The Father and Son
Foursomes Tournament was first played in 1931 following an event
instituted in 1928. Originally
there was a qualifying medal competition to enter the knock-out stage but
we now have a first round knock-out comprising 128 pairs from all over
the UK with a small overseas entry most years.
The Times and The Daily Telegraph carry
detailed accounts of the event as it unfolds along with brief reports of
outstanding matches, the results and sometimes a photograph.
The fascination of many matches is the way the sons, some of whom are
very young, hold their nerve as well as holing their putts and become the
strength of the partnerships. Many
fine young golfers play in this competition and move on to great golfing
exploits, although this invariably happens before they win here.
Nevertheless it is uplifting to see such play in the best spirit
of the game and occasionally glimpse a future golfing giant; real or
imaginary.
Highlights of the event feature in the book "The West Hill Story 1907-2000".
