'Rough' for Hepburn as Baker Scoops the Innaugral Claret Mug

So it was, the grand finale which offered so much and delivered. A season high turnout of 17 arrived at a sun soaked Cotgave for a pre-match bacon cob, plenty of nerve steadiers and a flutter on Bangles Bookies Ltd open for trading on the days event.

A fatherly affair; Horsburgh, Tuckwell & Wood Seniors opened up, intent on beating the light. Debutant Wood in devastating form: 2 under thru 4 amassing 13 points in the process. Horsburgh once again providing the accuracy this time middling an oak from 6 yards. Tuckwell struggling: with his holes completed/unfinished ratio 5:4 against. Wood was clear by 5 at the turn. Tuckwell faired better after the break an 8:2 ratio, however left disappointed to find a lost ball on the 17th after being straight down the middle. Horsburgh remained consistent while Wood consolidated.

Ladd, Jenkinson & Frame teed off with the weight of expectant punters on their shoulders. Anecdotes were few and far between with concentration high. Jenko was once again off to a slow start and with Ladd stuck in second they were left 3 adrift at the turn, Frame burying the demons with his new irons. A strong end to the round saw Framey home, not before Ladd launched a monster up 17 to claim the early onus in the longest drive stakes.

The big 3, Baker, Daft & Hepburn, had an earlier than planned start to ensure bad light didn’t stop play. Baker in the box seat, with one shot separating the field at half way. Cue Pina Colada for a power surge, although Heppers may have regretted leaving the remnants for Horsey. Baker appeared to implode, mind working over time on the permutations that could see the ‘claret mug’ slip from his grasp. This was compounded by some youths offering expletives to all who could here as Baker stood over a slippery one on 14. With his last efforts, the offenders were sternly reprimanded and the outcome leaving the spoils out of Bobby’s hands. A costly 3 putt at 17 knocked Daft out of the running; it was down to Bangles needing a par at the last to wrestle the glory away from Baker. Fuelled with adrenalin, and needing another can of p c, Heppers got a flyer into the thick Bermuda grass at the back of 18 and was unable to apply his silky soft touch that had served himself so well and took 4 to get down. Baker jubilant unless Tuckwell Jnr could fire 40 points.

Horsburgh Jnr, Wood Jnr, Tuckwell Jnr Jnr and Gary Player, sorry Hefter were keeping an eye on proceedings in front. Vin led by one at the turn from an immaculately well turned out Hefter. Horsy finally delivered some excitement claiming nearest the pin at 17 and duly converting for a 2. Wood Jnr finally got the driver working but it was left to Hefter to power home and finally deliver what he has promised all season. Vin produced his best form of the year and with some hard graft on the short stuff will surely challenge before long.

Tuckwell Jnr, Dessaur, Hoenigmann and debutant Hall propped up the rear in a most enjoyable 4 ball. Hall impressed with only his second ever game, providing some shots to remember but humbled by the great game when thinking you’ve got it cracked! Hoenigmann was deadly on the green, obviously buoyed by an excellent 3rd in a national fencing competition the day before after 3 years out of the sport. Dessaur was ever the entertainer and aiming for his Ibiza total and in pole at the turn. Tuckwell lagging; with one eye on half term. A trio of 3 pointers set Dessaur well on his way before fatigue struck the newcomers. Not before 4 Billy Bowdens elaborately ‘sixed’ Dessaurs ball out of the course as it flew high, high and handsome over the back of 17, then next delivery saw Halls being ‘foured’ to the boundary fence. Hoenigmann sent them on their way with a trolley clatterer! Tuckwell was on the charge but somehow found water on 17 and visibly ‘lost it’ before limping home.

Soup and sandwiches waited for the weary few as the scores were totalled. Hefter (40) claimed a well deserved maiden tour victory, the best turned out award and best ‘bookie clean out’ (shared with Horsey) after waiting to depart with cash after drifting to 16’s. Framey (39) was back to his very best to once again claim a podium spot. Ladd (37) again finishing highly. Wood Snr (36) having an excellent debut. Horsburgh Jnr scooped nearest the pin with Laddy storming the longest drive.

Results:
1st: M. Hefter 40 points
2nd: P. Frame 39 points
3rd: C. Ladd 37 points
4th: D. Wood 36 points

5 shots and less than a 1% shot average separated the top 4, and it was Baker who sneaked it by 2 from Hepburn in an extremely tight and exciting finale that came down to the wire. Ladd must be rueing falling a round short of qualifying; having attained a healthy average. Also Jenko, who carded 21 points in his impressive average.

Overall standings:

Position Shots Average Winnings
1st: R. Baker 216 36 £60
2nd: C. Hepburn 214 35.67 £40
3rd: R. Daft 213 35.5 £20
4th: P. Frame 211 35.16