USA finally win Ryder Cup… 
The eagerly anticipated cadet trip to Belton Wood Country Club, Lincs, certainly lived up to expectation and the two day event ran smoothly despite a threatening start.
Having loaded up the transit, with the clubs and wardrobes of the ever fashionable cadets, and the minibuses packed with 20 high energy juniors we set off from the club early Sunday morning. We were met with lashing rain for most of the journey but that didn't dampen the spirits.
We arrived in good time despite the rain and after getting all the rooms organised, we headed for the range. The rain was coming in sideways by now and though we were sheltering at the back of the range, it was still soaking us. We scrambled back to the hotel/clubhouse and decided to call time on the days 18 and opt for 9 a little later if the weather cleared up. 10 minutes later, sods law, and the opportunity to play came and credit where credits due, the adults that escorted the party still went out with the cadets who were all itching to play the original 18 match!
Team Europe and team USA, with a few playful mind games and some sportsmanship, made their way to the 1st on the Woods course. After battling the conditions the score was close, not in some of the games but in overall standings. With Europe 3-2 up on the US team.
Better ball scores Day 1
USA vs Europe
A.Buttle S.Wheeler vs W.Percival T.King - 5/4 EUR
Z.Chegwidden B.Jennings vs C.Steffans R.Pitcher - 6/5 USA
H.Robson J.Green vs D.King C.Newton - 3/2 USA
T.Oakes T.Linekar vs C.Boreham J.Jordan - 5/3 EUR
M.Tong J.Defries vs G.Bailey J.Shiner - 2/1 EUR
Total - 3-2 EUR
After a great evening carvery and an early night for most, day two was again eagerly awaited. The draw made by the Cadet Captain, Will Percival which left us with some "tasty" match ups and there was certainly a few results that would have beaten the bookmakers odds. The USA won 6 out of 10 singles matches to claim an 8-7 victory.
Singles scores Day 2
USA vs Europe
Zach Chegwidden vs Jack Shiner - EUR 8/6
Brad Jennings vs Ryan Pitcher - USA 6/5
Matt Tong vs Jack Jordan - USA 1up
George Baily vs Joe Green - EUR 5/4
Taylor Oakes vs Will Percival - EUR 6/5
Cassidy Steffens vs Alfie Buttle - USA 1 up
Davis King vs Sophie Wheeler - EUR 7/5
Harry Robson vs Connor Boreham - USA 2/1
Joe Defries vs Callum Newton - USA 2/1
Tom Linekar vs Tommy King - USA 2/1
Even if US still can`t quite do it in the real Ryder Cup, their surrogate team were victorious in Lincolnshire.
There was a special forfeit prize of a wig and an enormous furry hat and we let the juniors decide who would benefit due to the heaviest defeats and fair play to those who wore them with no shame. Zach and Ryan; not to mention names.
I think the two days really showed what a budding young group of golfers Orsett has at their disposal and it was enjoyed by all no doubt. I would imagine they all got their good night's sleep on Monday after playing in those conditions over two fairly lengthy golf courses.
A special mention to the adults who supervised the weekend, thanks Tracey, Steve, Steve and Lee. And a special mention to the junior organiser, Mark White who arranged the weekend for the cadets. They loved it and I think you have done so well they will want to go again next year (probably earlier but we wouldn't do that to you) he also gave me a lesson out there beating me 2up.
Andy
Cadet news
12 year old, Sophie Wheeler one of our cadets and now Essex girls ambassador, for growth in girls golf in Essex, followed up the Belton Woods weekend with a 36 hole Junior Open at Stoke by Nayland.
She played fabulously in awful conditions, scoring net 144 for her 2 rounds which won her first prize in the handicap section and a great big trolley bag as her prize. Her handicap was 16 and played 7 shots under the combined CSS. Playing 72 holes in such dreadful conditions didn`t deter her, so congratulations Sophie keep up the great play!
Plummer's hopes vanish down the drain…
Norman Plum team Captain, Ray Bentley was disappointed to have lost in the first round of the Norman Plum County event.6 better ball teams, 3 at home, 3 away, made up of category 3 and 4 handicap players played against Stoke by Nayland last weekend. In horrific weather which had members walking in, the "plummers" found it hard work against their red hot opponents who raved about the course condition and then proceeded to flood the matches with pars and birdies! One of their players even drove over the "cross bunkers" on the 11th (over 420yards) Orsett lost all 3 matches at home but won 2-1 away, overall a loss 4-2 in the tie. Lads, mop those tears up and better luck next season.
Karl Morris event
Many thanks to those who have already committed to the Karl Morris evening on May 6th. It is well worth the £12.50 for a ticket with Karl giving you all valuable knowledge to improve and of course enjoy your golf further. Tour players pay thousands for the same information and we have the unique opportunity to listen and then ask Karl questions on the night to help our games. It is a follow up presentation on last year's save 5 shots and will cover many new ideas for you. If you would like to eat prior to the event please make known to us in the Pro shop at time of booking. Food is just £6.50 extra and will be served before Karl takes to the mic.
Fittings go from strength to strength..
The GC2 launch monitor has really helped many of our members already and has become to the talk of the sweeps. Steve McNally Snr has impressed many of his group. "I've never seen Steve drive the ball so consistently straight and long, he puts it all down to the new G30 driver David fitted for him"
Others are consistently hitting more fairways which makes the game easier than from the rough. Getting the combination of loft and shaft flex is paramount but also making sure the weight is situated around the face correctly for maximum stability is crucial.
I personally tried the new Mizuno 850 driver and added 8 yards carry. I changed the clubs dynamics slightly and lost those 8 yards immediately. Latest trier, Phil James used a G30 and increased his average distance by 9 yards carry.
So if you are contemplating something new let me help you to get the most out of your next acquisition.
"These shoes are made for golfin" …
Tis a perfect time to throw out those old shoes and replace them with a pair from our latest shop offer. For this coming month buy a pair of FootJoy's, DryJoy tour or DryJoy casuals and receive a £20 discount or if you prefer slip your feet into a new pair of Contour or Contour casuals from FootJoy and get £10 OFF the price! All you need to do is bring that old pair and we will dispose of them for you, SIMPLE!
Masters week is nearly here..
TV is getting in the mood for the first Major next week and the glorious Augusta National, Georgia. Having had the chance to go and watch there in 2007, it is without doubt the best event I`ve ever been to and should be on everyone`s bucket list of places to go to before they can`t. Forget the expense, just go! Ian Hookway is planning to do just that next week with his son. It will be unforgettable, let's hope he is a little luckier than Gary Gutteridge who had tickets for last year's first practice day. The weather was so bad he sadly didn`t get to go into the course, let alone watch any golf! So he just had to go back this year and do it all again. Have a great time gents, what am I saying? It`s impossible not to!!
Although "Hookers" does plan to watch some golf he also plans to be around the pitching area and see if any of the players needs his expert advice on the "DH" …double hit people! Ian had a propensity to throw one of these in occasionally, not that any of his friends ever laughed or mentioned it of course. Thankfully we have now ironed it out from most lies these days!
So who is going to challenge this year? For me, its horses for courses and Bubba, Adam Scott, Phil will all feature. Possibly, lightly run Tiger who has dropped out of the top 100 for the first time can he get in among them, let's hope so. And Rory, can he get his third Major in a row and do his own personal `Slam? So many could be there or thereabouts. We can get excited about the course all week, but come Sunday and the back nine is beckoning who will have the nerve to finish and to put that green jacket over their shoulders to become part of Masters folklore? What a week it`s going to be.
For those in our sweepstake, the draw will be made on Tuesday once the tee times are announced.
Enjoy your extended break and I look forward to seeing at the Club.
