Captains Weekend 

The weather was kind, the captain had a hangover, the winner shot an amazing score & the course played as good as it's played all year. I think it's fair to say the Captains weekend was a total success. 

Opening with a 67 Gross nett 64, Josh Ainscough set the pace on Saturday only to be tied with Mick Toms and Brian Thomas shooting 84 - 20 & 76 - 12 respectively. The broad shouldered muscle bound young man from Carrbrook however, managed to hold of his challengers by following up his opening round with a 70 Gross - 3 nett 67 on Sunday. His winning total of 137 - 6 = 131 was good enough to win by two from Steve Moores. Steve opened his Captains weekend with 77 - 6 = 71 which included back to back treble bogey 7's on hole 12 & 13. But he then backed that up with a splendid 69 Gross - 6 = 63. I'd be surprised if he's sleeping at night! 




The juniors turned out in force with all thanks going to Harry Marshall and Phil Easter. 

The effort these guys have put in developing the youth section is very much appreciated. Coming out on top on the Saturday was Dilon Fitzpatrick followed by Charlie Allsop on Sunday. 

  

The overall winner was Harvey Malinder who is showing some great potential at the minute, and holds a bright future should he carry on his efforts. 

Kempster & Palmer 

It's like reading an article about Nicklaus & Palmer in the 60's. James Kempster & Archie Palmer are a pairing are set to break some records. Already playing off scratch & 1 at the tender age of 17 & 16 respectively, our two delightful young men have been representing the county this week at Eaton Golf Club in a county match against local rivals Yorkshire. Playing in foursomes paired together in the morning match and singles in the afternoon, they managed to secure 3 points from a potential 4. 

Keep up the good work lads, we're very proud!




Physio corner - Have you got the X-factor? 

Yes, it's that time. And no, I'm not talking about Simon Cowell and his search for the next one hit wonder. I'm talking about your search for the next wonder hit. The X-factor is the amount of shoulder turn you get in relation to your hips. 

The greater the angle, the more twisting force you generate and the further your shots go. I've been talking recently about the need to generate back flexibility, but now it's time to talk about those hips. In the picture above, the example on the right is generating a better angle because their hips have remained stable. On the left, the golfer has allowed his hips to turn with his shoulders. 

To keep the hips stable you need strength, and the Gluteus Maximus is the muscle you want to train. 

Try this: Get up out of a chair without using your arms. Watch your knees. Do they stay the same distance apart, or do they start to move together at some point? Are they directly over your toes, or do they drift inwards? If they do the latter, you need better strength. Practise squatting keeping your knees slightly outside your feet, and next time you tee up YOU'LL have the X-factor too. 




Away Day 

The annual away day went down an absolute storm for the 4th consecutive year. The event Sponsored by Chris Hey from Total Ropes solutions included 52 Stamford lads pitching up at SGC at 07:00 on Friday 2nd September for a luxury coach ride across the city to Swinton Park Golf Club. Those who have been on the day before will be aware of the process. Turn up, eat, play golf & get drunk. Oh... And then we abuse the losers. That is exactly how it went. 

Winning the AM Texas Scramble was Steve Moores, Chris Houfe, Mike Hewitt & Lee Williams. More interestingly however, it was Willy Fox, Ryan Downend & Gary Davies making their away day debut with 4th man Steve Finan to complete their 4 man team who held up the field in last place. 

  

The afternoon was a different format, Betterball stableford (pairs). Played in the same 4balls, the pairs were just split into two. It was nearly a clean sweep for Coffee connoisseur Steve Moores & playing partner Chris Houfe, until Trev Hulton & assistant pro Taylor Yates blasted their clubhouse lead by 4 shots with 46 stableford points. Losers in the afternoon was Phil Hudson & Chris Exton with just 28 Betterball stableford points. 

Traditionally the losers are then asked to step forward and perform a humiliating song for the benefit of everyone who's taken part. If you've never been, put it in your diary for next year, it's a guaranteed laugh! 

Thanks to all who took part this year and helped make the day!