Tuckwell Seals Home Win

5 became 6 as Hoenigmann negotiated a shopping related trade to make the 3 o clock tee off at Stanton.

Harris, on seasons’ debut, was eager to get going, under strict instructions to be back for a dinner date at 7. With Daft and Frame as partners, it was left for the opening to trio to post the target.

Blustery wind, hard ground and a smattering of rain was likely to please the overseas Horsburgh, but only time would tell when the points were on the board.

Harris set the front 9 target of 19 points thanks to a rapier short game and a nice 4 pointer up 6, leaving Frame (14) and Daft (15) on simmer at the half way stage.

Daft, keen to get one over on Horsey, maintained a steady rhythm. A couple of 3 pointers on 14 and 16 allowing a tidy 18 point return – despite 1 point up 18 after being snookered an inch behind a tree.

Frame couldn’t find his Radcliffe timing and finesse so it was left to Harris to power home with a impressive 37 point total – finishing with a tidy par, for 4 points up the last.

Meadows still looked fresh and very debonair after 18 holes earlier in the day, whilst Tuckwell and Hoenigmann lurched straight from the car to the tee. Surprisingly this wasn’t conducive to good scoring – Tuckwell barely making the 1st fairway and racking up a miserly 5 points in the first 5 holes. Hoenigmann matched this, knocking one out of bounds n the 4th… whilst teeing off on the 3rd the lowlight.

Meadows was very steady with brand new Wilson irons in hand but more errant with the woods. Still 15 points at the turn set a platform. Tuckwell recovered finishing the last 4 holes with 11 point to lead by 1.

4 points on the 13th and 8 points over the closing 3 holes meant Hoenigmann finished tidily in the 30’s – with plenty left when the swing returns.

Meadows finished strongly with 18 points despite some tree trouble – the best nearly knee capping his playing partners on 13 after trying to thread a 260 yard approach which instead rocketed off at right angles.

It was left to Tuckwell who was on a birdie roll. A handful of 3 pointers, in a 1 under par back 9, resulted in a 22 point haul and 38 points overall to oust Harris from the top spot by 1.

Beers, crisps and a catch up was a fine way to finish.

Tuckwell (38) opened his account for the season and was immediately axed to 5 in the process. Harris (37) made the podium and was joined by Meadows (33:B3-7) who beat Daft (33:B3-6) on countback.

Frame by 1, in the Season Opener

An all round bonus for the 2011 season opener, at Radcliffe. No rain, no-one on the course and a £20 twilight green fee. Tuckwell was met by the usual handicap inquisition from Frame, Horsburgh and Daft who all proclaimed unfair treatment, but were dismissed.

Tuckwell, Frame and Daft opened proceedings. Frame quickly reminding his playing partners of what to expect with a roller coaster of 3s and 0 pointers.

Tuckwell was scrappy, to be polite, thankful to be hitting the ball straight rather than at right angles. A couple of 3 pointers the highlight, a handful of 3 putts fuelled some frustration.

Daft was rock solid with an exhibition of fine tee shots and top draw approaches. 17 points at the turn establishing a 2 point lead over Frame.

Frame rather impressively hit 8 shots on the 10th but somehow finished with 3 points after finding his original tee shot and hitting a miracle approach. Tuckwell followed suit on 17, 2 blazing shanks off the tee appeared to be a lost cause but the initial shot had ricocheted onto the fairway, and an unlikely up and down was secured.

Daft rode his luck towards the climax of the round – a variety of errant drives were deflected back onto the fairway and a few worm burners were converted. The touch finally deserted on the penultimate holes, or maybe handicap protection, as a plus 36 pointer was downgraded to a solid 34.

Frame hit the afterburners, calling and delivering a fine repertoire of shots. The highlight summoning a raking draw to finish pin high beside the 18th green. 4 nett birdies and a nett eagle left Frame with a superb 22 point back 9 and the group spoils.

Jenkinson and Pike arrived straight from the office as Hall eased out of the car / mini-jet to join Horsburgh.

Horsburgh performed at his metronomic best for a blemish free opening 9 as Pike and Jenkinson tested their creative talents whilst finding some choice positions. 13 points in 4 holes left Hall dreaming of big things - 2 points on the other 5 deflating the bubble. Horsburgh by 1.

A nett birdie on 10 was as good as it got for Hall – although, there was plenty of positives to suggest big things for 2011. Pike couldn’t get his powerful guns to fire and was left to dream of what could have been.

Jenkinson provided the stellar golf on the way in. Some calypso shots and unerring accuracy resulting in 21 very points – as always Jenko was left reflecting what could have been .

Horsburgh, with his new found distance off the tee, was able to capitalise with his quality short game. A solitary point up the last ensuring that further alterations to the handicap were not applied!

So, the 3 handicap grumblers filled the top 3 positions to suggest that the axe had been wielded fairly. It would wield once more for Frame (36) who was to be victorious ahead of Horsburgh (35) and Daft (34). Jenkinson finishing strongly for a fine 33 points.

Double Delight for Daft

The nearly man of the TGS Circuit finally got his hands on not one, but both of the seasons trophies.

Horsburgh and Tuckwell threatened to thwart Daft once again at the climax of the 2010 tour ,at Cotgrave Masters. With Daft's 6 point lead cut to one coming up the 18th, the champion elect fired the most important iron shot of his TGS career into the heart of the green, to finish with a 3 shot advantage.

More was to come as Daft then pipped Horsburgh in a high scoring season finale that saw him take the Annual Away Day Champion trophy, at Stanton-on-the Wolds.

6 years without a trophy then 2 come at once!