Lifeboat Spoon stirs things up!
Fresh from those dreams of ‘Open Glory’ and in the shadow of our own inaugural ‘Open Champion’ Terry Watts; a strong field, almost as big as the one assembled at Hoylake last week, came together for this week’s competition.
Despite our best efforts to keep it a secret, all 141 entrants to the Lifeboat Spoon queued up in the Shop to receive sound advice from Mike as to which ball best suits their swing. Not content with that, they were then holding their hands out waiting to receive their FREE sleeve of the appropriate ball!
It’s madness, I know, but we do it only because we value each and every one of you.
Next week’s offer? Buy any two for the price of three!!
Open Championship sweepstake
Winner of our Open Championship Sweepstake, Gary Chatfield, a regular afternoon player, was so keen to try his new PING Anser irons he was on the tee at 8:04 am. Not sure it was the best of ideas though, very difficult to tee off with one’s eyes still closed. Gary is usually an afternoon player, less said the better! In truth he was very happy with his new clubs, so much so he’s ordered a few more pieces to complete his bag.
Excellent conditions saw many a good score returned. Division 1 had Jonathan Pickering besting Norman Rose on count back with a fine 39 points apiece, but clear winner on the day and Lifeboat Spoon Champion for 2014 was Mike Newing, with a fantastic 42 points. I want some of what he’s on!
The Greatest Short Iron player in the club
USPGA Champion
Hot on the heels of our ‘Open Champion’ skills test we launch #2 in our series with a competition to find the ‘Greatest Short Iron Player’ in the club and ‘USPGA Champion’. We will be set up on the range ready to receive all comers with a skill test that accommodates players of all standards. Can Terry Watts continue his march toward a ‘Grand Slam’ of major titles, or will someone else step up and win bragging rights?
USPGA Sweepstake
In parallel and to complete the set of 4, we are rolling out our USPGA Sweepstake.
For this event we want you to choose any two competitors from the field, excluding the top ten in the world as of 28/07/14 published here.
The lowest aggregate score over 4 rounds runs out winner.
You know it makes sense to enter, just ask Gary Chatfield!
What’s Next!
Club Championship
Next Sunday, 3rd August, the course plays host to our annual Club Scratch Medal & Winch Gold Medal. Played over 36 holes on the day, these competitions are unique in our calendar.
Previously called the Mid-Summer Scratch Medal and now played as the Club Championship, the original trophy presented by Mr Alfred Schacht in 1892 has long since disappeared. Did we really have such bounders in the club back then! The Winch Gold Medal, won by the best nett score, was donated by our first Captain Thomas Winch in our founding year 1891 and dates back to 1791. As one might imagine it is actually a gold medal.
After a decline in numbers over a period of time, support for these competitions is building once again. It’s great to see an old tradition being supported.
August Product Festival
August 30th sees us hosting two fantastic fitting days
FootJoy fitter James Monk is on site providing a professional shoe fitting service. James has years of experience and is offering 20 minute slots available between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, during which he will measure your feet correctly and advise the perfect shoe for you.
Limited slots available, so book early!
On the same day, Morgan Darnell from PING will be here showcasing their brand new G30 range. This is one of the most exciting club launches for some time, these clubs are a step change from what has gone before.
As with the FootJoy offer, slots are available on a first come first served basis, so drop in and reserve your spot ASAP.
Click here to watch Bubba Watson demonstrate some of the advances PING have made. Quite apart from being very informative, this video made me chuckle.
Not only are these clubs destined to improve many peoples scores, to my eye they're as good looking a club as PING have ever produced.
We are receiving these clubs in shop at the sharp end of their roll out. Come and see them from 1st August and try out with our own demo models.
As if that wasn't enough!
Between Monday 11th August and Friday 15th August we have a full TaylorMade Demo Pack on site. This will include ladies as well as men's clubs, stiff, regular an M flex shafts for the more leisurely among our ranks. As comprehensive a range of TaylorMade clubs you will ever get the opportunity to swing.
I'm currently negotiating a second week, but it's not guaranteed. Make hay whilst the sun shines and try them on the practice ground, or better still, why not take them out on the golf course!
Sad Times
For those of you that aren’t yet aware, Mike Bush will be leaving his full time post on Friday 31st July. Over the past couple years Mike has played a major part in the development of the shop and the levels of service we give to the membership…
Good news is he’s not leaving us completely and once he gets his Amateur status back he’ll be cleaning up in the competitions. We wish him all the best in his new career.
In his own words:
“I want to thank all the member's for their kind words of support and well wishes as I look to take the next step in my career. I have had a fantastic two and a half years in the pro shop with Warren and the rest of the team, and especially enjoyed the last nine months where I have taken on a more full time role. As many of you know I am stepping back to a part-time role again so I am pleased to say I will still be working here in the shop one day a week going forward.”
Unfortunately anyone looking to see our first loss of the season will be mightily disappointed to know that our undefeated stretch was extended to 4 matches with a gritty 3 and 2 victory over Eric Goodwin and Bruce Davidson. The duo battled hard from start to finish giving the Captain and I our toughest test to date and if it wasn’t for the early lead we built up the game may have had a different ending…
Our next contest will be on 10th August where John and Jo Beslee will ATTEMPT to take away our undefeated crown… Bring it on!
Last week saw only Jack Colegate in action, finding himself in Ireland for the Kingspan Concra Wood Open. His 5 over 77 in the first round left an uphill struggle, but a fine 69 on day two and a solid 2 under 70 on the last day had him in a tie for 15th spot and another £525 in the fighting fund.
It's off to Co. Carlow this week as the Irish Odyssey continues. Keep up with how he gets on by clicking here:
Bank Holiday Mixed
It’s a Soft Shoe Shuffle
Bank Holiday Monday 28th August is the date for a chance to ‘Waltz your way to victory’.
1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1 score to count on the first, 2 scores to count on the second, 3 on the third, then round we go again.
It’s teams of 4 at £2 per person, followed by dinner after. See Mixed Board for details and take you partners please!
Party in the Park
Don't miss out on one of the great occasions in the club diary. Party in the Park is on the 16th August; it kicks off at 4:00 pm and runs 'til late. Prices for the day are as follows; adults £12.50 and children £2.50.
Contact Paula and her team to book your pitch, it's a night not to miss!
