Round 4: Wollaton Park

Wollaton Park Golf Club, Nottingham's premier golf club, is truly regarded by many as one of the "Gems of Midland Golf". Set in over 500 acres of magnificent parkland, the course, which is overlooked by the imposing 16th century Wollaton Hall, is traditionally parkland in character.

It is pleasantly undulating and winds its way through historic woodland which incorporates many fine specimens of trees. The course itself, which has hosted many important championships, the latest being one of the popular Seniors Tour events, was set out in 1927 and was designed by Tom Williamson.

It has been sensibly upgraded over the years to provide a fair test of ability for both the beginner and the experienced golfer alike, measuring 6,445 yards with a par and standard scratch of 71.



It certainly is a 'gem' and difficult to beaten for quality and surroundings especially on a sun soaked Friday night. On paper a tough track with tight fairways, unforgiving rough and the odd deer or a hundred, but it has been profitable for the TGS over the years yielding an average of 31, 34 and 31 points. 2006: 39 only good enough for 5th place. One of a host of players will be looking to make their move.

With 16 definites in the hat and Phoenix 50/50 it's sure to be a shoot out of high scores once again. Rotton and Buttress make debut and season debuts respectively with Frame and McLoughlin hoping for the full 18 after Horsley's washout. A.T, Dean and Hoenigmann are confirmed along with the regular crowd of Tuckwell Jnr, Horsburgh Jnr, Daft, Hefter, Jenkinson, Cooke, Hall, Radford and Marriot.

Over the 3 previous visits some names appear with regularity at the top of the leaderboard, showing good course form and eager for a repeat showing.: Frame victorious in 2005 and 2nd in 2007. McLoughlin 2nd '05, '07 and Horsburgh Jnr 3rd '05, tied 2nd '06. With all three competing, will one be victorious?

Ladd (43) holds the TGS course record and momentarily 'TGS high' after a blinder in 2006. Frame (22) has the front 9 honours in '07 with Ladd (23) the back 9 in '06.

What's the big idea..