Festival Am-Am 

Many thanks went out to all who took part in the annual Festival Am-Am. The final result went right down to the wire on a card playoff after both teams were still tied after back 9, 6, 3, 2 & 1 hole card play-off. The decider then went to stroke index 1 which once again, the two teams had a matched score. Stroke index 2 revealed the same result, but it was stroke index 3 that found us a winner. Team Andy Bent & Co which included family members Chris Easter, Phil Easter & Mick Dooley. 

Winners: Andy Bent, Chris Easter, Phil Easter & Mick Dooley 
Runners Up: Ian Ferns, Phil Ramsden, Steve Moores & Phil Aitken 
3rd Place: M. Riley, J. Manfredi, C. Harrison & N. McCloud 
4th Place: Captain, Rick Irving, Bob Irving & A. Martin 

Rawson Cup & Gold Medal 

Commiserations go straight to one man Alan Penning. Alan stood the test on Double Major Saturday by posting a show stopping 81 Gross - 17 handicap = 64 Nett. That score not only qualified for the Rawson Cup but the Gold medal too as Alan was a monthly medal winner in 2015 which qualified him to compete for the Gold medal in 2016. As if the pressure of one major wasn't enough, Alan wasn't fazed by either of the big competitions.

The following 128 competitors went out to take part in the event when one man, last out, decided to cast a shadow over Alan's Saturday afternoon. 

Taylor Yates would be the name deny Alan of the major trophy, as he posted a best gross score of the day 67 playing off his low handicap of 4. 

His nett 63 was one fewer than the best in the clubhouse, and some 4 shots better than the best gross score posted. 

Congratulations go to the young man for picking up his first Major trophy at Stamford Golf club, and welcome to the big time as posting the low score for the day of a major could be something we see a lot more of… unless Andy Bent has something to say about that!

What time is it Gaz?? 

Into the wind, possibly a two club wind too. It was 192 yards slightly down hill, wind hurting as Gareth Wilson stood on the 18th tee in the Major that wasn't to be on Saturday 11th June. Soaked to the bone, Gaz struck his tee shot aiming straight into the heart of the green, the wind didn't touch it as it hovered over the flag in the breeze. "It's straight at it that Gaz" shouted his playing partner. The ball pitched once release towards the hole and in it went. The four ball on the first tee jumped with amazement… "It's gone in the hole"... Congratulations to Gareth Wilson on his first Hole in One and what a hole to make it on, the 18th Hole at Stamford. His reward as sponsored by Hugo Boss is a Hole-in-one watch straight from the manufacturer. Needless to say, if Gaz is about and you're wondering what time it is, I'm sure he'll be only too pleased to inform you.




Physio corner Plantar WHAT?? Plantar Fasciitis. 

Yep I spelt it right. There really are that many i's. It's a common complaint that one of my playing partners last week was asking about. And many of you will recognise the symptoms. 

Its "common" name is policeman's heel and its inflammation of the thick band that supports the arch of the foot. Sufferers often find the pain is located under the heel and can often be worse first thing in the morning, when you first put your foot to the floor. It can ruin a round of golf. 

I recommend 3 things to try to help it. The first one, and often the best, is to put a can or bottle of drink in the fridge, and then (once it's nice and cold) roll it under the foot, from heel to the ball of the foot. This stretches the band AND the coldness helps reduce the inflammation. A few minutes after a long walk (or round of golf) should do. 

The second thing is to stretch the calf. Standing with the sore leg behind you, push the back heel down to the floor. The wider the gap between the front and back leg the deeper the stretch. Hold this for 15 seconds. 

Finally, if this doesn't work, nip down to your local sports shop or large pharmaceutical chain and ask for a "heel spur cushion". These rubbery silicon heels will fit inside your golf shoe and cushion the sore bit. 

They should cost you between £5-10 for a pair, and could be the best few pound you've spent. 

You can contact Chris for physio enquiries on canholloway@yahoo.co.uk