Orsett not quite on Spieth's winning level

Orsett Leslie Wood team dipped out in the first round of the Leslie Wood County team event to a strong Warren side. With all five foursomes going close Orsett sadly drew a blank in all the games. 5-0 at lunch wasn`t what team Captain, John Charlick envisaged. The team rallied early in the singles but The Warren were strong enough to win the vital 3 points required to go through and all other matches took gentlemen's halves to get in for an earlier dinner. Captain Charlick was pleased with his team's efforts if not the result…

"The boys all played with great endeavour but we all know golf momentum is a difficult thing to break and even though certain shots went against us, our opponents can`t be denied their win. They were good to play against, wonderful hosts and their team Captain made us all extremely welcome. My team have learnt a lot in that match and we are now looking forward to making our mark on the Plate instead"

Along with this the Ladies Mail on Sunday team lost away 3-2 at North Weald. "Too many shots" seemed to be the precedent in each match.

Also on Monday the Ladies Bronze side also tasted defeat at Stapleford Abbotts. Fortunately for them their games are on a league basis so all is not lost their. Good luck in your next game ladies.

Keating Trophy qualifying

Last weekend Orsett hosted the qualifying for the Keating Trophy. The County's annual opening event to their busy calendar. The weather had changed dramatically overnight from the balmy Thursday and Friday to chilly Saturday with ice cold rain whipping across the course during the morning round. Out of the field only 16 could qualify which did include home player Danny Vaughan and two "old boys" Alex Woodward and Steve McAnally Junior (Bubby Girt co-starring and caddying). Top qualifier was Danny Lee of the Rayleigh Club with 4 under par gross, pretty good in any conditions. If you fancy watching the match play stages and what I`m sure will be some great golf come along Saturday and Sunday to see some of the best local players in action. Please remember no jeans or phones in the club house!

If lessons haven`t been your thing how about this..

Jan Baker was struggling with her fairway woods, no consistent contact or hardly any flight making it difficult to get the ball around the course. I made a couple of changes to her set up (something many of you might consider when trying to help each other on the course), which then allowed Jan to maintain her balance and compress the ball more solidly on the club face. Jan has since played her first game, had 2 "blobs" and still had her handicap cut on the day. If you are struggling with your game, why not let me help you? It could be well worth it, just ask Jan!

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Monday was back to its perfect best weather for our Mizuno fitting day. Many thanks to Mizuno and especially tech agent Simon Smart seen here helping Frank Stedman during his fitting process.

Obviously Mizuno are doing something really special this season with their leading forged irons and even their new JPX range of Metal woods, as we extended the number of fitting appointments on the day. Many thanks to all those who attended as well as those who came off the subs bench (reserve list) to take a coveted spot at the last minute. A bigger thanks to those who have decided to purchase their fitted equipment straight away. You will not be disappointed. It was quite interesting that half of those with appointments were already Mizuno users and wanted to get "on board" with the new products. If you are interested in doing the same, remember I can help you and thanks to my DNA fitting cart and GC2 launch monitor. Just get in touch by clicking here and let me help you get that Mizuno feeling!

Lone Star...

Texas has a new Star in the ascendency. If you hadn`t heard of Jordan Spieth, you have now. Last week he broke so many records at Augusta at The Masters their might not be any left in the local music store. Yet "The Committee" didn`t do something to slow the 21 year old down. He was only the 5th player to win wire to wire, he shot the lowest 72 hole total since a certain Mr Woods in 97. Lowest 36 hole total ever, and the highest number of birdies for the week! No wonder he won.

For those watching it may have been a bit of an anti-climax but Spieth kept all the "Titans" at arm's length. Even when he faltered on Saturday with a huge 6 on the 17th he made a massive momentous par up the last with a near impossible up and down that would have had the great Seve Ballesteros smiling from ear to ear. To then birdie the first on Sunday showed the boy from the Lone Star state was going to last the pace.

Runner up last year must have been burning away at him for 12 months. All the talk was of Rory's personal slam, yet Spieth just kept making putt after putt and birdie after birdie and would not allow anyone to ruin his week. Spieth's caddie attributed a lot to Ben Crenshaw's long time caddie Carl Jackson, who missed a treat not caddying for Ben this year, ouch 91+85, at least George Bailey was happy in the sweepstake draw! Jackson advised Spieth to avoid the trick flags and shoot for the middle of the green, stay patient and take your chances when they come, and did they. Without Spieth, Sunday's viewing would have been super charged with so many in with a chance; Phil, Justin, Rory, Poulter, Casey, the cotton Buds, Johnson and Johnson. Spieth has elevated himself into the big time after this. By the way, his last 4 events 1, 2, 2, 1 and over 3 million pounds for the trouble. Could he be the kid to rival Rory and give us the new Arnie and Jack of the 60's? It's got a chance don`t you think.

Masters Sweepstake

Congratulations to Paul North for pulling Spieth in the sweepstake. There will be more to follow on this. Other winners included Mike Sheppard, Joe Knight, Barry Piddington and John Drake.

Check with us to see if you were on one of the duffers of the day or if you won on players who made the cut sweepstake!

FA Cup semi-finals this week, Arsenal v Reading and Liverpool v Aston Villa. Could this be the send-off that Stevie G is wanting? The Liverpool faithful are certainly hoping. Arsenal v Liverpool, what a great final it could be!