Dear members,
It has only been a few weeks since the last AGW newsletter however there has been news of late, and particularly with regards the AGWs annual dinner, I wanted to share with you.
And along with some good news in relation to three of our members and news from our Golf Captain Peter Dixon, I have turned it into a mid-May newsletter.
As well, there is a note regarding US Open ‘Virtual Media Hub’ accreditation.
2021 AGW ANNUAL DINNER – Cancelled
It’s disappointing to advise all members of the decision to cancel this year’s annual dinner.
It was a decision not taken lightly however there was a number of issues the AGW committee considered could not be overlooked:
- The continuing uncertainty with regards to numbers allowed to gather within any of the on-course enclosures at Royal St. George’s during Open Championship week including the ‘Links Pavilion’ where the dinner would be held.
- Advice from the R & A media that media numbers attending The Open will be dramatically reduced in line with on-going social-distancing measures
- No AGW member guest tickets will be issued by the R & A for this year’s Open Championship
- The inability of those non-accredited AGW members in being unable to attend any proposed dinner.
- And consideration for the AGWs sponsors and supporters and with many indicating also in being unable to be present at Royal St. Georges.
I know in speaking with the Chairman it is not the news we wish to convey to members though the good news is that in contacting our dinner sponsors we have already received the assurance from each of their on-going financial support for our 2022 annual dinner at the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews.
As well, the R & A and our friends at the European Tour, the PGA Tour and other golfing bodies have responded to the decision with understanding and also stating they look forward to joining us in a year’s time.
AGW GOLF – Michael Williams Hogget – Walton Heath – June 2nd
AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon has good news:
Fellow members and it is great pleasure we can announce the first AGW outing of 2021 and with Gordon Simpson very kindly in liaison with Walton Heath has secured tee times.
Details as follows:
Date – Wednesday 2nd June, 2021
Tee-off – mid-morning
Numbers – Four tee times, 16 players
Trophy – Michael Williams Hogget (Dan Murphy defending champion)
Entries – Email Peter Dixon email hidden; JavaScript is required
The first 15 to confirm with Peter will play (Peter teeing-up as 2014 champion).
The 2nd June is the week of the European Open and the PGA Tour’s Memorial.
50-YEARS A MEMBER OF THE AGW
Fifty years is a milestone in anyone’s life whether it is 50-years being married or on this occasion 50-years a member of the Association of Golf Writers.
Last year, there were two proud members – Paddy Mearing and Ron Skelton – who celebrated 50-years a member of the AGW since joining the Association in 1970.
Given lockdown measures last year, it was not till recently we were afforded access to the special AGW silver salvers in storage so we had them engraved and presented one to each in honour of their 50-years a member.
Again, congratulations Paddy and Ron from everyone at the AGW.
Paddy’s son, Tim wrote: I just had my dad on the phone and he was overjoyed and rather taken aback by the commemorative plate he has received for his 50-year anniversary. He was glowing about it and wanted me to immediately email you with his thanks and appreciation to you and all his friends in the association
Again, I can’t stress how excited and appreciative he is on receiving the plate.
Cheers Tim
RON SKELTON JOINS THE 50-YEARS A MEMBER CLUB
Congratulations to Ron Skelton who also proudly celebrated being 50-years a member of the AGW
It was only yesterday the AGW package came into my hands. The reason for that is that over the last few days mysterious packages have been arriving at Dalhousie Road and Georgie (wife) has been gathering them up, including yours, and I was only given access to them yesterday ….. my 80th Birthday (April 26th)
And so, the beautiful AGW salver came to light. I am so thrilled to have this. It is such a handsome piece and will be displayed with pride.
II have always been proud to be a member of the AGW and so flattered by this lovely gift. It brings with it so many happy memories to take into my twilight years.
My sincere thanks to all.,
Ron
DIXON BLACKSTOCK MAKES IT A TRIPLE GOLDEN CELEBRATION
Dixon Blackstock joined the AGW in 1971 and this year marks 50-years he has been a member and all Dixon’s friends at the AGW also congratulate you on a wonderful achievement.
Dixon expressed his joy:
“I have just received the special plate marking my 50 years membership of the AGW. What a wonderful surprise. It will be on prominent display in my home for all time. I believe myself so lucky to have shared a tent for half a century with so many talented writers (sounds bit like a Scouts convention. We did have a few jamborees over the years mind you). A wonderful mixture of characters…I even managed to get a few friendly grunts from super grump Dai Davies. A super guy who loved his reputation. Thrived on it indeed.
Just one of the great colleagues over the years.
That, of course, includes our recent loss of Jock. He and Raymond Jacobs and Jack Robertson created a kind of Glesca mafia
I could not pay a tribute to our late President…all that could be said was done so by so many all around the golfing world that I could not improve all the true words used to describe him.
Again my thanks for the inscribed plate to the committee and every member of the AGW.
Dixon Blackstock.
US Open – Virtual Media Accreditation
The USGA advises due to health and safety concerns from the ongoing pandemic, this year’s US Open will be held with limited personnel on-site. As a result, media operations at the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines will be predominately remote.
Requests from those seeking Virtual Media accreditation must be submitted by Friday, June 4th.
Apply for an application at: email hidden; JavaScript is required
There will be allowed one application per outlet for access to the Virtual Media Hub.
NB – The email address above is only to apply for an application and not virtual accreditation.
Thank you to all members for your support of the AGW dinner decision and I will keep members advised of all matters relating to this year’s Open and also the AGW AGM related matters and news.
THOUGHTS WITH THEM …
AND lastly but certainly not least, the AGW has reached out to our India colleagues Swamy, Joy, Anand and Robin given the distressing events currently unfolding in India.
We have received email replies with the assurance they and their respective families remain safe which is comforting news.
Bernie
Secretary
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