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

Hot off the Press

Chubb confesses...

'Also played at Breadsall Priory heathland course saturday- near death experience on the buggy- nearly rolled it over Avis Brown (Doc's mum) and Ants Mrs (Docs bro's fiance), after losing control in the wet. Rotton dived clear from the buggy as it careered widly down the slope. Span it about 3 times. Calamity Chubb strikes again!'

Chubb 1/6/10

Hepburn's Latest Accessory...

Costa Del Cotgrave

While Framey, Dafty and 15 other hardy Keyworth members headed to Ibiza Town for the formers stag (it's all very quiet boys, you've been back a week, there must have been some incidents...) Tuckers, Vinny and Duffin hit Cotgrave Masters in 80 degree Mediterannean heat.

Plenty of cream was applied, Tuckers - factor 25, Duffin - 15, Vin - moisturiser (an oversight) to avoid the magma sun, having already been burnt by the green fee.

The generous, stroke 6, 437 yard par 5 (bemuses me every time) yielded bumper points with Tuckers holing out for eagle (5pts) Vin - par (4pts) and Duffin - par (3pts)

Then, to truly add to the continental flavour, the drinks cart appeared. A round of cokes were about to be shouted before ice cold lagers were spied and consumed whilst walking down the fairway - nice.

Vin kept applying the pressure, and not the lotion, in a fine 22 point opening 9, with brother Tucker 3 points behind and Duffin 3 further adrift.

A half way beer restocking was just the tonic in the early afternoon heat, swaggering through the car park in shorts - great

2 points in 4 holes cost Duffin but 13 in the final 5 gave hope for the next days visit to Lingdale (if a Saturday night wipeout could be avoided) Tuckers limped home with 1 point in the last 3. The highlight confidently telling his playing partners that the island 16th was all about 'touch and feel' and to 'watch and learn' before chunking it abysmally 20 foot into the water! - nice.

Vin had ammased 39 points with the final two holes to negotiate and two shots on both. Having found water off the tee, the recovery play was excellent, unfortunately a rare (4) putting blip prevented further addition to the score. 3 points up the last meant a career best 42 points. The red face wasn't through embarassment...

Anyone for Bondhay?

TGS TOP 10 HARDEST COURSES (stableford)

1. Bondhay '09 - 24.2

2. Bondhay '07 - 25.9

3. Bondhay '08 - 26.4

4. Horsley '07 - 26.4

5. Bondhay '06 - 26.7

6. Radcliffe '07 - 26.8

7. Radcliffe '06 - 27.2

8. Norwood '05 - 28.1

9. Rufford '09 - 28.1

10. Ruddington '09 - 28.2

Frame and Ladd - 2 who have vowed to never return to the sandfilled monster!

Brown Victorious Amidst Handicap Protection

TGS Season 6, yes 6! Opened its doors at a sunny Stanton-on-the-Wolds met by Tuckwell in a very striking cerise number. Thacker and Ball, Ruddington partners in crime, started very much where they had left off some 12 hours earlier – in the bar.

A bit of a merry-go-round saw A.T. withdraw, back prevention, after 14 days straight and a 5 day golf trip to follow. Dessaur fell foul of alcohol poisoning while Hall was finalising the last details of a big money transfer back to Bridgford.

Having exchanged the customary pleasantries in the Pro-shop and dealing with a few handicap chunterings McLoughlin immediately had some explaining to do – driving the first. Phoenix had the wire wool on the irons midweek but scrubbed off a bit too much accuracy in the early stages before a nice net eagle up 6 lowered the pressure gauge.

Ever steady Bremner, was the mark of consistency any blip instantly followed by a 3 pointer. While Daft, still smarting off his mark of 10, produced a mixed bag. McLoughlin finished the front 9 firmly in charge, birdie, par, par, birdie – 2 under, 14 points – a total of 22 – with a blob. No you can’t be off more than 8.

With thoughts of a potentially hazardous first round handicap axe, the back 9 scores dipped below the front 9 highs, with only 2 nett birdies registered between the group in the first 7 holes. In danger of the round petering out and squandering the chance of a solid opening, Bremner, inspired by yesterdays Canaries promotion party, finished 17 and 18 with 6 points. McLouglin finished nett birdie. Daft saved the best ‘til last with birdie and 4 points.

A dangerous looking quartet consisting of reigning champion, Chubb. 2010 early favourite, Doc Brown, the returning Rotton - and 2008 Champion, Meadows set off full of promise. Although, Meadows was fighting through the pain barrier after a late night car park altercation left some bruised ribs but no clear details on the hows and whys!

A cagey start from the usual free scoring Chubb was merely a lull, as he became only the six man on the TGS circuit to register a 5 pointer. A drive, 5 iron, 8 footer – accomplishing the feat on the 469 yard Par 5 9th - Eagle with a shot. Meadows’ nett eagle insignificant!

Rotton, under the watchful eye of Meadows, was careful not to score too freely with the 18 handicap considered favourable. Four front 9 3 pointers were balanced with 3 1’s and a blob. It was left to the Doc to turn the screw; a rare 3 putt on the first was the only blemish in a one over gross front 9.

The pain got the better of Meds, who having easily surpassed the TGS all time low, opted out of the majority of the back 9 – not being drawn into a big hitting contest and careful not to let Rotton escape his attention. Rotton hit the coolers after 24 points after 12 holes – fearing the promised 5 shot handicap cull.

Likewise Chubb, who with 33 points through 16 must have been eying up 40 points, with 2 tameable par 5s to finish. A tepid, yet ideal finish, assured the 6 handicap would not be reduced! Richard – are you sure you played them to your full potential…

Brown, more than happy off his low single figure mark, consolidated on his excellent front 9 to shoot a top draw 4 over, gross 77 - and with it a handsome 38 points.

Tuckwell, Thacker, Ball and Radford set off on the back 9, with Thacker regretting the final pint / chaser.

Not one to hang about, Ball played some hit and run with great effect, practice swings deemed a waste of energy. Tuckwell was out of sorts a trio of 3 pointers only masking some early season rustiness.

Can we go yet? The bar's closing!

Thacker battling some inner turmoil tried every available cure but couldn’t shake an increasingly pounding headache. An approach to a foot on 13 briefly lifting the gloom. Radford, having wintered well on the Wii, hit some nice shots but couldn’t capitalise on the greens.

Ball appeared to be working on, a not conducive to good scoring formula of:
Shots to green = number of putts taken.
Eye for the cup not as sharp as the eye for goal!

Although the spread went belly up on 17, with those who went high, as a snaking 25 footer found the back of the cup for birdie and a single putt – yes single putt!

Thacker was 2 ahead of the group ready to tackle the shorter front 9. 2 fantastic shanks coupled with a drilling headache left the resident pro with only one choice: Get the driver out and smash it as close to the green as possible. This yielded 3 birdies in 3 holes but could only mask the growing fatigue.

Tuckers 30 yard pitch to the 8th, which found the sand, 6 foot in front of him, summed up proceedings, so it was left to Ball and Radford to fly the flag. A cracking start and finish to the 9 saw Radford amass a healthy 20 points, 3 shy of last years opening effort, but excellent nonetheless.

Calypso time for Ball, who was seeing it like a football and giving his single figure partners a lesson in how to strike it. Four 3 pointers on the homeward stretch not bad for the annual outing!

Are we nearly there yet...

Horsburgh Jnr, Hefter, Hoenee and step-dad, Riddell, made up the final 4, starting on the front 9. Hefter had a tale two nines – securing the worst opening and best back of the day. Always finish in style Stats, a bit of class. You may look back on this when you’re in poll position coming down the Masters stretch in October!

Horsey, fresh from a 1 hole Friday victory, over Phoenix started with a tidy nett birdie, before a wobble, then recovery. Riddell was all about the 2s determined to get one over on Michael after being defeated in their last outing at Bondhay. But, hemust have stared in disbelief as a regulation par equated to nett eagle on the opener courtesy of it being stroke 10! Not usually a word associated with Hoenne – consistency – but consistent it was. Could 18 holes be strung together?

Horsey kept accumulating: a one pointer always followed by a 3 for a steady start, although the 2009 Runner-Up would always view it as a missed opportunity. Riddell was clinging to Hoenigmann’s coat tails, and could only watch on as his nett birdie was surpassed with nett eagle up 12. With the 18th to play Hoenne held a 2 point lead and his competitive instinct was not about to let it disappear. Nett birdie securing bragging rights until next time!

With the field split it meant a well timed gathering into the 19th, although there was only chance for one with barkeep heading back for his Sunday snap rather than add an extra £100 takings – although it did look like a rowdy lot…

With the scores all accounted for it was the Doctor, Jay Brown (38) who claimed the opening honours, and the pot, with a 3 shot victory over the ‘Handicap Protectors’ of Chubb (35 B9:17), Bremner (35 B9:16) Ball (35 B9:15) and McLoughlin (35 B9:13) Hoenigmann (34) another to finish impressively.

A select few swung back via the Jolly’s, while the others retired home thinking of what could have been.

With potentially the closest run tour to date, it will certainly go down to the wire. Brown stamped some early season authority but as ever with the best 5 out of 8 rounds to go forward, will everyone be able to fulfil the quota?

2009 TGS Champion

Congratulations to Richard 'Chubby' Big 4' Chubb who was presented with the 2009 TGS Trophy from 2008 winner Tim 'Meds' Meadows, after a dramatic win at the first play-off hole, against 2006 Champion Jason 'Horsey' Horsburgh.

The win capped a brilliant two weeks for Chubby, who proposed to girlfriend Alison - who of course said yes! Top man!

You Couldn't Script It

The finale of the TGS 2009 Season, at Cotgrave Masters, saw 6 wily campaigners all vying for the title. Tuckwell struggled with his admin, again, in no way trying to gain a psychological advantage. Only checking the exact tee off the day before and finding it was an hour earlier than broadcast, but pre match bacon butties were included – every cloud!

A.T. withdrew due to back complaints, with Horsburgh Snr and Radford on family duties. Innaugral 2005 winner, Baker, was on season debut with all previous TGS champions on parade and was surprised to see a rife drinking culture with beers lined up before 12. Pike persisted with the shorts but did not fall foul of the laws on his second outing. An honourable tie and shared trophy was discussed before a motion passed that it would be back down the first if it couldn’t be separated...

Baker, Pike, Duffin and Vin opened up with some flawless front 9 golf. 14 - 3 pointers and 3 - 4 pointers easy going (how the final four could have done with some of that!). Vin rather disheartened to be 3 points adrift at the turn with 18 points. Pike, 21, Baker, 22 and Duffin 23. It was a case of contrasting styles with Baker and Duffin launching with the big dogs and Vin and Pike ‘The Iron Kings’ smashing it slightly straighter but just as far.

Baker made the first move on the back 9, holing a monster birdie put, down, round and across the tricky 11th green. This inspired Duffin to drive the 12th – but 4 putts weren’t part of the equation. Pike once again showed his second row power by hitting a 9 iron to the 170 yard par 3, 13th.

Entering the toughest stretch, Baker held a 2 shot lead (already on 36 points) with the tricky last 3 to play. A worm burner made it not 5 yards above the ground, but safely carried the pond on the signature 16th. Vin was high but dry before Pike had 6 of the best: top to the path, fat – inches before the reeds. An awkward stance but managed 8 skims across the pond before falling agonizingly short, before reloading to a foot and holing out – nice. Duffin completed the set by firing high and handsome into the field beyond!

An attacking approach to the monsterous 17 saw Vin march off with 3 points – how welcome that would have been to some of the leading pack – as the others all scored with arrows into the green over more water.

Baker held his composure up the last to sign off in style with a nett birdie and a 42 bumper points, ably supported by Vin (37) Pike (36) and Duffin (35) Good scores boys.

The outsiders of Chubb and Brown were partnered by a ‘dry’ Hepburn. Brown still at a club in Oxford at 3am that morning finishing off wedding celebrations – impressive. Needing a score near the 40’s Chubb exploded into life with birdies on 2 and 3 and 12 points in 4 holes – which was relayed via text to Horsburgh and Co, and promptly followed by a blob – karma! Brown kept in touch with some 3 pointers of his own as Heppers rekindled some of his old magic with 13 points in 4 holes from the 4th. Chubb (21) by 1 from Heppers (20) and Brown (18)

Heppers recorded his second nett eagle of the day up 11 as Brown lost his way through the opening 5 holes. Chubb kept on the throttle, 1 over through 7 leaving himself very handily placed with 2 to play. Hepburn left 14 alone but finished strongly for his best round in possibly 4 years – anything to do with the lack of beer fridge? Brown regrouped for a 10 point last 4 hole stretch as Chubb lost sight of one down 17, a point was scrambled and a par to finish off but would it be enough?

Thacker, Meadows and Dean were off and running. Meadows quickly into his stride, fresh off the 18th at Stanton, with 16 points in 6 holes. Thacker, still ruing his handicap cut, showed his professional streak with a steady 18 point opening. Dean, with fully functioning trolley, used all his experience to hold on to the young whipper snappers. Meadows by 3.

The bogey express awaited Dean on platform 10 to be finally departed on 14. Meadows opened with back to back nett birdies as Thacker raised the bar: 1 under through the back 7 and to tie Meadows with 2 to play. 4 points for Thacker to Meadows 3 meant a 1 shot victory with more good scores in excess of 36 points. I’m sorry Neil but that’s another shot gone! Well played both.

The Final Four: Hefter opened up with some ditch trouble on 1 as Daft somehow hit 4 balls on 2 but still ended up with a par thanks to his eagle eyed partners. Tuckwell slipped in the first of his many 3 putts on 3, as Horsburgh talked himself out of a 2 footer insisting it could be given! Hole 4 was negotiated without hitch before Horsburgh holed a snaking, off the green, monster to consolidate a great start on 5.

Daft seemed to be circumnavigating 6 before canning a 12 footer for a point as Horsey kept pressing. Back to back nett birdies for Horsburgh had Daft scurrying for the notebook to see what the damage was. Horsey 3 up through 8! Hefter and Tuckwell were struggling brilliantly on the greens, Hefter just shading it – with another that agonizingly slipped by.

Ditch trouble on 9 was capitalised on by Daft with a sterling up and down for nett birdie as the pair finished the 9 neck and neck on 19 points, with Tuckwell (16) and Hefter (15) languishing.

The Final 9: Bounce back ability from Hefter with 12 points in 6 holes as Tuckwell shot himself in the foot with three 3 putts in the opening 4 holes. 5 points apiece for the leaders over the opening 2 holes before sand curtailed the scoring for both on 12.

Tuckwell, having putted himself out of the running, seemed to swing more easily and found some success with the wand. Birdie, par, birdie from 14 suddenly launched himself back into contention. Daft was clinging onto his game after some uncharacteristic shots as Horsburgh held firm.

2 to play

Horsburgh (33) Tuckwell (32) Daft (30) Hefter (29)

17th
Tuckwell had the honour and the chance to turn the screw but bailed out massively left pulling the nuts off one and requiring a penalty drop. Daft and Horsburgh were safely away, before a routine lay up saw Daft find the water, followed by Hefter then Tuckwell. Horsburgh kept his composure to find the green in 4, 2 putts meant 2 points.

18th
4 drives dissected the middle of the fairway with the crowds gathered and chortling. Daft and Horsburgh both fired big and left in 2005 Hepburn territory. Hefter found sand via the tree as Tuckwell set up a 15 foot birdie opportunity. Hefter played a beauty, while Tuckwell finished agonizingly short. 2 heavy chips and 3 putts a piece meant a point was scrambled by Daft and Horsburgh as the crowd assembled and Tuckwell searched for the answers.Little did he know - Horsey you've got 2 for it!

Chubb’s 40 pointer meant a huge 21 point jump up the leaderboard to 171. Tuckwell improved to 168, Brown 166 and Hefter 164. Daft could not add to his 31 point low and remained on 167. Horsburgh with a 6 point improvement joined Chubb at the top of the pile with 171! – A play off! Clubs were quickly discarded as all 14 rushed back to the first!

THE PLAY OFF

Chubb won the toss and elected to insert Horsey (ooh er...) who teed up with a shot knowing a par would have to force a birdie.

The big tree proved Horsey’s foil, stopping it dead 100 yards down, as Chubb sailed one over, pulled slightly left into the rough – as the crowd followed and the members thought what the…

Heartbreak for Horsburgh as the approach was caught fat and trickled into Hefter’s ditch. A penalty drop was opted for rather than having 4 hacks at it and shaking hands amongst the fauna.

Chubb had chance to shut the door but a neat looking approach fell a foot short and back into the sand.

Horsburgh regained compsure and fired into the heart of the green for 4 nett 3 as the tension mounted.

Chubb played a beauty under the circumstances leaving both players 30 foot away with Horsey to throw first... It set off on a fantastic line but pulled up a knee trembling 3 foot short.

With the darkness gathering Chubb settled over a right to lefter as the assembled held their breath. It appeared to be on a superb line but with plenty of coal on it. The ball raced towards the hole as onlookers held their breath... as it disappeared into the bottom of the cup with half of the back of the hole on it.

Cap thrown in air, a jump for joy and ecstacy for Chubb as the applause rung out and both players embraced.

A tremendous, tremendous finish to an excellent season. Well done all as hot beef cobs and alcohol awaited at the 19th.

Steady on Meds, you'll not eat your dinner...

The high scoring daily honours went to Baker (42) from Chubb (40), Hepburn (39) Thacker (38), Vin (37 B9:19), Meadows (37 B9:16), Pike (36 B9:15) and Horsburgh Jnr (36 B9:15)

The final shake up was as close as close could be with all the top 6 wondering what could have been.

1st: R. Chubb – 171 – Ave 34.2 (£50 and trophy)
2nd: J. Horsburgh – 171 – Ave 34.2 (£30)
3rd: S. Tuckwell – 168 – Ave 33.6 (£20)
4th: R. Daft – 167 – Ave 33.4
5th: J. Brown – 166 – Ave 33.2
6th: M. Hefter – 164 – Ave 32.8

Permutations

Entering the final weekend, 6 players could still lay claim to the 2009 TGS title. Daft is still in the box seat but a traditional bumper points tally round Cotgrave could see the lead change hands on more than one occasion.

Daft and Tuckwell have a lowest score of 31 and Horsburgh 30, with Daft holding a 2 shot advantage over the pair. Brown has a lowest score of 29 but sits 6 points adrift.

Hefter, with only 4 rounds in the bag requires a 35 pointer to tie the leader, and scores above if 31 points and more are achieved by Daft.

Outsider, Chubb, has a meager 19 points to improve on and is certain to do so significantly but somewhere in the region of 40+ may be required.

There’s sure to be many twists and turns. Watch this space.

Contenders Steal a March on Daft

The penultimate round of the 2009 season saw a return to the players’ favourite of Horlsey Lodge. The International Baker Cup was taking place the same weekend and even hardcore Hoenigmann declined a place, after originally declaring himself available after 2 all dayers and a drive up from the New Forest.

Most of the action took place before even a ball was struck. Chubb, Meadows and Brown were already on the range an hour before tea off as the Tuckwells’ and Horsburgh Snr hit the bar. Daft was dealt a kick in the pills, looking forward to pushing over the finishing line with a round to spare, but received a call that the house had been burgled and headed back home with everybodies sympathies. Tuckwell, Brown, Chubb, Hefter and Horsburgh were later cleared of any wrong doings…

Tuckwell managed to avoid embarrassment having counted 12 players on the list and still having 12 with Daft having to leave and Potter not travelling! Least he’s not a teacher…

A beautiful mid October day, brought debutant, Pike, out in his shorts, which was too much for the neo-nazi Horsley starter. Introducing himself to Tuckwell for the first time, he opened up with a dead pan, “You’re not coming back here,” followed by a, “You’re not coming back here ever again!” Apparently the shorts were not to Adolf’s liking; despite protests that a quick visit to the car would produce some trousers! A full group ejection was by-passed but it was a good job he had his back turned for a couple of the tee shots!

Hall nearly lit the touch paper again, being undecided as to whether to play left or right handed and swinging with both clubs on the tee, but all 3 groups got away without further reprimand!

Chubb was buggied up due to having a squash match later, with Brown as a co-pilot. Meadows and A.T made up a quality looking, single figure, 4 ball - aiming to make the most of the scoring around the front 9. A.T and Chubb abstained the first whilst Brown and Meds safely parred. Chubb bounced back midway through the 9 with consecutive nett birdies to repair any early damage.

The Doc showed some good early running but tailed off with a quartet of 1 pointers to the turn. Meadows looked to be heading for the halfway lead before failing to notch on 9, leaving A.T to share the spoils with Chubb, to lead by 1, but historically lower than expected.

A.T, appearing to disagree with the par 5’s, started the back 9 similarly to the first as Meds recorded back to back blobs – which set the tone for both their back 9s - a nett birdie up 18 a pleasing finish for Meadows. Chubb mixed the highs with the lows, 2 nett birdies followed by 2 empty spaces but a further 3 pointer left ‘Big 4’ with a steady total.

The trio were instead to marvel at the Jay Brown show. Par-par-par-nett birdie was just the appetizer as the 510 yard par 5 14^th was humbled with a drive - 6 iron to 5 foot. The eagle putt, with a shot, was holed, dead centre, for the Docs second 5 pointer of the year. The adrenalin was pumping and was followed up by a double, but 2 further nett birdie to close the nine resulted in a fantastic level par, 22 points (with a blob) total.

Hall, Hefter and family Horsburgh teed off with the starters good blessing. Hall was calling all the shots – fore left, fore right, hook, pull – it was no clearer if left handed or right handed was the way forward. 2 nett birdies in the last 3 holes of the front 9 some solace.

Horsburgh Snr, on seasons debut, comprised a very tidy 18 points containing 3 nett birdies to sit pretty. Horsburgh Jnr opened with a flurry of 3 pointers and would have expected to be in the box seat with 19 points after 9, even with a blob but Hefter had other ideas. The former Horsley 9 hole champ set off with a steely purpose amassing 21 points in 8 holes: 3 nett birdies and a nett eagle conducive to good scoring. Unfortunately it was still 21 points after 9 holes but a tremendous start nonetheless.

A 3-3-0-3 back 9 start for Hefter filtered back through the course and 30 points after 13 holes suggested something big on the cards to launch him back into contention for the Race to Cotgrave. Hall couldn’t quite find rhythm and harmony with his game but kept up the scoring and no thoughts of the TGS low. Horsburgh Snr opened the second half with a magnificent birdie and 4 points, a further net birdie was overshadowed with a smattering of 1s but a very solid mid 30s score on the return to the fold.

A minor wobble on 11 for Horsey Jnr, was nothing but a blip as he comfortably finished just under the handicap committees' radar with a points boosting 35. It was all down to Hefter, with thoughts of 40+, 6 points in the final 5 holes was not what the doctor ordered. The group win a positive, a shot off the handicap a negative!

Thacker just made it from football in time to team up with Tuckwell Jnr, Pike and Radford and found himself easily the lightest member of the quartet at 13 stone. All 4 got away, some further than others, but the tee remained in one piece and the starter wasn’t looking! Quick, go! Tuckwell was stuttering from the start 4 points over the first 4 holes – poor - Only a 50 foot putt across the slope on 7 leaving anything to write home about. Pike, unfazed by shortsgate, decided to circumnavigate the greens to get a true feel for them – part of the grand plan for a storming back 9!

Thacker hit a spectacular 2^nd ball birdie with some sublime touch. A birdieless front 9 was just the aperitif for another storming finish. Radford found his swing after the first with back to back nett birdies – hitting the driver nicely off the tee and followed it with a further pair of 3s, one to concluded the 9 and with it steal the front 9 honours.

Tuckwell and Thacker both fired wildly right off the 10^th and found themselves back on the 1^st, for their 3^rd shots. 1 point for the latter a disappointing start for the pair. Radford had a satisfying net birdie up 17 to leave promise for another day after a shaky mid round stretch.

Thacker decided enough was enough and hit 3 straight birdies from 13. The best, the 90° dog leg 15^th – taking on the corner and converting after a tricky pitch. A bogey was followed by further pars and a top draw 2 under last 6 holes. Tuckwell, inspired, decided to cash in on the bumper points fest, birdie, par, birdie thorough 15 was finished off with 2 nett birdies to improve on his lowest score.

Pike, with his irons off the tee and raw, raw power, hit a trio of 3 pointers, the best at the par 3 12^th – clubbing 3 less than his partners! A lull was followed by a truly bumper finish from the big man. With the greens well and truly measured, nett eagle and birdie was finished with for a excellent debut.

Countback was needed to separate a 4 way tie at the top, with three of the contenders sitting pretty with excess of 20 points. It was to be Brown (36: B9:22 B6:16) who was finally victorious, third time lucky after 2 previous countback reverses. Pike (36 B9:22 B6:13) could be well pleased with his debut efforts to finish 2^nd ahead of Thacker (36 B9:21) Hefter (36 B9:15) missed out on what could have been but a great round but a good score nonetheless. Horsburgh Jnr (35) Tuckwell Jnr (33) and Chubb (32) all capitalised on Daft’s misfortune with Cotgrave Masters awaiting.

9 out of 8 Balls Prefer the Water...

Photos to be added

A first time return to Rufford since Jenko’s all conquering previous TGS record of 42 points back in 2006. A small, yet quality field, was reduced in numbers courtesy of holidays and marathon running, but a fine 7, booked for 8 but Hoenigmann was running fashionably late, enjoyed some spicy tomato soup and a plate full of sandwiches to line the stomach.

The proud starter kindly informed Meadows, Daft, Dean and Hefter of the rules, blue stakes only potentially in range on 1, 2 and 18 – a free drop regardless of finding your ball all not.

4 top draw belting tee shots off the first from the opening quartet can’t pass without mention, Meadows a nett birdie for a tidy opening conversion. Dean was unrattled by a trolley malfunction on 3, with the handle falling off at least it wasn’t the wheels (they cracked later, I jest you not) A nett birdie sandwiched in between a solid run of pars kept the title dream alive. A no score on 7 was followed with a nett birdie up 9 for a great opening. With Daft sensing some late magic from Potter he quickly rebuffed a generous 2½ down hill gimme from Hefter with a ‘not acceptable’ comment. Dean holed to avoid controversy but the stall was set!

Meds finished as he started the 9 with a 3 pointer, the filling was a mixed bag which promised more but was still in the hunt for a back 9 assault. Hefter opened solidly and was one above the card after the first 4 holes but a par 3 hex seemed to have been cast and the shorter holes proved an undoing but like Meadows still in the mix.

Champion elect, Daft, was out of sorts with some heavy handed approach shorts but clung to the coat tails of Dean who led by 3.

Approaching the 10th tee Dean’s trolley problems seemed to be mounting and could be seen trying to hotwire the loose wires before holding/steering/guiding and powering in one movement. A visit to the water was not the start required with mind possibly elsewhere, although a second ball par kept the points accumulating. Unfortunately Dean joined the 5 point club on the way in but not for 5 points on one hole…

Meadows was clearly pumped up after a blob on 12. An all action blockbusting drive was launched a full 335 yards (GPS registered) down the 641 yard monster 13th. The rest of the hole went round the houses but a nett birdie was recorded nonetheless. 6 points over the next few holes left it delicately poised for the tough finish.

Daft had a near ace on the long par 3 15th, it had some coal on and had a large bounce but definitely jumped after hitting the cup – a square smack on the pin could have resulted in a totally different story.

Tuckwell, Hepburn, Doc Brown were joined 5 minutes late by a beaming Hoenigmann, but expected nothing less! The late start hampered the latter who finally regrouped and started his round on 4 – drawing the conclusion that late arrivals may not be conducive to good scoring. Finally in the swing – 10 points in the closing 3 holes was also nothing less than expected – nett eagle up the 9th the highlight after flirting with the trees

Doc Brown had a magnetism around the green with some deft links approaches hitting the pin and leaving tap in pars. Tuckwell on the other hand was atrocious round the green after pleasing approach play – frittering shot after shot away with untidy play.

Hepburn spluttered through the opening exchanges looking for that spark to ignite the kindling, whilst not picking up big points it was points on each hole before and excellent 3 pointer up 8 which resulted in a well deserved can of G&T to celebrate.

Comedy on 9 as Tuckwell first sent a tee shot skimming treewards and pleading for a fortuitous kick, which did so ricocheting 90 degrees back across the fairway. Hepburn repeated the exact feat with the very next tee shot with the ball finishing 5 yards away from Tuckwells. Tuckwell then proceeded to launch a 3 wood via the roof of the driving range/road/car which somehow finished on the other side of the putting green but in bounds. Hepburn and Hoenigmann tied by 2.

The group willed Hepburn’s tee shot over the water on 10, but proved too much hilarity for the pair of jockeys in the buggy behind who implied that a little less lairiness and more haste may be better. Tuckwell disagreed before opening with a birdie.

Hepburn and Hoenigmann were questioning Tuckwell’s decision not to let the buggy bandits through. Tuckwell relayed the scenario to Meadows who calmly concluded – phukem! Case closed.

Brown got tangled on 10 and 11 but 13 points through the next 5 holes catapulted him back in to the fray. Hepburn had a couple of revelations after launching a drive 15 off of a brand new large wooden blue tee peg declaring, “I thought I was sh!t but obviously it is the tee peg,” followed by proclaiming loudly on the tee of following par 3 that he would give a grand to anyone who hit the green, his playing partners were scrapping for the tee before the reality of the comment was realised and downgraded to a £1. No one did hit it though!

Hoenigmann continued his mini purple patch 4 times in 6 holes putting for 4 points and spectacularly managed his first 2 pointer on the 15th – unfortunately the elation / suprise was to prove too much and no further points were added.

It’s all about the 17th…

Standing 80 foot above the island fronted green is quite a test at the best of times and with it looking decisive: Hefter (25), Hepburn (26), Daft (27), Meadows (28), Brown (29) and Tuckwell (30)

Hepburn and Hoenigmann had already cast the spread with Heppers going for 4 wet balls and Hoenee lower.

Meadows was first to find a watery grave with Tuckwell’s motor mouth ringing in the distance, which was followed by one way left and on the cusp by Dean. Daft followed suit for another submerged effort for 3 in 3. Hefter sent one greenwards which looked just short all the way – it was short bit hit the rocks at such an angle that it leapt upwards with a mountain of top spin and found the green! What do you reckon to that Punch? - The that’s way to do it! The drop zone saw some action with Dean pitching back into the water twice before shoulders slumped and forlornly looking for the first one. 5 in and the spread looking expensive. Hefter the only one to capitalise with a 2 putt par for 3 points.

Brown was pumped off the back of a nett birdie but over clubbed finding some thick rough beyond the green. Hoenigmann found the centre of the pond and was followed by Hepburn who went for the Barnes Wallace approach but sank on the 5th skim. Tuckwell found the heart of the green with the benefit of going last. 7 balls in

Hoenigmann’s dropzone effort couldn’t find Hefter’s angle of rock approach with his pill agonisingly rebounding back into the pond. All was not finished, even with all men over the bridge, Brown’s effort out of the thick stuff seemed to gather speed across the green and trickled into the water for a tremendous 9 balls in the water! Amid all the excitement Tuckwell 3 stabbed!

Coming onto 18 it looked like a 4 horse race with Hefter and Meadows (28), Brown (29) and Tuckwell (31) Tuckwell decided to lose his cool and not add to his score whilst Hefter could only add a solitary point. Meadows hit a monster put couldn’t find the needed birdie while Brown holed out well for par.

A re-run of Wollaton saw Tuckwell on his 50th TGS appearance (31 B9:18) sneak a low scoring effort on countback from the Doc, Brown (31 B9:16) Meadows (30) was the other to hit the 30 point target with everyone sipping their pints and mulling over what could have been!

One Shot Wonder

A golfing week that got progressively worse for Tuckers had one moment of salvation at 10.45 on Saturday Morning.

After a tongue in cheek coverage of Father Tuckwell's Ruddington round the Golfing Gods dished out a little pay back as first Doc Brown was victorious in Tuckers back yard with a comprehensive 3&1 performance at Stanton, on a windswept Wednesday.

Tuckwell and Meadows faced much better golfing conditions in the Thursday Medal once again at Stanton, one over through 5 for Tuckwell seemed satisfactory with both players becoming agitated by the slow play. 13 over for the remaining 13 holes and not one creditable shot left Tuckwell bemoaning his ineptitude as Meadows sneeked a pleasing one shot victory. Canning a bunker shot on 16 the highlight after 2 previous near misses earlier.

A fourball with A.T. and his Belton Buddies, Friday morning was unsuccessfully swerved with the game in tatters. 8 lost balls in 7 holes leaving the recently met partner shaking his head in disbelief.

Still the Saturday Medal would surely be welcome relief...

Front 9:
4 - 3 - 4 - 4 - 3 - 5 - 4 - 4 - 5 = 36
4 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 4 - 7 - 7 - 6 - 4 = 47


Back 9:
3 - 4 - 5 - 4 - 4 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 5 = 37
3 - 4 - 5 - 4 - 7 - 1 - 5 - 7 - 9 = 45



There it was on the 15th hole a drilled 4 iron that was hit too hard and slightly pulled but pitched 3 foot from the pin and gave an almighty clatter. A half hearted look around the green revealed nothing before a closer examination of the hole revealed the titleist 2 sitting in the bottom of the cup! Joy of joys before working out how much the bar tab would cost - if only you were golf planned up! I would like to say that the elation caused the 7 - 9 finish for a glorious 92 but alas I cannot and no worries Dafty for my end of season run.

School can't come round quick enough!

Like Father Like Son

Young Archie Daft looks to be following in his father's footsteps with a text book swing. What odds on emulating Dad as a potential TGS Tour winner / champion or even hitting the big time. Not that it gets much bigger!

Potter Pouches The Pot

A first time visit to Ruddington after a 7 week absence. A local venue due to the holiday season being in full swing and inadvertently the final day of the Ashes, similar to the Morley Hayes visit back in the victorious 2005 series.

An early morning promise of low scores, due to fine weather, was reassessed with a stiffening afternoon breeze but Dean softened the blow, pulling some home course favours from the pro-shop, negotiating a £5 discount from the nice but assistant.

A.T, Doc Brown, and 2009 favourite, Daft opened up. Concerns regarding the latter who hadn’t had a midweek sighter and was one of the last to arrive having appeared to have caught the remnants of some swine flu - no doubt spread by Chester room mate, Chubb.

A.T could not have envisaged what was about to unfold after 5 points in the opening 2 holes and looking well set. This was matched by the ever steady Daft, wheezing into a handkerchief. The Doc was on hand with a consistent start of his own.

The 6th proved troublesome apparently rumours of a naked lady saw all balls hoiked treewards left. A.T proving to be the most experienced in these situations - recovered for par. So there’s 8 points in 3 holes Dad…

Daft sent a wormburner to within 6 foot of the par 3, bowl, 8th but the putt squeezed past. Brown faired worse, with one eye on Daft’s condition, circumnavigating the hole on 4 occasions to send his blood pressure to astronomical proportions, and steam rising on the short walk to the 9th tee. Fully armed with driver and a vat of testosterone, ball 1 was dispatched to Clifton with ball 2 Wymeswold. Daft faired little better as A.T used all of his guile for a text book par. 10 points in 4 holes… Daft by 2.

Pars all round up the generous 10th before A.T. lost it with after a wide tee shot on 11, a combination of 3 puts, ditches, reloads, ditches and roads changed A.T’s perception of the game: rearrange ‘camper-a-not-happy’

Brown refocused with an exquisite stretch of one over through the back 6, and 2 over in total, 3 '3 pointers' and a 2 over, gross 38, a very welcoming finish for another plus 30 score.

Daft seemed to be coping well before the Benadryl began to wear off, four consecutive one point scrambles mid way through was nothing compared to the 18th – where a pitch to the green was over juiced - flew out of bounds - hit a wall - and ricocheted back pin high on the green - 2 putts -par - thank you very much!

Homer Dean, fresh from the plane, Jenkinson, and Tuckwell Jnr were second up. Dean, finding the fairway, set the way, unfortunately Tuckwell went with the reload and Jenkinson a double -no guesses for who scored the only 2 points. Tuckwell responded with a nett birdie on 2, before boarding the bogey train with a ropey short game, only saved by some decent holing out. Pars on the final 2 holes at least gave hope for the back 9.

A birdie, nett eagle, on the long par 3 third boosted Dean before some uncharacteristic shots curtailed the scoring and 1 point in three holes. However there was good bounce-back-ability with 8 points in the final 3 holes of the 9.

Jenkinson was striking the ball well but couldn’t find his radar off the tee, nett birdies on 7 and 8 helped the scoring before another high wide and left finished the 9 as it started. Dean by 3

Tuckwell was right in the swing and transferred to the par express, racking up some good points in the process, before derailing on platform 14 and edging home in no way what so ever missing 30 points and looking for a shot back with one more sub 30 round…

Jenkinson was battling some inner demons off the tee, especially on the par 3’s, trying to out do himself each time on how far left he could hit it. Some good recovery play and putting ensured a more satisfying finish.

The scene was set for Dean who kept his foot on the throttle, one blemish on 14 after taking an iron for safety - if you’re going to mess it up you might as well do it with a driver. But not for the first time Potter was wizard on the greens – anything inside 10 foot a cert. 4 nett birdies on the way home posting the club house score.

After the customary 18 holes in the morning, Meadows was armed with trusty caddy Liz, and partnered with Hoenigmann and Horsburgh Jnr. Dorman just made up the quintet arriving in the nick of time but affected the first few holes due to a lack of a warm up. Rhythm returned as the 9 progressed with both par 3’s expertly navigated the 8th for 3 points.

Hoenigmann carried on with his Bondhay momentum - the pick of the holes a net birdie on the tough pond laden 4th. Meadows decided do save the ink in his pen by only scoring on 5 of the opening 9 holes although the birdie nett eagle on stroke 1 was sure to be satisfying.

Fresh from chortling at Tuckwell’s and Jenkinson’s wayward efforts, Horsey hit the ground running with ambitions of reeling in Daft – 4 nett birdies in the opening 5 holes and 14 wholesome points. A steady finish saw 20 points racked up at the turn and a 5 shot lead.

Meadows turned up the pressure gauge and flexed his guns to rip into the back 9 – 1 over through 6 – a bounce in the step and sway in the swagger. A lost ball on 16 and ditch drive on 16 may have caused the end for many but a penalty drop - and up and down – for par nett birdie – proof that if you’ve got it, you’ve got it.

Liz noted that the colour of the language was increasing as the back 9 progress with the air turning stronger shades of blue as Horsburgh, mainly, began to unravel, politely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZaqXSzF-ic

Hoenigmann had his customary purple patch – 13 points through 5 holes to 17 finishing with another excellent round. More joy on Par 3’s for Dorman – par and bogey – totalling 2 over for the four of them and job well done.

The Sky Sports ‘player cam’ fixed on Horsburgh with scenes reminiscent of Happy Gilmore’s debut tournament. 26 points through 13 holes still represented a good tally before double dyke trouble and the Meadows surge began to cause problems – still all good entertainment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCQumUTzxVc

A dry and enjoyable – for most - round saw all 10 unscathed - apart from those wearing shorts and were bitten to shreds - adjourn to the 19th for some refreshments and to put the pounds in the pot. The Preston Potter, Mr Jim Dean (34) secured his 3rd win in 15 starts with a 2 point victory as Daft (32) consolidated. Brown (31 B9:20) ousted Hoenigmann (31 B9:16) and Horsburgh (31 B9:11) on countback.

Just one more!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyPe662Vf3c&feature=related