“Championi, Championi...”

Steve McAnnally moved through the congested Club Championship field Sunday. “Macca” as he is known and one of the pre-tournament favourites shot 74+71 to win by 4 from ever steady Ian Grant with 3rd place going to Junior Will Percival. In the most perfect golfing conditions and super quick greens, scoring for the 36 hole event was never going to be easy. With the top 33 making the cut Saturday, Graham Button, held a three shot lead on the field(71) helped by being 4 under after 5 holes! With the Leslie Wood playing on his mind no doubt, the team Captain couldn`t sustain his challenge and finished 4th overall.

Congratulations to Steve for some really solid golf and to all the competitors who managed to put together some of their best scores of the season, namely, Will, James Irving and Phil Morton.

“Chegg” those nerves for Keen to Mark that date in the quarter finals…

Orsett battled their way into the Leslie Wood quarter final with a sudden death playoff against highly rated Abridge last Sunday. They now go onto to play Benton Hall in the quarter final at Chigwell.

Graham Button’s players played like a team and all contributed to the enthralling win .Without their Captain at the helm, the team played some unbelievable golf with Ryder Cup pressure on the last few matches, knowing each game would be significant. With four matches left on the course nothing had changed. Even at lunch 2.5 points each and then 5.5 points each, a playoff loomed large. So down to the last game on the course and with David Chegwidden one up with 2 to play, the playoff was a near certainty. David, who was feeling the heat in more than the temperature, kept his calm and holed a brilliant 4 footer for a half on 17 to stay ahead. A winning point was still required, his opponent hit his best two shots of the back nine to just run through on the back edge, but “Cheggs” was up to the task and hit arguably his best drive of the year and a beautifully flighted mid iron to 20 feet (with son for a caddie not bearing to look) 2 putts each later their match was over and the drama of the playoff could commence. Definitely squeaky bum time…one poor shot and adios.

Orsett playoff man Mark Keen opened up with a fade into the right rough and the opposition hit down the left luckily clearing the bunker only to finish close to the rough. After the next shots Orsett were well in the driving seat as Abridge pulled their shot further into the gorse, fortunately finding the ball but needing a penalty drop to play. 3 shots later Orsett were on the green (5) and a chink of light appeared for Abridge, who had 40 yards left to go after 4 hits. But nerves got the better of the Abridge man and 4 shots later for him (missing from under 3 foot), Orsett had won a long and difficult match. For Mark, it was probably the best ever 7 he was happy to have made.

Not to be outdone...

The Ladies section had 3 very handy wins. The first in the Mail on Sunday foursomes, Karen Batch and “secret weapon” Tina Gregory went to Rayleigh Club and produced a fourth round victory. 4 up early on, 2 down with 4 to play the girls rallied to win 2 up!

Next the Ladies Harris team won their first match 3-2, again away at Risebridge. Never an easy venue, the ladies got their account off to a fine start. And to complete the hat trick the Silver team won 3-2 against Theydon Bois, another good win against very awkward opposition.

Great playing ladies!

We have just taken delivery of some really attractive Club logo goods. Already selling quite quickly, products range from caps at £9.99 to extra size holdalls at £69.99. Luggage is available in black and tan colours all with Club Logo on. So take a look when you come in next time. It’s great product at even better value.

New in too Men’s Nike product, quality products and excellent prices. You can dress like Rory, feel like Rory and perhaps even play like Rory!

Also back in favour our satisfaction guarantee or money back from Mizuno. Buy minimum of 5 irons between June 1st and August 31 2014 and if you do not like the irons we will give a full refund on proof of purchase. So get booked in, use the DNA system, three swings later we can organise your clubs!

US Open beckons

What a month for sport, Golf, World Cup, Wimbledon, Lombard Trophy, It can`t get much better than that.

Top tips for Pinehurst, Matt Kuchar, Louis Oosthuizen and Franky Molinari. A Donald Ross design where the late Payne Stewart putted Phil off the course for his only Major win. A fabulous course where patience will be paramount, not necessarily length, but must be a good chipper. These boys fit this requirement. Not a birdie fest just excellent ball striking and soft hands required.

What about that other event, The World Cup? Controversy for headlines, eventually talk is about the event itself. Probable winners?

Look no further than Brazil, with home support or Argentina, with the world’s best player. England’s chances, I wish them well, but would be amazed to see them get out of a difficult group or even score in any game.