Welcome to another edition of our newsletter, in this week’s mail we hear about a recent boys trip to France, the second Major of the year is underway, the Ladies Bronze Team get the win, and we have had some incredible football matches recently. Enjoy the read!
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Boys on tour… Tour organiser, Ash Mahmood’s friend and work colleague, Ian Heep, was invited on the annual S Club46 Tour of Northern France last week. Playing off a 20 handicap which he disguised ever so well with his first tee shot at Belle Dune barely going past the ladies tee which also avoided the indignity of a bottle of wine for his 4 ball (unlike 4 of the other players) . A round he put down to an early start, a couple on the coach, and possibly a few nerves playing with strangers from a distant land. Leading the first day was Mark Keen with four players just a point behind including Simon Micklewaite, Graham Eacersall ,Kevin Lazell and Cliff Keeble. The Scotsman threw off the shackles the second day to put himself right in contention with a tournament best score of 42 points at LaForet in LeTouquet. The leader with just a round to go and maintaining the dream of winning was Robbie Slaughter (39) who is one of The Tours most popular members, especially in the bar area and as he knows from previous Tours that preparation is everything! Yet there may have been a question of a Scottish conspiracy on the Saturday night as fellow Scot, Hamish Green, knew the way back to the hotel only for he and Robbie to take 2 hours to make a 15 minute stroll back and get in at 4am with an early start to follow! |
Onto the last round at windy Wimereux high on the French cliffs overlooking the beach and the British coastline memories of less fortunate sons come flooding back among the reminders of machine gun shelters dotted around the course. This was playing havoc with many of the weary players, scoring dipped a little on a course many expected to have their best day. Although Finn Cotter and Shaun Patient made it look easy with 37 points each on the day. |
With much to play for and 4 players in contention with nine holes to play, 75 year old Cliff Keeble was announced third after his respectable 32 points. With the drama yet to unfold, Ian was in the Clubhouse with a competent 34 points considering a two shot cut the day before. Robbie too had lost a shot and it all came down to the last hole. A downwind par 5 easily reachable in two for the "Big Man" playing sensibly from the tee he nudged it down the hole to avoid disaster and got his two points hoping it would be enough, only to find out on the green his group had inadvertently teed off from the 15th Tee! The realisation those two points cost him the Tour title he craved meant only one thing, another couple of beers! Congratulations was given to Ian and all the organisers for another excellent trip. Roll on next year. Ian should be back to defend off 12 handicap by then. One last note, amazing courage was displayed by Joe Sheldrake, Brian Humphrys and Mick Francis on the final day, playing with the Tours new Centrefold sensation, Stella Evans. In those windy conditions something a little more appropriate should have been considered in the breeze. Not a fake tan, eyelash or lip gloss was out of place all day and rightly deserved the best dressed player of the week. |
 | | Best dressed - Stella Evans |
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 | Tour winner - Ian Heep
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 | | Runner-up - Robbie Slaughter |
 | | Third – Cliff Keeble |
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The second Major is underway… It seems strange to be talking about the USPGA in May, defending Champion Brooks Koepka goes into the event as one of the main contenders, especially as the course will play its full length (over 7500 yards) due to the persistent rain in the New York area for the last 3 weeks. Tiger has another chance to add to that glittering CV of his and add the second part of the Grand Slam. It couldn`t happen, could it? It is a big hitter’s playground but with fairways a premium, perhaps it’s time for Dustin Johnson or Rory to grab the Wannamaker Trophy from Brooks’ cabinet. I like the look of Henrik Stenson, that 3 wood could be his saviour and with a bit of luck the Big Swede just might cook up some success. Let’s hope it’s as exciting as Augusta last month with a little good fortune a European and maybe a Brit can get the job done. Outside bets are Lucas Glover and Pat Perez, one very calm and one will love the chance to play in front of the New York fans.
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Junior Group Classes My Head Assistant Phil Wesley has his regular Monday night junior group classes up and running again. Starting at 4.30pm and finishing at 6pm, the children will get to learn all there is to know about how to become the next Champion golfer. Interested? Call Phil at the shop on 01375891797 and get your booked in.
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Ladies Bronze team The Ladies Bronze team played Benton Hall Golf Club in a match on Tuesday in the bright sunshine, and it was to be a bright day for the Orsett Ladies as they went on to win the overall match 3-2. Daphne Abraham secured her point and victory for the Ladies on the 18th Green. Congratulations ladies, hopefully the winning form can continue onto the future games that remain.
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Some great football matches… Having written last week’s newsletter before any European matches took place, well done to all four clubs for making the European finals. Barcelona thought they only had to turn up, and Tottenham’s Lucas did a Roy of the Rovers, anyone else remember him? Chelsea had a nail biter and Arsenal did a job on Spanish Club Valencia. Then to top it all off Man City retained their Premier league title, leaving Man United fans to ponder with less positivity than their rivals. Good luck to the winners you will have earned all the accolades coming. Just around the corner is the 100 million match for the right to play in the Premiership next year. Aston Villa just got by big rivals WBA on penalties to play Derby County in what will be a great final. Next week we have our PING Fitting Day, should you wish to go on the reserve list then please get in touch as occasionally someone has to cancel. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great week playing, if not you know where we are!
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| The hottest picks this summer |
Is it just us or has this year's clothing been the best we've had in-store for a few years now? Either way, there's no doubting that you'll be looking (and feeling) great on and off the course throughout the summer with some of these fantastic picks... |
 | | Doune polo |
A traditional option that's been jazzed up with colour block sleeves and jacquard detail, the Doune polo is available in multiple colourways and will be the choice of many this summer.
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 | | Haddington polo |
We simply couldn’t leave the Haddington polo off our list. The main story is its front hexagonal print, which oozes a timeless yet modern style for wear both on and off the course.
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 | | Dunblane pullover |
The fashionable Dunblane mid-layer features a lightweight and super-soft combed cotton fabric, which is beautiful to the touch for the ultimate in layering comfort.
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