The semi-finals and final of the 2026 Richard Day Singles Knockout were held at Rye GC on Saturday, 24^th October.  The weather in the morning was tolerable but, as forecast, it deteriorated to little short of unplayable in the afternoon with gale force winds and driving rain.

In the morning, Piers Manktelow and Tim Bevan-Thomas had a very close game in the first semi-final.  Piers was 1 up playing the 18^th hole and this is how it finished with Tim just missing a par putt there which would have taken the match to extra holes.  Charlie Oakley only pulled ahead of Grant Leonard on the second nine and ended up winning the other semi-final by 4 & 2.

During lunch, the weather went downhill and it was decided that, rather than reconvening on another day, the final would be decided over just 6 holes: 1 to 5 and then the 9^th.

Piers had to give Charlie just one handicap shot over those 6 holes but emerged from the titanic struggle with the elements 1 up.  So congratulations to Piers and commiserations to Charlie but many thanks to both of them for agreeing to play in those conditions.  Chris Walker went out to watch them play and may be in even greater need of help with judgement calls !!

The tournament is in memory of OEGS member Richard Day and it was great to once again entertain Richard’s daughters Claire and Chloe to lunch.  Also present were Chris Stephenson and Ben Dawson.  Our thanks go to Chris in particular for arranging us to play the semi-finals and final at Rye each year.

We shall repeat the tournament in 2027 but would welcome a still larger number of competitors.  The early rounds can be played at any golf course and the finals day at Rye is covered by the very modest entry fees.

Piers Manktelow and Tim Bevan-Thomas

Grant Leonard, Ben Dawson, and Charlie Oakley

Charlie putting against the wind on the 5th green

Charlie and Piers having just finished the final

Piers and Charlie now back in the dry. But Piers with a substitute trophy – Chris Walker forgot to bring the Richard Day Trophy !!