World Matchplay here we come!

Next week is the reinvented World Matchplay event at The London Club just over the river. Attending will be the four lucky winners of my Pro’s day at the weekend with their season tickets covering the whole week.

Tricked up flag locations, unusual tee placements, even miniature holes couldn`t stop Captain David Turner, Colin Page, John Ryder and Dave Bloomfield from winning the team event on 103 points and who have suddenly become great friends with so many members.

They were the first on the course at 7.30am and with threats of penalties if not finishing in under 4 hours and 15 minutes the team cruised around in just under 4 hours. Not only did it help on penalty point threat but they didn`t get wet at all unlike 80% of the field who were literally drowned. If canoes had been available we would have used them. The course held up brilliantly with just a couple of small puddles in low areas after nearly 4 hours of solid rainfall. If it rains in Kent next week the winners won`t get wet as the prize included clubhouse passes to mix with the players and VIP parking as well.

Runners up on countback were “The Dayos” Andy and Trevor alongside Paul Green and Mick Kelly (below, left) apparently the team secret weapon with 97 points from Mark “soft shoe” Bird, Dave Humphrey, Rob Banister and John Robertson  (below, right)

Fourth were Pat Purcell, Barry Triston and two late subs, Mark Boughton and Mike Lilley (below, left), good choices Pat, better subs than Arsene Wenger. Below, right you can see the extent of the downpour through the windows!

Mystery prizes (a day’s golfing somewhere in Essex) were won by 3 of the top 4. The last mystery prize was won by Roy and Gary Gutteridge, Cliff Thoms and Monsieur Petitt. Nearest the flag winners on the par 3’s were; Steve Golding, Steve Biggin, John Gasgarth and Chris Dreher.

Many thanks to all those who played, who attempted to play then walked in and even those who arrived and decided not to go out and play (I don`t blame you, it was horrendous). Next year we will get back to a summer date so the waterproofs can stay in the lockers and more can wear their team colours of choice.

Rain wear, warm wear required!

The temperature has gone downhill and now is the time to consider looking at how to keep both warm and dry whilst out playing. Take a look around the store when you are next in, we have something for everyone. From Under Armour, Ashworth, Sunderland, ProQuip and Glenmuir, the garments are fashionable, colourful, and flexible and a great fit.

Also available are the new 2015 range of Mizuno irons. As always Mizuno have not compromised on their undoubted quality and have a product in their range designed for everyone. Remember, I am a Mizuno DNA fitting analyst, with 3 swings we can put the perfect shaft on the preferred head just for you.

Where there’s a Wil-son theirs a Cinderella story…

2008 - a Ryder Cup player, 2014 - world 792! Next stop the Dunhill Golf Championship in Scotland and a win. Oliver Wilson’s career moves in the last few seasons couldn`t have been more spikey. 6 years ago among the best in the World, to 2 weeks ago receives an invite to make up the field in Scotland and bingo, he hits the jackpot! He wins, gets back on The European Tour and gains a 2 year exemption out there too, oh and the half a million pound didn`t go a miss either!

He held off the challenge of Rory McIlroy, Richie Ramsay and relative new kid on the block, Tommy Fleetwood. I think it`s called being in the right place at the right time for Wilson who was understandably edgy playing the last round but managed to hit 2 career shots at just the right time. Fleetwood had a 12 footer to tie on the famous 18th St Andrews green but it never looked like troubling the hole. Wilson ended in tears of joy with his wife who will no doubt be on the “spend” very soon.