Fairways, Fireworks, and an Albatross: A 2-Day Showcase at Stoneham & Hayling Island

What do you get when you combine two of southern England’s finest golf courses, perfect summer conditions, and a fiercely competitive field? You get an unforgettable two-day golf event that delivered spectacular golf, unforgettable highlights, and moments that will be talked about for years to come.

Hosted by MGPT, the two-day extravaganza teed off at the prestigious Stoneham Golf Club before heading south to the wild coastal beauty of Hayling Island Golf Club. Here’s how it all unfolded...

Day 1: Stoneham Golf Club – A Start to Remember

Set among rolling heathland and mature woodland, Stoneham Golf Club proved a fitting venue for Day 1 — a course known for its strategy, charm, and immaculate condition.

But before many players could even find their rhythm, Matthew Steward produced an extraordinary piece of golfing brilliance. On the very first hole — a 504-yard par 5 — Steward holed out for an albatross 2, instantly setting the tone for a day of fireworks.

Not to be outdone, Jim McMahon added his own piece of history later in the round by aceing the 132-yard par-3 16th, securing a hole-in-one that sent shockwaves (and cheers) rippling through the field.

The day ended with prizes galore in a tightly contested leaderboard. Congratulations to our top performers at Stoneham:

Stoneham Prize Winners

• 1st Place (£200 MGPT Voucher): Matthew Steward + Stephane Massey

• 2nd Place (£150 MGPT Voucher): Wynne Walters + Clive Ramsay

• 3rd Place (£100 MGPT Voucher): Geoff Creedon + Cliff Rush

• 4th Place (£50 MGPT Voucher): David Fox + Andrew Birch

• 1st Gross (£100 MGPT Voucher): Peter McGlasson + Robbie Johnson

• 2nd Gross (£75 MGPT Voucher): Andrew Kendrick + Duncan Woodcock

• Men’s Longest Drive (£50 MGPT Voucher): Chris Nixon

• Ladies’ Longest Drive (£50 MGPT Voucher): Stephanie Bristow

• Nearest The Pin:

  • 2nd Hole: Richard Bowman

  • 7th Hole: Simon Palmer

  • 8th Hole: John Holt

  • 10th Hole: Andy Birch

  • 16th Hole: Jim McMahon (HOLE IN ONE!)

• 4-Hole Comp 1st (£100 MGPT Voucher): Kyle Latore + Liam Osborne

• 4-Hole Comp 2nd (£50 MGPT Voucher): Simon Bailey + Chris Maher

• Golfshake Prize (£50 MGPT Voucher): Jack Withey + Joe Withey

Day 2: Hayling Island – Links Golf at Its Finest

From Stoneham’s sheltered corridors to the open, windswept fairways of Hayling Island Golf Club, Day 2 offered a dramatic change of scenery and test of skill. With the wind up and the firm, fast-running links turf underfoot, players were challenged to adapt — and many rose to the occasion.

Coastal views framed each shot, and the subtle contours of the greens kept everyone guessing. Strategic shot-making and creative play were the order of the day.

The performance of the day came from Alan Jones + Janette Withey, whose sharp play secured top honours. Meanwhile, Mark Shaw and Stephanie Bristow powered drives down the fairways to win the long drive titles, and Cliff Rush got his own moment of glory with a pinpoint tee shot on the 16th.

Hayling Island Prize Winners

• 1st Place (£200 MGPT Voucher): Alan Jones + Janette Withey

• 2nd Place (£150 MGPT Voucher): Alan Vickery + Stephanie Bristow

• 3rd Place (£100 MGPT Voucher): Harry Dhand + Mark Taylor

• 4th Place (£50 MGPT Voucher): Anna Benning + Mark Shaw

• 1st Gross (£100 MGPT Voucher): David Southgate + Alan Trendell

• 2nd Gross (£75 MGPT Voucher): James Pearce + Christopher Evans

• Men’s Longest Drive (£50 MGPT Voucher): Mark Shaw

• Ladies’ Longest Drive (£50 MGPT Voucher): Stephanie Bristow

• Nearest The Pin:

  • 11th Hole: Andrew McCartney

  • 16th Hole: Cliff Rush

• 4-Hole Comp 1st (£100 MGPT Voucher): Cliff Rush + Geoff Creedon

• 4-Hole Comp 2nd (£50 MGPT Voucher): Mark Everett + Keith Cranfield

• Golfshake Prize (£50 MGPT Voucher): Richard Brownhill + Andrew Darmody

Overall Event Champions – Consistency is Key

After two days, dozens of stunning shots, and over 140 players giving it their all, the overall winners were crowned. Congratulations to Harry Dhand + Mark Taylor, who combined steady scoring at both venues to take home brand new golf bags worth £200 each.

Overall Event Winners

• 1st Overall (Golf Bags): Harry Dhand + Mark Taylor

• 2nd Overall (£200 MGPT Voucher): Alan Jones + Janette Withey

• 3rd Overall (£175 MGPT Voucher): Alan Vickery + Stephanie Bristow

• 4th Overall (£150 MGPT Voucher): Andrew Kendrick + Duncan Woodcock

• 5th Overall (£125 MGPT Voucher): Phil Ripley + Henry Martin

• 6th Overall (£100 MGPT Voucher): Stephane Massey + Matthew Steward

• 7th Overall (£75 MGPT Voucher): Alex Frankling + Daniel Pullen

• 8th Overall (£50 MGPT Voucher): Anna Benning + Mark Shaw

• 1st Gross Overall (£100 MGPT Voucher): Jason Beacock + James McMahon

• 2nd Gross Overall (£50 MGPT Voucher): David Southgate + Alan Trendell

Final Thoughts

The MGPT two-day event at Stoneham and Hayling Island was more than just a golf tournament — it was a celebration of skill, sportsmanship, and the simple joy of sharing a fairway with friends. From Matthew Steward’s albatross to Jim McMahon’s ace, to every putt holed under pressure, this event showcased everything we love about the game.

Thanks to all who played, competed, and contributed to such a memorable two days. Until next time — keep it in the short grass!

Leaderboard can be found here: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11126409480420510512