Cotgrave Masters

'Originally built in 1991, Cotgrave Place Golf Club boasts two magnificent 18-hole courses that are set in over 300 acres of Nottinghamshire countryside, just 6 miles from the city centre. The Masters course was extended in 1997 from a 9-hole course, with a new nine designed by Peter Alliss. The front nine has recently undergone some major renovation and remodelling, and combines hedgerows and undulating fairways with large greens and water features.'

A testing approach to 17

The traditional end to the season sees the return to Cotgrave Masters for the grand finale. There is prior warning that the greens on the Masters are not in a good state due to winter preparation and unsuitable recovery conditions but it should not effect the all star cast.

This will be the fifth time on the Masters after a double visit in 2006. Our final four no exactly what they need to do and can be bouyed by past favourable course form. On all 4 occasions the average would be sufficient for Meadows to be victorious and on 3 occasions enough for Marriot, with ample scoring opportunities from someone to spring a late rally and scoop some prize money.

2005

A solid average of 31.6 for the group saw Hefter (40) victorious with a maiden win, Frame (39) and Ladd (37) made up the places. A front 9 high from Wood Snr (21) and back 9 high from Hefter (23) showing what's attainable.

2006

At the first time of asking, a tail between legs, A.T (41) took his 4th victory of the year with a quite sublime 72 gross after Billy Bandit (47) was disqualified! Dessaur (40) with his best TGS round and former tangerine wing wizard and Baker's brother inlaw, Hallam (40) finished brilliantly with the average a staggering 34 points. Hallam, Frame and Phoenix all equalling Woods front 9 record of 21 points.

For the second time round and finale it was Daft with another 40 point winning margin, followed by Tuckwell Jnr (39) and Doc Brown (39) where 5 people broke 80 gross: 73, 74, 76, 78 79. Daft (22) sneaking the front 9 record.

2007

Another big average of 33.1 points and yet another 40+ winning margin as Frame (42) produced another storming round (probably following a 22 pointer from somewhere or other!) Daft (38) once again featuring along with another who is no stranger to the Masters podium, Hefter (37). frame equalled Daft's front 9 record of 22 points.

2008?

Certainly the omens look good for big scores. Will it be from one of the big 4? 40 points certainly appears to be the standard for scooping the title. Even if the greens aren't up to usual accustomed standards the weather appears to be favourable.

http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Nottingham-UKXX0104

COURSE GUIDE - off the top of my head

The opening 9 (C) has changed dramtically over the last 4 years with millions of tonnes of top soil imported to add shape to a relatively bland 9 holes, although it is a great chance to get plenty of points on the board, with lots of short par 4's. Straight hitting essential if the rough is up. Greens are a good test due to many undulations and the size of them.

Hole 1: 3 wood / iron lay up leaving approx 120 yards in. Green reachable for the big hitters but trouble right.

Hole 2: Chance for big points, Par 5 easily reachable in 2 for bigger hitters otherwise a short pitch for a third and bizarrely stroke 5 or 6? 3 points minimum

Hole 3: 165 par 3, straight forward but heavily humped green tricky if pin out the apex.

Holes 4/6/7 short par 4's with the greens the only bother.

Hole 5: A no trouble par 3 sandwiched in between, large green the only problem and club selection.

Hole 8: Very tough par 3 (personally!) 160 yards with two large oak trees 10 yards before the green and a 15 metre gap between trees. Bit of luck required.

Hole 9: Long par 4 and stroke 3 or 4. Pond to the right of the green.

A steady walk across the car park totting up the scores and working out ehat the others have.

Hole 10: 90 degree dog leg right, big hitters can take the corner and a good chance for 3 points.

Hole 11: tough sloping shallow green with bunker infront, as lofted an approach as possible.

Hole 12: Maybe 220yd par 4, blind dropping down to the left - no real benefit fo having a pop with a well guarded green.

Hole 13: Steady par 3 with undulating green.

Hole 14: Long par 5, 3 good hits a lot easier with pin on the bottom tier.

GREAT FINISH

Hole 15: Dog leg left from elevated tee, low stroke index, good drive setting up a straight forward approach but water waiting for anything left.

Hole 16: 115 yd par 3 with shallow green. Complete touch shot - 90 yard carry to avoid getting wet. Anything over 120yds out of bounds in the field behind.

Hole 17: Stroke index 1 and a beast of a par 5 - building work has reduced it to a par 3. Plenty of shots but a 170 yard carry to a green 3/4 surrounded by water and usually into wind. Anything left is gone. Bunker short is a good option as is the bail out right!

Hole 18: Out of bounds left and right although a 200 yard tee shot will leave prime position in but a testy green to finish on.

MAY THE BEST MAN WIN!