eddowes from Everton Lodge 823 being the proud winner. Alan Ray from Childwall Lodge No 5235 was the winner of the longest drive. With a score of 36 points, the visiting champion prize was awarded to Liam McKevitt.
The position for Liverpool Group Lodge Champion was very close indeed with two players having gained 31 points each, Ray Parr of Temple Lodge No 1094, and Jim Eddowes. The back nine-hole count meant that the prize went to Ray, who to this day is still in shock from his achievement. Wining lodge team prize went to Blenheim Lodge No 7519, Phil Pattullo, Billy Sharp (newly appointed Group and Provincial Golf Representative) and Geoff Brown.
A raffle then took place, with some excellent prizes on offer raising £170, this was further followed by a Dutch auction for a putter, completed by Geoff Brown, the Liverpool Group Golf Treasurer. Bob Patterson then gave a vote of thanks to all those involved in the arranging of the day, Lee Park Golf Club, for hosting the event, and especially thanked the members of the Liverpool Group Golf Committee, for a wonderful day and work that they have done for the charity, without their work the event would not be as successful as it was, and looked forward to next year. The day raised a total of £500 for the Friends of Tithebarn, with those attending looking forward to the next occasion.
