The other big event at Gleneagles is just weeks away…
Last week saw the Foremost golf team take on Tartan Group for the annual Ashworth Cup. Played on a similar format to The Ryder Cup and played over the same course Europe will hopefully defeat America, the Foremost team of which yours truly was a part of got revenge (which I was also part of) by the margin of 12-6.
We were treated to what can only be said was a 6 star treatment by both Ashworth and the Gleneagles facility, which might live up to its billing as the best Resort in the World! For those few days I now know what it is like to be treated like the best players in the world get on a weekly basis.
The only thing the Resort got wrong was the weather, as you can see from the picture of me and other ‘Welshies’ in the Team (more than 2 Welsh people do play golf) it was not July as we know it.
How did I do? In the 4 balls the first day my partner and I were round in 28 for the back nine and only halved! The 2nd day singles, round the Centenary course , I lost up the last to a “career” 3wood, uphill, into a left to right 25 mile an hour cross wind just the 260 yards away. It finished 20 feet away and a 2 putt birdie did the job. A great shot which is going to be needed in September if Europe are to win.
It’s a fabulous venue and here are some of the holes to watch out for in the matches later in the year.
No 5. 461 yard Par 4, probably the hardest hole on the course, sandwiched between 2 par threes, so this could be where match positions are clearly defined early in the game.
No14, 320 yard Par 4, a driveable par 4 with lots of short game challenges if the green is missed from the tee.
No 16 543 yard Par 5, with water in the lay-up area and danger all around the green if attempted in 2.
All the par 3s, shortest being just the 194 yards long with raised greens and extremely deep bunkers and drop offs the sides so good luck with the long irons and fairway metals there!
No18 514 yard Par 5, slight dog leg left to right up hill to what can only be described as a “Difficult” green. Getting up and down will be interesting due to its severity.
Being a Nicklaus design there is room off the tee but don’t be fooled as missing the fairway makes it nearly impossible to reach in regulation as the rough is punishing. A good match play course with birdie chances galore. Weather permitting it will be a superb event, if not there will be very few Eagles in the Glen.
More Eagles …
Last weekend’s summer 4 ball event was a bun fight to say the least. With softer conditions and ever improving weather, scoring was unbelievable with 3rd place on 45 points. Runners up were Paul Worrall and Phil Kenyon on 46 points losing out on countback to Dave Chegwidden and ever steady Jeff Woolgrove, who holed a hybrid for an eagle up the last to take the honours. “It was a bit gloomy and walking up to the green we couldn’t see the ball, I thought it was a decent shot and looked over the green, everything searching then back-tracked and there it was in the hole." Cheggers “was on a shot and had a birdie putt, so I saved him the trouble of missing.”
It can`t even be said it was a career shot as just a couple of years ago Jeff had 2 hole in ones in the same round.
Lady Captain’s year just gets better and better…
Lady Captain Margaret Oliver is having a great year on the course. She headed the field with a nett 68 last week in the Boatman Cup, beating past Captain Bev McAnnally and Tina Priebatch into second and third places respectively. The other ladies will be pleased its Ladies Captains day this week as Margaret hosts the event and isn’t allowed to play! Gory details next week for you.
Andy and Richie pass exams…
Andy received the news he can finally put the training books behind him and look to the future as he has now completed his training and can soon be called a member of The Professional Golfers Association. He completed his coaching in fine style and is now looking forward to his graduation ceremony later in the year. It is a great achievement and I`m very proud he has completed the course.
Richie too has completed his second year. The work gets progressively difficult so well done to him too. He now has his final year to look forward too, so good luck with that.
A Krul or clever way to go out?
The World Cup threw up 4 great quarter finals with one of the best psychological substitutions ever made in the Holland, Costa Rica match. With the match still in stalemate closing in on penalties, Holland subbed their `keeper. What a stroke of genius from Van Gall to outwit the penalty takers with a penalty saving “expert” between the sticks. It worked and Holland got through and at last we didn’t have to listen or read any more about Suarez. Two great semi-finals to be played (after writing this) and the Final to follow this Sunday. Whoever gets through, the final will be a thriller as long as the ref is strong enough to give good decisions. It remains to be seen.
Next week is the biggest golf event of the year, The Open from Royal Liverpool. It again will be a very competitive event with no one player dominating the betting. Of course Tiger will be favourite after winning their last time out but has he played enough. I fancy Snedeker and Rose to be their come Sunday. Rose is a man in form and Sneds has got back to competitive ways after last year’s injuries. Possibles, Kuchar and believe it or not Westwood!?All straight drivers of the ball and with softer conditions this will be a big factor round Hoylake unlike last time.
We have the Sweepstake running so pop in and pick a number. A bit of interest for you if your favourite player has had a bad week.
Please put a reminder in your diaries, my Pro's day is now October 4th and not as stated July 26th!
Also for those who would like to play with a Professional put the date of August 12th in your diary and why not enter Orsett’s Pro Am this year. You will get to play with one of the East Regions finest players and get the chance to watch up close “how it’s done”. It’s a great opportunity to get someone’s undivided attention for 4 hours who will only be too happy to advise you if needed and give you an insight into a tournament Professional's life.
If you would like to put a team of three players together, please either call or email me and I can point you in the right direction regarding any further information required. You will have great day and maybe even win a prize or two.
Click here to let me know.