It's not often you get to see greatness but last weekend the final of the rugby World Cup was just that. New Zealand played as if it was their last ever game, for some, it was and all parts of the team clicked together perfectly.

A sustained mauling of Australia must have given every Kiwi on the planet huge satisfaction, even with the 14 point reply during the sin bin, New Zealand stayed in total control of the game. Could that have been the greatest ever team to play together? It was certainly the best final I`ve seen and I`ve watched them all (sorry England fans) Captain, Richie McCaw led by example and wasn`t going to let the huge threat of Pocock and Hooper ruin his day.

   

A great win by a great team and what about that class act of Sonny Bill Williams, giving his medal to a 15 year old who managed to get on the pitch? How to win over any rugby sceptic.

The whole tournament was a thrilling spectacle. Some of the smaller teams, like Japan and Scotland covered themselves in glory with brilliant performances throughout and added to the competition massively. In the end the best team won and beat the second best team to do so. The Southern hemisphere showed that they are still the leading lights and the North has a long way to go to overhaul them.

As an Argentinian supporter put it "we play with the heart, you play for the money" He might be right this time.




Ladies gearing up for 2016…

Last Monday we held our ladies fashion evening and even with the terrible fog, the ladies made a great effort to attend. Many thanks to Lady Captain Sue Mason for all her efforts and to Callaway agent Steve Weait for making the journey. The ladies had a unique opportunity to view, try on and purchase garments for next season so a huge thank you to all who purchased.

On the night we held a blind draw for a free outfit and the very happy winner of that was Joyce Barber. She was thrilled with the kind offer from Callaway.

      

So thanks again ladies and here`s to the next one. 




Mat, King of the Chawner challenge

Mat King slipped in to win the Chawner Cup recently. He, I am sure would put his recent success and run of consistency down to his Mizuno custom fitted irons, which have given him that added confidence in his game. His nett 70 was enough to get by Gary Gutteridge by 1 shot and Rob Stevens by 2 respectively. This now puts Mat in a strong position for The Golfer of the Year title too. Well done to Mat for taking the plunge and then reaping the reward so soon afterward.

Drop us if you dare…

Ash Mahmood and Gordon Irving teamed up in the recent Centenary Foursomes only to lose out on countback for the title. Funny thing was both men had been "dropped" by their regular playing partners, Gordons son ,James and Howard Smith .A brilliant score of 40 points nearly got them home but the father and son combo of Chris and Asa Thoroughgood had a better back nine of 21 points to complete the win. Great scores in foursomes gents and I wonder if you will want to go back to your old partners next year?




On the magic stair case to the Tour...

Club Member, Ricky Brackenbury is on his way to Spain as you read this. He is playing stage 2 of Tour qualifying near Barcelona and I`m sure you will all wish him the best of luck in one of the toughest and cruellest events ever designed to test someone's skill. Keep up to date with his progress on the European Tour website, under qualifying school, tournaments and Panoramic golf.

Further up the staircase, Ian Poulter is back available for selection for the Ryder Cup. "The Postman" as he has become known as, needed a last minute dash to Hong Kong and a withdrawal from Rich Beem, to maintain his Tour Membership. He can now work on his game and make the team for next season without that worry over him.

Victor Dubuisson, the French Musketeer, snuck off with the Turkish event last week. The first of 4 events leading to the DP World Tour finale in Dubai at the end of the month. Rory was there flexing his muscles and keeping his game ticking over. Dubuisson just hung around all week and got the job done making plenty of birdies to close.

Watch out for Shane Lowry though, he could easily win in the next few weeks. His game has improved so much this season and to finish with another win would solidify his belief that he is getting closer to that first Major Championship. 

This weekend is Prize presentation afternoon and the Turkey Trot with 194 competitors playing for their dinner? Results next week.

Regards,
David