The win capped a brilliant two weeks for Chubby, who proposed to girlfriend Alison - who of course said yes! Top man!
Little did he know - Horsey you've got 2 for it!
With the darkness gathering Chubb settled over a right to lefter as the assembled held their breath. It appeared to be on a superb line but with plenty of coal on it. The ball raced towards the hole as onlookers held their breath... as it disappeared into the bottom of the cup with half of the back of the hole on it.
Cap thrown in air, a jump for joy and ecstacy for Chubb as the applause rung out and both players embraced.
A tremendous, tremendous finish to an excellent season. Well done all as hot beef cobs and alcohol awaited at the 19th.
Steady on Meds, you'll not eat your dinner...
The high scoring daily honours went to Baker (42) from Chubb (40), Hepburn (39) Thacker (38), Vin (37 B9:19), Meadows (37 B9:16), Pike (36 B9:15) and Horsburgh Jnr (36 B9:15)
The final shake up was as close as close could be with all the top 6 wondering what could have been.
1st: R. Chubb – 171 – Ave 34.2 (£50 and trophy)
2nd: J. Horsburgh – 171 – Ave 34.2 (£30)
3rd: S. Tuckwell – 168 – Ave 33.6 (£20)
4th: R. Daft – 167 – Ave 33.4
5th: J. Brown – 166 – Ave 33.2
6th: M. Hefter – 164 – Ave 32.8
Entering the final weekend, 6 players could still lay claim to the 2009 TGS title. Daft is still in the box seat but a traditional bumper points tally round Cotgrave could see the lead change hands on more than one occasion.
Daft and Tuckwell have a lowest score of 31 and Horsburgh 30, with Daft holding a 2 shot advantage over the pair. Brown has a lowest score of 29 but sits 6 points adrift.
Hefter, with only 4 rounds in the bag requires a 35 pointer to tie the leader, and scores above if 31 points and more are achieved by Daft.
Outsider, Chubb, has a meager 19 points to improve on and is certain to do so significantly but somewhere in the region of 40+ may be required.
There’s sure to be many twists and turns. Watch this space.
The penultimate round of the 2009 season saw a return to the players’ favourite of Horlsey Lodge. The International Baker Cup was taking place the same weekend and even hardcore Hoenigmann declined a place, after originally declaring himself available after 2 all dayers and a drive up from the
Most of the action took place before even a ball was struck. Chubb, Meadows and Brown were already on the range an hour before tea off as the Tuckwells’ and Horsburgh Snr hit the bar. Daft was dealt a kick in the pills, looking forward to pushing over the finishing line with a round to spare, but received a call that the house had been burgled and headed back home with everybodies sympathies. Tuckwell, Brown, Chubb, Hefter and Horsburgh were later cleared of any wrong doings…
Tuckwell managed to avoid embarrassment having counted 12 players on the list and still having 12 with Daft having to leave and Potter not travelling! Least he’s not a teacher…
A beautiful mid October day, brought debutant, Pike, out in his shorts, which was too much for the neo-nazi Horsley starter. Introducing himself to Tuckwell for the first time, he opened up with a dead pan, “You’re not coming back here,” followed by a, “You’re not coming back here ever again!” Apparently the shorts were not to Adolf’s liking; despite protests that a quick visit to the car would produce some trousers! A full group ejection was by-passed but it was a good job he had his back turned for a couple of the tee shots!
Hall nearly lit the touch paper again, being undecided as to whether to play left or right handed and swinging with both clubs on the tee, but all 3 groups got away without further reprimand!
Chubb was buggied up due to having a squash match later, with Brown as a co-pilot. Meadows and A.T made up a quality looking, single figure, 4 ball - aiming to make the most of the scoring around the front 9. A.T and Chubb abstained the first whilst Brown and Meds safely parred. Chubb bounced back midway through the 9 with consecutive nett birdies to repair any early damage.
The Doc showed some good early running but tailed off with a quartet of 1 pointers to the turn. Meadows looked to be heading for the halfway lead before failing to notch on 9, leaving A.T to share the spoils with Chubb, to lead by 1, but historically lower than expected.
A.T, appearing to disagree with the par 5’s, started the back 9 similarly to the first as Meds recorded back to back blobs – which set the tone for both their back 9s - a nett birdie up 18 a pleasing finish for Meadows. Chubb mixed the highs with the lows, 2 nett birdies followed by 2 empty spaces but a further 3 pointer left ‘Big 4’ with a steady total.
The trio were instead to marvel at the Jay Brown show. Par-par-par-nett birdie was just the appetizer as the 510 yard par 5 14th was humbled with a drive - 6 iron to 5 foot. The eagle putt, with a shot, was holed, dead centre, for the Docs second 5 pointer of the year. The adrenalin was pumping and was followed up by a double, but 2 further nett birdie to close the nine resulted in a fantastic level par, 22 points (with a blob) total.
Hall, Hefter and family Horsburgh teed off with the starters good blessing. Hall was calling all the shots – fore left, fore right, hook, pull – it was no clearer if left handed or right handed was the way forward. 2 nett birdies in the last 3 holes of the front 9 some solace.
Horsburgh Snr, on seasons debut, comprised a very tidy 18 points containing 3 nett birdies to sit pretty. Horsburgh Jnr opened with a flurry of 3 pointers and would have expected to be in the box seat with 19 points after 9, even with a blob but Hefter had other ideas. The former Horsley 9 hole champ set off with a steely purpose amassing 21 points in 8 holes: 3 nett birdies and a nett eagle conducive to good scoring. Unfortunately it was still 21 points after 9 holes but a tremendous start nonetheless.
A 3-3-0-3 back 9 start for Hefter filtered back through the course and 30 points after 13 holes suggested something big on the cards to launch him back into contention for the Race to Cotgrave. Hall couldn’t quite find rhythm and harmony with his game but kept up the scoring and no thoughts of the TGS low. Horsburgh Snr opened the second half with a magnificent birdie and 4 points, a further net birdie was overshadowed with a smattering of 1s but a very solid mid 30s score on the return to the fold.
A minor wobble on 11 for Horsey Jnr, was nothing but a blip as he comfortably finished just under the handicap committees' radar with a points boosting 35. It was all down to Hefter, with thoughts of 40+, 6 points in the final 5 holes was not what the doctor ordered. The group win a positive, a shot off the handicap a negative!
Thacker just made it from football in time to team up with Tuckwell Jnr, Pike and Radford and found himself easily the lightest member of the quartet at 13 stone. All 4 got away, some further than others, but the tee remained in one piece and the starter wasn’t looking! Quick, go! Tuckwell was stuttering from the start 4 points over the first 4 holes – poor - Only a 50 foot putt across the slope on 7 leaving anything to write home about. Pike, unfazed by shortsgate, decided to circumnavigate the greens to get a true feel for them – part of the grand plan for a storming back 9!
Thacker hit a spectacular 2nd ball birdie with some sublime touch. A birdieless front 9 was just the aperitif for another storming finish. Radford found his swing after the first with back to back nett birdies – hitting the driver nicely off the tee and followed it with a further pair of 3s, one to concluded the 9 and with it steal the front 9 honours.
Tuckwell and Thacker both fired wildly right off the 10th and found themselves back on the 1st, for their 3rd shots. 1 point for the latter a disappointing start for the pair. Radford had a satisfying net birdie up 17 to leave promise for another day after a shaky mid round stretch.
Thacker decided enough was enough and hit 3 straight birdies from 13. The best, the 90° dog leg 15th – taking on the corner and converting after a tricky pitch. A bogey was followed by further pars and a top draw 2 under last 6 holes. Tuckwell, inspired, decided to cash in on the bumper points fest, birdie, par, birdie thorough 15 was finished off with 2 nett birdies to improve on his lowest score.
Pike, with his irons off the tee and raw, raw power, hit a trio of 3 pointers, the best at the par 3 12th – clubbing 3 less than his partners! A lull was followed by a truly bumper finish from the big man. With the greens well and truly measured, nett eagle and birdie was finished with for a excellent debut.
Countback was needed to separate a 4 way tie at the top, with three of the contenders sitting pretty with excess of 20 points. It was to be Brown (36: B9:22 B6:16) who was finally victorious, third time lucky after 2 previous countback reverses. Pike (36 B9:22 B6:13) could be well pleased with his debut efforts to finish 2nd ahead of Thacker (36 B9:21) Hefter (36 B9:15) missed out on what could have been but a great round but a good score nonetheless. Horsburgh Jnr (35) Tuckwell Jnr (33) and Chubb (32) all capitalised on Daft’s misfortune with Cotgrave Masters awaiting.
Photos to be added
A first time return to Rufford since Jenko’s all conquering previous TGS record of 42 points back in 2006. A small, yet quality field, was reduced in numbers courtesy of holidays and marathon running, but a fine 7, booked for 8 but Hoenigmann was running fashionably late, enjoyed some spicy tomato soup and a plate full of sandwiches to line the stomach.
The proud starter kindly informed Meadows, Daft, Dean and Hefter of the rules, blue stakes only potentially in range on 1, 2 and 18 – a free drop regardless of finding your ball all not.
4 top draw belting tee shots off the first from the opening quartet can’t pass without mention, Meadows a nett birdie for a tidy opening conversion. Dean was unrattled by a trolley malfunction on 3, with the handle falling off at least it wasn’t the wheels (they cracked later, I jest you not) A nett birdie sandwiched in between a solid run of pars kept the title dream alive. A no score on 7 was followed with a nett birdie up 9 for a great opening. With Daft sensing some late magic from Potter he quickly rebuffed a generous 2½ down hill gimme from Hefter with a ‘not acceptable’ comment. Dean holed to avoid controversy but the stall was set!
Meds finished as he started the 9 with a 3 pointer, the filling was a mixed bag which promised more but was still in the hunt for a back 9 assault. Hefter opened solidly and was one above the card after the first 4 holes but a par 3 hex seemed to have been cast and the shorter holes proved an undoing but like Meadows still in the mix.
Champion elect, Daft, was out of sorts with some heavy handed approach shorts but clung to the coat tails of Dean who led by 3.
Approaching the 10th tee Dean’s trolley problems seemed to be mounting and could be seen trying to hotwire the loose wires before holding/steering/guiding and powering in one movement. A visit to the water was not the start required with mind possibly elsewhere, although a second ball par kept the points accumulating. Unfortunately Dean joined the 5 point club on the way in but not for 5 points on one hole…
Meadows was clearly pumped up after a blob on 12. An all action blockbusting drive was launched a full 335 yards (GPS registered) down the 641 yard monster 13th. The rest of the hole went round the houses but a nett birdie was recorded nonetheless. 6 points over the next few holes left it delicately poised for the tough finish.
Daft had a near ace on the long par 3 15th, it had some coal on and had a large bounce but definitely jumped after hitting the cup – a square smack on the pin could have resulted in a totally different story.
Tuckwell, Hepburn, Doc Brown were joined 5 minutes late by a beaming Hoenigmann, but expected nothing less! The late start hampered the latter who finally regrouped and started his round on 4 – drawing the conclusion that late arrivals may not be conducive to good scoring. Finally in the swing – 10 points in the closing 3 holes was also nothing less than expected – nett eagle up the 9th the highlight after flirting with the trees
Doc Brown had a magnetism around the green with some deft links approaches hitting the pin and leaving tap in pars. Tuckwell on the other hand was atrocious round the green after pleasing approach play – frittering shot after shot away with untidy play.
Hepburn spluttered through the opening exchanges looking for that spark to ignite the kindling, whilst not picking up big points it was points on each hole before and excellent 3 pointer up 8 which resulted in a well deserved can of G&T to celebrate.
Comedy on 9 as Tuckwell first sent a tee shot skimming treewards and pleading for a fortuitous kick, which did so ricocheting 90 degrees back across the fairway. Hepburn repeated the exact feat with the very next tee shot with the ball finishing 5 yards away from Tuckwells. Tuckwell then proceeded to launch a 3 wood via the roof of the driving range/road/car which somehow finished on the other side of the putting green but in bounds. Hepburn and Hoenigmann tied by 2.
The group willed Hepburn’s tee shot over the water on 10, but proved too much hilarity for the pair of jockeys in the buggy behind who implied that a little less lairiness and more haste may be better. Tuckwell disagreed before opening with a birdie.
Hepburn and Hoenigmann were questioning Tuckwell’s decision not to let the buggy bandits through. Tuckwell relayed the scenario to Meadows who calmly concluded – phukem! Case closed.
Brown got tangled on 10 and 11 but 13 points through the next 5 holes catapulted him back in to the fray. Hepburn had a couple of revelations after launching a drive 15 off of a brand new large wooden blue tee peg declaring, “I thought I was sh!t but obviously it is the tee peg,” followed by proclaiming loudly on the tee of following par 3 that he would give a grand to anyone who hit the green, his playing partners were scrapping for the tee before the reality of the comment was realised and downgraded to a £1. No one did hit it though!
Hoenigmann continued his mini purple patch 4 times in 6 holes putting for 4 points and spectacularly managed his first 2 pointer on the 15th – unfortunately the elation / suprise was to prove too much and no further points were added.
It’s all about the 17th…
Standing 80 foot above the island fronted green is quite a test at the best of times and with it looking decisive: Hefter (25), Hepburn (26), Daft (27), Meadows (28), Brown (29) and Tuckwell (30)
Hepburn and Hoenigmann had already cast the spread with Heppers going for 4 wet balls and Hoenee lower.
Meadows was first to find a watery grave with Tuckwell’s motor mouth ringing in the distance, which was followed by one way left and on the cusp by Dean. Daft followed suit for another submerged effort for 3 in 3. Hefter sent one greenwards which looked just short all the way – it was short bit hit the rocks at such an angle that it leapt upwards with a mountain of top spin and found the green! What do you reckon to that Punch? - The that’s way to do it! The drop zone saw some action with Dean pitching back into the water twice before shoulders slumped and forlornly looking for the first one. 5 in and the spread looking expensive. Hefter the only one to capitalise with a 2 putt par for 3 points.
Brown was pumped off the back of a nett birdie but over clubbed finding some thick rough beyond the green. Hoenigmann found the centre of the pond and was followed by Hepburn who went for the Barnes Wallace approach but sank on the 5th skim. Tuckwell found the heart of the green with the benefit of going last. 7 balls in
Hoenigmann’s dropzone effort couldn’t find Hefter’s angle of rock approach with his pill agonisingly rebounding back into the pond. All was not finished, even with all men over the bridge, Brown’s effort out of the thick stuff seemed to gather speed across the green and trickled into the water for a tremendous 9 balls in the water! Amid all the excitement Tuckwell 3 stabbed!
Coming onto 18 it looked like a 4 horse race with Hefter and Meadows (28), Brown (29) and Tuckwell (31) Tuckwell decided to lose his cool and not add to his score whilst Hefter could only add a solitary point. Meadows hit a monster put couldn’t find the needed birdie while Brown holed out well for par.
A re-run of Wollaton saw Tuckwell on his 50th TGS appearance (31 B9:18) sneak a low scoring effort on countback from the Doc, Brown (31 B9:16) Meadows (30) was the other to hit the 30 point target with everyone sipping their pints and mulling over what could have been!
A golfing week that got progressively worse for Tuckers had one moment of salvation at 10.45 on Saturday Morning.
After a tongue in cheek coverage of Father Tuckwell's Ruddington round the Golfing Gods dished out a little pay back as first Doc Brown was victorious in Tuckers back yard with a comprehensive 3&1 performance at Stanton, on a windswept Wednesday.
Tuckwell and Meadows faced much better golfing conditions in the Thursday Medal once again at Stanton, one over through 5 for Tuckwell seemed satisfactory with both players becoming agitated by the slow play. 13 over for the remaining 13 holes and not one creditable shot left Tuckwell bemoaning his ineptitude as Meadows sneeked a pleasing one shot victory. Canning a bunker shot on 16 the highlight after 2 previous near misses earlier.
A fourball with A.T. and his Belton Buddies, Friday morning was unsuccessfully swerved with the game in tatters. 8 lost balls in 7 holes leaving the recently met partner shaking his head in disbelief.
Still the Saturday Medal would surely be welcome relief...
Front 9:
4 - 3 - 4 - 4 - 3 - 5 - 4 - 4 - 5 = 36
4 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 4 - 7 - 7 - 6 - 4 = 47
Back 9:
3 - 4 - 5 - 4 - 4 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 5 = 37
3 - 4 - 5 - 4 - 7 - 1 - 5 - 7 - 9 = 45
There it was on the 15th hole a drilled 4 iron that was hit too hard and slightly pulled but pitched 3 foot from the pin and gave an almighty clatter. A half hearted look around the green revealed nothing before a closer examination of the hole revealed the titleist 2 sitting in the bottom of the cup! Joy of joys before working out how much the bar tab would cost - if only you were golf planned up! I would like to say that the elation caused the 7 - 9 finish for a glorious 92 but alas I cannot and no worries Dafty for my end of season run.
School can't come round quick enough!
Young Archie Daft looks to be following in his father's footsteps with a text book swing. What odds on emulating Dad as a potential TGS Tour winner / champion or even hitting the big time. Not that it gets much bigger!
A first time visit to Ruddington after a 7 week absence. A local venue due to the holiday season being in full swing and inadvertently the final day of the Ashes, similar to the Morley Hayes visit back in the victorious 2005 series.
An early morning promise of low scores, due to fine weather, was reassessed with a stiffening afternoon breeze but Dean softened the blow, pulling some home course favours from the pro-shop, negotiating a £5 discount from the nice but assistant.
A.T, Doc Brown, and 2009 favourite, Daft opened up. Concerns regarding the latter who hadn’t had a midweek sighter and was one of the last to arrive having appeared to have caught the remnants of some swine flu - no doubt spread by Chester room mate, Chubb.
A.T could not have envisaged what was about to unfold after 5 points in the opening 2 holes and looking well set. This was matched by the ever steady Daft, wheezing into a handkerchief. The Doc was on hand with a consistent start of his own.
The 6th proved troublesome apparently rumours of a naked lady saw all balls hoiked treewards left. A.T proving to be the most experienced in these situations - recovered for par. So there’s 8 points in 3 holes Dad…
Daft sent a wormburner to within 6 foot of the par 3, bowl, 8th but the putt squeezed past. Brown faired worse, with one eye on Daft’s condition, circumnavigating the hole on 4 occasions to send his blood pressure to astronomical proportions, and steam rising on the short walk to the 9th tee. Fully armed with driver and a vat of testosterone, ball 1 was dispatched to Clifton with ball 2 Wymeswold. Daft faired little better as A.T used all of his guile for a text book par. 10 points in 4 holes… Daft by 2.
Pars all round up the generous 10th before A.T. lost it with after a wide tee shot on 11, a combination of 3 puts, ditches, reloads, ditches and roads changed A.T’s perception of the game: rearrange ‘camper-a-not-happy’
Brown refocused with an exquisite stretch of one over through the back 6, and 2 over in total, 3 '3 pointers' and a 2 over, gross 38, a very welcoming finish for another plus 30 score.
Daft seemed to be coping well before the Benadryl began to wear off, four consecutive one point scrambles mid way through was nothing compared to the 18th – where a pitch to the green was over juiced - flew out of bounds - hit a wall - and ricocheted back pin high on the green - 2 putts -par - thank you very much!
Homer Dean, fresh from the plane, Jenkinson, and Tuckwell Jnr were second up. Dean, finding the fairway, set the way, unfortunately Tuckwell went with the reload and Jenkinson a double -no guesses for who scored the only 2 points. Tuckwell responded with a nett birdie on 2, before boarding the bogey train with a ropey short game, only saved by some decent holing out. Pars on the final 2 holes at least gave hope for the back 9.
A birdie, nett eagle, on the long par 3 third boosted Dean before some uncharacteristic shots curtailed the scoring and 1 point in three holes. However there was good bounce-back-ability with 8 points in the final 3 holes of the 9.
Jenkinson was striking the ball well but couldn’t find his radar off the tee, nett birdies on 7 and 8 helped the scoring before another high wide and left finished the 9 as it started. Dean by 3
Tuckwell was right in the swing and transferred to the par express, racking up some good points in the process, before derailing on platform 14 and edging home in no way what so ever missing 30 points and looking for a shot back with one more sub 30 round…
Jenkinson was battling some inner demons off the tee, especially on the par 3’s, trying to out do himself each time on how far left he could hit it. Some good recovery play and putting ensured a more satisfying finish.
The scene was set for Dean who kept his foot on the throttle, one blemish on 14 after taking an iron for safety - if you’re going to mess it up you might as well do it with a driver. But not for the first time Potter was wizard on the greens – anything inside 10 foot a cert. 4 nett birdies on the way home posting the club house score.
After the customary 18 holes in the morning, Meadows was armed with trusty caddy Liz, and partnered with Hoenigmann and Horsburgh Jnr. Dorman just made up the quintet arriving in the nick of time but affected the first few holes due to a lack of a warm up. Rhythm returned as the 9 progressed with both par 3’s expertly navigated the 8th for 3 points.
Hoenigmann carried on with his Bondhay momentum - the pick of the holes a net birdie on the tough pond laden 4th. Meadows decided do save the ink in his pen by only scoring on 5 of the opening 9 holes although the birdie nett eagle on stroke 1 was sure to be satisfying.
Fresh from chortling at Tuckwell’s and Jenkinson’s wayward efforts, Horsey hit the ground running with ambitions of reeling in Daft – 4 nett birdies in the opening 5 holes and 14 wholesome points. A steady finish saw 20 points racked up at the turn and a 5 shot lead.
Meadows turned up the pressure gauge and flexed his guns to rip into the back 9 – 1 over through 6 – a bounce in the step and sway in the swagger. A lost ball on 16 and ditch drive on 16 may have caused the end for many but a penalty drop - and up and down – for par nett birdie – proof that if you’ve got it, you’ve got it.
Liz noted that the colour of the language was increasing as the back 9 progress with the air turning stronger shades of blue as Horsburgh, mainly, began to unravel, politely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZaqXSzF-ic
Hoenigmann had his customary purple patch – 13 points through 5 holes to 17 finishing with another excellent round. More joy on Par 3’s for Dorman – par and bogey – totalling 2 over for the four of them and job well done.
The Sky Sports ‘player cam’ fixed on Horsburgh with scenes reminiscent of Happy Gilmore’s debut tournament. 26 points through 13 holes still represented a good tally before double dyke trouble and the Meadows surge began to cause problems – still all good entertainment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCQumUTzxVc
A dry and enjoyable – for most - round saw all 10 unscathed - apart from those wearing shorts and were bitten to shreds - adjourn to the 19th for some refreshments and to put the pounds in the pot. The Preston Potter, Mr Jim Dean (34) secured his 3rd win in 15 starts with a 2 point victory as Daft (32) consolidated. Brown (31 B9:20) ousted Hoenigmann (31 B9:16) and Horsburgh (31 B9:11) on countback.
Just one more!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyPe662Vf3c&feature=related
TGS Season 5 resumes after a 7 week Summer break with a first time tour visit to Ruddington Grange, this Sunday, 23rd August, teeing off from 2.30.
A humbling experience for all bar one as the might of Bondhay may well have finished off the next batch of Tollerton Golfers. The sandy Worksop Course was once again not short on participants, with an impressive 15 hoping that this year might be the year… despite the fact that it yields as the 1st, 2nd and 4th most difficult course in TGS History on stableford points! Good stat!
The traditional Friday Night Summer round at Wollaton didn’t disappoint with sunshine a plenty. 14 made the trip in search of the customary 40 point haul and a definite contributor to the end of year points tally. Stanton boys’ A.T, Tuckwell Jnr and Medows made the most of a three ball opening start and whizzed round in just over 3 hours and some quality time in the bar.
Phoenix and Dorman were on season and career debut, while Chubb made it in the nick of time after being stuck right behind a car crash and providing a statement. A. Brown just made it through the rush hour to polish off a pre-game sausage and bacon cob.
It looked like a 5 way challenge at the turn. Doc Brown (18) leading the way with Tuckwell Jnr (17) Chubb (17) in hot pursuit and A.T. (16) and Dorman (16) a shot further back.
Dorman and A.T faded, the latter unsurprisingly as this was the 2nd leg of 18 holes in 24 hours, the next commencing at 6am the following morning for a shotgun start.
Marriot (19) produced the pick of the back 9’s but it was left to a 3 way shoot out between Tollerton Primary School Classmates: J. Brown, R. Chubb and S. Tuckwell.
A birdie on 12 saw Chubb tie Brown with Tuckwell one adrift with 6 to play. 3 points over the next 2 holes for Tuckwell saw him tie Brown for the lead as 1 point saw Chubb drop 1 behind the lead.
Another 1 pointer saw Chubb drop 2 back as Tuckwell and Brown both parred 15. Pars for Chubb and Brown on 16 saw the latter take the lead as Tuckwell could only bogey after a 3 putt.
It looked like curtains for Tuckwell on the par 3 17th as the tee shot went no further than about 9 yards. An up and down spared blushes and proved significant as Brown and Chubb could only bogey.
With the 18th tee mounted Tuckwell and Brown were tied, with Chubb 2 shots adrift. A generous stroke 6 meant shots all round. Chubb capitalised with an excellent birdie for 4 points as Brown and Tuckwell both parred for nett birdie.
Nowhere near the scoring of yesteryear with Ladd’s course record of 43 points never in danger but Tuckwell (34 B9:17) didn’t mind one bit sealing the victory on countback from J. Brown (34 B9:16) with Chubb (33) on the podium.
An informal gathering, with Rushcliffe not taking societies, saw 15 hardy souls spontaneously arrive to brave the elements for an impromptu 3.30 tee off... A dodgy kebab accounted for Dessaur with Thacker walking the hills of Derbyshire.
3.30 also appeared to the time when 20 members turned up and a thousand eyes burned from the clubhouse at those ‘not from round ‘ere.’
Never was such pressure to dispatch from the first with so much disdain building, members matches hastily arranged and medal tees faked in order to pull rank. Tuckwell held firm agreeing on an alternating system with all safely off by 4.15.
Brown Jnr, Chubb, Horsburgh Jnr and the most decorated manager in Tollerton FC history, Jenkinson, were entrusted with flying the flag and didn’t disappoint, Brown launching one up the left centre of the fairway followed by Chubb with a squally shower set. Not a problem for Brown who stormed to 2 under through 4.
Chubb clung to the coat tails as Svenko set his tone 2 blobs, net birdie and nett eagle in the opening 4. Horsburgh was consistent, unfortunately all aboard the bogey train. Brown three putted out of nowhere on the downhill 5th, but closed out a splendid 9 holes in 1 over, 34 gross and 20 points.
Chubb was in contention before 3 one pointers slowed the end of his 9. Jenko, just thankful for some time out the house, enjoyed the company but kept the points accumulating. Horsey stayed in touch with some customary straight hitting. Brown by 4.
The quartet set the standard for a profitable back 9, Horsey closing out his final 5 holes with 13 welcome points, a birdie nett eagle on the feature elevated 14th the highlight. Brown kept up the momentum with another 3 points up 10 but once again was thwarted by the par 3’s and joined Horsey’s bogey train at platform 13 departing at 17.
Chubb sensed an opening and stepped on the gass with 4 ‘3’ pointers in 6 holes, including self proclaimed excellence when sinking a birdie 2 on the short 11th – ‘that was a brilliant putt!’ - to much amusement.
Jenkinson hit his second 4 pointer of the round on 16 with the pin precariously placed. Chubb drew level with Brown on 16 and edged one ahead on 17 before closing out with a text book birdie up 18.
With the crowds building McLoughlin, Buttress, Doc Brown and Hoenigmann remained rock solid and all delivered. Hoenigmann casting Tuckwell a wary glance to be paired with a big hitting trio. Buttress birdied 2 amid the usual clamouring for a handicap increase that fell on deaf ears. Hoenigmann was put totally off his swing being first man to arrive due to a miscalculation in the arrival time.
The Doc had a strong mid 9 showing of 4’s and 3’s but a couple of no scores prevented further advances. McLoughlin got off to the usual free flowing start with Horsburgh once again the target! It was bumper points for Buttress as a further 3 nett birdies sealed a large 20 point, gross 37, front 9 and a 3 shot advantage.
McLoughlin maintained the only form through the turn and was sitting pretty through 14. Buttress, after the Lord Mayor’s Show, imploded - sighting ‘tiredness’ as the reason, with McLoughlin suffering a similar fate but with no reason offered. Hoenigmann created the loudest excitement of the back 9 after an approach from the elevated 14th rolled inches past the cup but stone dead for a cast iron 2 for 4 points.
Brown showed no sign of tiredness and powered through the final 7 holes in level par and for 16 satisfying points, a birdie up the last leaving a sweet taste made even more palatable by stealing the group spoils, by a shot.
Frame, Daft, Radford and 2008 Champion Meadows, fresh from a morning round at Stanton all got one away. Frame bringing his monkey to chuck his ball back in bounds after being barracked from the patio. Daft was quickly into his stride with a nett birdie on 2 followed by an exquisite birdie on the tricky downhill 5th.
Frame matched the 3 point haul through 2 and 3 before losing his way slightly, as the sun burst through. Radford’s highlights were nett birdies on 3 and 9 in a solid opening. Hype, fatigue, pressure from the members accounted for Meadows who uncharacteristically struggled, carting the ball along way – but way out of town, with the reload the shot of preference. Daft by 2.
A rare lift for Meadows on 10, saw him accumulate nearly half of his front 9 score as Radford found the terrain hard going but kept the no pointers to a minimum. Frame peaked around amen corner with more 3 pointers but a routine mixed bag down the straight curtailed any thoughts of challenging for honours.
It was left to Daft to go it alone in the quest for glory. Level par through the first 4 holes saw a sizeable 11 points accumulated, another 3 points up 15 left the Hucknall Wizard on 31 points with 3 to play. It looked like the dream had ended with a costly chip on 17, but bounce back ability ensured another birdie finish up the last.
Bremner, Round 1 winner and previous Rushcliffe winner, Hefter and Tuckwell Jnr kept the crowds at bay and opened in the best of the weather but still in full wets. Bremner a great up and down for a 3 point start. Hefter unfortunately set the tone for his round with some heavy approaches and 3 putts but bounced back with 2 pars and 6 points.
A 3 putt from Tuckwell on 5, after an arrow like tee shot was his only blemish in an otherwise steady opening. Bremner had a mid 9 wobble but finished as he started the 9 with 3 points. Tuckwell led by 1 as Hefter rued 4 no scores.
Layers were shed as the sun beat down on the 10th but with the wind still making conditions tricky. Tuckwell missed birdie by a fraction on 12 but capitalised on 13 after racing the initial putt past, as Hefter set himself a target of 5 birdies in the final 8 holes… Tree trouble halted Bremner’s push up 13 but back to back net birdies on 15 and 16 reignited the charge.
Hefter hit the 2 point train only halted by a nett birdie on 15 with a stone dead approach. Tuckwell wobbled down the stretch, with a couple of 90 degree efforts that thankfully didn’t prove catastrophic thanks to some clutch putts. Separated by one up heart attack hill Tuckwell sealed the group win after Bremner’s downhill birdie effort defied gravity and pulled up short.
A full house in the bar was made one more as the Rushcliffe Lady Captain sauntered over and all eyes disappeared in to the bottom of the pint glasses. Horsburgh, having already fended off a multitude of on course questions from members was fearing the worst, although was wisely not wearing his white trainers. However the Lady Captain was touting for members and was obviously impressed by the fine golf and camaraderie or simply by Hoenigmann!
A re-run of the October Away Weekend saw a carbon copy finish with Daft (36) and Chubb (36) tied - both inseparable with a back 9 total of 20 points and back 6 of 13 points. But it was Chubb who stole the win with a back 3 finish off 6 to Daft’s 5. A potential handicap revision was more of a worry than collecting the spoils. Tuckwell (34 B9:18) pipped Brown Jnr (34 B9:14) with Bremner (33) finishing well.
$ KERCHING $After seeing Kenny Perry blow his hopes of a sizeable windfall last week, Horsburgh dusted himself off and got right back in the chair. Bang in form, having secured a place finish in 6 of the last 7 weeks, Horsey selected 80-1 American, Brian Gay, to do the damage in last weeks Heritage Classic.
Leading by 3 going into the final day, American Brian Gay, helped by a monster eagle putt at the par-five 2nd, stormed to a stunning 10-shot victory and clinched his second PGA Tour title after closing with a seven-under-par 64 at the Harbour Town Golf Links.
Gay set a new tournament record as he wound up with a score of 20 under and produced the biggest winning margin on the USPGA Tour in over 3 years, thus allowing Horsburgh a sizeable windfall to add to the 'Summer of Excess' spending pot.
After Horsburgh Snr's £2.50 each way bet on Grand National, 100-1 shot, Mon Mome, son, Jason was hoping to emulate the feat. Having successfully backed golfers in the each way places over the last 4 weeks, 80-1 shot, Kenny Perry, looked likely to make it a 'Happy Easter' by going one better in the US Masters, courtesy of being 2 clear with 2 to play. Alas is was not to be and another significantly less, each way recoup.
The prophets of gloom were chuntering from Thursday afternoon, as the forecast seemed to be deteriorating with Friday pm predicted to experience the full wrath of the elements. Tuckwell was running on Nottingham being on the East of the Country rather than the Midlands as the phone calls kept arriving, and the numbers swelling to record highs.
Ar$e and elbow sprang to mind as the tee off seemed to vary from 11.30 to 1 o clock but proved to be a blessing.
Amidst light drizzle, Chubb, Doc Brown and Brown Jnr, with a miserly 18 shots between them, got Season 5 underway. Chubb, with course form after jointly scooping the Away Day Championship at Stanton, back in October, immediately found rhythm with a birdie 2 on the second. A mixed bag followed but 15 half way points was a steady opening. Another in the handicappers grip, North Shore 2007 Champion, J (Doc) Brown, clung on to the coat tails of Chubb to finish 1 back at the turn. This was matched by brother Anthony with trademark consistency.
Doc Brown hit the front, by 1, with a decisive 3 pointer up 12 and was 2 clear standing on 17, with it certain to go to the wire. A slice of fortune aided the Docs playing partners, who were full of sympathy… as a raking approach to the green nestled high into a fir tree and remained. Chubb and Brown Jnr drew level on 27 points with the Doc still one ahead, as the 481 yard par 5 18th waited. Sensing their reprieve, Brown Jnr hit a priceless wedge to 3 foot to set up a birdie, while Chubb matched with nett birdie. Brown Jnr edged it on the count back by 1, and impressively scoring every hole.
The high maintenance, serial handicap pests of Buttress and Frame were accompanied by partner in crime, Daft, and seasoned campaigner Dean. Daft, the joint 2008 Away Day Champion failed to trouble the scorecard down the first and remained sluggish through 3, before stepping on the gas. Frame, who was once again after a significantly higher handicap than was given, was sitting pretty with 16 points through 8 before carding a snowman (8) up 9, fearing that the handicap may be reduced further! Buttress couldn’t quite find his A-game but had enough quality in the locker to draw on the 3 pointers when necessary and keep in contention. Dean finished the nine strongly with 2, 3 pointers in an otherwise indifferent start. Frame by 1.
Despite a solid mid round showing, a no pointer up 18 left Buttress adrift as a 3 way shoot out ensued. The initiative swung to Daft after a prile of 3 pointers beat Frame’s 4 of a kind (of 2’s). Dean looked dead and buried after a no score up 13, but 12 points in 4 holes meant that the trio stood on the 18th locked on 32 points. Matching nett pars saw Daft oust Frame on count back and justify the handicappers’ decision!
Another closely run fourball was to follow as A.T. Horsburgh Jnr, Radford and debutant Cochrane teed off in full wets. A.T, as always, stepped up to the plate, and with home field advantage managed to find 3 net birdies in a solid opening 18 points. Horsburgh, the steady eddy metronome, couldn’t buy 2 points, but more 3 pointers than 1’s left him handily placed at the turn: the best firing into the heart of the green from sand 120 yards from the green on 6. More sand nearly signaled the end for Horsburgh up 8, this time greenside, as a McLoughlin exorcet whizzed past the ear finishing on the green, from the group behind. Cochrane started and finished the nine with 3’s in an all scoring 9 holes. But it was all about Radford in an inspired showing that filtered through to last years champ, Meadows, who made a bee line for the course in between shifts. A steady opening 4 holes was merely an hors d’oeuvre as a landmark first ever, non wii, birdie was registered: a 2 on the 140 yard par 3. A beaming smile and fully deserved, well done. A four footer for another birdie just slipped by on 8, but a nett eagle ensured 4 more points, 23 in total, and a 4 shot lead at the turn.
A mid 9 wobble halted Cochrane’s progress, but a pleasing debut nonetheless. 8 points in the opening 3 holes left Radford on an astonishing 31 points with 6 to play. However a Mickleson and Tigeresque charge from A.T and Horsburgh began to turn up the heat. A double up 15 halted A.T’s charge, but 7 points in the last 3 holes meant a competitive opening round. Horsburgh found his first 2 pointer up 15 but once again it was threesey does it, and a welcome return to form, to sneak home by a shot.
Horsburgh Snr once again started the season in optimistic fashion, well handicapped and in great form. An ace, congratulations, with the Old Peculiars the previous Tuesday leaving a spring in the step.
McLoughlin, with a staggering 36 point average over 7 rounds was joined by Hefter, who was suffering from a previous night scissors/bacon/thumb incident which required heavy bandaging. 3 nett birdies were balanced with 3 no scores for Horsburgh as McLoughlin began his assault on the course with a show of class golf: No green was safe and watch out the group in front! A tentative showing on the short stuff prevented heavier scoring, but a 2 putt birdie on 8 was satisfying after finding the 305 yard green! Hefter, in obvious discomfort, waited for the blood to seep through before blocking out the pain and serving up a treat. Despite to 1 pointers early doors, 18 points at the halfway mark was to leave a 2 shot lead and a pint of blood less.
The sight of the claret proved too much for Horsburgh Snr who upped the anti and decided to hit 3 trees per hole instead of one. McLoughlin was one over through 8 and with a shot up the last was eyeing another post 36 score, but fearing another handicap reduction managed to keep his head below the radar. A nett eagle up 12 ensured Hefter’s momentum and nett birdies up 14, 15 and 17 guaranteed success. With 39 points after 17, the iron levels hit dangerously low levels with Guinness the only remedy. Pints not points was the priority up 18, with the scorecard untroubled.
Drury, Marriot and everyone’s favourite lefty, Dessaur, were joined, on debut, by local sporting legend, Graham – amidst some handicap wranglings! Dessaur lit up the proceedings with 16 points t
hrough 6 holes as Drury proved to be as consistent as ever. After a ‘solid’ opening, holes 3 and 4 were to be quite literally toilet for Graham, a ‘dicky chicken tikka’ perhaps responsible for a (pebble) dash to the commode! A TGS first but apparently not a personal first in a similar repeat, a year previous, at Stanton! A 2 hole exodus was followed with regularity and some wholesome scoring. Marriot started with aplomb, but started firing wildly off the tee, frequent reloads preventing meaningful scoring. Dessaur by one.
Marriot finished strongly as did Drury who, on home turf, pro
duced an expected compact score. Dessaur could not reproduce the sparkling early round form and left another TGS first on 12 with p/u recorded on the card. That was to be the only no score on the way in. Graham showed what he was capable of and managed 9 holes without leaving the course or cause to find a dock leaf and be at one with nature. An 18 point return was very satisfying and a definite one to watch.
Tuckwell Jnr thought he had miscalculated, sending everyone out without partners for himself until KCC enforcer, Garland, and perennial last man standing and arriving, Hoenigmann, wheeled into view. Tuckwell began with a mark of consistency, one up on 2 points through 7, before trouble started brewing. Hoenigmann started brightly, in the gloom, before struggling after an extra practice swing on 2. Garland couldn’t string 2 shots together before law and order was restored on 4 and the points began accumulating, 6 points in the final 2 of the 9 offering promise. With the hordes of Stanton members gathering like the distant rain clouds Tuckwell began to fee
l the heat and was keen to keep a safe distance to avoid any accountability and reprisals. Unfortunately this had a negative effect on the golf and with blood pressure going through the roof; it appeared like a visit to the City Hospital would arrive sooner than next Wednesdays scheduled appointment. Angry Kid by 4.
The Tuckwell meltdown continued with 3 points in the next 4 holes which was 3 more than was deserved as Hoenigmann found his customary 6 hole flourish: 16 points, including 2 nett eagles, the best a birdie 2 on 15, with the putter hot. The big stick couldn’t rescue Garland although some lusty blows were dispatched, 3 points up the last led to a pleasing finish. Tuckwell somehow found back to back birdies up 16 and 17 as the pressure gauge hit simmer, with the clubhouse in sight.
A great showing in the bar, with much merriment and Amen corner on the flat screen, as tales of what could have been floated around. Hefter and his well bandaged thumb were surrounded by pound coins in an unbelievable effort! The Brown’s tucked into a hearty ploughman’s as Frame tried to recoup his losses on the snooker table and the plans for the evening were discussed.
With the dust all settled it was Hefter (39) who stole the show with his 3rd tour title and 9½ digits! With Horsburgh Jnr (37) sneaking second from A.T. (36 B9:18) and Radford (36 B9:13). McLoughlin (35) and Drury (35) notched very creditable scores along side Daft (34) and Frame (34) – 26 handicap my eye!
I even managed to make the bandage look like a mini chef's hat!
Full results will be mailed round.
Four of the TGS mainstays, Tuckwell Jnr, A.T, Horsburgh Jnr and Daft took advantage of the ‘Golf Organisers Day’, Not self titled G.O.D. day… open to all societies who play at Cotgrave over the year.
A chance to gets some holes under the belt was jumped upon on a glorious March morning. Best 2 out of 4 stableford was the format with ‘Team TGS’ aiming for 90 points, 5 per hole, (do the maths) around the Masters Course.
Tuckwell Jnr and Daft were straight off a Bridgford power session and grateful for the all inclusive bacon cob. Horsey was fine after a regulation 2 bottles of vino while A.T. was struggling with some back troubles. 
Daft and Horsburgh unleashed some wormburners down the first. While Tuckwell Jnr found greenside sand from the middle of the fairway, 3 points. The generous second yielded a welcome 6 points, with Daft putting for eagle.
A.T. appeared allergic to the fairways, favouring the 45ยบ below the feet in the rough approach, although a snaking 40 foot putt from off the green on 5 indicated his arrival – welcome to the game.
The 2009 calendar is hot off the press, and appears below. Stanton-on-the-Wolds is the choice for the opening exchanges of season Number 5, wow! Meadows won't be able to open the defence of his crown due to work commitments but 'guns' will sure to be blazing in a well stocked retro puma wardrobe come round two at Rushcliffe. With roughly 4 weeks between rounds there should be no excuse for a full turn out and the closest run title to date.
Always a favourite, Wollaton, reclaims it's regular Friday night June outing for round 3, followed by the sandy monster that is Bondhay. Ladd and Frame among the riders vowing never to return!
Ruddington appears for the first time, a local and established course, in the month of August, be sure to book the family holiday wisely. I'll be back from honeymoon! Rufford returns for an end of season run coupled with the beauty of Horsely (not Horsey) and the traditional finish to sort the wheat from the chaff, at Cotgrave and the Masters.
Hope to see plenty of you along the way.
Best FIVE not FOUR scores will make up the average for the end of season awards
If anyone has any comments to Frame and Buttress starting off 26 and 13 respectively please voice your opinions/concerns.
Round 1: April 10th - Stanton-on-the-Wolds @ 1pm
Round 2: 17th May - Rushcliffe @ 3pm
Round 3: 19th June - Wollaton @ 4.30pm
Round 4: 5th July - Bondhay @ 12.30pm
MID SEASON BREAK
Round 5: 23rd August - Ruddington @ 3.30pm
Round 6: 13th September - Rufford @ 12.30pm
Round 7: 4th October - Horsley Lodge @ 1.30pm
Round 8: 18th October - Cotgrave Masters - 11.30am
Hopefully the TGS 2009 Fixture card will be published a week on Friday.
2009 sees a reduced number of events but hopefully an increase in quality and with more time in between each outing to allow as high an attendance as possible.
Credit crunch, weddings, low summer attendance, led the management to decide on an 8 event season, with the 4 best rounds to count for the end of year trophy.
Pencil in the opener for April 10th (Good Friday) further details to follow.
Congratulations to everyones favourite Yorkshireman, Hally, and wife Alexis who are proud parents of their first child. Samuel Ellis Hall born at 10.32 on the 13th of January, weighing a healthy 9lb 4oz.
An update of Vin's travels in the form of a blog. A little work in progress with some back dating to do, largely thanks to the theft of camera, phone and credit cards.
Shark for Christmas Dinner, stung by a scorpion and getting as high off the floor from a sea of hungry army ants that devoured everything in its path. A modern day biblical locust kind of thing. All part and parcel of the Central American Experience...
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nadiavinny/1/1225468800/tpod.html
