The Business End.

With 7 rounds completed and the mid-season break nearly finished, the race for TGS Champion 2008 hots up, with 5 events in 7 weeks, starting on the 31st of August at Stanton. A great chance to build momentum, consolidate and make the final move when the circus moves into to town at Cotgrave, on Sunday the 12th of October for the final shoot out.

AS IT STANDS...

Tuckwell Jnr:(Ave 30.33)

Last seasons tour winner and currently top of the pile, courtesy of playing in all the fixtures. Highs of 32 lows of 30 - Will struggle with a bumper score off a well handicapped mark and it will be suprising if he remains at top spot through October. Although is currently working on some swing tips from 'Butch Harmon' Meadows, each way a possibility.

Horsburgh Jnr: (Ave 30)

2006 Tour Champion, Not hit these dizzy heights but has completed some solid scores and can improve significantly with a 27 and 24 in the average. A non-runner at Stanton and yet to get the pass stamped for three consecutive weekends through September. Among the favourites.

Marriot: (Ave 29.17)

2008 debutant and Bondhay Winner. Powerful swing and capable of posting a big score with a touch more consistency. A 27 and two 25's in the average so plenty of areas to boost the scoring, likely to feature in the remaining fixtures. A couple of 40 pointers needed to challenge for the title but could feature in the places.

Daft: (28.5)

3rd ('05) and 2nd ('06) will be looking to go one better and all seemed on course after an opening day, 38 point, victory at Beedles. After the blistering start a succession of sub 30's hindered the progress although did result in a shot back on the handicap. It is on good authority that Daft is back on form. 4 scores will be needed to challenge but cannot be ruled out.

Radford: (25.17)

Improving with every game and with more course management and consistency will challenge, but probably a season to early. 2 good scores in the average and plenty of scores to discard. A non-runner at Stanton but will be suited to 4 games in 5 weeks. An outside chance of the places.

BEST OF THE REST...

Cooke (36 / 3 rounds)

2008 class act. Blitzing the field by 6 at Chilwell and following up with a win at Wollaton despite being cut 4 shots. Rumours of spectacular level par golf have surfaced leading to clamourings for further handicap reductions. The man to beat, but unlikely to complete his quota with imminent wrist operation due and child number 2 on the way.

A.T. (33.8 / 5 rounds)

3rd ('06) and North Shore winning team captain ('06). Capable of the sublime to the ridiculous and won more individual events than any other TGS player - including 4 in 2006. Well handicapped but finds it difficult to compete due to a hectic holidaying schedule. Initially ruled himself out of contention but managed to crowbar Birstall in (28/09) to complete his 6. No room for error, a score in the region of 36 points should set an imposing target.

Hall (30.8 / 5 rounds)

Producing the golf of his career and has improved with each round. Finally strung 18 holes together after a series of explosive starts. Capable of mounting a challenge if remains composed and keeps positive. Outside title shot and should be in the mix for a place.

Dean (30.7 / 3 rounds)

Senior member of the tour and struggling with injuries which may hamper any thoughts of the title or places. Solid player although availability unconfirmed.

Meadows (30 / 4 rounds)

Man of the moment and in the form of his life. Conversion rate of competitions entered and won at Stanton around 90% - including last Monday's Bank Holiday Competition (41 points) and winner of the last TGS outing at Morley Hayes (42 points) Can't afford a slip up and will need to post 4 solid scores of the remaining 5 rounds. The TGS record (47 points) could be on but so could a massive handicap reduction. No shortage of stamina with the TGS round usually the second 18 of the day.

Jenkinson (27.75 / 4 rounds)

Not one for consistency. Capable of scores at both end of the spectrum and will need 3 or 4 at the higher end to enter the fray. Has the short game and is nicely handicapped. Needs to improve consistency and score every hole to figure. Outside chance for the places.

Hoenigmann (27.75 / 4 rounds)

Most improved played 2007 and in possession of a dangerous weapon in his King Cobra driver. Capable of posting 36 points and above if it all comes together. Certain to be available.

Hefter (27 / 4 rounds)

Struggled to string everything together this year but is certainly capable. Found putting tricky and subsequently scoring. Had chance to regroup over the Summer break and should benefit from 5 rounds in 7 weeks. Long shot at a place, but potential for a course victory.

All information on what needs to be done can be found on the '2008 leaderboard' link adjacent.

Round 8 - Sunday 31st August @ Stanton @ 3pm