Wednesday League
In an attempt to develop more interest for the Wednesday Stableford competitions, the board decided to introduce a league of the best 4 x 18 hole stableford scores plus 4 x 12 hole stableford scores. It certainly had an impact on the interest of the Wednesday competitions, however, one man was tough to catch! Alan Booth looked good from the start when he opened up with twelve hole scores of 24 & 26 points. He followed those up with a solid 37 points and a blistering 43 points in the 3rd & 4th 18 hole stableford competitions respectively. Proving difficult to catch, Alan made easy meat of the league accumulating 258 points over the 8 rounds to win by some 9 points from Paul Brown in 2nd place with 249 points. There was a little surprise in third place as in form and single figure handicapper Mr. Steve Finan posted his final qualifying 12 hole score with 29 points. Not only did Steve collect first prize on the last Wednesday Stableford but he pipped close friend Chris Exton to third place in the Wednesday league by a single point!
Congratulations Alan Booth!
Manchester Alliance
The Manchester Alliance season kicked off last week, with the opening event held at Fairfield Golf Club. Sadly I wasn't available to where I learnt everything I know. This week brought no surprises, in just the second week of the schedule, Stamford claimed top spot in the amateur pairings with Danny Fox & playing partner Steve Finan making 40 betterball stableford points. Also in third place was Mike Hewitt & playing partner Paul Traynor on 39 points. I guess all these away results backs up our argument regarding the difficulty of our standard scratch.
Over into the Pro Am, myself and playing partner Steve Moores managed to accumulate 44 points to only claim 3rd place against a strong field. That should've, would've, and could've been 45 points had Steve Moores not missed the flag with his yardage finder, only to hit his ball 40 yards over the back of the green into the woods on our 17th hole…. With a shot! Numpty.
Should any of my readers show any interest in playing in the Manchester Alliance, or wish to partner me in one of the very affordable Pro Ams, please get in touch and we can make some arrangements. They're a fantastic day out, filled with great banter, great golf and a prize if you bring a good golf swing! For weekly updates on the Manchester alliance results, please click this link.
A team - A Team triumph in Final
Please click here for the A Team Match report.
Paul Murray
As very few of you will be aware, I am committing to a selected few golfers' with a development plan over 12 months. One of my most recent clients is Mr. Paul Murray. After his first assessment, Paul decided to make a commitment to his golf, in an attempt to reach those personal goals.
In less than 6 months, Paul claims to have gained much needed length off the tee, and has given him confidence as he tees up every weekend in the competitions. Furthermore, Paul made it through 8 singles matches in the Summer Knock out matchplay championships at his second club Abersoch. Defeating a 5 handicapper in the final, Paul claimed a Major prize and his name on the board in the clubhouse.
It's been a pleasure to work with you over recent months Paul, and I will be seeing you very shortly for your next appointment.
For more details on a 12 month development plan, please contact me in the pro shop.
Jamie Hughes
Not many golfers get to boast about a sub-par round of Golf. It's the minority that reach a level of golf that develop the ability to move the ball around the course in less than the par. Last weekend produced one of the best rounds of golf I have heard of in the time I have been at Stamford… by a 5 handicapper. Now I say that sounding surprised, a 5 handicapper is a good golfer, capable of a reasonably good score… but not -5 under par!
A score you read about in magazines, or watch on the TV. Our very own Jamie Hughes took just 30 blows to complete the front 9 holes…. Think about that and let that settle in... 30 shots! He backed that up with 35 shots to complete his back 9, totaling 65 gross - 5 = 60 Nett. Needless to say, Jamie picked up the Major prize and centenary vase... oh and lowest gross!
Form Follows Function
I am reminded of this quote as I watch the incredible paralympic athletes in Rio. These athletes have adapted their bodies to do things that are inspiring. And they achieve it by just doing it. Finding a way, and doing it. The body will always try to adapt to do what you ask it to do.
And so, as we approach autumn, I ask you this.
Do you want to be able to play 18 holes next season?
If you do, then keep playing through the winter. Walking will make you better at walking. Swinging the club will make you better at swinging the club. Sitting at home and saying you are not a winter golfer will likely mean you won't be a very good spring golfer either.
Form follows function.
