It’s nothing short of a story book golfing experience between two “Ripon” teams on both sides of the pond who have faced off in both England and in the United States for the joy of taking home the prized “Ripon Cup.”

The event last Saturday began with a bagpiper walking slowly up the green amongst a stand of trees along the course.  The National Anthems of both countries were played and their flags displayed. 

There are 12 players on each team who have continued the tradition between both the two countries for over 40 years. The British golfers arrived in San Francisco last week and played their first round of golf last Saturday.  As of Wednesday noon, the running score was 20 to 4 favoring the Americans with the final round of golf taking place Thursday at Ripon’s Spring Creek Country Club.  

On Monday they had played at the Saddle Creek course in Copperopolis.  The British players and their spouses have spent the week hosted by members of the Spring Creek golf family.  Many of them are planning to tour San Francisco and other parts of California after leaving Ripon.  In two years the Ripon, California team will fly over to Ripon, England for yet another competition.

An “Old Timers Day” game was celebrated last Sunday with former competitors on the course from as far back as 1978 when the tournament began playing with older British golfers coming into Ripon led by their Lord Mayor John Richmond and his colorful mace bearer at his side.  This year’s event was organized by Ripon businessman Kevin Hawes.

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.