Oakdale Second Team

The Bainbridge Shield

Oakdale Second team play in the Bainbridge Shield. The competition was formed in 1998 following a meeting between the Captains of Bedale, Thirsk & Northallerton, Knaresborough and Ripon golf clubs. It was felt that players with handicaps from 12 to 15, ie, between the 'A' team and Rabbits categories, would benefit from friendly, competitive organised golf from April to the end of August, nb, the present categories are handicaps 8 to15.

A meeting on the 12th of August 1999 chaired by Ian Smith, Captain of Bedale, agreed the format of twelve man teams from each club playing better ball compete annually home and away for the Bainbridge Shield, which was provided by Gordon Bainbridge, a Bedale member and life long second division player. Matches are played in pairs with a maximum of 6 points per match and are followed by a meal and social gathering. The winners accumulate + points throughout the golfing season.

The competition is followed by an end of season jamboree (hosted on a rotational basis), social event and prize giving involving players who have competed  during the year.

Oakdale are past winners of the competition, being successful in 2004, 2005 and again in 2006.

The competition is limited to clubs within the HDUGC, those taking part include Bedale, Knaresborough, Thirsk & Northallerton, Oakdale, Ripon, Rudding and Romanby.

All the clubs use the event to introduce their respective Vice Captains and prepare them for the rigours of office the following year.

The Second team also play home and away 'friendlies' every year against Harrogate and Wetherby golf clubs and organise an away day to a quality Yorkshire GC.

Team matches in this category of handicap are very competitive but are also very rewarding with all the usual golfing etiquette and camaraderie that you would expect.