Frame By 2, As Harris Opens An Advantage

With Beeston and Rushcliffe falling through it was a second time return to Stanton. Harris nearly missed the tee off, roaring up the drive in full paramedic gear with Frame adamant he should be a non starter for being late - now, now!

With the wind whistling and dark clouds circling it was a youthful 4 who opened up. In stetsons and ponchos, Daft and Frame decided to take on Rotton and Chubb to spice it up a little.

Rotton, fresh from his maiden victory, started scoring on the 3rd keen to not rile those who believed his handicap mark should be nearer the 12 (or 14) area!

Daft was once again unable to find his 2010 levels instead puting plan B in to action - keep below 30, get the handicap up to 12, win again next year, but beat Rotton and Chubb in the process.

Frame was in no mood to be messing about and hit 5, 3 pointers on the way to an impressive 20 point opening 9 total - three on the trot through 6, 7 and 8 importantly took the match from 2 down to all square.

Chubb, fresh from honeymooning in Borneo, including a game of golf - good man, set your stall out early, couldn't find his rhythm, only notching 2 pars. However, both were for the win, including one up the 9th, which saw the pair 1 up at the turn.

With only Frame setting his sights on a big score it came down to a tense matchplay situation. Back to back hole wins saw Rotton and Chubb go 2 up with 5 to play. Daft and Frame saddled up their trusty steeds and cantered straight back winning 3 of the next 4 holes, to stand on the 18th 1 up. Daft played the hole of his evening to birdie the 18th (and getting a sixth of his total points - answers on a postcard), in to the gale and close the match out.

Frame kept his composure amongst the matchplay to head home the group by a massive 9 points and keep his title hopes very much alive.

Tuckwell, Hoenigmann and Phoenix were the second group out. Tuckwell was fortunate to remain in bounds on the first and then sandwiched a birdie in between 2 doubles as trees and missed putts were the order of the front 9.

Hoenigmann duly had his one for the car park before starting properly on the second. With the drives 'tinging' sweetly off the middle the momentum built and 11 points over the closing 4 holes meant a fine return.

Phoenix was to endure 7 holes of completely bliss. Sublime golf led to a sumptious 17 points and 2 over par before some tree trouble started to cause the pressure gauge to slide alarmingly towards danger. The warning signs were there after 15 continuous left handed swipes beneath a conifer.

Phoenix (19) holding a 2 point lead from Hoenigmann (17) with Tuckwell (15) a further 2 points adrift.

The 'Pheonixometer' went off the charts on 13 after the approach to the green hurtled out of bounds, with the bag copping some pent up aggression.

A solitary par on 17, accounted for as many points as the previous 7 holes, after a huge one potato drive full of adrenalin.

Hoenigmann was in fine form keeping the ball in play with great distance. A thoroughly deserved par up the 18th concluded an excellent round of 35 points and back 9 of 18. Get yourself a pint sir!

Tuckwell started with a semi shank and feared the worst before rembering he was on home turf and then capitalised for the second time this year .A 2 under par final 8 holes was thanks mainly to some clutch putts. Bizarrely, an expletive followed as a 20 foot down hiller on the 18th that was drained. The realisation that a shot would be docked had just sunk in and pretty much ruling out any chances of competing (apart from round Stanton) for the next 3 years.

Horsburgh was joined by a fellow Tollerton parent, Marriot and Harris. Marriott, playing off 28, single handedly accounted for Horsburgh after accumulating 24 points over the front 9, having decided not to score on the 5th. Nearly driving the ditch on the first, then hitting the 4th green from 210 yards may have given you an indication Jay!

Horsburgh was clearly rattled and decided to enter the neatest card of the night competion which he won comprehensively. The only brief highlight on the front 9 was a chip and putt nett birdie on 4.

Harris was still in the car park for the opening 3 holes, but I don't suppose it matters if you can score 16 points in 5 other holes! 19 points was an excellent return but astonishingly 5 points adrift of Marriot.

Horsburgh slung the reigns on Marriot, to prevent the scoring hitting the 50 point barrier, while notching up 3 3 pointers of his own. After an initial flurry of nett birdies Harris hit the simmer button before a massive nett eagle for 4 points up the 18th and another great total but more importantly a shot docked!

The Stanton rearguard weren't used to much merriment in the bar and delayed their pool playing and carpet bowls untill the TGS contigent had had their fill!

Frame (38) scooped the pot and his second win of the year. Tuckwell (36:B9 21) ousted Harris (36:B9 17) into 3rd with debutant Marriot (36:B9 12) finishing a very creditable 4th. Hoenigmann (35) had his best round of the year and intelligently finished under handicappers eye.

Alectric

Round 4 saw a short trip to Ruddington. Frame and Buttress were installed as joint favourites having just negotiated membership and acruing more than just a couple of sighters.

With Tuckwell running late through school duties (not for long!) Daft, Frame, Thacker and Buttress muscled onto the back 9 with the hordes gathering around the first. The tameable short par 5th 10th, tamed the illustrious quartet with only Buttress accumulating a big 3 pointer. This was to set the tone for his nine - 2 further 3 pointers enabling a tidy 19 points and setting the target.

Thacker went on a mini charge shooting one under through the mid section to match Framey's 15 point opening haul. Regular followers will be unsurprised that Frame's scoring was as follows: 0,0,1,3,0,3,2,3,3. Daft was consistent to the max, scoring on every hole, but an equal helping of 1 and 2 pointers did little to ignite a charge.

Six, 3 pointers between the fourball on the front 9 wasn't conducive to big scoring. Daft couldn't find his 2010 form and finished with an eye on getting a shot back. Thacker can be pleased with a solid 30 point return having not swung a club in anger for a significant period.

Buttress couldn't find the opening 9 consistency, the 3 pointers remained but 2 blobs and 2, 1 pointers meant a very steady 34 points.

Framey was disappointed with a below par 28 points, and had nearly thrown the towel in for the end of season silver jug. A quick recalculation saw that the card was short of not 1 but 4 points! - cheers Dafty, I'll mark my own card next time!

Rotton, Doc Brown, Pike and Harris also managed to sneak out on the back 9. Harris immediately alerting the handicap committee with a birdie, nett eagle, down 10, followed by nett birdie on 11 - 7 points through 2 holes, a dream start.

Brown matched the birdie for a tidy start and followed it up with a further brace of 3 pointers. Rotton indicated nothing of the stellar show that was to follow after 8 points through 6 holes as Pike peaked with an opening 3 points and determined to use the woods.

At the half way stage Harris (18) held a 2 point advantage over Brown (16) with Rotton (15) a point adrift.

Pike offered improvement and doubled his 3 point stakes but couldn't find the consistency off the tee to set up a charge. Meanwhile, Harris proved that he was human with 5 points through the opening 4 holes. This was to be a false dawn as 13 points in the remaining 5 holes posted another good total.

Well in the handicappers grasp, Brown produced a rock solid display of consistency despite not capitalising on the greens. 2 halves of 16 points and a gross 79 - a good evenings work.

Spurred by a nett birdie on his 9th hole, Rotton hit the turbo boosters and produced a faultless dispaly of golf which Pike in no way suggested that it contained any element of luck... Regardless, an immense 3 over par, gross 39 reaped a TGS season high 23 points - 17 points in 6 magic holes proving the catalyst and the clubhouse lead on 38 points.

Tuckwell, Horsburgh and Hoenigmann tried to muscle in on the 10th but were busted by a pair of irate lady members and duly stepped aside after pleading innocence! Tuckwell promised much with 8 points in 4 holes but then lost the plot completely, limping to the turn without much direction apart from an ugly pull hook.

Hoenigmann for once delivered on his opening hole after usually requiring 1 to warm up. A steady run was derailed by the sand, marginally more sand displacement could have been caused by 50 children with bucket and spade.

More high jinxed followed after a ball found a 'dry ditch' the shot was being contemplated before the surface broke and Michael disappeared shin deep - I think I'll take a drop! A 3 pointer up 9 tidied up the card.

Horsey was his usual mark of consistency but shocking didn't score on one hole, unbelievable. 2, 3 pointers redressed the balance for a comfortable 5 shot lead.

Hoenigmann upped his game after the turn although found an equal amount of sand, fortunately safety was recovered at the first time of asking. A steady 15 points and surely only a matter of time before the 100 is broken and a big score accumulated.

Tuckwell opened up with 8 points in the opening 4 holes again and narrowly missed an eagle on 2 after an excellent approach. This time a succession of pars followed in an attempt to reel Horsey in.

Horsey uncharacteristically stuttered after the turn with all touch and feel deserting him but showed his steely determination down the last as Tuckwell had drawn level. A cool nett birdie slamming the door on Tuckwell who crumbled with a bogey.

A sensational 10 holes from Rotton (38) saw him cruise to his maiden TGS victory with a 2 shot victory over the ever consistent Harris (36) Pre tournament favourite, Buttress (34), finished comfortably in the top 3 ahead of Horsburgh (32) Brown (32) and Frame (32)

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!

The Destiny of 2010

With 2 Rounds to play, the destiny of the TGS 2010 Claret Mug has been blown wide open.

With 4 scores to count, rounds on the board could be crucial.

J. Horsburgh - 139 points
Rounds of 43 - 33 - 32 - 31. No stranger to the final day shake up and a definite rider for the final 2 fixtures. With the weakest score fairly solid there may be little chance to make huge advances on his current points score especially off his new mark of 13.

R. Daft - 133 points
Rounds of 42 - 37 - 27 - 27. Another usually in the final 4 but yet to land the covetted Claret Mug. Now in the handicappers grasp off a mark of 8, but a definite in the final 2 rounds should see his lowest scores surpassed.

S. Tuckwell - 126 points
Rounds of 35 - 34- 30 - 27. Always there or thereabouts, due to playing in every round! but unable to post the big score due to the low handicappers mark. Confident of beating the 27 and 30 point mark but unlikely to do so by 13 to equally Horsey's current lead.

A. Pike - 119 points
Rounds of: 38 - 30 - 26 - 25. The 'ironman' cannot be written off, with the capability to score big and has done previously at both Horsley and Cotgrave. Plenty of shots to play with and 2010 Tour winner at Cotgrave already.

Waiting in the Wings...

M. Hoenigmann - 104 points (3 rounds)
Rounds of 35 - 35 - 34. In poll position before Sunday, but with only a final appearance at the climax at Cotgrave a score will be needed. A man who thrives on pressure and a definite most improved, this is well with within the grasp although there is no room for error.

Something a little bit special required, with attendance not guaranteed...

J. Brown - 95 points - 3 rounds of 38 - 30 - 27

A. Rotton - 92 points - 3 rounds of 32 - 31 - 29

N. Thacker 89 points - 3 rounds of 34 - 28 - 27

R. Chubb - 88 points - 3 rounds of 35 - 28 - 25

M. Hefter - 88 points - 3 rounds of 32 - 30 - 26

S. Harris - 88 points - 3 rounds of 32 - 29 - 27

Jay Makes it a 3 Horse Race

A first time visit to the surrounds of Oakmere Park saw a fivesome take full advantage of the low attendance, to post some large scores.

Tuckers and Meds hit the range an hour early keen to make sure the advantage was not lost and was joined by Daft. Horsey couldn't afford such liberties having hot-footed it from Chatsworth with caravan in tow before de-connecting and arriving straight on the tee.

Meds, Pike and Daft opened up with Meds straight into birdie-birdie-nett birdie form, despite being hit by Horsey's approach (2nd shot) to the first - and a par 5 nonetheless! Pike found no such fortune with difficulty on the baize attributing to a slow start.

Daft, determined not miss out, opened with 2 birdies in his first 4 holes to be sitting pretty. A high standard of consolidation meant a superb level par front 9 despite 2 balls lost - albeit from firing off the wrong tee and be reprimanded by a group of lady members - and 23 points.

Meadows kept in the hunt with a very respectable 20 points, whilst a final flurry left Pike 4 further back.

A further birdie nett eagle for Daft on 11 was backed up with 2 more nett birdies over the next 3 holes. 38 points after 16 led the decision to blow it and only be reduced 1 shot or go big and be cut 2. 3 points over the final 2 left Dafty on a very ominous 42 points yet single figures! Gross 77, 4 over par - you can't complain!

Meds opened with 6 points in the opening 2 holes after the turn and finished strongly after a mid 9 wobble for a handicap reducing 37 points. Pike started strongly, nearly getting back to level 2's, before finishing safely with a very respectable 30 points.

A 2 ball for Tuckers and Horsey was very relaxed, Horsey with his first outing since Cleeve Hill, in July, nearly opened with eagle after Meds' size 10's stopped an arrowed approach to the 1st. Birdie it was. It was nearly back to back as the birdie putt on 2 finished inches short. Further 3 points on 3 and 6 meant 17 points had already been accumulated. A couple of severe hills curtailed the scoring slightly but 21 points was very impressive. Tuckers started slopily, with 4 points after 3, mainly thanks to a lost ball, but parred in to finish 3 behind Horsey.

Tuckers once again paid the price with another errant drive and lost another ball on 11, but immediately responded firing into 2 feet, on 13, for a tap in birdie. A further birdie followed on 17, before a birdie effort on 18 narrowly missed, but with every cloud - 35 points and just below the radar!

Usually given some stick for his metronomic tap and run play, Horsey was finding some excellent distance, inspired by his recent gambling exploits, finding himself relishing the par 5s. Having negotiated 4 safely, 1 under par gross, there was one final one to navigate up 18. 3 immaculate shots, left himself 3 foot from the pin and smiles all round, until it was relayed that he had to sink that for the win. But with ball of steel he duly obliged to finish with a gross 81, 2 under for the par 5s - and a monstrous 43 points. This was all amongst the turmoil of finding his best white Pringle Knitwear in the bottom of the bag with the remnents of a 4 year old banana spread all over it.

Game on for the Final 2 Rounds

Horsley Lodge - 26th September - 1.30 tee off

Cotgrave Masters - 17th October - 1.00 tee off