You've been Frame'd

The climax of the 2007 tour saw the traditional return to Cotgrave, for an assault on the Masters course and plenty of chance for points. Some bleary eyes from heavy celebration were buoyed by the news of the first ladies to be making a TGS appearance. Tuckwell was optimistic, with no last minute withdrawals, although an early doors call to Horsey, confirmed two non runners: Dean, bad back. Big Paul, with what ever reason he wants as I am not going to argue with him. Best was yet to come with the 10.30 tee time approaching Horsburgh Snr checked in to confirm if it was a 12.30 or 1.30 tee off…

After a re-draw it was Hoenigmann, looking very spritely, Frame and Daft, with the final opening honours of 2007. A shaky start for Hoenigmann, clearly runs better on alcohol although a good sign for North Shore. A firm showing around the middle of the 9, left Daft in a position to attack. While Frame was once again finding it ‘threesrey’ does it: 6 nett birdies and one blob for a top draw 22 point, 5 point half way advantage. Hoenigmann started playing some shots around the turn, but may attribute a minor wobble once the cat’s camera made an appearance. Frame powered into an 11 shot lead after 14 holes with group accolades assumingly assured and bookies already paying out. Daft made once last throw of the dice: birdie, bogey, par, birdie for an immense 13 point 4 hole finishing sequence. 39 points after 16 left Frame with his own previous high in sights, a tough finishing duo saw him impressively equal this and throw down the gauntlet.

Next up: Tuckwell Snr, fresh from England’s rugby celebration, Ball, not so fresh from house double vodka and limes, Horsburgh Jnr and Baker Snr. Ball immediately found the fairways, unfortunately 3 to the left of the intended target. A.T showed some end of season promise with a couple of three pointers as Horsburgh tucked in behind the lead pack despite a disappointing lost approach to the 5th. Baker Snr ignited the round on 7: A nett eagle, enough for a joint half way lead, by 1, with Tuckwell Snr. Ball failed to register 4 times on the bounce, the possibility of being at the centre of a betting scandal maybe weighing heavily on the mind. Quoting Bruce Grobelaar and Hans Segers as role models, the Keyworth United No.1 correctly predicted Cotgrave 3 Keyworth 1 plus predicting the Cotgrave number ten would score, who duly obliged!. Horsburgh couldn’t quite get it going, the story of his season, and uncharacteristically found water twice, 20 yards in front of the 11th tee, amongst great hilarity for his playing partners. Baker Snr remained strong after the turn, but a watery approach to 17 resulted in a points shy finish, but one to definitely watch for 2008. Tuckwell’s Snr round appeared to petering out before an equally impressive, Daft like finish, of birdie, bogey, birdie and 10 points, seeing a welcome return to form.

Tuckwell Jnr, dressed in Tiger’s Sunday black and red, buoyed by the news of an absent Dennis, was accompanied by the nearest challengers to the title: Meadows, Ladd and Hefter, who needed a record equaling score to reel the pretender in. Meadows was in attack mode: Driver cocked and ready, but immediately found trouble down the first. Hefter opened up with 5 straight 3’s: unfortunately putts! Ladd, making his first appearance for 2 months, found the putter in nice touch: a tasty birdie on the tricky par 3, 8th, across the slope the highlight. More disappointment for Meadows through the opening 3, and began to feel the heat: black trousers, black roll neck, black shirt, mid 20°. After a near perfect opening hole Tuckwell went from champ to chump with a very poor showing off the tee: Aiming to rectify matters with the driver up 9 only resulted in another lost ball and a limp half way total. Meadows found the answers with some accurate hitting and positive putting, an equally impressive 2 on 8, saw him remain in contention. Hefter by 2: 21 points made even more astounding as it contained 22 putts! With driver at the ready, Tuckwell went on the charge, finally converting for birdie at the fifth time of asking on 14. Ladd began to wilt in the heat, as balls started disappearing low and left. More aggressive putting from Meadows kept the pressure on. Hefter kept accumulating with a slightly better showing on the baize, a no score on the tricky 17th, the only blip in a solid round. A 3 putt in front of the gallery was a slightly disappointing end for Tuckwell but could take solace from a one over par back 9 recovery. 36 points from Meadows was made even more impressive as it was composed in 15 holes.

A final four, fresh from the Boots Rugby Club ball and with KCC connections, the first husband and wife and female debutants, swelled the numbers but were happy to engage in a personal social battle. The highlight, two young Cotgrave scallies deciding to cut in front of the Garland four on 6. Asked whether they had asked to play through, Garland replied. “No, and tell them Big Dave wants to eat them!” No contest!

With beers consumed on the sun kissed patio and tales of what had been and what could have been were relayed, soup and sandwiches were served. Hepburn nearly ejecting Tuckwell Jnr for peppering his soup without even tasting it! With all bar Laddy’s tuna sandwich devoured it was results time.

The days honours were scooped by Frame (42), whose form has either been woeful or wonderful, finishing on a definite high. Daft (38) returned to the podium, accompanied by Hefter (37) who once again could have been nearer 50 points. A final flourish from Tuckwell Snr (36) and Meadows (36) brought a quality end to proceedings.

A rain reduced TGS 2007 tour of 10 events, added to the pressure of selecting the 6 best rounds, with not as many chances to discard those ‘I don’t know why I bothered rounds.’ Surpassing Baker Jnr’s 2005 total (216) and eclipsing Horsburgh’s Jnr 2006 record total (219) was always going to be tough. Consistency was the key as Tuckwell Jnr (208) finally added his name to the trophy. A whole host of runners were gathered for the podium cash spots, but in the end it was Meadows (199) and Hefter (197) who succeeded.

2007 FINAL STANDINGS

1st: S. Tuckwell (£50)
208
34.67

2nd: T. Meadows (£30)
199
33.17

3rd: M. Hefter (£20)
197
32.83

4th: P. Dennis
192
32.00