Time for some more stats! (Don't forget we're missing the scores from 2002, 2006 and 2007)
Most appearances
18 - Ben W
Most wins
6 - Ben W
Best points-scoring rounds
45 points - Stuart (off 31) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
43 points - James (off 35) at Puckrup Hall 2011
43 points - Ben F (off 19) at Weston-Super-Mare 2012
42 points - Paul (off 36) at Canford Magna (Parkland) 2005
42 points - James (off 36) at Bridport (2015)
40 points - Mark (off 13) at Rolls of Monmouth 2004
Best totals in a three-round tournament
108 - Ben F 2012
105 - James 2011
104 - Ben W 2011
104 - Simon 2011
104 - Brian 2012
Best totals in a 'three out of four' tournament
109 - Mark 2004
106 - Simon 2004
103 - Brian 2004
100 - Paul 2005
Best totals in a two round tournament
68 - Ben W 2008
66 - Brian 2008
63 - Kevin 2008
Best four round total (only three counting)
137 - Simon 2004
131 - Mark 2004
129 - Kevin 2005
128 - Simon 2005
127 - Kevin 2004
Biggest margin of victory
6 points - Ben F 2010
5 points - Ben F 2017
4 points - Ben F 2012
3 points - Mark 2004, Ben W 2013 and 2018
Smallest margin of victory
1 point - Ben W 2003, Paul 2005, James 2011, Simon 2015, Brian 2019
2 points - Ben W 2008, Kevin 2009, Ben W 2014, Brian 2016
Best Tour single round average score:
35.75 points - Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004 (eight players - ave. handicap 20.4)
35.5 points - Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2008 (four players - ave. handicap 12.3)
34 points - Canford Magna (Parkland) 2005 (six players - ave. handicap 16.7)
34 points - Puckrup Hall 2011 (eight players - ave. handicap 22.5)
33.13 points - Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011 (eight players - ave. handicap 22.9)
32.89 points - The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2013 (nine players - ave. handicap 19.6)
Worst days at the office!
13 points - Paul (off 36) at Worlebury 2010
13 points - Paul (off 36) at Cleev Hill 2019
15 points - James (off 35) at The Warren 2015
15 points - Brian (off 15) at Ilfracombe 2017
16 points - Paul (off 36) at Weymouth 2013
17 points - Paul (off 36) at The Warren 2015
17 points - Paul (off 36) at Sidmouth 2015
17 points - Paul (off 36) at Handsworth 2019
18 points - Paul (off 36) at Ilfracombe 2017
18 points - James (off 32) at Came Down 2013
18 points - Stuart (off 30) at Roserrow 2003
18 points - Simon (off 17) at Tiverton 2017
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Sunday, 5 August 2012
2012 (Bude) - Two out of three for Ben F
The prestigious Kylies on Tour Trophy will sit proudly in Ben F's
garage after a stunning last day performance regained him the title he
won two years ago.
The first round was at a cloudy but warm Downes Crediton. This course has a taxing back nine and points were hard won, much like the first time this course was played in 2003. Ben F came out on top with 35 points, equalling the best total of Simon from that earlier tournament, earning him a three point lead
Ten points covered the rest of the field from Kevin on 32 to defending champ James on 22. James and Paul, two points ahead of him, clearly struggling from a lack of practice.
Bude & North Cornwall was the Saturday course and the links proved another tough challenge, this time only Brian exceeded 32 points. He scored an excellent 38 and with Ben F only bagging 30 the Kingham man would take a three point lead into the last day. James recovered to score the second best with 32 while Bruce (25) and Paul (21) found it hard going.
We headed towards home on Sunday and our course was Weston-Super-Mare. Bruce had played this the best of all of us two years ago but fatigue saw that there was no chance of a repeat and his challenge fell away after eight holes.
This course featured when Ben F won his first title and perhaps it was those positive associations that inspired him to a superb 43 point round. Brian played to his handicap but even that wasn't enough and Ben F had a four point cushion and his second title.
Clearly overwhelmed by his achievement and perhaps suffering from sunstroke Ben F described the trophy as ugly and said "It's going back in the garage...do you want it...do you want to get it engraved for me?"
Final scores
Ben F - 35, 30, 43 = 108
Brian - 30, 38, 36 = 104
Kevin - 32, 30, 29 = 91
Ben W - 26, 31, 32 = 89
James - 22, 32, 30 = 84
Bruce - 31, 25, 27 = 83
Paul - 24, 21, 31 = 76
The first round was at a cloudy but warm Downes Crediton. This course has a taxing back nine and points were hard won, much like the first time this course was played in 2003. Ben F came out on top with 35 points, equalling the best total of Simon from that earlier tournament, earning him a three point lead
Ten points covered the rest of the field from Kevin on 32 to defending champ James on 22. James and Paul, two points ahead of him, clearly struggling from a lack of practice.
Bude & North Cornwall was the Saturday course and the links proved another tough challenge, this time only Brian exceeded 32 points. He scored an excellent 38 and with Ben F only bagging 30 the Kingham man would take a three point lead into the last day. James recovered to score the second best with 32 while Bruce (25) and Paul (21) found it hard going.
We headed towards home on Sunday and our course was Weston-Super-Mare. Bruce had played this the best of all of us two years ago but fatigue saw that there was no chance of a repeat and his challenge fell away after eight holes.
This course featured when Ben F won his first title and perhaps it was those positive associations that inspired him to a superb 43 point round. Brian played to his handicap but even that wasn't enough and Ben F had a four point cushion and his second title.
Clearly overwhelmed by his achievement and perhaps suffering from sunstroke Ben F described the trophy as ugly and said "It's going back in the garage...do you want it...do you want to get it engraved for me?"
Final scores
Ben F - 35, 30, 43 = 108
Brian - 30, 38, 36 = 104
Kevin - 32, 30, 29 = 91
Ben W - 26, 31, 32 = 89
James - 22, 32, 30 = 84
Bruce - 31, 25, 27 = 83
Paul - 24, 21, 31 = 76
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Stuart
Tour appearances: 8 (2002-2004, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2018)
Best result:
Third - 2015
Best scores:
45 points - (off 31) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004 (TR)
37 points - (off 36) at Puckrup Hall 2011
37 points - (off 36) at The Warren 2015 (TR)
32 points - (off 36) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011
31 points - (off 36) at Bransford 2011
Best three round tournament total:
100 points - Great Malvern 2011
Best 'three out of four rounds' tournament total:
95 points - Monmouth 2004
Other Tour Records
27 points - (off 36) at Ilfracombe 2007 (Joint)
TR = Tour Record
Puckrup Hall - "each hole is a novel challenge for every level of player"
The 2011 Tour wound up at Puckrup Hall which bills itself as a "pleasure to play". I agree. As much as I enjoyed Minchinhampton (Avening) this was my course of the Tour. We scored well here too - it was only me that couldn't reach 30 points.
I haven't been able to find a decent course guide on the web so you'll have to rely on my memory which is always a problem. The first is a great starting hole, aiming between two trees and then doglegging right uphill to the green. That's followed by a short par three with a very small target.
It's all round good fun, the water appears in the right places so if you're playing properly it shouldn't pose a problem. There are various doglegs about the place, the 17th is a blind tee shot and the 18th is a par three with a 200 yard carry over the water in front. James will have fond memories of this place after his last day comeback to win, Simon less so after a lost ball fiasco mid-round.
Best rounds:
43 points - James (off 35)
37 points - Stuart (off 36)
35 points - Simon (off 20)
35 points - Bruce (off 17)
I'd play here again (hopefully better!), how about you?
I haven't been able to find a decent course guide on the web so you'll have to rely on my memory which is always a problem. The first is a great starting hole, aiming between two trees and then doglegging right uphill to the green. That's followed by a short par three with a very small target.
It's all round good fun, the water appears in the right places so if you're playing properly it shouldn't pose a problem. There are various doglegs about the place, the 17th is a blind tee shot and the 18th is a par three with a 200 yard carry over the water in front. James will have fond memories of this place after his last day comeback to win, Simon less so after a lost ball fiasco mid-round.
Best rounds:
43 points - James (off 35)
37 points - Stuart (off 36)
35 points - Simon (off 20)
35 points - Bruce (off 17)
I'd play here again (hopefully better!), how about you?
Friday, 3 August 2012
Bransford - "A Golfers Paradise"
Bransford was the Saturday course for the 2011 Tour. There were some great reviews on the web ('the closest thing to Sawgrass in the UK') about this course but I think we were underwhelmed by it.
The website calls this 'Floridian style' and it has 14 lakes on it. There's one on the first that James skipped his ball across after at least a half hour wait after our designated tee time. In fact I think the whole round was on the slow side.
I lost a stack of balls on this course but none of the holes really stand out as classic. Perhaps Simon will have fonder memories as he scored 39 points round here.
Best scores:
39 points - Simon (off 21)
34 points - Ben W (off 9)
34 points - Kevin (off 8)
34 points - Ben F (off 18)
Have you got anything good to say about Bransford? Let me know and I'll publish it here.
The website calls this 'Floridian style' and it has 14 lakes on it. There's one on the first that James skipped his ball across after at least a half hour wait after our designated tee time. In fact I think the whole round was on the slow side.
I lost a stack of balls on this course but none of the holes really stand out as classic. Perhaps Simon will have fonder memories as he scored 39 points round here.
Best scores:
39 points - Simon (off 21)
34 points - Ben W (off 9)
34 points - Kevin (off 8)
34 points - Ben F (off 18)
Have you got anything good to say about Bransford? Let me know and I'll publish it here.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Minchinhampton (Avening) - "Outstanding mature parkland"
The second Minchinhampton course to feature on the Tour, Avening was used for the opening day in 2011.
This was an enjoyable course to play and all bar one of us notched at least 30 points which is always pleasing. I think the third had some good views (or was it the sixth?), the fourth is Stroke Index One but we all had putts for par (and missed them!) and the fifth is a short dogleg to tempt the bigger hitters.
The undulating greens are a real feature, particularly on the front nine, and there's some well-placed bunkers too catch you out too. I liked this one and would be happy to play it again if we're ever that way.
Best scores:
36 points - Ben W (off 9)
36 points - Kevin (off 8)
36 points - Bruce (off 17)
35 points - Paul (off 36)
35 points - James (off 33)
Did you enjoy Minchinhampton (Avening) too? Let me know. Somebody? Please? I'm lonely.
This was an enjoyable course to play and all bar one of us notched at least 30 points which is always pleasing. I think the third had some good views (or was it the sixth?), the fourth is Stroke Index One but we all had putts for par (and missed them!) and the fifth is a short dogleg to tempt the bigger hitters.
The undulating greens are a real feature, particularly on the front nine, and there's some well-placed bunkers too catch you out too. I liked this one and would be happy to play it again if we're ever that way.
Best scores:
36 points - Ben W (off 9)
36 points - Kevin (off 8)
36 points - Bruce (off 17)
35 points - Paul (off 36)
35 points - James (off 33)
Did you enjoy Minchinhampton (Avening) too? Let me know. Somebody? Please? I'm lonely.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Simon
Tour appearances: 14 (2002-2006, 2009-2011, 2013-2018)
Best results:
Winner - 2015
Runner-up - 2004, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018
Best rounds:
39 points - (off 15) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
39 points - (off 21) at Bransford 2011 (TR)
36 points - (off 21) at Weymouth 2014
35 points - (off 14) at Canford Magna (Riverside) 2005 (TR)
35 points - (off 16) at Downes Crediton 2003 (JTR)
35 points - (off 18) at Stoneleigh Deer Park (JTR)
35 points - (off 21) at Weymouth 2013
Best three round tournament total:
104 points - Great Malvern 2011
Best 'three out of four rounds' tournament total:
106 points - Monmouth 2004
Best two round tournament total:
57 points - The Belfry 2009
(TR = Tour Record, JTR = Joint Tour Record)
Other Tour Record
32 points - (off 22) at PGA National 2009
Monday, 30 July 2012
2011 (Great Malvern) - King James
An astonishing 43 point last round from James saw him take a surprise win on the high-scoring Great Malvern Tour.
It was another local start with a third visit to Minchinhampton. It was the Avening course this time (after we'd been to wrong course first!) and benign conditions gave us the closest opening day in Tour history.
Ben W, Kevin and Bruce all played to handicap with 36 points with James and Paul just a point behind. Indeed the only one of the eight of us not to score at least 30 was the defending champ Ben F who scored 25 after a horror front nine.
The Great Malvern Hotel was our base for the weekend and a fine venue it was too. Okay it's a bit rough around the edges (like most of us) but you couldn't fault it's friendly and helpful staff. As with four years earlier we watched England struggle to victory in a World Cup rugby match, I think against Argentina.
The Saturday course was Bransford and after an interminably long wait Simon made his move and top scored with 39. He finished the day a point behind Ben W and Kevin with a further six back to Tour returnee Stuart and seven to eventual winner James.
Puckrup Hall was the venue for the final round and it was another high-scoring day with only Paul failing to reach at least 30. No one scored better than James though and his 43 points saw him pick up the Trophy. Ben W and Simon were equal second, Ben's putter going cold on the back nine while Simon was particularly unlucky after a lost ball incident mid-round.
Final scores:
James - 35, 27, 43 = 105
Ben W - 36, 34, 34 = 104
Simon - 30, 39, 35 = 104
Kevin - 36, 34, 32 = 102
Stuart - 32, 31, 37 = 100
Bruce - 36, 24, 35 = 95
Ben F - 25, 34, 30 = 89
Paul - 35, 24, 26 = 85
Anything else to add? Let me know.
It was another local start with a third visit to Minchinhampton. It was the Avening course this time (after we'd been to wrong course first!) and benign conditions gave us the closest opening day in Tour history.
Ben W, Kevin and Bruce all played to handicap with 36 points with James and Paul just a point behind. Indeed the only one of the eight of us not to score at least 30 was the defending champ Ben F who scored 25 after a horror front nine.
The Great Malvern Hotel was our base for the weekend and a fine venue it was too. Okay it's a bit rough around the edges (like most of us) but you couldn't fault it's friendly and helpful staff. As with four years earlier we watched England struggle to victory in a World Cup rugby match, I think against Argentina.
The Saturday course was Bransford and after an interminably long wait Simon made his move and top scored with 39. He finished the day a point behind Ben W and Kevin with a further six back to Tour returnee Stuart and seven to eventual winner James.
Puckrup Hall was the venue for the final round and it was another high-scoring day with only Paul failing to reach at least 30. No one scored better than James though and his 43 points saw him pick up the Trophy. Ben W and Simon were equal second, Ben's putter going cold on the back nine while Simon was particularly unlucky after a lost ball incident mid-round.
Final scores:
James - 35, 27, 43 = 105
Ben W - 36, 34, 34 = 104
Simon - 30, 39, 35 = 104
Kevin - 36, 34, 32 = 102
Stuart - 32, 31, 37 = 100
Bruce - 36, 24, 35 = 95
Ben F - 25, 34, 30 = 89
Paul - 35, 24, 26 = 85
Anything else to add? Let me know.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Paul
Tour appearances: 14 (2003-2007, 2009-2015, 2017, 2019)
Best performances:
Winner: 2005
Third: 2009
Best rounds:
42 points - (off 36) at Canford Magna (Parkland) 2005 (TR)
37 points - (off 30) at Cottrell Park (Mackintosh) 2007*
35 points - (off 36) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011
31 points - (off 36) at Rolls of Monmouth 2004
31 points - (off 36) at Weston-Super-Mare 2012
31 points - (off 36) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2014
Best three round tournament total:
90 points - Cardiff 2007*
85 points - Great Malvern 2011
Best three out of four rounds tournament total:
100 points - Bournemouth 2005
Best two round tournament total:
49 points - The Belfry 2009
(TR=Tour Record)
*score retrieved from retained scorecard(s) not official Tour records
Tour Handicaps
Who's played off what?
The records from 2002, 2006 & 2007 are long gone but here are the rest of the numbers. The winner for that year is in bold.
Ben W
2003 - 10, 10, 10, 8
2004 & 2005 - 8
2008 - 11
2009 - 10
2010 - 9, 11, 11
2011 - 9
2012 - 10
2013 - 9
2014 - 10
2015 - 8, 8, 9
2016 - 8, 8, 7
2017 - 8
2018 - 8, 7, 7
2019 - 7
Ben F
2010 - 19, 18, 18
2011 - 17, 18, 18
2012 - 19
2013, 2014 & 2016 - 16
2017 - 17
2018 - 15
2019 - 15, 14, 14
Brian
2003 - 23, 23, 22, 22
2004 - 22
2005 - 19
2008 - 16
2010 - 17, 17, 18
2012 - 17, 17, 16
2013 - 18
2014 & 2016 - 17
2017 - 15, 15, 16
2018 - 16, 18, 20
2019 - 20
Bruce
2010 - 19, 21, 20
2011 - 17
2012 - 17, 18, 19
2013 - 17
2014 - 16, 16, 18
2018 - 17, 18, 16
James
2004 - 30
2009 - 34
2010 - 29, 31, 33
2011 - 33, 33, 35
2012 - 31, 33, 33
2013 - 32, 34, 36
2014 - 36
2015 - 35, 36, 34
2016 - 34, 35, 35
2017 - 35, 35, 36
2018 - 35, 36, 34
2019 - 34, 36, 36
Kevin
2003 - 15, 15, 14, 14
2004 - 16
2005 - 13
2008 & 2009 - 9
2010 - 8, 8, 10
2011 & 2012 - 8
2013 - 9
2014 - 10
2015 - 2018 - 9
2019 - 8, 8, 6
Mark
2003 - 12, 12, 12, 13
2004 - 13
2005 - 10
2008 - 13
Matthew
2003 - 21
2013 & 2014 - 14
2015 - 13, 13, 15
2016 - 12
2017 & 2018 - 11
Paul
2003, 2004, 2005 - 36
2006 & 2007 - 30*
2009 - 33
2010 - 31, 33, 36
2011-2015, 2017, 2019 - 36
Simon
2003 - 16, 14, 14, 14
2004 - 15
2005 - 14
2009 - 22
2010 - 19
2011 - 21, 21, 20
2013, 2014, 2015 - 21
2016 - 18, 18, 17
2017 - 17
2018 - 18
Stuart
2003 - 28, 28, 30, 30
2004 - 31
2007 - 32*
2011 - 36
2015 - 36, 35, 36
2017 & 2018 - 36
*These figures produced from scorecards or memory, not official Tour literature.
Any additions or changes to the above please let me know.
The records from 2002, 2006 & 2007 are long gone but here are the rest of the numbers. The winner for that year is in bold.
Ben W
2003 - 10, 10, 10, 8
2004 & 2005 - 8
2008 - 11
2009 - 10
2010 - 9, 11, 11
2011 - 9
2012 - 10
2013 - 9
2014 - 10
2015 - 8, 8, 9
2016 - 8, 8, 7
2017 - 8
2018 - 8, 7, 7
2019 - 7
Ben F
2010 - 19, 18, 18
2011 - 17, 18, 18
2012 - 19
2013, 2014 & 2016 - 16
2017 - 17
2018 - 15
2019 - 15, 14, 14
Brian
2003 - 23, 23, 22, 22
2004 - 22
2005 - 19
2008 - 16
2010 - 17, 17, 18
2012 - 17, 17, 16
2013 - 18
2014 & 2016 - 17
2017 - 15, 15, 16
2018 - 16, 18, 20
2019 - 20
Bruce
2010 - 19, 21, 20
2011 - 17
2012 - 17, 18, 19
2013 - 17
2014 - 16, 16, 18
2018 - 17, 18, 16
James
2004 - 30
2009 - 34
2010 - 29, 31, 33
2011 - 33, 33, 35
2012 - 31, 33, 33
2013 - 32, 34, 36
2014 - 36
2015 - 35, 36, 34
2016 - 34, 35, 35
2017 - 35, 35, 36
2018 - 35, 36, 34
2019 - 34, 36, 36
Kevin
2003 - 15, 15, 14, 14
2004 - 16
2005 - 13
2008 & 2009 - 9
2010 - 8, 8, 10
2011 & 2012 - 8
2013 - 9
2014 - 10
2015 - 2018 - 9
2019 - 8, 8, 6
Mark
2003 - 12, 12, 12, 13
2004 - 13
2005 - 10
2008 - 13
Matthew
2003 - 21
2013 & 2014 - 14
2015 - 13, 13, 15
2016 - 12
2017 & 2018 - 11
Paul
2003, 2004, 2005 - 36
2006 & 2007 - 30*
2009 - 33
2010 - 31, 33, 36
2011-2015, 2017, 2019 - 36
Simon
2003 - 16, 14, 14, 14
2004 - 15
2005 - 14
2009 - 22
2010 - 19
2011 - 21, 21, 20
2013, 2014, 2015 - 21
2016 - 18, 18, 17
2017 - 17
2018 - 18
Stuart
2003 - 28, 28, 30, 30
2004 - 31
2007 - 32*
2011 - 36
2015 - 36, 35, 36
2017 & 2018 - 36
*These figures produced from scorecards or memory, not official Tour literature.
Any additions or changes to the above please let me know.
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Matthew
Tour appearances: 9 (2002-2003, 2006-2007, 2013-2018)
Best results:
Runner-up - 2007, 2013, 2017
Third - 2003, 2006, 2018
Best scores:
38 points - (off 14) The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2013 (JTR)
35 points - (off 11) Minehead & West Somerset 2017 (JTR)
34 points - (off 14) Came Down 2013
33 points - (off 12) Stoneleigh Deer Park 2016
33 points - (off 14) Came Down 2014
32 points - (off 11) Rushmore 2018 (JTR)
32 points - (off 13) The Warren 2015
32 points - (off 15) Sidmouth 2015 (TR)
32 points - (off 21) Bude & North Cornwall 2003
Best three round total
98 points - Weymouth 2013
Best 'three out of four rounds' tournament total:
91 points - Bude & North Cornwall 2003
(TR=Tour Record, JTR = Joint Tour Record)
Other Tour Record
30 points - (off 21) Roserrow 2003
Friday, 27 July 2012
Clevedon - "THE course to play in somerset”
The course where the 2010 Tour was settled was Clevedon which bills itself as "one of the most picturesque courses in the South West". Who am I to argue?
It's a par 72 and 6,348 yards of the yellow tees. That's the basics out of the way, I think this course is among the best we've played and the 16th, with it's 200 foot drop from tee to fairway and a 160 yard carry over bushes, would be one of the first on a 'Fantasy Round' from the places we've played.
The course map gets the memories flooding back. It's starts off conventionally enough but out of the blue you have the par three fourth with it's elevated tee. There's a big pond in front of the sixth which had a fountain running when we played. Another moment from this course that will stick with me was Brian's motorised trolley disappearing into a bunker under its own stream on one of the back nine holes.
This is a tough course but worth it.
Best scores:
35 points - Ben W (off 11)
33 points - Ben F (off 18)
33 points - Kevin (off 10)
32 points - Brian (off 18)
Did you think this course was a belter as well or do you have different opinions? Let me know.
It's a par 72 and 6,348 yards of the yellow tees. That's the basics out of the way, I think this course is among the best we've played and the 16th, with it's 200 foot drop from tee to fairway and a 160 yard carry over bushes, would be one of the first on a 'Fantasy Round' from the places we've played.
The course map gets the memories flooding back. It's starts off conventionally enough but out of the blue you have the par three fourth with it's elevated tee. There's a big pond in front of the sixth which had a fountain running when we played. Another moment from this course that will stick with me was Brian's motorised trolley disappearing into a bunker under its own stream on one of the back nine holes.
This is a tough course but worth it.
Best scores:
35 points - Ben W (off 11)
33 points - Ben F (off 18)
33 points - Kevin (off 10)
32 points - Brian (off 18)
Did you think this course was a belter as well or do you have different opinions? Let me know.
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Weston-Super-Mare - “a challenging test of links golf”
The Saturday course of the 2010 Tour was also the scene for the final round in 2012.
The course is situated at the southern end of Weston-Super-Mare and was modernised in 1922 by the renowned golf architect Dr. Alister Mackenzie* who was also responsible for Augusta National.
I can't remember what the weather was like in 2010 but the majority of us scored better in 2012 when there was a cold, overcast start that soon turned hot. Bruce blazed a trail on the first occasion with 37 points put Ben F owned it on our latest visit scoring 43.
I'm a fan of this course. There's lots of different challenges here, one of which was walking through a caravan park to get to the fifth although that was missing in 2012. Some of it looks easier than it plays, club selection is particularly interesting on the par 3 seventh.
The bunkers are well placed, there are varying degrees of rough, there's out of bounds here and there, and the mounds and undulations of the greens are making you think on every shot. The signature hole is the 15th which is apparently based on the Road Hole at St Andrews. I must admit I never made that connection.I thought the clubhouse grub was pretty good too!
Best rounds:
43 points- Ben F (off 19) 2012
37 points - Bruce (off 19) 2010
36 points - Brian (off 16) 2012
35 points - Ben W (off 11) 2010
*Mackenzie's rules for an ideal golf course are:
Did you enjoy it as much as I did? Let me know.
The course is situated at the southern end of Weston-Super-Mare and was modernised in 1922 by the renowned golf architect Dr. Alister Mackenzie* who was also responsible for Augusta National.
I can't remember what the weather was like in 2010 but the majority of us scored better in 2012 when there was a cold, overcast start that soon turned hot. Bruce blazed a trail on the first occasion with 37 points put Ben F owned it on our latest visit scoring 43.
I'm a fan of this course. There's lots of different challenges here, one of which was walking through a caravan park to get to the fifth although that was missing in 2012. Some of it looks easier than it plays, club selection is particularly interesting on the par 3 seventh.
The bunkers are well placed, there are varying degrees of rough, there's out of bounds here and there, and the mounds and undulations of the greens are making you think on every shot. The signature hole is the 15th which is apparently based on the Road Hole at St Andrews. I must admit I never made that connection.I thought the clubhouse grub was pretty good too!
Best rounds:
43 points- Ben F (off 19) 2012
37 points - Bruce (off 19) 2010
36 points - Brian (off 16) 2012
35 points - Ben W (off 11) 2010
*Mackenzie's rules for an ideal golf course are:
-
Should be arranged in two loops of 9 holes to create different wind conditions throughout the round
-
Should have a mix of long par fours, drive and pitch holes and at
least four par threes to create variety in the type of shots during any
round
-
The Greens and Fairways should be undulating, without steep hills for the golfer to climb
-
There should be a minimum of blind approach shots
-
The emphasis should be placed on natural beauty, not on artificial features
-
There is always an alternative route for the weaker player, yet a sufficient test for the plus-handicap player
- There should be a complete absence of the annoyance caused by searching for lost balls
Did you enjoy it as much as I did? Let me know.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Worlebury - "an excellent mix of holes"
On the outskirts of Weston-Super-Mare, Worlebury was the first course of the 2010 Tour.
I don't think this one's remembered that fondly, apart from by Ben F perhaps who stormed to 39 points and set up his victory. I have a feeling that the greens weren't in great nick.
I certainly remember getting to close to the clubhouse with my first drive (I think James was the same). The second was in interesting par 3 (a 'drop hole' they call it) but apart from that it's pretty plain. There are some nice views though.
Best scores:
39 points - Ben F (off 19)
36 points - Kevin (off 8)
34 points - Brian (off 17)
Have a look at the course guide and let me have your views.
I don't think this one's remembered that fondly, apart from by Ben F perhaps who stormed to 39 points and set up his victory. I have a feeling that the greens weren't in great nick.
I certainly remember getting to close to the clubhouse with my first drive (I think James was the same). The second was in interesting par 3 (a 'drop hole' they call it) but apart from that it's pretty plain. There are some nice views though.
Best scores:
39 points - Ben F (off 19)
36 points - Kevin (off 8)
34 points - Brian (off 17)
Have a look at the course guide and let me have your views.
Monday, 23 July 2012
2010 (Weston-Super-Mare) - Debut win for Ben F
After a couple of years of low turnout and two round tournaments it was felt that the Tour needed a bit of reinvigorating. Bruce and Ben F were invited to join the ranks and it was the latter who took the title at his first attempt.
The 2010 event was back to three rounds and based in Weston-Super-Mare. The Friday course was on the outskirts at Worlebury. Ben F made an instant impact scoring 39 off a handicap of 19 (a tad generous perhaps). Holder Kevin was three points back after a fine 36 but James (21), Ben (a Tour low of 19 for him) and Paul (the Tour record low of 13 after completely forgetting what he was taught in his recent lessons were already out of it.
After a Friday night out in a deserted Weston the night before we stayed local and round two was at the links of Weston-Super-Mare and it was the other newcomer who top-scored. Bruce beat his handicap with 37 points to put himself back in the frame, five points behind Ben F whose total moved on to 68. Brian was also on 63 after two solid rounds while recognised links disliker Simon added another 31 points to be one point further back.
The final round was at Clevedon. It's a tough course and someone was going to need to shoot the lights out to catch Ben F. It didn't happen. Ben W top scored with 35 but a solid 33 from Ben F saw him home by six points as his rivals faltered.
Final scores:
Ben F - 39, 29, 33 = 101
Brian - 34, 29, 32 = 95
Kevin - 36, 25, 33 = 94
Bruce - 26, 37, 28 = 91
Simon - 31, 31, 28 = 90
Ben W - 19, 35, 35 = 89
Paul - 13, 23, 26 = 62
James - 21, 19, 21 = 61
Anything else you want to add to this. I think the Lauriston Hotel deserves a mention, they looked after us well.
The 2010 event was back to three rounds and based in Weston-Super-Mare. The Friday course was on the outskirts at Worlebury. Ben F made an instant impact scoring 39 off a handicap of 19 (a tad generous perhaps). Holder Kevin was three points back after a fine 36 but James (21), Ben (a Tour low of 19 for him) and Paul (the Tour record low of 13 after completely forgetting what he was taught in his recent lessons were already out of it.
After a Friday night out in a deserted Weston the night before we stayed local and round two was at the links of Weston-Super-Mare and it was the other newcomer who top-scored. Bruce beat his handicap with 37 points to put himself back in the frame, five points behind Ben F whose total moved on to 68. Brian was also on 63 after two solid rounds while recognised links disliker Simon added another 31 points to be one point further back.
The final round was at Clevedon. It's a tough course and someone was going to need to shoot the lights out to catch Ben F. It didn't happen. Ben W top scored with 35 but a solid 33 from Ben F saw him home by six points as his rivals faltered.
Final scores:
Ben F - 39, 29, 33 = 101
Brian - 34, 29, 32 = 95
Kevin - 36, 25, 33 = 94
Bruce - 26, 37, 28 = 91
Simon - 31, 31, 28 = 90
Ben W - 19, 35, 35 = 89
Paul - 13, 23, 26 = 62
James - 21, 19, 21 = 61
Anything else you want to add to this. I think the Lauriston Hotel deserves a mention, they looked after us well.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Mark
Tour appearances: 6 (2002-2005, 2007-2008)
Best performance:
Winner - 2004
Best rounds:
40 points - (off 13) at Rolls of Monmouth 2004 (TR)
36 points - (off 13) at Monmouth 2004
33 points - (off 13) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
33 points - (off 13) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2008
Best 'three out of four rounds' tournament total:
109 points - Monmouth 2004 (TR)
(TR = Tour Record)
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
PGA National - "fast becoming one of the top courses in the country"
The 2009 Tour had its second and final round at The Belfry's PGA National. Kevin held off Simon to make it three Tour wins in four years here and I've certainly got fonder memories of this one, maybe because I think the weather was nicer that day!
It has "an inland links appearance" according to the website, I didn't get that feeling I must confess but I certainly enjoyed it.
There's much more going on here than The Derby so I'm surprised that three out of the five of us improved our scores. Plenty of water, either in ponds, or brooks cutting across the fairways, an interesting mound in the 16th fairway and the occasional dogleg a bigger hitter can take on. Good fun!
The 148 yard par three 15th was our 'nearest the pin' hole (which should have been renamed 'nearest the green'!) and the 18th, back to the clubhouse, was our longest drive challenge.
Best scores:
32 points - Simon (off 22)
31 points - Kevin (off 9)
26 points - Paul (off 33)
Have a look at the course guide and let me know any of your thoughts.
It has "an inland links appearance" according to the website, I didn't get that feeling I must confess but I certainly enjoyed it.
There's much more going on here than The Derby so I'm surprised that three out of the five of us improved our scores. Plenty of water, either in ponds, or brooks cutting across the fairways, an interesting mound in the 16th fairway and the occasional dogleg a bigger hitter can take on. Good fun!
The 148 yard par three 15th was our 'nearest the pin' hole (which should have been renamed 'nearest the green'!) and the 18th, back to the clubhouse, was our longest drive challenge.
Best scores:
32 points - Simon (off 22)
31 points - Kevin (off 9)
26 points - Paul (off 33)
Have a look at the course guide and let me know any of your thoughts.
The Derby - "a shorter, more relaxed course for players of all levels"
The Derby at The Belfry ("the ultimate golfing experience") was the first course of the 2009 Tour.
Am I being harsh if I say this isn't that interesting a course? I can remember the third (a par three with a raised green) and possibly the 12th (because I had an air shot after hitting a rare good drive).
Looking at the course guide it really doesn't shout 'interesting' at you. It's pretty straight, plenty of carry before you reach the fairway and there's only a couple of holes where water might come into play. It's all a bit samey really.
Best scores:
28 points - Kevin (off 9)
25 points - James (off 34)
25 points - Simon (off 22)
Have I got this course all wrong? Did you love it? Let me know.
Am I being harsh if I say this isn't that interesting a course? I can remember the third (a par three with a raised green) and possibly the 12th (because I had an air shot after hitting a rare good drive).
Looking at the course guide it really doesn't shout 'interesting' at you. It's pretty straight, plenty of carry before you reach the fairway and there's only a couple of holes where water might come into play. It's all a bit samey really.
Best scores:
28 points - Kevin (off 9)
25 points - James (off 34)
25 points - Simon (off 22)
Have I got this course all wrong? Did you love it? Let me know.
2009 (The Belfry) - Kevin rings in third win
Kevin made it three Tour wins in four years at The Belfry in 2009.
Work and family commitments reduced this to a five player, two day competition but Ben W, Kevin and Paul got to "walk in the footsteps of legends" and play the former Ryder Cup course The Brabazon, "the spiritual home of The Ryder Cup".
It was a very windy day so not ideal but it was good to play this course, especially the iconic 10th and 18th. I think we all had varying degrees of a tough day so I'm not sure it helped much towards the Tour. Was it my imagination or was this a five hour plus round? A conveyor belt of people churning onto the course not helped by most taking two tee shots at the tenth.
James and Simon joined us on the Saturday and the first competitive round was at The Derby. I'm not sure what the weather was like but for supposedly the easiest of the three Belfry courses none of us scored well. Kevin failed to hit his usual 30 points plus but led overnight on 28. Three points back were James and Simon.
After a second night at the Corporate money-making machine that is the Belfry Hotel the Tour would be settled on the Sunday round at PGA National. This course was longer and tougher than the Derby but is also much more interesting.
The weather was better for this round and for the early tee time Kevin and Simon were joined by two ladies who'd been booked at the same time or something similar. Simon top scored on this challenging 18 but he was unable to overhaul Kevin's two round total. This victory was secured off a handicap of nine, the lowest in Tour history.
Final scores:
Kevin - 28, 31 = 59
Simon - 25, 32 = 57
Paul - 23, 26 = 49
Ben W - 24, 23 = 47
James - 25, 20 = 45
Any other memories of the 2009 Tour? Your comments are welcome.
Work and family commitments reduced this to a five player, two day competition but Ben W, Kevin and Paul got to "walk in the footsteps of legends" and play the former Ryder Cup course The Brabazon, "the spiritual home of The Ryder Cup".
It was a very windy day so not ideal but it was good to play this course, especially the iconic 10th and 18th. I think we all had varying degrees of a tough day so I'm not sure it helped much towards the Tour. Was it my imagination or was this a five hour plus round? A conveyor belt of people churning onto the course not helped by most taking two tee shots at the tenth.
James and Simon joined us on the Saturday and the first competitive round was at The Derby. I'm not sure what the weather was like but for supposedly the easiest of the three Belfry courses none of us scored well. Kevin failed to hit his usual 30 points plus but led overnight on 28. Three points back were James and Simon.
After a second night at the Corporate money-making machine that is the Belfry Hotel the Tour would be settled on the Sunday round at PGA National. This course was longer and tougher than the Derby but is also much more interesting.
The weather was better for this round and for the early tee time Kevin and Simon were joined by two ladies who'd been booked at the same time or something similar. Simon top scored on this challenging 18 but he was unable to overhaul Kevin's two round total. This victory was secured off a handicap of nine, the lowest in Tour history.
Final scores:
Kevin - 28, 31 = 59
Simon - 25, 32 = 57
Paul - 23, 26 = 49
Ben W - 24, 23 = 47
James - 25, 20 = 45
Any other memories of the 2009 Tour? Your comments are welcome.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Tour formats
We only started in 2002 but the Tour has been through various format changes already. Here's the list...
2002 & 2003
Best three rounds from four count
Handicaps changed during competition (by committee)
2004 & 2005
Best three rounds from four count
Handicaps the same through competition
2006 & 2007
Three rounds - all counting towards score
Handicaps the same through competition
2008 & 2009
Two rounds - all counting towards score
Handicaps the same through competition
2010, 2012, 2013 & 2014
Three rounds - all counting towards score
Handicaps changed during competition (by formula*)
2011
Three rounds - all counting towards score
Handicaps changed during competition (by formula*) except for those with official club handicap who remained the same throughout
2015, 2016, 2018 & 2019
As 2010, 2012, 2013 & 2014 but last year's champion was cut by 10% (rounded up) before the first round.
2017
As 2015 and 2016. However, 'Exceptional Circumstances' at Ilfracombe saw a maximum score of 27 so handicap raises were only applied to players scoring less than 20)
* scores over (36 in 2012-13, 35 in 2014, 33 in 2016, 2018 and 2019, 34 in 2017) result in a handicap cut of .5 for every point over that score
scores under 27 (2012), 24 (2013), 25 (2014 and 2017) and 26 (2016 and 2018-2019) result in a handicap rise of .5 for every point under that score
Two point change per day maximum - Tour maximum handicap is 36
2002 & 2003
Best three rounds from four count
Handicaps changed during competition (by committee)
2004 & 2005
Best three rounds from four count
Handicaps the same through competition
2006 & 2007
Three rounds - all counting towards score
Handicaps the same through competition
2008 & 2009
Two rounds - all counting towards score
Handicaps the same through competition
2010, 2012, 2013 & 2014
Three rounds - all counting towards score
Handicaps changed during competition (by formula*)
2011
Three rounds - all counting towards score
Handicaps changed during competition (by formula*) except for those with official club handicap who remained the same throughout
2015, 2016, 2018 & 2019
As 2010, 2012, 2013 & 2014 but last year's champion was cut by 10% (rounded up) before the first round.
2017
As 2015 and 2016. However, 'Exceptional Circumstances' at Ilfracombe saw a maximum score of 27 so handicap raises were only applied to players scoring less than 20)
* scores over (36 in 2012-13, 35 in 2014, 33 in 2016, 2018 and 2019, 34 in 2017) result in a handicap cut of .5 for every point over that score
scores under 27 (2012), 24 (2013), 25 (2014 and 2017) and 26 (2016 and 2018-2019) result in a handicap rise of .5 for every point under that score
Two point change per day maximum - Tour maximum handicap is 36
Monday, 16 July 2012
Kevin
Tour appearances: 17 (2002-2017, 2019)
Best performances:
Winner: 2006, 2007, 2009
Runner-up: 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2019
Third: 2008, 2010, 2012
Best rounds:
37 - (off 8) at Handsworth 2019 (TR)
37 - (off 9) at Came Down 2013 (TR)
37 - (off 16) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
36 - (off 15) at Bude & North Cornwall 2003
36 - (off 8) at Worlebury 2010
36 - (off 8) at Minchinhamton (Avening) 2011 (JTR)
36 - (off 9) at The Warren 2015
36 - (off 10) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2014
Best three round tournament total:
102 points - Great Malvern 2011
Best 'three out of four rounds' tournament total:
99 points - Bournemouth 2005
Best two round tournament total:
63 points - The Cotswolds 2008
(TR = Tour Record, JTR = Joint Tour Record)
Other tour records
34 - (off 9) at Tadmarton Heath in 2016
34 - (off 13) at Crane Valley in 2005
30 - (off 13) at Dudsbury in 2005
30 - (off 9) at Burford in 2008
28 - (off 9) at The Derby in 2009
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Burford - "first-class parkland golf"
Burford was the opening day's course in 2008 but had been used three years earlier in a test event for Ben W's birthday. (This was where Bruce left his shoes by the side of the road so that when we went back to get that them it looked like the shoes' owner was either invisible or had recently spontaneously combusted.)
Burford's website says that the course "provides a challenging yet ultimately rewarding test of golf in beautiful natural surroundings... and is particularly noted for its high-quality greens." You'll have to let me know on that. It's a 6,078 yard par 71 - I know that much.
The course planner shows a very tree-lined 18 holes with what looks to be narrow fairways to aim at. It's small wonder that no one took this apart on the Tour.
Best rounds:
30 points - Kevin (off 9)
29 points - Ben W (off 11)
29 points - Brian (off 16)
Let me know if you've got anything else to add about this course.
Burford's website says that the course "provides a challenging yet ultimately rewarding test of golf in beautiful natural surroundings... and is particularly noted for its high-quality greens." You'll have to let me know on that. It's a 6,078 yard par 71 - I know that much.
The course planner shows a very tree-lined 18 holes with what looks to be narrow fairways to aim at. It's small wonder that no one took this apart on the Tour.
Best rounds:
30 points - Kevin (off 9)
29 points - Ben W (off 11)
29 points - Brian (off 16)
Let me know if you've got anything else to add about this course.
Saturday, 14 July 2012
2008 (The Cotswolds) - Ben makes it three
Ben W became the first person to get his name of the coveted Tour trophy three times after victory in the 2008 event.
Reduced to two rounds and played more locally than usual, work and holiday commitments reduced this to a small, but very select, field of four.
The first round was at Burford and just three points separated the players. Kevin, looking for three wins in a row, led on 30 points. Ben W and Brian (twice third in the Tour) were a single point behind while Mark (the 2004 winner) was a further two points back.
The title would be decided at Minchinhampton (Cherington) and like in 2004 the scoring was on the high side. Mark's chance of a second win went even though he scored 33 points and Kevin opened the door for his rivals when achieving the same score.
Brian beat his 16 handicap with 37 points but even that was not enough to stop Ben W claiming his third title after a round of 39 points (off 10).
Final scores:
Ben W - 29, 39 = 68
Brian - 29, 37 = 66
Kevin - 30, 33 = 63
Mark - 27, 33 = 60
If anyone who went on this small but high quality Tour can add anything, please drop Paul a line.
Reduced to two rounds and played more locally than usual, work and holiday commitments reduced this to a small, but very select, field of four.
The first round was at Burford and just three points separated the players. Kevin, looking for three wins in a row, led on 30 points. Ben W and Brian (twice third in the Tour) were a single point behind while Mark (the 2004 winner) was a further two points back.
The title would be decided at Minchinhampton (Cherington) and like in 2004 the scoring was on the high side. Mark's chance of a second win went even though he scored 33 points and Kevin opened the door for his rivals when achieving the same score.
Brian beat his 16 handicap with 37 points but even that was not enough to stop Ben W claiming his third title after a round of 39 points (off 10).
Final scores:
Ben W - 29, 39 = 68
Brian - 29, 37 = 66
Kevin - 30, 33 = 63
Mark - 27, 33 = 60
If anyone who went on this small but high quality Tour can add anything, please drop Paul a line.
James
Tour appearances: 13 (2004, 2006, 2009-2019)
Best performances:
Winner - 2011
Third - 2014, 2015, 2018
Best rounds:
43 points - (off 35) at Puckrup Hall 2011 (TR)
42 points - (off 36) at Bridport 2015 (TR)
37 points - (off 36) at Wareham 2018
37 points - (off 36) at Weymouth 2014 (TR)
36 points - (off 30) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
35 points - (off 33) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011
Best three round tournament total:
105 points - Great Malvern 2011
Best 'three out of four' round tournament total:
92 points - Monmouth 2004
Best two round tournament total:
45 - The Belfry 2009
(TR = Tour Record)
Cottrell Park (Button Gwinnett) - "A tricky but enjoyable Course"
Fascinating facts* - The Button Gwinnett course is named after one of the fifty-six men who assembled at Philadelphia in 1776 to sign the American Declaration of Independence. (Gwinnett’s autograph is one of the valuable in the world changing hands at up to $150,000). Curiously he was killed in a duel by somebody called McIntosh.
His unusual first name is derived from his uncle Sir Thomas Button, a naval explorer famous for charting the American north west coast. The Button family lived at Cottrell Park in the 17th century apparently.
Anyway, on to the golf course. Quoting from the website: "With an American theme the Button Gwinnett boasts 13 lakes spread over 18 holes. The last three holes have been newly designed including the 16th, which has similarities to the 16th of Augusta with water from Tee to Green. The 17th plays up to a Plateau green and to finish you play the picturesque 18th over a large water feature in view of the Clubhouse."
I've had a look at the course guide and yet again can't remember it. I have a feeling it was a grey, mizzly day when we played - perhaps that sort of weather affects my recall. If you'd like to make any comments on this course, you know what to do.
* I love facts
His unusual first name is derived from his uncle Sir Thomas Button, a naval explorer famous for charting the American north west coast. The Button family lived at Cottrell Park in the 17th century apparently.
Anyway, on to the golf course. Quoting from the website: "With an American theme the Button Gwinnett boasts 13 lakes spread over 18 holes. The last three holes have been newly designed including the 16th, which has similarities to the 16th of Augusta with water from Tee to Green. The 17th plays up to a Plateau green and to finish you play the picturesque 18th over a large water feature in view of the Clubhouse."
I've had a look at the course guide and yet again can't remember it. I have a feeling it was a grey, mizzly day when we played - perhaps that sort of weather affects my recall. If you'd like to make any comments on this course, you know what to do.
* I love facts
The Glamorganshire - "Birthplace of the Stableford scoring system"
The Glamorganshire was our Saturday course in 2007.
The par 70, 6,184 yard golf course, enjoying stunning views over the sea, is not actually a links, but an 18-hole parkland course on undulating ground at the eastern edge of Cosmeston Lakes Country Park.
I think we had a rare relatively sunny day for this one. The second sticks in my mind as a super little uphill par three. The rest's a bit of a blur to tell the truth but a looks like there's a load of well-placed bunkers throughout this course.
The Rugby World Cup was on at the time and when we made it back to the clubhouse we watched Jonny Wilkinson kick England to victory over Samoa in the Rugby World Cup.
Have a look at the course guide and see if you want to add any comments on this venue.
The par 70, 6,184 yard golf course, enjoying stunning views over the sea, is not actually a links, but an 18-hole parkland course on undulating ground at the eastern edge of Cosmeston Lakes Country Park.
I think we had a rare relatively sunny day for this one. The second sticks in my mind as a super little uphill par three. The rest's a bit of a blur to tell the truth but a looks like there's a load of well-placed bunkers throughout this course.
The Rugby World Cup was on at the time and when we made it back to the clubhouse we watched Jonny Wilkinson kick England to victory over Samoa in the Rugby World Cup.
Have a look at the course guide and see if you want to add any comments on this venue.
Cottrell Park (Mackintosh) - "a testing but enjoyable walk"
Named after Alfred Donald Mackintosh of Mackintosh, the 28th Chief of Clan Mackintosh and Chief of Clan Chattan, who resided at Cottrell during the 19th and 20th Centuries.
The Mackintosh Course is a longer Parkland Course - 6,099 yards off the yellow tees. (Can you tell I've been reading the website?)
This was the Friday course on the 2007 tour. I've had a look at the course planner and it looks like the targets off the tees are fairly generous and there's not a lot of water on it.
It must have been fairly gentle because I managed 37 points (off 30! - I've kept my scorecard!) so must have been one of my best-ever rounds and I even joined the 'twos club' on the 12th which is uphill to a blind green.
Any of you out there remember playing this one? What was the verdict? Let me know.
2007 (Cardiff) - Double K
Kevin made it back to back Tour wins in 2007 at the Cardiff-based event.
Once again the scoring records are lost but we do know the courses were Cottrell Park (Button and Mackintosh) and The Glamorganshire.
We also have the finishing order:
1 - Kevin
2 - Matthew
3 - Ben W
4 - Mark
5 - Stuart
6 - Paul
7 - Brian*
* Brian was unable to play all the qualifying rounds.
Now if my memory is correct this must have been quite a close contest as I think my total over the three days was 90 points and that was only good enough for sixth.
It was the first of our 'nicer hotel' tours after the Torquay experience and we were well looked after by the flamboyant maitre'd and pianist at dinner.
Is there anything any of you can add about how this year's event played out. If you have please get in touch.
Once again the scoring records are lost but we do know the courses were Cottrell Park (Button and Mackintosh) and The Glamorganshire.
We also have the finishing order:
1 - Kevin
2 - Matthew
3 - Ben W
4 - Mark
5 - Stuart
6 - Paul
7 - Brian*
* Brian was unable to play all the qualifying rounds.
Now if my memory is correct this must have been quite a close contest as I think my total over the three days was 90 points and that was only good enough for sixth.
It was the first of our 'nicer hotel' tours after the Torquay experience and we were well looked after by the flamboyant maitre'd and pianist at dinner.
Is there anything any of you can add about how this year's event played out. If you have please get in touch.
Friday, 13 July 2012
Bruce
Kylie Tour appearances: 6 (2010-2014, 2018)
Best performance:
Fourth - 2010
Best rounds:
38 points - (off 18) at Wareham 2018 (TR)
37 points - (off 17) at Weston-Super-Mare 2010
36 points - (off 17) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011 (JTR)
35 points - (off 17) at Puckrup Hall 2011
32 points - (off 17) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2014
31 points - (off 17) at Downes Crediton 2013
Best three round total:
95 points - Great Malvern 2011
(JTR = Joint Tour Record)
Isle of Wedmore – “One of Somerset’s friendliest clubs”
The course where Kevin clinched his first title was Isle of Wedmore which "benefits from panoramic views of the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Valley, Glastonbury Tor and the Somerset Levels".
The hole that sticks in my memory is the par 3 eighteenth which runs right up to the clubhouse. What I’ve wiped from my memory is three par fives in a row on the back nine. I’d have struggled with that I’m sure.
At least the trees are a bit further from the fairways here. It's a Par 70 and is 5,850 yards long and was founded in 1992 (I'm running out of things to say - can you tell?)
Have a look at the course guide to see if it triggers anything for you to tell me about.
The hole that sticks in my memory is the par 3 eighteenth which runs right up to the clubhouse. What I’ve wiped from my memory is three par fives in a row on the back nine. I’d have struggled with that I’m sure.
At least the trees are a bit further from the fairways here. It's a Par 70 and is 5,850 yards long and was founded in 1992 (I'm running out of things to say - can you tell?)
Have a look at the course guide to see if it triggers anything for you to tell me about.
Dainton Park – “One of Devon's Finest Golf Courses”
Wow! This one ‘bigs itself up’ as the kids might say. Dainton Park was our 2006 Saturday course but as I can’t remember any of this one either I might as well quote the website.
“An outstanding test of golf”, “Elevated tees offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside, and wide, inviting fairways follow the natural contours of the landscape. Numerous bunkers and water features pepper the fairways and several patches of unkempt rough will to trap the wayward, whilst well protected greens require a thoughtful approach and an accurate short game.”
Flicking through the course guide - the second is “One of the most picturesque and toughest opening holes in Devon”, the signature hole is the par 3 eighth “A fantastic hole, with more stunning views of the surrounding countryside”, and I remember the 10th because of the protective netting (Which I probably ended up in, or under).
Anybody have anything to add? Can you confirm the course’s claims?
“An outstanding test of golf”, “Elevated tees offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside, and wide, inviting fairways follow the natural contours of the landscape. Numerous bunkers and water features pepper the fairways and several patches of unkempt rough will to trap the wayward, whilst well protected greens require a thoughtful approach and an accurate short game.”
Flicking through the course guide - the second is “One of the most picturesque and toughest opening holes in Devon”, the signature hole is the par 3 eighth “A fantastic hole, with more stunning views of the surrounding countryside”, and I remember the 10th because of the protective netting (Which I probably ended up in, or under).
Anybody have anything to add? Can you confirm the course’s claims?
Exeter Golf and Country Club – “the complete golfing package”
The Friday course in 2006 on our way to Torquay was Exeter. The only thing I can really remember is spanking my tee shot off the first and giving Kevin a bit of a scare as I’d hit it much further than I thought I could. It was most likely my last decent shot of the round.
The website tells me that The Par 69, 6023 yard golf course is set amongst ancient Oaks, Lime, Redwood and Horse Chestnut trees and with stunning views of Haldon Hill.
Having a quick look at the course guide it looks pretty tight with many trees and bunkers and suiting the straight hitters.
There's no scores from this one to work out how we might have played so I'll appreciate any comments.
The website tells me that The Par 69, 6023 yard golf course is set amongst ancient Oaks, Lime, Redwood and Horse Chestnut trees and with stunning views of Haldon Hill.
Having a quick look at the course guide it looks pretty tight with many trees and bunkers and suiting the straight hitters.
There's no scores from this one to work out how we might have played so I'll appreciate any comments.
Thursday, 12 July 2012
2006 (Torquay) - Kevin is crowned
Kevin had already been Tour runner-up in 2003 and 2005 so there was no real surprise when he picked up the 2006 title.
The Tour was based in Torquay and the courses played were Exeter, Dainton Park and Isle of Wedmore. There was a change to the format this year and it was three rounds, all counting towards the total.
Sadly no scoring or handicap records survive from the event. Which is slightly ironic as Kevin is the Tour's recognised scorekeeper. Still he wasn't to know that we'd do this six years later. We could all get an A Level in hindsight.
I think he played a bit of a blinder at Wedmore on the Sunday and would have stormed through to the title even if Ben hadn't been hungover. I could be wrong.
We do at least know the finishing positions:
1 - Kevin
2 - Ben W
3 - Matthew
4 - Simon
5 - James
6 - Brian
7 - Paul
Perhaps the most memorable part of the Tour was our hotelier. It was like something out of a sitcom where he'd be there to check you in, you'd walk through to the bar, and he'd somehow be there waiting to serve you. He seemed to be the only person who worked there. Perhaps he had a twin brother. He did a decent breakfast mind. I can't remember the name of the place to see if it's still there.
If you have an old copy of the scores or know anything more about the 2006 Tour let me know.
The Tour was based in Torquay and the courses played were Exeter, Dainton Park and Isle of Wedmore. There was a change to the format this year and it was three rounds, all counting towards the total.
Sadly no scoring or handicap records survive from the event. Which is slightly ironic as Kevin is the Tour's recognised scorekeeper. Still he wasn't to know that we'd do this six years later. We could all get an A Level in hindsight.
I think he played a bit of a blinder at Wedmore on the Sunday and would have stormed through to the title even if Ben hadn't been hungover. I could be wrong.
We do at least know the finishing positions:
1 - Kevin
2 - Ben W
3 - Matthew
4 - Simon
5 - James
6 - Brian
7 - Paul
Perhaps the most memorable part of the Tour was our hotelier. It was like something out of a sitcom where he'd be there to check you in, you'd walk through to the bar, and he'd somehow be there waiting to serve you. He seemed to be the only person who worked there. Perhaps he had a twin brother. He did a decent breakfast mind. I can't remember the name of the place to see if it's still there.
If you have an old copy of the scores or know anything more about the 2006 Tour let me know.
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Brian
Kylie Tour appearances: 15 (2002-2008*, 2010, 2012-14, 2016-2019)
Best performances:
Winner: 2016, 2019
Runner-up - 2008, 2010, 2012
Third - 2003, 2004
*Brian was unable to play all the qualifying rounds in 2005 & 2007
Best rounds:
38 points - (off 17) at Kenilworth 2016 (TR)
38 points - (off 19) at Bude & North Cornwall 2012 (TR)
38 points - (off 22) at Monmouth 2004 (TR)
37 points - (off 16) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2008
36 points - (off 18) at Weston-Super-Mare 2012
35 points - (off 15) at Minehead & West Somerset 2017 (JTR)
35 points - (off 22) at Minchinhampton Cherington 2004
35 points - (off 23) at Downes Crediton 2003
Best three round total:
104 points - Bude 2012
Best 'three out of four' round total:
103 points - Monmouth 2004
Best two round total:
66 points - The Cotswolds 2008
(TR = Tour Record)
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Dudsbury – “set in 160 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside”
I have fond memories of Dudsbury. Maybe it’s because I clinched my title there on the Sunday of the 2005 Tour. Or perhaps it's because we finally had some nice weather that day. Or perhaps it’s simply a good course.
(Dudsbury won Golf Club of the Year 2011 – as awarded by Club Mirror apparently).
The first has a nice downhill drive to get things rolling, the second is a par three over water, then I go a bit blank. The 16th is the signature hole apparently where you cross water twice. I must have blocked that from my memory! The 17th is uphill to a sloping green and there’s a two-tiered green waiting at the last.
Best scores:
30 points - Kevin (off 13)
29 points - Mark (off 10)
29 points - Simon (off 14)
Are Club Mirror and I right to think this was a good course or am I blinded by glory? Let me know.
(Dudsbury won Golf Club of the Year 2011 – as awarded by Club Mirror apparently).
The first has a nice downhill drive to get things rolling, the second is a par three over water, then I go a bit blank. The 16th is the signature hole apparently where you cross water twice. I must have blocked that from my memory! The 17th is uphill to a sloping green and there’s a two-tiered green waiting at the last.
Best scores:
30 points - Kevin (off 13)
29 points - Mark (off 10)
29 points - Simon (off 14)
Are Club Mirror and I right to think this was a good course or am I blinded by glory? Let me know.
Canford Magna (Parkland) - "a challenging course of undulating grassland"
The first course of our Saturday double header at Canford Magna was the Parkland course.
There was a certain amount of pressure on the first tee because there was a starter to greet us and check our tickets but we all got away after a fashion. My main recollection of the day was the weather which ranged between drizzly and really quite wet.
The course itself? I can't really remember. There was water about and it must have been on the short side for me to score so well, particularly the par threes. Looking at the scorecard is just over 6,000 yards off the yellow tees but there are four par threes under 320 yards and the par threes are all under 170.
That's enough for yardages - can you remember any particular challenges on this course?
Best scores:
42 points - Paul (off 36)
38 points - Ben W (off 8)
32 points - Kevin (off 13)
32 points - Simon (off 14)
There was a certain amount of pressure on the first tee because there was a starter to greet us and check our tickets but we all got away after a fashion. My main recollection of the day was the weather which ranged between drizzly and really quite wet.
The course itself? I can't really remember. There was water about and it must have been on the short side for me to score so well, particularly the par threes. Looking at the scorecard is just over 6,000 yards off the yellow tees but there are four par threes under 320 yards and the par threes are all under 170.
That's enough for yardages - can you remember any particular challenges on this course?
Best scores:
42 points - Paul (off 36)
38 points - Ben W (off 8)
32 points - Kevin (off 13)
32 points - Simon (off 14)
Monday, 9 July 2012
Canford Magna (Riverside) - "an excellent course for the more advanced player"
The 2005 Saturday afternoon course was Canford Magna's Riverside.
The website tells me that the River Stour winds through several ponds and water features on this 6,231 yard course but I'll have to take their word for it as I don't remember. I do recall walking over a bridge very close to a swan's nest approaching a green and on the 'hole by hole' that looks like it might have been the 11th. (I then duffed my second but fluked a snaky long putt - funny what you remember! Perhaps my senses were heightened by swan fear).
This is supposed to be tougher than the Parkland course and it certainly played that way with only Simon beating his score from the morning round.
Best Scores:
35 points - Simon (off 14)
33 points - Kevin (off 13)
30 points - Ben W (off 8)
30 points - Paul (off 36)
If you have anything else to add about this course get in touch via the comments box or Paul.
The website tells me that the River Stour winds through several ponds and water features on this 6,231 yard course but I'll have to take their word for it as I don't remember. I do recall walking over a bridge very close to a swan's nest approaching a green and on the 'hole by hole' that looks like it might have been the 11th. (I then duffed my second but fluked a snaky long putt - funny what you remember! Perhaps my senses were heightened by swan fear).
This is supposed to be tougher than the Parkland course and it certainly played that way with only Simon beating his score from the morning round.
Best Scores:
35 points - Simon (off 14)
33 points - Kevin (off 13)
30 points - Ben W (off 8)
30 points - Paul (off 36)
If you have anything else to add about this course get in touch via the comments box or Paul.
Crane Valley - "a demanding, challenging and idyllic course"
Crane Valley was the destination for the Friday of the 2005 Tour. The course weighs in at 6,425 yards for a Par of 72.
The website says that it "is a challenge for the best golfer yet not too demanding to spoil the average golfer's walk through this beautiful part of the Dorset countryside". Which sounds nice.
I can't remember this course at all so I'd appreciate if you could let me have some comments about what you thought of this one.
Best scores:
34 points - Kevin (off 13)
32 points - Simon (off 14)
28 points - Mark (off 10)
The website says that it "is a challenge for the best golfer yet not too demanding to spoil the average golfer's walk through this beautiful part of the Dorset countryside". Which sounds nice.
I can't remember this course at all so I'd appreciate if you could let me have some comments about what you thought of this one.
Best scores:
34 points - Kevin (off 13)
32 points - Simon (off 14)
28 points - Mark (off 10)
Sunday, 8 July 2012
2005 (Bournemouth) - Paul springs a surprise
The 2005 Tour was based in Bournemouth and was the fourth and last under the 'best three rounds from four' format.
That format, a bit of practice beforehand and the fact that he was getting between 17 and 28 shots off his opponents combined to deliver a surprise win for Paul.
The Tour pitched up for a Friday round at Crane Valley. Once again I can't remember the first thing about this course but only Kevin (34) and Simon (32) broke the 30-point barrier so you have to think it was on the tough side. Paul (25) was last after day one and showed no sign of what was about to come.
Brian joined us for the Saturday double-header at Canford Magna. The morning course was the Parkland (I think it was a fairly early start) and had a starter who took our photo (any copy that I can upload?) and we teed off in drizzly rain that soon got steadier. As the rain eased so Paul started to get his act together and, staying out of trouble and making the most of two shots on every hole, came in with 42 points making him the lunchtime leader, two ahead of Ben.
A quick lunch and the second 18 was on the Riverside course in slightly improved weather. Title holder Mark (cut to 10 after last year's win) had struggled over the first two rounds and with only 26 points on this course his chances of a successful defence were all but over. Some close scoring meant we were going to be in for an exciting last day. Simon (35) and Kevin (33) were back in business while Paul and Ben (both 30) made sure they were in the shake-up.
The title would be decided by the round at Dudsbury and then the discarded points. Something we used to do back then (I'm not sure when we stopped) was decide the groups for the last day by order in the competition. That meant Ben and Mark went out first. Mark produced his joint best round of the weekend while Ben faltered and ended discarding his Sunday round.
That left Paul, Kevin and Simon to fight it out and it couldn't have been tighter at the end. Paul, blissfully unaware of the overall scores, found a couple of clutch putts on 17 and 18 and when the scores were totted up had scrambled home by a point.
Final scores
Paul - 25*, 42, 30, 28 = 100
Kevin - 34, 32, 33, 30* = 99
Simon - 32, 32, 25, 29* = 99
Ben W - 27, 38, 30, 25* = 95
Mark - 28, 29, 26*, 29 = 86
Brian - DNP, 31, 24, DNP = 55
* discarded round
That format, a bit of practice beforehand and the fact that he was getting between 17 and 28 shots off his opponents combined to deliver a surprise win for Paul.
The Tour pitched up for a Friday round at Crane Valley. Once again I can't remember the first thing about this course but only Kevin (34) and Simon (32) broke the 30-point barrier so you have to think it was on the tough side. Paul (25) was last after day one and showed no sign of what was about to come.
Brian joined us for the Saturday double-header at Canford Magna. The morning course was the Parkland (I think it was a fairly early start) and had a starter who took our photo (any copy that I can upload?) and we teed off in drizzly rain that soon got steadier. As the rain eased so Paul started to get his act together and, staying out of trouble and making the most of two shots on every hole, came in with 42 points making him the lunchtime leader, two ahead of Ben.
A quick lunch and the second 18 was on the Riverside course in slightly improved weather. Title holder Mark (cut to 10 after last year's win) had struggled over the first two rounds and with only 26 points on this course his chances of a successful defence were all but over. Some close scoring meant we were going to be in for an exciting last day. Simon (35) and Kevin (33) were back in business while Paul and Ben (both 30) made sure they were in the shake-up.
The title would be decided by the round at Dudsbury and then the discarded points. Something we used to do back then (I'm not sure when we stopped) was decide the groups for the last day by order in the competition. That meant Ben and Mark went out first. Mark produced his joint best round of the weekend while Ben faltered and ended discarding his Sunday round.
That left Paul, Kevin and Simon to fight it out and it couldn't have been tighter at the end. Paul, blissfully unaware of the overall scores, found a couple of clutch putts on 17 and 18 and when the scores were totted up had scrambled home by a point.
Final scores
Paul - 25*, 42, 30, 28 = 100
Kevin - 34, 32, 33, 30* = 99
Simon - 32, 32, 25, 29* = 99
Ben W - 27, 38, 30, 25* = 95
Mark - 28, 29, 26*, 29 = 86
Brian - DNP, 31, 24, DNP = 55
* discarded round
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Monmouth - "the prettiest club in the county"
The 2004 Tour finished at Monmouth Golf Club. When we rolled up I think we all felt the place had the air of an ordinary municipal but this is a course with some lovely scenery.
The sixth is a super par three with a ditch in front and over-hanging trees, the eighth was included in the book 'Britain's 100 Extraordinary Golf Holes', the 14th has a great downhill drive and the 17th is down and across a valley.
There are a lot of slopes on the course and its a good test of golf but clearly a fair one looking at the best scores...
38 points - Brian (off 22)
36 points - Mark (off 13)
33 points - Ben W (off 8)
33 points - Simon (off 15)
Do you agree with my assessment of the course. Can you add any more? You know what to do!
The sixth is a super par three with a ditch in front and over-hanging trees, the eighth was included in the book 'Britain's 100 Extraordinary Golf Holes', the 14th has a great downhill drive and the 17th is down and across a valley.
There are a lot of slopes on the course and its a good test of golf but clearly a fair one looking at the best scores...
38 points - Brian (off 22)
36 points - Mark (off 13)
33 points - Ben W (off 8)
33 points - Simon (off 15)
Do you agree with my assessment of the course. Can you add any more? You know what to do!
The Rolls of Monmouth - "one of the most outstanding golf courses in the whole of the UK"
The Saturday course in 2004 was The Rolls of Monmouth, the second and last time we played the same course twice in one day.
The championship course is 6,733 yards and is designed in two halves which are separated by a large wooded hill area (it says on the website - I can't remember).
It was a grey, wet day in the main which is perhaps why I'm not able to confirm the claims made in the title of this piece. I can remember the long par 3 18th as I fluked nearest the pin with my three wood to three feet (and then missed the putt of course). The other thing I remember continues to scar me.
The sight of Stuart crouching behind an umbrella applying vaseline to his back door in an attempt to prevent chafing is something no man should see. Mark and I probably have post-traumatic stress disorder. Enough of that - to the best scores...
40 points - Mark (off 13)
34 points - Simon (off 15)
31 points - Kevin (off 16)
31 points - Simon (off 15)
30 points - Brian (off 22)
30 points - Kevin (off 16)
If you have anything to say (preferably not about Stuart's foray into the trees behind an umbrella) then head to the comments link or email Paul.
The championship course is 6,733 yards and is designed in two halves which are separated by a large wooded hill area (it says on the website - I can't remember).
It was a grey, wet day in the main which is perhaps why I'm not able to confirm the claims made in the title of this piece. I can remember the long par 3 18th as I fluked nearest the pin with my three wood to three feet (and then missed the putt of course). The other thing I remember continues to scar me.
The sight of Stuart crouching behind an umbrella applying vaseline to his back door in an attempt to prevent chafing is something no man should see. Mark and I probably have post-traumatic stress disorder. Enough of that - to the best scores...
40 points - Mark (off 13)
34 points - Simon (off 15)
31 points - Kevin (off 16)
31 points - Simon (off 15)
30 points - Brian (off 22)
30 points - Kevin (off 16)
If you have anything to say (preferably not about Stuart's foray into the trees behind an umbrella) then head to the comments link or email Paul.
Monday, 2 July 2012
Minchinhampton (Cherington) - "Rolling Cotswold landscape"
The Cherington course at Minchinhampton is one of the three courses to have been played on more than Tour. (Bude & North Cornwall and Downes Crediton being the others).
It was first used in 2004 as a stopping point on route to Monmouth where seven of the eight players that year scored at least 33 points and Stuart set the Tour record of 45.
The course was back on the rota in 2008 as the deciding 18 holes in the Cotswolds. It was another good scoring day with all four of the competitors scoring at least 33 again and Ben W clinching his third title with 39.
Once again I have little memory of this course but looking at the course guide (Par 72 - 6,850 yards) it seems that if you can hit it long and straight you're going to get chances to make a good score. At the same time if you're not much off line you're not going to get penalised too much and have a chance to recover.
The fairness of the course is reflected in the best scores:
45 points - Stuart (off 31) 2004
39 points - Simon (off 15) 2004
39 points - Ben W (off 11) 2008
37 points - Ben W (off 8) 2004
37 points - Kevin (off 16) 2004
37 points - Brian (off 16) 2008
36 points - James (off 30) 2004
Any suggestions as to why the scoring here has been so good? Any favourite holes? Comments box or email to Paul please.
It was first used in 2004 as a stopping point on route to Monmouth where seven of the eight players that year scored at least 33 points and Stuart set the Tour record of 45.
The course was back on the rota in 2008 as the deciding 18 holes in the Cotswolds. It was another good scoring day with all four of the competitors scoring at least 33 again and Ben W clinching his third title with 39.
Once again I have little memory of this course but looking at the course guide (Par 72 - 6,850 yards) it seems that if you can hit it long and straight you're going to get chances to make a good score. At the same time if you're not much off line you're not going to get penalised too much and have a chance to recover.
The fairness of the course is reflected in the best scores:
45 points - Stuart (off 31) 2004
39 points - Simon (off 15) 2004
39 points - Ben W (off 11) 2008
37 points - Ben W (off 8) 2004
37 points - Kevin (off 16) 2004
37 points - Brian (off 16) 2008
36 points - James (off 30) 2004
Any suggestions as to why the scoring here has been so good? Any favourite holes? Comments box or email to Paul please.
Ben W
Kylie Tour appearances: 18 (2002-2019)
Best performances:
Winner - 2002, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2018
Runner-up - 2006, 2011, 2016
Third - 2007, 2017, 2019
Best rounds:
39 points - (off 11) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2008
38 points - (off 8) at Canford Magna (Parkland) 2005
38 points - (off 9) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2013 (JTR)
37 points - (off 8) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
36 points - (off 9) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011 (JTR)
35 points - (off 8) at Hamptworth 2018 (TR)
35 points - (off 8) at Stoneleigh Deer Park 2016 (JTR)
35 points - (off 11) at Weston-Super-Mare 2010
35 points - (off 11) at Clevedon 2010 (TR)
Best three round total:
104 points - Great Malvern 2011
Best 'three out of four' round total:
95 points - Bournemouth 2005
Best two round total:
68 points - The Cotswolds 2008 (TR)
(TR = Tour Record, JTR = Joint Tour Record)
Other Tour Records
34 points - (off 7) at Cleeve Hill 2019
32 points - (off 7) at Rushmore 2018 (Joint)
32 points - (off 10) at Lanhydrock 2003
27 points - (off 8) at Ilfracombe 2017 (Joint)
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Roserrow – now ‘The Point at Polzeath’
When I started on this tour of the courses we’ve played I did wonder if they all were going to be as we left them. Would any have been sold off for housing, that sort of thing? Well that’s not the case at Roserrow but it has had a serious re-brand.
The course we played on the Sunday of the 2003 tour is now part of The Point at Polzeath resort which calls itself "a central ‘point’ for food, fitness, sport and family activities in North Cornwall".
As for the golf course, this is described as "The links style golf course provides a wonderful landscape and environment for everything that happens at The Point at Polzeath, with some of the best views in North Cornwall from many of the holes."
I have little recollection of playing the course, the only picture I have in my head is of quite a flat course with plenty of scrubby rough. And it was cold and grey that day. Am I making it up or do you agree?
Scoring was clearly difficult that day as the best rounds were:
30 points - Matthew (off 21)
29 points - Kevin (off 14)
27 points - Brian (off 22)
26 points - Simon (of 14)
Comments have come 'pouring' in about this course.
Kevin said: "The fairways were like rough" while Ben W added: "Probably the worst course we've played".
Add your comments about the course below or email Paul.
The course we played on the Sunday of the 2003 tour is now part of The Point at Polzeath resort which calls itself "a central ‘point’ for food, fitness, sport and family activities in North Cornwall".
As for the golf course, this is described as "The links style golf course provides a wonderful landscape and environment for everything that happens at The Point at Polzeath, with some of the best views in North Cornwall from many of the holes."
I have little recollection of playing the course, the only picture I have in my head is of quite a flat course with plenty of scrubby rough. And it was cold and grey that day. Am I making it up or do you agree?
Scoring was clearly difficult that day as the best rounds were:
30 points - Matthew (off 21)
29 points - Kevin (off 14)
27 points - Brian (off 22)
26 points - Simon (of 14)
Comments have come 'pouring' in about this course.
Kevin said: "The fairways were like rough" while Ben W added: "Probably the worst course we've played".
Add your comments about the course below or email Paul.
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Lanhydrock – “one of the finest golf courses in Cornwall and the South West”
Lanhydrock was the Saturday morning course in 2003 but the round was hit by the worst weather to strike the tour. It was decided to have one round on the Saturday this year so we could get back to the Inn on the Green to watch the (dreary) FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Southampton.
My memory’s not the best but what I do remember is this being a very pretty course, a lot of flowers about. The hole that sticks in my mind is a par three, the sixth I think. Everyone loves an elevated tee, bit of water in front, two-tiered green - lovely! I also remember Mark taking a ridiculously short club for the hole.
I don’t remember too many more holes because a) I couldn’t see out of my rain-spattered glasses and b) I walked off after nine holes completely saturated. I wasn’t the only one, Brian, Matthew and Stuart joined me in the clubhouse before they completed 18.
The weather did improve late on for the hardy souls who stayed out meaning that the best Lanhydrock scores on the Tour are:
32 points - Ben W (off 10)
28 points - Simon (off 14)
26 points - Kevin (off 14)
26 points - Mark (off 12)
Your memories of Lanhydrock are welcome in the comments box below or by email to Paul
My memory’s not the best but what I do remember is this being a very pretty course, a lot of flowers about. The hole that sticks in my mind is a par three, the sixth I think. Everyone loves an elevated tee, bit of water in front, two-tiered green - lovely! I also remember Mark taking a ridiculously short club for the hole.
I don’t remember too many more holes because a) I couldn’t see out of my rain-spattered glasses and b) I walked off after nine holes completely saturated. I wasn’t the only one, Brian, Matthew and Stuart joined me in the clubhouse before they completed 18.
The weather did improve late on for the hardy souls who stayed out meaning that the best Lanhydrock scores on the Tour are:
32 points - Ben W (off 10)
28 points - Simon (off 14)
26 points - Kevin (off 14)
26 points - Mark (off 12)
Your memories of Lanhydrock are welcome in the comments box below or by email to Paul
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Downes Crediton - “The Jewel of Devon Golf“
Played in 2003 and 2012 the first trip to Downes Crediton was as a late replacement for another course.
The Tour was geared up to start at Castle Combe on the Friday in 2003 but poor weather forced them to find somewhere closer to where they would be based in Bude.
Downes Crediton "the jewel of Devon Golf", was the answer and has proved a tough course on both visits. The front nine is relatively uneventful. The third and fifth share a green (you don't get that often) and the short sixth doesn't have that a big of a target for your ball to stick on.
The fun starts on the back nine. The tenth has a steep hill to negotiate (up) while the signature hole, the 12th, doglegs left, downhill and then rises to the green. The three par threes are all challenges too.
The 13th has water down the left, the 15th in front and the longest par three, the 18th, has a pond to the left to trap wayward tee shots. No surprise then that no one has yet played to handicap here.
Best rounds:
35 points - Simon (off 16) in 2003
35 points - Ben F (off 19) in 2012
32 points - Kevin (off 8) in 2012
31 points - Mark (off 12) in 2003
31 points - Bruce (off 17) in 2012
Any other recollections of the course? Please add your comments below or email Paul
The Tour was geared up to start at Castle Combe on the Friday in 2003 but poor weather forced them to find somewhere closer to where they would be based in Bude.
Downes Crediton "the jewel of Devon Golf", was the answer and has proved a tough course on both visits. The front nine is relatively uneventful. The third and fifth share a green (you don't get that often) and the short sixth doesn't have that a big of a target for your ball to stick on.
The fun starts on the back nine. The tenth has a steep hill to negotiate (up) while the signature hole, the 12th, doglegs left, downhill and then rises to the green. The three par threes are all challenges too.
The 13th has water down the left, the 15th in front and the longest par three, the 18th, has a pond to the left to trap wayward tee shots. No surprise then that no one has yet played to handicap here.
Best rounds:
35 points - Simon (off 16) in 2003
35 points - Ben F (off 19) in 2012
32 points - Kevin (off 8) in 2012
31 points - Mark (off 12) in 2003
31 points - Bruce (off 17) in 2012
Any other recollections of the course? Please add your comments below or email Paul
Monday, 25 June 2012
Ben F
Kylie Tour Appearances: 9 (2010-2014, 2016-2019)
Best performances:
Winner 2010, 2012, 2017
Third: 2019
Best rounds:
43 points (off 19) at Weston-Super-Mare 2012 (TR)
39 points (off 19) at Worlebury 2010 (TR)
35 points (off 15) at Worcester GCC (2019) (TR)
35 points (off 17) at Tiverton 2017 (TR)
35 points (off 19) at Downes Crediton 2012 (JTR)
34 points (off 16) at Weymouth 2013
34 points (off 18) at Bransford 2011
33 points (off 17) at Minehead & West Somerset 2017
33 points (off 18) at Clevedon 2010
Best three round total:
108 points - 2012 (TR)
Other records
27 points (off 17) at Ilfracombe (Joint)
(TR = Tour Record, JTR= Joint Tour Record)
Best performances:
Winner 2010, 2012, 2017
Third: 2019
Best rounds:
43 points (off 19) at Weston-Super-Mare 2012 (TR)
39 points (off 19) at Worlebury 2010 (TR)
35 points (off 15) at Worcester GCC (2019) (TR)
35 points (off 17) at Tiverton 2017 (TR)
35 points (off 19) at Downes Crediton 2012 (JTR)
34 points (off 16) at Weymouth 2013
34 points (off 18) at Bransford 2011
33 points (off 17) at Minehead & West Somerset 2017
33 points (off 18) at Clevedon 2010
Best three round total:
108 points - 2012 (TR)
Other records
27 points (off 17) at Ilfracombe (Joint)
(TR = Tour Record, JTR= Joint Tour Record)
Okehampton - "One of Devon's friendliest courses"
Okehampton brought the curtain down on the 2002 tour so there are no scores from the round and I didn't play so can't say a lot about it.
The website tells me that it "nestles in the heart of Devon, sheltered by the highest tors of Dartmoor, on the northern edge of Devon's magnificent National Park" and surely that wouldn't lie!
Please use the comments box or email me with your memories of Okehampton. Was it a fair course, a nice day, how did you play? Kylies on Tour would like to know.
The website tells me that it "nestles in the heart of Devon, sheltered by the highest tors of Dartmoor, on the northern edge of Devon's magnificent National Park" and surely that wouldn't lie!
Please use the comments box or email me with your memories of Okehampton. Was it a fair course, a nice day, how did you play? Kylies on Tour would like to know.
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Holsworthy - "Probably the friendliest club in Devon and the South West"
I'm going to need someone who played at Holsworthy to tell me about this course as I didn't take part that year and no scores survive from the two rounds.
Holsworthy has the distinction of being the first 'double-header' course on the Tour. The days of two rounds on a Saturday now a thing of the past.
It does call itself "Probably the friendliest club in Devon and the South West", can one of us back that claim up from the 2002 experience?
Please add your comments or email Paul.
Holsworthy has the distinction of being the first 'double-header' course on the Tour. The days of two rounds on a Saturday now a thing of the past.
It does call itself "Probably the friendliest club in Devon and the South West", can one of us back that claim up from the 2002 experience?
Please add your comments or email Paul.
Bude and North Cornwall - "The pride of Cornwall!"
Bude and North Cornwall was the first course played by the Kylie Tour and is currently the only course to be played three times (in 2002, 2003 and 2012).
The challenging links course (par 71, 5,806 yards) is in the centre of Bude, walking distance from the Inn on The Green and the Camelot Hotel which have been the bases for the tourists.
The 2003 visit was certainly eventful as the tourists had already played Downes Crediton earlier in the day and screeched into the club car park less than ten minutes before their tee times. It was a 5pm start too so the rounds finished in near darkness.
There are a few blind shots on the course so hunting for a wayward ball can put you in range of the group behind. While links courses are known for their wide open spaces there is also some penal rough late on which, even if you find your ball, is hard to extract yourself from.
Tight lies and uneven stances make this course a tough challenge and that is reflected in the best points-scoring rounds* with only Brian managing to beat handicap.
38 points - Brian (off 19) in 2012
36 points - Kevin (off 15) in 2003
35 points - Brian (off 23) in 2003
33 points - Ben W (off 10) in 2003
32 points - Matthew (off 21) in 2003
32 points - James (off 33) in 2012
* no records for the 2002 points-scoring are available
Several of the holes are close to roads and Paul recalls a heart-stopping moment when pushing his tee-shot on the fourth out of bounds into close proximity of an oncoming car. Thankfully the ball did not connect with windscreen!
What are your recollections of this tough course with excellent food in the clubhouse? Please use the comments box below or email Paul.
The challenging links course (par 71, 5,806 yards) is in the centre of Bude, walking distance from the Inn on The Green and the Camelot Hotel which have been the bases for the tourists.
The 2003 visit was certainly eventful as the tourists had already played Downes Crediton earlier in the day and screeched into the club car park less than ten minutes before their tee times. It was a 5pm start too so the rounds finished in near darkness.
There are a few blind shots on the course so hunting for a wayward ball can put you in range of the group behind. While links courses are known for their wide open spaces there is also some penal rough late on which, even if you find your ball, is hard to extract yourself from.
Tight lies and uneven stances make this course a tough challenge and that is reflected in the best points-scoring rounds* with only Brian managing to beat handicap.
38 points - Brian (off 19) in 2012
36 points - Kevin (off 15) in 2003
35 points - Brian (off 23) in 2003
33 points - Ben W (off 10) in 2003
32 points - Matthew (off 21) in 2003
32 points - James (off 33) in 2012
* no records for the 2002 points-scoring are available
Several of the holes are close to roads and Paul recalls a heart-stopping moment when pushing his tee-shot on the fourth out of bounds into close proximity of an oncoming car. Thankfully the ball did not connect with windscreen!
What are your recollections of this tough course with excellent food in the clubhouse? Please use the comments box below or email Paul.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Course record-holders
While I'm in stats mood, who's got the best score at each of the courses we've played over the Tour's history.
Courses are listed in chronological order of first played.
Bude and North Cornwall - 38 points - Brian (off 19) in 2012
Downes Crediton - 35 points - Simon (off 16) in 2003 & Ben F (off 18) in 2012
Lanhydrock - 32 points - Ben W (off 10) in 2003
Roserrow - 30 points Matthew (off 21) in 2003
Minchinhampton (Cherington) - 45 points - Stuart (off 31) in 2004
Rolls of Monmouth - 40 points - Mark (off 13) in 2004
Monmouth - 38 points - Brian (off 22) in 2004
Crane Valley - 34 points - Kevin (off 13) in 2005
Canford Magna (Parkland) - 42 points - Paul (off 36) in 2005
Canford Magna (Riverside) - 35 points - Simon (off 14) in 2005
Dudsbury - 30 points - Kevin (off 13) in 2005
Burford - 30 points - Kevin (off 9) in 2008
The Derby - 28 points - Kevin (off 9) in 2009
PGA National - 32 points - Simon (off 22) in 2009
Worlebury - 39 points - Ben F (off 19) in 2010
Weston-Super-Mare - 43 points - Ben F (off 19) in 2012
Clevedon - 35 points - Ben W (off 11) in 2010
Minchinhampton (Avening) - 36 points - Ben W (off 9), Kevin (off 8) and Bruce (off 17) in 2011
Bransford - 39 points - Simon (off 21) in 2011
Puckrup Hall - 43 points - James (off 35) in 2011
Came Down - 37 points - Kevin (off 9) in 2013
Weymouth - 37 points - James (off 36) in 2014
The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) - 38 points - Ben W (off 9) and Matthew (off 14) in 2013
The Warren - 37 points - Stuart (off 36)
Bridport - 42 points - James (off 36)
Sidmouth - 32 points - Matthew (off 15)
Tadmarton Heath - 34 points - Kevin (off 9)
Stoneleigh Deer Park - 35 points - Ben W (off 8) and Simon (off 18)
Kenilworth - 38 points - Brian (off 17)
Minehead and West Somerset - 35 points - Matthew (off 11) and Brian (off 15)
Ilfracombe - 27 points - Ben W off 8, Ben F (off 17) and Stuart (off 26)
Tiverton - 35 points - Ben F (off 17)
Hamptworth - 35 points - Ben W (off 8)
Wareham - 38 points - Bruce (off 18)
Rushmore - 32 points - Ben W (off 7) and Matthew (off 11)
Worcester GCC - 35 points - Ben F (off 15)
Handsworth - 37 points - Kevin (off 8)
Cleeve Hill - 34 points - Ben W (off 8)
The scores from Holsworthy and Okehampton (2002), Exeter, Dainton Park and Isle of Wedmore (2006) and Cottrell Park (Mackintosh), Glamorganshire and Cottrell Park (Button) (2007) have not been retained.
Courses are listed in chronological order of first played.
Bude and North Cornwall - 38 points - Brian (off 19) in 2012
Downes Crediton - 35 points - Simon (off 16) in 2003 & Ben F (off 18) in 2012
Lanhydrock - 32 points - Ben W (off 10) in 2003
Roserrow - 30 points Matthew (off 21) in 2003
Minchinhampton (Cherington) - 45 points - Stuart (off 31) in 2004
Rolls of Monmouth - 40 points - Mark (off 13) in 2004
Monmouth - 38 points - Brian (off 22) in 2004
Crane Valley - 34 points - Kevin (off 13) in 2005
Canford Magna (Parkland) - 42 points - Paul (off 36) in 2005
Canford Magna (Riverside) - 35 points - Simon (off 14) in 2005
Dudsbury - 30 points - Kevin (off 13) in 2005
Burford - 30 points - Kevin (off 9) in 2008
The Derby - 28 points - Kevin (off 9) in 2009
PGA National - 32 points - Simon (off 22) in 2009
Worlebury - 39 points - Ben F (off 19) in 2010
Weston-Super-Mare - 43 points - Ben F (off 19) in 2012
Clevedon - 35 points - Ben W (off 11) in 2010
Minchinhampton (Avening) - 36 points - Ben W (off 9), Kevin (off 8) and Bruce (off 17) in 2011
Bransford - 39 points - Simon (off 21) in 2011
Puckrup Hall - 43 points - James (off 35) in 2011
Came Down - 37 points - Kevin (off 9) in 2013
Weymouth - 37 points - James (off 36) in 2014
The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) - 38 points - Ben W (off 9) and Matthew (off 14) in 2013
The Warren - 37 points - Stuart (off 36)
Bridport - 42 points - James (off 36)
Sidmouth - 32 points - Matthew (off 15)
Tadmarton Heath - 34 points - Kevin (off 9)
Stoneleigh Deer Park - 35 points - Ben W (off 8) and Simon (off 18)
Kenilworth - 38 points - Brian (off 17)
Minehead and West Somerset - 35 points - Matthew (off 11) and Brian (off 15)
Ilfracombe - 27 points - Ben W off 8, Ben F (off 17) and Stuart (off 26)
Tiverton - 35 points - Ben F (off 17)
Hamptworth - 35 points - Ben W (off 8)
Wareham - 38 points - Bruce (off 18)
Rushmore - 32 points - Ben W (off 7) and Matthew (off 11)
Worcester GCC - 35 points - Ben F (off 15)
Handsworth - 37 points - Kevin (off 8)
Cleeve Hill - 34 points - Ben W (off 8)
The scores from Holsworthy and Okehampton (2002), Exeter, Dainton Park and Isle of Wedmore (2006) and Cottrell Park (Mackintosh), Glamorganshire and Cottrell Park (Button) (2007) have not been retained.
Thursday, 21 June 2012
The Tour's best points-scoring rounds
Well, the best rounds known about anyway as the scores from 2002, 2006 and 2007 have not been retained.
45 points - Stuart (off 31) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
43 points - James (off 35) at Puckrup Hall 2011
43 points - Ben F (off 19) at Weston-Super-Mare 2012
42 points - Paul (off 36) at Canford Magna (Parkland) 2005
42 points - James (off 36) at Bridport (2015)
40 points - Mark (off 13) at Rolls of Monmouth 2004
39 points - Ben W (off 11) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2008
39 points - Simon (off 15) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
39 points - Ben F (off 19) at Worlebury 2010
39 points - Simon (off 21) at Bransford 2011
38 points - Ben W (off 8) at Canford Magna (Parkland) 2005
38 points - Ben W (off 9) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2013
38 points - Matthew (off 14) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2013
38 points - Brian (off 17) at Kenilworth 2016
38 points - Bruce (off 18) at Wareham 2018
38 points - Brian (off 19) at Bude & North Cornwall 2012
38 points - Brian (off 22) at Monmouth 2004
37 points - Kevin (off 8) at Handsworth 2019
37 points - Ben W (off 8) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
37 points - Kevin (off 9) at Came Down 2013
37 points - Kevin (off 16) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
37 points - Brian (off 16) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2008
37 points - Bruce (off 21) at Weston-Super-Mare 2010
37 points - Stuart (off 36) at Puckrup Hall 2011
37 points - James (off 36) at Weymouth 2014
37 points - Stuart (off 36) at The Warren 2015
37 points - James (off 36) at Wareham 2018
36 points - Kevin (off 8) at Worlebury 2010
36 points - Kevin (off 8) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011
36 points - Kevin (off 9) at The Warren 2015
36 points - Ben W (off 9) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011
36 points - Ben W (off 10) at Came Down 2014
36 points - Kevin (off 10) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2014
36 points - Mark (off 13) at Monmouth 2004
36 points - Kevin (off 15) at Bude & North Cornwall 2003
36 points - Bruce (off 17) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011
36 points - Brian (off 18) at Weston-Super-Mare 2012
36 points - Simon (off 21) at Weymouth 2014
36 points - James (off 30) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
45 points - Stuart (off 31) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
43 points - James (off 35) at Puckrup Hall 2011
43 points - Ben F (off 19) at Weston-Super-Mare 2012
42 points - Paul (off 36) at Canford Magna (Parkland) 2005
42 points - James (off 36) at Bridport (2015)
40 points - Mark (off 13) at Rolls of Monmouth 2004
39 points - Ben W (off 11) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2008
39 points - Simon (off 15) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
39 points - Ben F (off 19) at Worlebury 2010
39 points - Simon (off 21) at Bransford 2011
38 points - Ben W (off 8) at Canford Magna (Parkland) 2005
38 points - Ben W (off 9) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2013
38 points - Matthew (off 14) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2013
38 points - Brian (off 17) at Kenilworth 2016
38 points - Bruce (off 18) at Wareham 2018
38 points - Brian (off 19) at Bude & North Cornwall 2012
38 points - Brian (off 22) at Monmouth 2004
37 points - Kevin (off 8) at Handsworth 2019
37 points - Ben W (off 8) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
37 points - Kevin (off 9) at Came Down 2013
37 points - Kevin (off 16) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
37 points - Brian (off 16) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2008
37 points - Bruce (off 21) at Weston-Super-Mare 2010
37 points - Stuart (off 36) at Puckrup Hall 2011
37 points - James (off 36) at Weymouth 2014
37 points - Stuart (off 36) at The Warren 2015
37 points - James (off 36) at Wareham 2018
36 points - Kevin (off 8) at Worlebury 2010
36 points - Kevin (off 8) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011
36 points - Kevin (off 9) at The Warren 2015
36 points - Ben W (off 9) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011
36 points - Ben W (off 10) at Came Down 2014
36 points - Kevin (off 10) at The Dorset (Woodland/Lakeland) 2014
36 points - Mark (off 13) at Monmouth 2004
36 points - Kevin (off 15) at Bude & North Cornwall 2003
36 points - Bruce (off 17) at Minchinhampton (Avening) 2011
36 points - Brian (off 18) at Weston-Super-Mare 2012
36 points - Simon (off 21) at Weymouth 2014
36 points - James (off 30) at Minchinhampton (Cherington) 2004
Friday, 2 March 2012
2004 (Monmouth) - Making his Mark
2004 saw the Kylie Tour move from Bude for the first time and also saw a new name on the trophy when Mark took the victory.
Monmouth was the venue for the third event and there was also a change in format. It was still the best three rounds from four but the handicaps remained the same throughout the weekend.
The first round wasn't too far from home at Minchinhampton (Cherington). Stuart produced a stunning 45 point round (off 31) which still stands as a Kylie Tour record. Of the rest of the players only Paul couldn't find a 30+ point round with Ben W, Brian, James, Kevin, Mark and Simon all notching between 33 and 39 points.
Saturday morning saw the first of a double header at Rolls of Monmouth. It was here that Mark made his move, securing 40 points - nine more than anyone else - and leading by three over the two rounds from Stuart and Simon.
After a short lunch it was back for round three. Ben W had been struggling with illness throughout the morning and his chances of a third victory disappeared as he quit his third round to go and have a kip in the car.
A drizzly afternoon made scoring difficult again with only Simon (34) and Kevin (31) picking up more than 26 points. Mark was a different player in the afternoon, struggling to 22 points, perhaps traumatised by Stuart applying vaseline to his nether regions behind a golf umbrella in some trees.
The title was going to come down to the last 18 holes and the difference between that score and the points from the discarded round.
The venue was Monmouth Golf Club ("probably the prettiest club in Wales"). Mark played to his handicap of 13, the 36 points meant he could discard his Saturday afternoon and his total of 109 proving three more than Simon (picking up the first of his Tour runner-up positions) with another three back to Brian. Kevin and Stuart both turned in their worst rounds of the weekend to end their chances of a win.
Final Scores
Mark - 33, 40, 22*, 36 = 109
Simon - 39, 31*, 34, 33 = 106
Brian - 35, 30, 26*, 38 = 103
Kevin - 37, 30, 31, 29* = 98
Stuart - 45, 25, 25, 20* = 95
James - 36, 25, 24*, 31 = 92
Ben W - 37, 27, DNF, 33 = 87
Paul - 24, 21*, 24, 31 = 79
* discarded round
Monmouth was the venue for the third event and there was also a change in format. It was still the best three rounds from four but the handicaps remained the same throughout the weekend.
The first round wasn't too far from home at Minchinhampton (Cherington). Stuart produced a stunning 45 point round (off 31) which still stands as a Kylie Tour record. Of the rest of the players only Paul couldn't find a 30+ point round with Ben W, Brian, James, Kevin, Mark and Simon all notching between 33 and 39 points.
Saturday morning saw the first of a double header at Rolls of Monmouth. It was here that Mark made his move, securing 40 points - nine more than anyone else - and leading by three over the two rounds from Stuart and Simon.
After a short lunch it was back for round three. Ben W had been struggling with illness throughout the morning and his chances of a third victory disappeared as he quit his third round to go and have a kip in the car.
A drizzly afternoon made scoring difficult again with only Simon (34) and Kevin (31) picking up more than 26 points. Mark was a different player in the afternoon, struggling to 22 points, perhaps traumatised by Stuart applying vaseline to his nether regions behind a golf umbrella in some trees.
The title was going to come down to the last 18 holes and the difference between that score and the points from the discarded round.
The venue was Monmouth Golf Club ("probably the prettiest club in Wales"). Mark played to his handicap of 13, the 36 points meant he could discard his Saturday afternoon and his total of 109 proving three more than Simon (picking up the first of his Tour runner-up positions) with another three back to Brian. Kevin and Stuart both turned in their worst rounds of the weekend to end their chances of a win.
Final Scores
Mark - 33, 40, 22*, 36 = 109
Simon - 39, 31*, 34, 33 = 106
Brian - 35, 30, 26*, 38 = 103
Kevin - 37, 30, 31, 29* = 98
Stuart - 45, 25, 25, 20* = 95
James - 36, 25, 24*, 31 = 92
Ben W - 37, 27, DNF, 33 = 87
Paul - 24, 21*, 24, 31 = 79
* discarded round
Monday, 20 February 2012
2003 (Bude) - Back to Back for Ben
The Kylie Tour returned to Bude in 2003 and Ben W retained the Trophy. No wonder he's keen to go back this year!
The format was the same as in 2002, best three from four rounds and handicaps adjusted during the competition. What was different was that two rounds were played on the Friday as opposed to the Saturday.
The plan had been to play at Castle Combe in the morning and then head to Bude for a 5pm tee-time. Inclement weather meant a change of plan and the players (minus Paul) headed towards Bude for the first 18 holes and played at Downes Crediton. Simon made the best start to the tournament with 35 points and was promptly cut from 16 to 14.
After picking Paul up from Crediton railway station (there's a whole post in this!) the team drove fairly quickly to Bude & North Cornwall screeching into the car park moments before the allotted time. Kevin tamed the links and bagged 36 points but Brian's 35 saw him in a narrow lead overnight.
Saturday took us to the very attractive Lanhydrock course but the weather proved against us with a prolonged downpour midway through the front nine. While Brian, Matthew, Paul and Stuart all abandoned their round at some point Ben W picked up 32 points to take his three round total to 93.
Saturday afternoon saw us settle in to watching a dreadfully dull FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Southampton at our base for the weekend, the Inn on the Green.
Sunday's deciding round was played at Roserrow. A migraine resulted in Ben (now on a handicap of 8) unable to complete his round meaning he finished his weekend with 93 points. This left him vulnerable to five of his opponents but none of them quite managed to overhaul him. Kevin fell a point short, Brian and Matthew were a point further back with Simon two points further adrift and Mark turning his worst round of the weekend and discarding his 22 point score.
Final scores:
Ben W - 28, 33, 32, DNF* = 93
Kevin - 27, 36, 26*, 29 = 92
Brian - 29, 35, DNF*, 27 = 91
Matthew - 29, 32, DNF*, 30 =91
Simon - 35, 25*, 28, 26 = 89
Mark - 31, 28, 26, 22* = 85
Stuart - 28, 22, DNF* = 68
Paul - DNP, 26, DNF, 21 = 47
* discarded round
If you have anything to add please use the comments box below.
The format was the same as in 2002, best three from four rounds and handicaps adjusted during the competition. What was different was that two rounds were played on the Friday as opposed to the Saturday.
The plan had been to play at Castle Combe in the morning and then head to Bude for a 5pm tee-time. Inclement weather meant a change of plan and the players (minus Paul) headed towards Bude for the first 18 holes and played at Downes Crediton. Simon made the best start to the tournament with 35 points and was promptly cut from 16 to 14.
After picking Paul up from Crediton railway station (there's a whole post in this!) the team drove fairly quickly to Bude & North Cornwall screeching into the car park moments before the allotted time. Kevin tamed the links and bagged 36 points but Brian's 35 saw him in a narrow lead overnight.
Saturday took us to the very attractive Lanhydrock course but the weather proved against us with a prolonged downpour midway through the front nine. While Brian, Matthew, Paul and Stuart all abandoned their round at some point Ben W picked up 32 points to take his three round total to 93.
Saturday afternoon saw us settle in to watching a dreadfully dull FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Southampton at our base for the weekend, the Inn on the Green.
Sunday's deciding round was played at Roserrow. A migraine resulted in Ben (now on a handicap of 8) unable to complete his round meaning he finished his weekend with 93 points. This left him vulnerable to five of his opponents but none of them quite managed to overhaul him. Kevin fell a point short, Brian and Matthew were a point further back with Simon two points further adrift and Mark turning his worst round of the weekend and discarding his 22 point score.
Final scores:
Ben W - 28, 33, 32, DNF* = 93
Kevin - 27, 36, 26*, 29 = 92
Brian - 29, 35, DNF*, 27 = 91
Matthew - 29, 32, DNF*, 30 =91
Simon - 35, 25*, 28, 26 = 89
Mark - 31, 28, 26, 22* = 85
Stuart - 28, 22, DNF* = 68
Paul - DNP, 26, DNF, 21 = 47
* discarded round
If you have anything to add please use the comments box below.
2002 (Bude) - Do you remember the first time?
There are few records of that first Kylie Tour ten years ago but here is what we do know...
The tournament was staged under the 'best three rounds out of four' rule and handicaps were adjusted during the competition.
Ben W became the first winner of the much sought-after trophy but the scores and positions of the rest of the field are lost.
The vanquished members of the tour that year were Brian, Kevin, Mark, Matthew, Simon and Stuart.
The Friday course was Bude and North Cornwall and the last 18 holes of the tour were played at Okehampton. There's some mystery over where Saturday's rounds took place but the best guess is Holsworthy.
If you are able to enlighten the readers about any aspects of the 2002 Tour please email Paul or use the comments box below.
The tournament was staged under the 'best three rounds out of four' rule and handicaps were adjusted during the competition.
Ben W became the first winner of the much sought-after trophy but the scores and positions of the rest of the field are lost.
The vanquished members of the tour that year were Brian, Kevin, Mark, Matthew, Simon and Stuart.
The Friday course was Bude and North Cornwall and the last 18 holes of the tour were played at Okehampton. There's some mystery over where Saturday's rounds took place but the best guess is Holsworthy.
If you are able to enlighten the readers about any aspects of the 2002 Tour please email Paul or use the comments box below.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Back to Bude
The 2012, tenth anniversary, Kylie Tour will be played in Bude.
The North Cornish seaside town hosted the first two Kylie tours in 2002 and 2003, both of which were won by Ben W.
Can Ben make it a Bude hat-trick in May or June this year?
Check back over the coming days to find out more about the courses we played and how the tournaments panned out in those first two events.
The North Cornish seaside town hosted the first two Kylie tours in 2002 and 2003, both of which were won by Ben W.
Can Ben make it a Bude hat-trick in May or June this year?
Check back over the coming days to find out more about the courses we played and how the tournaments panned out in those first two events.
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