You are reading the headline correctly. As of this Friday 21st March 2014 the Fairway Mat rule will be lifted ready for the new season. Bin your Mat and get practicing off those tight lies... Spring has arrived!
Saturday 15th March
The Betterball Stableford once again attracted good numbers in terms of entry, which proved a tough field for all competitors. This week rising to the top of the tree was Tony McClusky and playing partner Neil Angus with 39 points, winning on a card playoff from Tony Bowden and Pete Yeoman who also had 39 points.
The conditions were somewhat unpredictable due to the maintenance programme our Greens team have to adhere to, in order to keep the Greens up to the very high standard we expect of them each year. Last week John Pierrpoint and team performed an aerating task in order to get air to the roots of the grass as well as helping the compacted soil to relax and encourage good growth. This is called Pro-coring. The Greens are then top dressed with Sand to help sustain good drainage and a quality putting surface through the summer.
The bumpy putting surface didn’t affect those in second place, Tony Bowden and Pete Yeoman hitting form after their attendance to the Night Golf classes at Cranford Driving Range throughout February.
Although, the biggest success story comes in 3rd place from Stephen Rawding. The taxi driver from Mossley was experiencing some extreme difficulties on the golf course at the back end of last summer where he threatened to give up the game of golf. Playing partner Shane Schofield said “it’s a great shame, he’s giving up the game, it has beaten him. He just simply cannot hit the golf ball”. After some convincing, I worked closely with Stephen for some weeks in a final attempt to put his demons to sleep and get him enjoying the game again. This week he has finished 3rd and said “a win is only around the corner”.
Tony McClusky and Neil Angus - 39 points
Tony Bowden and Pete Yeoman - 39 points
Steve Rawding and Shane Schfield
2’s return – 12 balls per two!
Sunday 16th March
Once again showing his face in the shop competition was Phil Easter claiming first prize again by 3 clear points. Phil, another Night Golf lesson participant said “I’m hoping they will finally reduce my handicap, it is getting embarrassing now but I’m not complaining”
Phil Easter – 41 points
Robin Furness – 38 points
Steve Finan – 38 points
2’s return – 5 balls per two!
50p…
Competition fees are set to increase this summer taking the overall fee from £3.50 to £4 while majors will hit £5 per person for the competition fee, including the 2’s sweep. The rise is set for the first 18 hole monthly medal of the season on 29th March.
Manchester Alliance
Thank you to Chris Lakner for his support this week playing in the Manchester Allaince at Birchwood Golf Club. We didn’t manage to make the prizes although it was a very enjoyable day.
The Manchester Alliance is heading to a close for the 2014 season, should you wish to participate as either my playing partner or Assistant Pro Andy Earlam, then the new schedule for 2014/2015 season will be available around the end of July. In the mean time, I would like to thank all who have entered and supported us through this season, we trust you have found it great value for money!
US Masters Pro Shop Sweepstake
For the first time we are holding a very rewarding US Masters sweeptake. For just £5 per square, you select a number from a lucky dip which will belong to one of the competitors from the US Masters next month. We are hoping to sell out the competition and create a bit of excitement around the Club. There are many top names left in the hat still, get involved!
- 1st Prize - £150 shop credit
- 2nd Prize - £100 shop credit
- 3rd Prize - £75 shop credit
- 4th Prize - £50 shop credit
- Par 3 Competition Winner - £25 shop credit
- Best score each round £10 shop credit
- Worst score each day £10 shop credit
