Beccles Win Tolly For The First Time

Small But Mighty: Beccles Golf Club Claim Historic Tolly Cobbold Cup Victory

In one of the most inspiring stories of the season, Beccles Golf Club, one of the smallest clubs in the country, has pulled off a remarkable victory in the Tolly Cobbold Cup, securing the trophy for the very first time.

With just 35 members, Beccles defied all expectations to reach the final of the long-standing inter-county competition, held this year at Thorpeness Golf Club.  Their opponents in the final were Ufford Park, who had previously lifted the trophy in 2017 and were tipped to win again.

Club captain Stuart Hagger, who led the team from the sidelines as a non-playing captain, said the result was beyond what anyone had predicted.

“We were the underdogs from the start,” he said. “To even reach the semi-finals was a first for our club, but once we got there, the team believed we could go all the way. It’s an emotional and proud moment for everyone involved.”

The final, played over four morning matches and four in the afternoon, was closely contested throughout.  With conditions putting pressure on both teams, the result hung in the balance until the final stages.  But Beccles rallied when it mattered most and emerged victorious with a five-hole winning margin.

Their semi-final triumph had already turned heads, overcoming reigning champions Thorpeness, a club with a strong track record in the competition.

“Nobody gave us a chance,” Hagger added. “We faced two teams with excellent reputations and past success in the Tolly Cobbold Cup. To come out on top speaks volumes about the spirit and determination of our players.”

Celebrations were typically Beccles – down-to-earth and full of joy.  The team returned to their regular spot at Wetherspoons in Beccles, where they’d gathered after each round to mark their unlikely journey through the competition.

“We’ve got some really special people at the club,” said Hagger. “Without them, there wouldn’t be a Beccles Golf Club. This win was for them.”