Horsey Counts the Costs

After Horsburgh Snr's £2.50 each way bet on Grand National, 100-1 shot, Mon Mome, son, Jason was hoping to emulate the feat. Having successfully backed golfers in the each way places over the last 4 weeks, 80-1 shot, Kenny Perry, looked likely to make it a 'Happy Easter' by going one better in the US Masters, courtesy of being 2 clear with 2 to play. Alas is was not to be and another significantly less, each way recoup.

Hefter Leaves His Mark

The prophets of gloom were chuntering from Thursday afternoon, as the forecast seemed to be deteriorating with Friday pm predicted to experience the full wrath of the elements. Tuckwell was running on Nottingham being on the East of the Country rather than the Midlands as the phone calls kept arriving, and the numbers swelling to record highs.

Ar$e and elbow sprang to mind as the tee off seemed to vary from 11.30 to 1 o clock but proved to be a blessing.

Amidst light drizzle, Chubb, Doc Brown and Brown Jnr, with a miserly 18 shots between them, got Season 5 underway. Chubb, with course form after jointly scooping the Away Day Championship at Stanton, back in October, immediately found rhythm with a birdie 2 on the second. A mixed bag followed but 15 half way points was a steady opening. Another in the handicappers grip, North Shore 2007 Champion, J (Doc) Brown, clung on to the coat tails of Chubb to finish 1 back at the turn. This was matched by brother Anthony with trademark consistency.

Doc Brown hit the front, by 1, with a decisive 3 pointer up 12 and was 2 clear standing on 17, with it certain to go to the wire. A slice of fortune aided the Docs playing partners, who were full of sympathy… as a raking approach to the green nestled high into a fir tree and remained. Chubb and Brown Jnr drew level on 27 points with the Doc still one ahead, as the 481 yard par 5 18th waited. Sensing their reprieve, Brown Jnr hit a priceless wedge to 3 foot to set up a birdie, while Chubb matched with nett birdie. Brown Jnr edged it on the count back by 1, and impressively scoring every hole.

The high maintenance, serial handicap pests of Buttress and Frame were accompanied by partner in crime, Daft, and seasoned campaigner Dean. Daft, the joint 2008 Away Day Champion failed to trouble the scorecard down the first and remained sluggish through 3, before stepping on the gas. Frame, who was once again after a significantly higher handicap than was given, was sitting pretty with 16 points through 8 before carding a snowman (8) up 9, fearing that the handicap may be reduced further! Buttress couldn’t quite find his A-game but had enough quality in the locker to draw on the 3 pointers when necessary and keep in contention. Dean finished the nine strongly with 2, 3 pointers in an otherwise indifferent start. Frame by 1.

Despite a solid mid round showing, a no pointer up 18 left Buttress adrift as a 3 way shoot out ensued. The initiative swung to Daft after a prile of 3 pointers beat Frame’s 4 of a kind (of 2’s). Dean looked dead and buried after a no score up 13, but 12 points in 4 holes meant that the trio stood on the 18th locked on 32 points. Matching nett pars saw Daft oust Frame on count back and justify the handicappers’ decision!

Another closely run fourball was to follow as A.T. Horsburgh Jnr, Radford and debutant Cochrane teed off in full wets. A.T, as always, stepped up to the plate, and with home field advantage managed to find 3 net birdies in a solid opening 18 points. Horsburgh, the steady eddy metronome, couldn’t buy 2 points, but more 3 pointers than 1’s left him handily placed at the turn: the best firing into the heart of the green from sand 120 yards from the green on 6. More sand nearly signaled the end for Horsburgh up 8, this time greenside, as a McLoughlin exorcet whizzed past the ear finishing on the green, from the group behind. Cochrane started and finished the nine with 3’s in an all scoring 9 holes. But it was all about Radford in an inspired showing that filtered through to last years champ, Meadows, who made a bee line for the course in between shifts. A steady opening 4 holes was merely an hors d’oeuvre as a landmark first ever, non wii, birdie was registered: a 2 on the 140 yard par 3. A beaming smile and fully deserved, well done. A four footer for another birdie just slipped by on 8, but a nett eagle ensured 4 more points, 23 in total, and a 4 shot lead at the turn.

A mid 9 wobble halted Cochrane’s progress, but a pleasing debut nonetheless. 8 points in the opening 3 holes left Radford on an astonishing 31 points with 6 to play. However a Mickleson and Tigeresque charge from A.T and Horsburgh began to turn up the heat. A double up 15 halted A.T’s charge, but 7 points in the last 3 holes meant a competitive opening round. Horsburgh found his first 2 pointer up 15 but once again it was threesey does it, and a welcome return to form, to sneak home by a shot.

Horsburgh Snr once again started the season in optimistic fashion, well handicapped and in great form. An ace, congratulations, with the Old Peculiars the previous Tuesday leaving a spring in the step. McLoughlin, with a staggering 36 point average over 7 rounds was joined by Hefter, who was suffering from a previous night scissors/bacon/thumb incident which required heavy bandaging. 3 nett birdies were balanced with 3 no scores for Horsburgh as McLoughlin began his assault on the course with a show of class golf: No green was safe and watch out the group in front! A tentative showing on the short stuff prevented heavier scoring, but a 2 putt birdie on 8 was satisfying after finding the 305 yard green! Hefter, in obvious discomfort, waited for the blood to seep through before blocking out the pain and serving up a treat. Despite to 1 pointers early doors, 18 points at the halfway mark was to leave a 2 shot lead and a pint of blood less.

The sight of the claret proved too much for Horsburgh Snr who upped the anti and decided to hit 3 trees per hole instead of one. McLoughlin was one over through 8 and with a shot up the last was eyeing another post 36 score, but fearing another handicap reduction managed to keep his head below the radar. A nett eagle up 12 ensured Hefter’s momentum and nett birdies up 14, 15 and 17 guaranteed success. With 39 points after 17, the iron levels hit dangerously low levels with Guinness the only remedy. Pints not points was the priority up 18, with the scorecard untroubled.

Drury, Marriot and everyone’s favourite lefty, Dessaur, were joined, on debut, by local sporting legend, Graham – amidst some handicap wranglings! Dessaur lit up the proceedings with 16 points through 6 holes as Drury proved to be as consistent as ever. After a ‘solid’ opening, holes 3 and 4 were to be quite literally toilet for Graham, a ‘dicky chicken tikka’ perhaps responsible for a (pebble) dash to the commode! A TGS first but apparently not a personal first in a similar repeat, a year previous, at Stanton! A 2 hole exodus was followed with regularity and some wholesome scoring. Marriot started with aplomb, but started firing wildly off the tee, frequent reloads preventing meaningful scoring. Dessaur by one.

Marriot finished strongly as did Drury who, on home turf, produced an expected compact score. Dessaur could not reproduce the sparkling early round form and left another TGS first on 12 with p/u recorded on the card. That was to be the only no score on the way in. Graham showed what he was capable of and managed 9 holes without leaving the course or cause to find a dock leaf and be at one with nature. An 18 point return was very satisfying and a definite one to watch.

Tuckwell Jnr thought he had miscalculated, sending everyone out without partners for himself until KCC enforcer, Garland, and perennial last man standing and arriving, Hoenigmann, wheeled into view. Tuckwell began with a mark of consistency, one up on 2 points through 7, before trouble started brewing. Hoenigmann started brightly, in the gloom, before struggling after an extra practice swing on 2. Garland couldn’t string 2 shots together before law and order was restored on 4 and the points began accumulating, 6 points in the final 2 of the 9 offering promise. With the hordes of Stanton members gathering like the distant rain clouds Tuckwell began to feel the heat and was keen to keep a safe distance to avoid any accountability and reprisals. Unfortunately this had a negative effect on the golf and with blood pressure going through the roof; it appeared like a visit to the City Hospital would arrive sooner than next Wednesdays scheduled appointment. Angry Kid by 4.

The Tuckwell meltdown continued with 3 points in the next 4 holes which was 3 more than was deserved as Hoenigmann found his customary 6 hole flourish: 16 points, including 2 nett eagles, the best a birdie 2 on 15, with the putter hot. The big stick couldn’t rescue Garland although some lusty blows were dispatched, 3 points up the last led to a pleasing finish. Tuckwell somehow found back to back birdies up 16 and 17 as the pressure gauge hit simmer, with the clubhouse in sight.

A great showing in the bar, with much merriment and Amen corner on the flat screen, as tales of what could have been floated around. Hefter and his well bandaged thumb were surrounded by pound coins in an unbelievable effort! The Brown’s tucked into a hearty ploughman’s as Frame tried to recoup his losses on the snooker table and the plans for the evening were discussed.

With the dust all settled it was Hefter (39) who stole the show with his 3rd tour title and 9½ digits! With Horsburgh Jnr (37) sneaking second from A.T. (36 B9:18) and Radford (36 B9:13). McLoughlin (35) and Drury (35) notched very creditable scores along side Daft (34) and Frame (34) – 26 handicap my eye!

I even managed to make the bandage look like a mini chef's hat!

Full results will be mailed round.

G.O.D. Day

Four of the TGS mainstays, Tuckwell Jnr, A.T, Horsburgh Jnr and Daft took advantage of the ‘Golf Organisers Day’, Not self titled G.O.D. day… open to all societies who play at Cotgrave over the year.

A chance to gets some holes under the belt was jumped upon on a glorious March morning. Best 2 out of 4 stableford was the format with ‘Team TGS’ aiming for 90 points, 5 per hole, (do the maths) around the Masters Course.

Tuckwell Jnr and Daft were straight off a Bridgford power session and grateful for the all inclusive bacon cob. Horsey was fine after a regulation 2 bottles of vino while A.T. was struggling with some back troubles. Daft and Horsburgh unleashed some wormburners down the first. While Tuckwell Jnr found greenside sand from the middle of the fairway, 3 points. The generous second yielded a welcome 6 points, with Daft putting for eagle.

A.T. appeared allergic to the fairways, favouring the 45º below the feet in the rough approach, although a snaking 40 foot putt from off the green on 5 indicated his arrival – welcome to the game.

Horsey was treating the assembled to yet another new putting style, while Daft was 100% off the tee with the trade mark fade and deadly on the baize. Tuckwell Jnr was showing plenty of promise from tee to green but couldn’t convert for a hatful of birdies. 42 points at the turn.

A.T tested the new driving range out from the 10th tee and was to repeat the feat from the 18th. Points were frittered with an untidy showing on the green. 11th proved fruitful with Daft once again holing with style.

A run of ‘apparent’ easy holes was to derail the challenge. Tuckwell Jnr, realising the good form could hamper a handicap increase, went to pieces while A.T. favoured the hedgerow bottoms. A run of 2-3-3 points required a reassessment of an 80 point target with 4 to play.

A Hepburn Shiraz was found at the bottom of Horsey’s bag and duly opened, with the effects immediate. A.T’s whisky and drambuie laden hip flask also made an appearance. Ah… nothings changed! Chris you’d be proud!

A.T. stepped up to the plate with a sterling finish, triggering a 6 point haul on 15 and a bonus 5 point mark on the island 16th courtesy of a birdie with all four balls dry and safely on the green.

Tuckwell Jnr and Daft found water of the monster 17th tee but Horsburgh and A.T. consolidated for a 4 pointer. 5 points up the last sealed a satisfying 81 points.

Drinks sat outside on the patio was an added bonus, especially watching a senior gentleman circumnavigate a hole on the putting green for a good 10 minutes without holing a thing, even from a foot, brilliant.

The same place in 7 months time will reveal the destiny of the 2009 TGS Champion.

2009 Fixtures - Hot off the Press

The 2009 calendar is hot off the press, and appears below. Stanton-on-the-Wolds is the choice for the opening exchanges of season Number 5, wow! Meadows won't be able to open the defence of his crown due to work commitments but 'guns' will sure to be blazing in a well stocked retro puma wardrobe come round two at Rushcliffe. With roughly 4 weeks between rounds there should be no excuse for a full turn out and the closest run title to date.

Always a favourite, Wollaton, reclaims it's regular Friday night June outing for round 3, followed by the sandy monster that is Bondhay. Ladd and Frame among the riders vowing never to return!

Ruddington appears for the first time, a local and established course, in the month of August, be sure to book the family holiday wisely. I'll be back from honeymoon! Rufford returns for an end of season run coupled with the beauty of Horsely (not Horsey) and the traditional finish to sort the wheat from the chaff, at Cotgrave and the Masters.

Hope to see plenty of you along the way.

Best FIVE not FOUR scores will make up the average for the end of season awards

If anyone has any comments to Frame and Buttress starting off 26 and 13 respectively please voice your opinions/concerns.

Round 1: April 10th - Stanton-on-the-Wolds @ 1pm

Round 2: 17th May - Rushcliffe @ 3pm

Round 3: 19th June - Wollaton @ 4.30pm

Round 4: 5th July - Bondhay @ 12.30pm

MID SEASON BREAK

Round 5: 23rd August - Ruddington @ 3.30pm

Round 6: 13th September - Rufford @ 12.30pm

Round 7: 4th October - Horsley Lodge @ 1.30pm

Round 8: 18th October - Cotgrave Masters - 11.30am

2009 Calendar

Hopefully the TGS 2009 Fixture card will be published a week on Friday.

2009 sees a reduced number of events but hopefully an increase in quality and with more time in between each outing to allow as high an attendance as possible.

Credit crunch, weddings, low summer attendance, led the management to decide on an 8 event season, with the 4 best rounds to count for the end of year trophy.

Pencil in the opener for April 10th (Good Friday) further details to follow.

Another Boy

Congratulations to everyones favourite Yorkshireman, Hally, and wife Alexis who are proud parents of their first child. Samuel Ellis Hall born at 10.32 on the 13th of January, weighing a healthy 9lb 4oz.

Matt did you keep Samuel awake through his first Derby game yesterday?

Vin's World Blog

An update of Vin's travels in the form of a blog. A little work in progress with some back dating to do, largely thanks to the theft of camera, phone and credit cards.

Shark for Christmas Dinner, stung by a scorpion and getting as high off the floor from a sea of hungry army ants that devoured everything in its path. A modern day biblical locust kind of thing. All part and parcel of the Central American Experience...

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/nadiavinny/1/1225468800/tpod.html