US PGA Championship
No, not that one, Our One!
Following on from our ‘Open Championship’ putting extravaganza, Saturday witnessed the second event in our Major Series. This time, Warren was set up in the hut with a skills test to find the Champion wedge exponent.
The early pace was set by Bob Florence, with a conservative mark that was never going to last the day. It did however hold up longer than expected, until John T. Martin stepped up and posted a very respectable 19’ 8”. None of that foreign metric nonsense here!
John’s effort didn’t prove too durable as first John Giles and then quickly after Shaun Macklin set new bests, Shaun with a very impressive 12’ 8”. Challengers came, challengers went, this was looking good enough to win; then up stepped Naz Gill, fresh from his victory in the Winch Gold Medal and the new target was 11’ 8”.
As time was running out, folk were throwing everything they had into their late efforts, none more so than winner of our ‘Open Championship’ Terry Watts. His effort to secure the second leg of a ‘Grand Slam’ was found wanting though and the day became another success for Naz, adding our ‘Wanamaker Trophy’ to his growing collection.
As a sideshow to the main event, players were battling the elements in the Burden Trophy. In tough conditions scoring was good, Division 2 seeing two rounds of 70 from Sam Ridgewell and Ken Harrison. Jordan Watts however was not to be denied, posting a winning score of 69. Division 1 saw tougher than that, Ollie Hawker posting a gross 68, for a nett 66, yet he had to give best on count back to John Tutt and winner of Division 1 and the Burden Trophy, Chris Hassell. Well played to all the prize winners.
No competition this week, but next up is the unique Golf Foundation Par Competition on Saturday 23rd August, where we get to play match play against the course. Your chance to give the card a beating! List opens on the Saturday 16th August.
US PGA Sweepstake
A big thank you goes to all those that joined in and to Chris Holt for all his help behind the scenes. A thrilling finish to proceedings means the prize fund of £550 splits between top five and ties thus:
£165.00
£137.50
£110.00
£82.50
£55.00
With four people claiming the victory, Denis Lloyd, Keith Mills, Barry Worth and Brendan Twomey each receive £123.75, whilst Paul Jarman picked up the £55.00 for 5th place
A more deserving bunch you’d struggle to find!
Victory Upon Victory
Club Manager John’s rich vein of form continued when he was in action at The Berkshire. As Captain of the English Secretaries against the French Secretaries, in their annual match competing for the Presteege Cup, he was unbeatable.
The two day competition saw plenty of competitive golf, but the English Secretaries proved to be too good, running away with a resounding 18.5 – 5.5 victory.
Soon be time to turn Pro?
Club Fitting Bonanza!
We now have FlightScope on site right through until 26th September. This technology takes the whole fitting process to a different level. It allows Warren to match each player perfectly to the equipment they need.
To complement this, we have a full TaylorMade Demo Set in the shop for you to try on the range, or on the course, until Wednesday 27th August. Plus we have our regular PING and TaylorMade Custom Fit Carts. As if that wasn't enough we now have the brand new PING G30 range in the shop and a PING Demo Day on 30th August.
We've all seen the technology at work on the TV, tracking the ball flight of McIlroy, Woods, Mickleson, et al. That's not all it does though as it feeds Warren data about every millisecond of your clubs' vertical and horizontal swing planes, instantly displaying it on his iPad.
Nothing is left to chance. If you really want to be playing the correct clubs there is no better experience. It's bringing the facilities used by Pros at their club manufacture's fitting centre to your doorstep.
There are still a few spaces left for the PING Demo Day and the FootJoy Fitting Day, both here on the 30th August. Don't be bashful; it's all part of the service.
To book, speak to us in the pro shop.
Golf Ball Promotion
Don’t forget it’s a great time to stock up with Srixon AD333 golf balls. Already discounted to £22.99 per dozen for the duration of this promotion, there’s more money to be saved. If you buy 3 dozen balls at the discounted price, we will GIVE you the fourth dozen absolutely FREE!
And there’s more!! Sleeves of AD333 are discounted to £6.95. Buy three sleeves and again we’ll GIVE the fourth sleeve absolutely FREE, that works out to just £20.85 per dozen. Complete madness on our part, but you’re worth it.
This offer runs until 30th September when we revert to our already very favourable prices.
Course Maintenance
On the 26th - 27th - 28th August, Barry and the team will be hollow coring, micro coring and dressing the greens. This is essential maintenance and though it can seem like an inconvenience at the time, we reap the benefit for the rest of the year.
Driving Range Closure
This Saturday, 16th August, the range will be closed to allow setting up for Party in the Park. All other practice facilities will be available as usual.
Party in the Park
That brings us to the event itself. Fun starts at 4:00 pm and lasts 'til you drop.
If you haven't already done so, contact the bar to book your pitch, it's a night not to miss!
Prices for the day are as follows; adults £12.50 and children £2.50.
Matt Haines was in Norway last week for the Norwegian Challenge at the Miklagard GC. Despite playing well for two days his scorecard didn't reflect the good form and a 73 - 75 saw Matt miss the cut. Meanwhile Jack Colegate took a week to recharge the batteries after a long run of events.
Mollie Lawrence was in action in the English Girls' Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship at The Warwickshire. In tough conditions Mollie shot 75 - 77 to make the cut, with a last day 77 securing a share of 18th place.
At the airport this week, on her way to Antrim for the Girls' British Open Amateur Championship, Mollie learned she has been picked to make her 3rd appearance representing England. She'll be teeing it up in the upcoming international against Switzerland. Well done Mollie.
