J.W Johnston Cup

F W Johnston was truly one of the founding fathers of Hendon Golf Club. He applied for membership in 1903 along with H Walduck and Dr Houlbrook. At this moment, it was felt that it might be possible to increase the membership and grow the Club as local farmer Slade had offered the Club all of his land until the end of its lease at a rental of £55 per annum. A public meeting was called to enrol new members, which, if successful, would enable the Club to accept farmer Slades' offer.

The meeting was a great success, with over 50 new members elected.

The Johnston trophy has become a great competition today, largely thanks to the members and club captains of the 1960s and 1970s. Indeed, many class it as a Hendon Major. Three members—Andy Clyde, Les Parker, and Jordan Forster — have won it five times with various partners—a fantastic achievement.

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The longest final, I recall, went to the 21st hole. Pete Dickson and I beat Adam Woolf and Gareth Murcutt! In years gone by, everyone who played in the Friday qualifier waited for everyone to finish, with all eyes on the 8th position. One minute, you were safely through to the knockouts; the next, you were out! Much anguish would be observed in the bar if you lost out on the card countback.

Many did not qualify but told their significant others that they had done so so they could continue to play golf all weekend!

Easter weather has always been a factor in this competition, often with one bad weather day and snow-affected play one year in the naughties.

Andy Clyde made the first-ever hole-in-one in this comp on the 6th Hole with a 2-iron, partnered by the legendary Tom McCabe.

Four days of golf. If you’re lucky enough to win, you know how special and unique the Johnston trophy is.

Derek Murray

Surprisingly, the only things I remember are about me and a little about my playing partners. I am a five-time winner and twice-losing finalist, with a better record than Sean Murray, who was, IIRC, a six-time losing finalist with his partner David Pirie.

The best year was 1985 because, on Saturday, I had my first hole-in-one. On Monday, I won the Johnston, but I wasn’t allowed to celebrate as I was lined up to play with Pauline McNicholas in the Mixed that afternoon. We won that as well! The first time I saw my wife that Easter weekend was at dinner on Monday evening.

Andy Clyde

Whilst my joint record of 5 wins is an amazing achievement, my wife believed I got through to the final of every Johnston trophy since joining Hendon Golf Club—of course, until she became a member herself! 

Les Parker