Caption Competition... (answers to be posted on the forum)
Friday, 7 March 2008
Thursday, 6 March 2008
The Opener
Only days away, the TGS carnival opens for 2008...
At the initial weigh in, 23 runners were declared for the season, as can be viewed on Bangles Bookmakers Ltd.
http://tuckers.fr33webhost.com/TGS_odds08.doc
Bookmaker Chris Hepburn, is open for trade and confirmation of bets can be placed through mail, phone or in person. An impressive Horsburgh Snr victory could see odds of 33/1 slashed, so now's the time. An inside peak at the other rider from the Horsburgh stud, Jnr, swung into some ominous form midweek, with Daft also reported to be swinging loose down the range.
With the going likely to be soft and some of the big hitters planning their scheldules to tailor into peaking at the right time a lower than expected but definite 9 have confirmed their running with a trio undecided.
Pre-tour favorite, Daft, 2006 and 2007 Tour Champions Horsburgh Jnr and Tuckwell Jnr are amongst the starters with self declared 2008 Champion elect Horsburgh Snr... Radford, Hepburn, Hoenigmann, Dean and Hefter. Jenkinson, Baker Snr and Dann may feature.
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
Congratulations
Congratulations to Tim 'Svenko' Jenkinson and Vicky on the birth of the first child, Milly Grace - 7lb 6oz. Born on April 1st.
The most successful manager in Tollerton FC's illustrious history and all round top bloke. Sharply dressed and previous owner of the TGS Tour high round: Rufford '05 - 42pts.
Rating
Tim JenkinsonHcp 21
Rounds 15 -Wins 1 - Placed 4 - Unplaced 10
Odds - 10/1
High Score 42 - Low Score 19
Average 32.1
2007: 31/19
Rating 74
Only seen twice during the course of 2007, but has a more than respectable average over the course of 3 years, and has a course win at Rufford to his name (2005) Combines a nice swing with a solid all round game, and is more than capable of posting big scores, off what is a more than generous mark. On the minus side, his tendancy to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory is the stuff of legends.
Jenks & Robbie: North Shore '06
The baby's head wetting session has been penciled in for a week on Friday (11th of April) around Bridgford. All welcome. 7.30 start subject to further notice
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
View From the 19th
As seen and reported by resident Bookmaker: Chris 'Bangles' Hepburn...
As it enters its 4th renewal, the TGS Tour continues to grow in stature, with 23 entries at this stage, the list of featured courses growing once again, and even a fabulous website dedicated to the tour, which should provoke plenty of comment and banter over the coming months, as well as detailing all the facts 'n' figures.
The 3 previous winners are among the field of 23 declared runners at this stage, and all 3 of them have strong claims to double their tally of titles, but with the standard rising all the time, and the handicaps becoming compressed as a result of 3 years results and statistics, picking the likely winner appears more difficult than ever this time around.
As ever, carding the minimum number of rounds, 6, is likely to prove problematic for some of the field, and even at this early stage, word is that both McLoughlin & Buttress are unlikely to achieve the minimum, and their odds reflect this, irrespective of their ability on the course. Perennial traveller, Neil Tuckwell, is likely to figure at some point over the season but the probability of remaining in the country throughout the Summer must be classed as 'uncertain' at best. Of those to whom the label “doubtful” is currently applied, the “Good Doctor” Jay Brow
n may have most to lose by failing to card the 6. He made a mockery of the North Shore Challenge last autumn, when winning by a record margin, and his talent on the course is there for all to see. However, it would take a monumental effort to score sufficient points off an opening handicap mark of just 5. Ex-Pro Neil Thacker is another who’s completing the 6 is in some doubt, and even if he does, he’ll need to be right on his game to stockpile enough points, playing off just 3. Should he do so, one looks forward to watching Bob Horsy handing out his home made scented candles to the rest of the field at Cotgrave in October!!
The latest 
“ratings”, show Messrs Thacker & Brown achieving the same figure as Tour stalwart Chris Ladd. He could easily have won in 2006 – and possibly would have, were it not for his nightmare 12 at Bondhay – and enjoyed a more consistent campaign last summer. Always prone to throw in the odd shocker, but generally solid, and he rates a fair bet at odds of 7/1, providing the rounds can be accumulated after relocating to Swindon during the week. Similar comments apply to Paul Frame, who is another one capable of very high scores on his day. Consistency is definitely not his game though – managed to fire both a 16 and a 42 last season – and he’ll be hoping to get off to a good start at Beedles, having enjoyed his previous outing there.
Tour Secretary, web
master, chief scribe (and reigning Champion Golfer!) Simon Tuckwell enters the fray on the back of a “health scare” – would be favourite if it were a stroke play format?!? – but appeared to be on good terms with himself when seen out recently, and a tally of numerous San Miguel and a couple of bottles of red suggest that he’s firing on all cylinders once more. Has no easy task in hanging on to his crown however (hahaha) off such a miserly handicap mark, but still dangerous to rule him out.
The Preston Potter – aka Jim Dean – has yet to really make his presence felt in the fin
al reckoning, but does possesss pedigree: having 2 Tour wins to his name, and a regular on the Old Peculiar circuit. Has a nice steady g
ame in his locker, and, provided he makes the minimum 6, he could easily reward each way support – at least. As has been well documented in recent press articles, to say Bob Horsburgh comes into the 2008 Tour in bullish mood would be something of an understatement… “my handicap’s all wrong… off 25, I’ll piss it easily… by halfway” – just one of his better quips. If his game lives up to its of course billing, then the title would be a formality, but others – and the formbook! – may beg to differ.
Son and heir, 2006 winner Jay Horsburgh, had a disappointing time last season, but is undoubtedly now well handicapped as a result. If he can once again discover the stready, metronomic… zzzzz golf of 2006, he could easi
ly take a hand and stake a claim for title #2, and will no doubt have his supporters. At a similar sort of price, Tim Meadows has been busy on the “all weather” circuit during the winter, and has won a couple of minor events at Stanton during this time. By all accounts he’s been striking the ball well and long, and is expected to mount a sustained challenge this time around. 
There appear to be a couple of runners, towards the foot of the handicap, whom one could safely strike a line through even before the 1st ball is hit. Among them are Matt Hall – has shown steady improvement, and possess
es a solid looking swing despite being a relative newcomer, but still a lot to find on the book – and has a mid summer wedding to distract him, Warren Dessaur, who’s has shown flashes of ability to compliment his natty attire and comic genius may find the quota difficult to fill with current back problems, and Chris Hepburn, 
who despite challenging for honours in 2005, has seen his game disappear ompletely, and it will be a massive surprise to see any of this trio figuring on any leaderboards. If you’re looking for a speculative wager at a big price, then Mike Hoenigmann may have most to offer. Relatively speaking still a novice, the improvement shown over the last 2 years showed its
elf when heput the cat among the pigeons at North Shore, when firing rounds of 31 & 36, which helped him towards a commendable 3rd place. The acquisition of a new driver (club not a chauffeur – yet!) seems to have been a massive help, and he’ll be keen to gain the bragging rights over business partner Rob Baker. Certain to get the 6 r
ounds in, and a 28 handicap to exploit, he rates by far the best of the 28 brigade. Winner of the innaugral TGS 2005 championship, and North Shore individual and team champion 2006, Rob Baker, has been an infrequent starter in the following 2 years, but has no doubt been playing plenty of golf on the various other courses around the globe in the meantime. Apparently will miss the curtain raiser for an alternative engagement north of the border, but, provided they let him back into England, he could well be in the shake up come October.
The ante po
st market has 2 runners priced at 10/1 – Mark Hefter & Tim Jenkinson, both of whom will fancy their chances of getting involved at the finish. The former finished we
ll last year, and has a string of 30+ scores to his name. However, his handicap mark has fallen as a result, and, as possibly the worst putter on the tour, he’ll need to sort out this element of his game if he’s going to be a player (had bought a new short stick apparently). Jenko, meanwhile, is something of a dark horse, having made few appearances on the tour. The possessor of a lovely slow golf swing, he could well shoot some big scores, but will have to find some consistency, and try not to choke if he ever finds himself in contention. Balancing the schedule may be difficult with Jenko Jnr imminent. The one confirmed newcomer to the tour this year (so far) is Al Rotton, who’s face will be familiar to many, and he definitely has a squeak off his opening mark of 22. Those who have played with him in the past have seen what he’s capable of, and 16/1 could look a very big price indeed if he opens up with a couple of high 30’s. Paul Radford, another relatively unknown quantity and new to the game, played the tail end of the 2007 season. A powerful looking player with a neat touch on the green. At 25's, looks to be well priced and likely to play all rounds.
Barry B
aker has demonstrated a very solid game whenever he’s teed it up, and it will be interesting to see how he fairs in relation to Baker Jr this year. Off an opening mark of 24, he could definitely make hay in the early stages, and if he’s able to appear in the majority of rounds, I would expect to see him towards the head of the leaderboard. Market leader, Richard D
aft can count himself most unlucky not to have his name on the trophy already, having been a model of consistency whenever he’s played. Undoubtedly one of the best players on the tour, and able to start off a handicap mark some 3 shots higher than he scored 34+ of previously, he rates a worthy favourite.
Clearly, therefore, there are many live contenders for this year Championship, but preference is for Andrew Tuckwell (nap) to make his class, and potentially massive scoring tell this time around. The selection struggled a little off marks of 9-11 last season, but as a result, begins this campaign of a 12 handicap. No stranger to the winners circle, with 4 tour wins already to his name, and having shot some massive scores in the past – 41 off 7 at Cotgrave in ’06! and North Shore 2006 winning captain (pictured below, centre)– he looks the proverbial “handicap snip” and it will be very disappointing if he isn’t able to mount a serious challenge.
al reckoning, but does possesss pedigree: having 2 Tour wins to his name, and a regular on the Old Peculiar circuit. Has a nice steady g
ame in his locker, and, provided he makes the minimum 6, he could easily reward each way support – at least. As has been well documented in recent press articles, to say Bob Horsburgh comes into the 2008 Tour in bullish mood would be something of an understatement… “my handicap’s all wrong… off 25, I’ll piss it easily… by halfway” – just one of his better quips. If his game lives up to its of course billing, then the title would be a formality, but others – and the formbook! – may beg to differ.
Son and heir, 2006 winner Jay Horsburgh, had a disappointing time last season, but is undoubtedly now well handicapped as a result. If he can once again discover the stready, metronomic… zzzzz golf of 2006, he could easi
ly take a hand and stake a claim for title #2, and will no doubt have his supporters. At a similar sort of price, Tim Meadows has been busy on the “all weather” circuit during the winter, and has won a couple of minor events at Stanton during this time. By all accounts he’s been striking the ball well and long, and is expected to mount a sustained challenge this time around. 
There appear to be a couple of runners, towards the foot of the handicap, whom one could safely strike a line through even before the 1st ball is hit. Among them are Matt Hall – has shown steady improvement, and possess
es a solid looking swing despite being a relative newcomer, but still a lot to find on the book – and has a mid summer wedding to distract him, Warren Dessaur, who’s has shown flashes of ability to compliment his natty attire and comic genius may find the quota difficult to fill with current back problems, and Chris Hepburn, 
who despite challenging for honours in 2005, has seen his game disappear ompletely, and it will be a massive surprise to see any of this trio figuring on any leaderboards. If you’re looking for a speculative wager at a big price, then Mike Hoenigmann may have most to offer. Relatively speaking still a novice, the improvement shown over the last 2 years showed its
elf when heput the cat among the pigeons at North Shore, when firing rounds of 31 & 36, which helped him towards a commendable 3rd place. The acquisition of a new driver (club not a chauffeur – yet!) seems to have been a massive help, and he’ll be keen to gain the bragging rights over business partner Rob Baker. Certain to get the 6 r
ounds in, and a 28 handicap to exploit, he rates by far the best of the 28 brigade. Winner of the innaugral TGS 2005 championship, and North Shore individual and team champion 2006, Rob Baker, has been an infrequent starter in the following 2 years, but has no doubt been playing plenty of golf on the various other courses around the globe in the meantime. Apparently will miss the curtain raiser for an alternative engagement north of the border, but, provided they let him back into England, he could well be in the shake up come October.The ante po
st market has 2 runners priced at 10/1 – Mark Hefter & Tim Jenkinson, both of whom will fancy their chances of getting involved at the finish. The former finished we
ll last year, and has a string of 30+ scores to his name. However, his handicap mark has fallen as a result, and, as possibly the worst putter on the tour, he’ll need to sort out this element of his game if he’s going to be a player (had bought a new short stick apparently). Jenko, meanwhile, is something of a dark horse, having made few appearances on the tour. The possessor of a lovely slow golf swing, he could well shoot some big scores, but will have to find some consistency, and try not to choke if he ever finds himself in contention. Balancing the schedule may be difficult with Jenko Jnr imminent. The one confirmed newcomer to the tour this year (so far) is Al Rotton, who’s face will be familiar to many, and he definitely has a squeak off his opening mark of 22. Those who have played with him in the past have seen what he’s capable of, and 16/1 could look a very big price indeed if he opens up with a couple of high 30’s. Paul Radford, another relatively unknown quantity and new to the game, played the tail end of the 2007 season. A powerful looking player with a neat touch on the green. At 25's, looks to be well priced and likely to play all rounds.Barry B
aker has demonstrated a very solid game whenever he’s teed it up, and it will be interesting to see how he fairs in relation to Baker Jr this year. Off an opening mark of 24, he could definitely make hay in the early stages, and if he’s able to appear in the majority of rounds, I would expect to see him towards the head of the leaderboard. Market leader, Richard D
aft can count himself most unlucky not to have his name on the trophy already, having been a model of consistency whenever he’s played. Undoubtedly one of the best players on the tour, and able to start off a handicap mark some 3 shots higher than he scored 34+ of previously, he rates a worthy favourite.Clearly, therefore, there are many live contenders for this year Championship, but preference is for Andrew Tuckwell (nap) to make his class, and potentially massive scoring tell this time around. The selection struggled a little off marks of 9-11 last season, but as a result, begins this campaign of a 12 handicap. No stranger to the winners circle, with 4 tour wins already to his name, and having shot some massive scores in the past – 41 off 7 at Cotgrave in ’06! and North Shore 2006 winning captain (pictured below, centre)– he looks the proverbial “handicap snip” and it will be very disappointing if he isn’t able to mount a serious challenge.
A full list of odds are provided below. Bets can be placed via e-mail, phone or in person. Place bets are a quarter of the odds for a top 4 finish.
Monday, 3 March 2008
Best Excuse For A No-Show
Beedles Lake 2005:
Ladd arrives without passenger Dessaur. The answer, to the absence, arrives via a text message some hours into the round...
'Getting a hand shandy of a strange woman from the Walkabout Bar. Many apologies . Don't know where i am. About to leg it!'
Dessaur 18/09/05
Sunday, 2 March 2008
BEEDLES LAKE
A firm favourite, appearing on the tour for the fourth consecutive year. By no means the most exclusive and picturesque but affordable and accessible, and...
‘The Course is 13 years old and developing into one of the most delightful courses to play, with a good test of golf for all standards’
http://www.beedleslake.co.uk/thecourse/
It has ranked with varying degrees of success.
2005: 2nd easiest (0f 12), averaging 33.7 points.
2006: 10th (14), ave 29.2.
2007: 5th (10) ave 29.1
Previous winners include Drury ’05: 41 pts, Thacker ’06: 36 pts, Tuckwell Jnr ’07: 37 pts. No stranger to the rostrum is Daft, who has made the top 3 on two occasions, ‘The Doc’ Brown, Rymer and Phoenix.
Drury ('05) and Frame ('05) hold the front 9 high of 21 points. With Tuckwell Jnr ('05) and Phoenix ('06) the back 9 high, also with 21 points.
Historically a mark around 36 points would secure a top 3 finish if not the victory and on course form
http://tuckers.fr33webhost.com/Beedles_courseform.xls
Daft and Tuckwell Jnr must be candidates for the opener even if the latter is well handicapped. Meadows is in form having wintered well and securing a second place finish in the Stanton March Thursday Medal with a gross 83 and can't be discounted. A.T, another likely starter, has once again confirmed his all weather status and although in the swing there are doubts over his course form. Baker's, Snr and Jnr, Horsburgh jnr, Ladd and Frame will all be looking for a flier as will Hefter - who is likely to be well priced after poor 'Beedles' Showings to date. Radford and Hoenigmann, both unknown quantities, could be capable of big things though '08.
Man of the moment Horsburgh Snr, with course form, having finished 3rd in 2005, and in light of recent media revelations can surely not be overlooked after recently being interviewed on his up and coming chances for the season ahead.
Sound Required.
http://tuckers.fr33webhost.com/Bob_Horsburgh%20-%20Mar%2025,%202008%2017.29.50.mp3
Without sound
Designed for your betting needs, if you deem fit, our resident bookmaker/statistician has collated a player rating for each potential rider...
http://tuckers.fr33webhost.com/Golf_Ratings.xls
'2008 Champion': ODDS TO APPEAR SHORTLY...
Saturday, 1 March 2008
TGS 2008: Season IV
Welcome
TGS 2008: Season IV
Dust off those clubs, knock the mud from the shoes and shake out the Pringle knitwear it's TGS time. Once again 12 rounds have been booked for your golfing and non-golfing pleasure and it all starts on Sunday the 13th of April @ Beedles Lake.
The Format
12 tournaments
Stableford: Full Handicaps as allocated.
To qualify for the end of season trophy, players must submit their 6 best rounds, of which an average point score will be taken. The more rounds completed the more chance of discarding some of the low numbers.
To qualify for the end of season trophy, players must submit their 6 best rounds, of which an average point score will be taken. The more rounds completed the more chance of discarding some of the low numbers.
2007 Champion: S. Tuckwell - Ave 34.67
2006 Champion: J. Horsburgh - Ave 36.5
2005 Champion: R. Baker -Ave 36
A small handling charge has been added to some of the green fees to cover administration, trophies, deposits and end of season prize money.
Tournament prize money will consist of £1 per man per tournament. Winner takes all.
If scores are tied, the player with the best back 9 (3, 6, 12, 15) shall be deemed the winner.
Prize money will awarded to the top 3 at the end of the season (£50 - £30 - £20)
Handicaps
Handicaps
Players will start off the designated TGS handicaps detailed 25/02/08.
New players will play off an initial handicap reflecting ability, declared by the individual and agreed by the committee.
Any non-winning scores over 36 points will result in a shot being docked.
A player winning an event with a score less than 40 will be docked a shot.
Winning scores over 40 points will result in a minimum of 2 shots handicap reduction.
3 consecutive rounds less than 30 points will result in a shot returned and a shot thereafter for every consecutive round under 30, until a score over 30 is posted.
* Full golf rules apply. i.e. (Out of Bounds and 'Reloading') *
The full fixture list for 2008 is in the links section.
Two new courses for 2008 - Chilwell and Birstall plus some old favourites!
Look forward to seeing you over the season.
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