Friday, 17 July 2015
Sunday, 5 July 2015
Sidmouth - "We hope that you are considering a visit to play our course"
With two rounds under our belts you don't really want to strenuous a test on the last day. This should be about golf not the survival of the fittest. When we saw the Sidmouth card, par 66, seven par threes, a few of us were rubbing our hands about the points we might rack up. How wrong we were!
It was another early tee-time and a fairly quiet start but it was the hottest day of the three. It might look simple on the score card but there's a lot of uphill and downhill and a good few awkward stances.
After the 'gentle introduction' comes the tricky third. A long approach shot and sloping green, it was to be the order of the day. The fourth, the first par three, is deceptive and well-protected. The next two are par threes as well, the fifth at over 200 yards and the sixth with a serious slope on it.
From the eighth things start to go uphill, steeply. And when you've got your breath back from that, the approach to the ninth does similar. Then there's a bit of respite with the 10th going back downhill, although as Matthew's photo shows you need to be straight off the tee.
Then there's the 11th, another steep uphill par three and not a huge gap to thread your shot through. The 12th is similar but downhill. The only par five follows, Paul made this slightly more difficult for himself by thudding his tee shot into Stuart's bag.
The remaining holes appear more straightforward but the greens are tricky. An overhit chip will run away and across the green altogether, a mishit putt could find a slope and easily put you in three or even four putt territory.
This course is a superb challenge, of golf and physical conditioning. There's a balcony from the clubhouse looking the 18th green which is a great place for a post-match pint. It's another one on the 'play again' list but maybe on the first day next time!
Best scores
32 points - Matthew (off 15) 2015
30 points - James (off 34) 2015
29 points - Ben W (off 9) 2015
It was another early tee-time and a fairly quiet start but it was the hottest day of the three. It might look simple on the score card but there's a lot of uphill and downhill and a good few awkward stances.
After the 'gentle introduction' comes the tricky third. A long approach shot and sloping green, it was to be the order of the day. The fourth, the first par three, is deceptive and well-protected. The next two are par threes as well, the fifth at over 200 yards and the sixth with a serious slope on it.
From the eighth things start to go uphill, steeply. And when you've got your breath back from that, the approach to the ninth does similar. Then there's a bit of respite with the 10th going back downhill, although as Matthew's photo shows you need to be straight off the tee.
Then there's the 11th, another steep uphill par three and not a huge gap to thread your shot through. The 12th is similar but downhill. The only par five follows, Paul made this slightly more difficult for himself by thudding his tee shot into Stuart's bag.
The remaining holes appear more straightforward but the greens are tricky. An overhit chip will run away and across the green altogether, a mishit putt could find a slope and easily put you in three or even four putt territory.
This course is a superb challenge, of golf and physical conditioning. There's a balcony from the clubhouse looking the 18th green which is a great place for a post-match pint. It's another one on the 'play again' list but maybe on the first day next time!
Best scores
32 points - Matthew (off 15) 2015
30 points - James (off 34) 2015
29 points - Ben W (off 9) 2015
Bridport & West Dorset - "the oldest golf club in Dorset"
Founded in 1891 in case you were wondering. The Saturday round saw a drive from Exmouth to Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club. The earlier start meant we couldn't tuck into the hospitality but the chap in the club shop was certainly welcoming enough.
The long but gentle par four first gives you no clue of what's coming next. From here you're up on the cliffs. It was blowing a 'hoolie' up there on the day we played (this time the locals were sad for us, facing the course in those conditions.
Hats were blown off, bags were blown over, but the views! It was fantastic. The third tee saw us have a stunning view looking over the beach where Broadchurch was filmed. The signature hole is the sixth, a par three that falls away dramatically (see Matthew's picture below) - Kevin had the heebie-jeebies looking down from the tee to the target. All sorts of clubs were taken depending on how the wind was at that particular moment.
The tenth is another superb hole. Only 147 yards but a pond smack in front and a massive drop (which Matthew found) to the right. (Matthew did get his second to three feet from about 80 yards away and blind - shot of the week for me).
Another feature of the back nine is the dry stone wall which runs across, 12, 13 and 14. Paul found himself a yard from it on the 13th but thought a sand wedge would clear the obstacle. It might have done had he enough talent which he had cause to ponder as the ball whistled past his ear after rebounding from about two feet up the wall!
The sixteenth is a fabulously undulating par five and the par three eighteenth is a nice way to finish. Paul coming as close as anyone to a hole-in-one with one of his bump and run specials that ran close to the hole.
All in all this is a terrific course and no doubt one on the list for a return visit at some point. There's a bit of confusion about which hole should play when at a couple of points but that shouldn't detract from the excellent round.
Best scores
42 points - James (off 36) 2015
32 points - Simon (off 21) 2015
29 points - Kevin (off 8) 2015
29 points - Paul (off 36) 2015
The long but gentle par four first gives you no clue of what's coming next. From here you're up on the cliffs. It was blowing a 'hoolie' up there on the day we played (this time the locals were sad for us, facing the course in those conditions.
Hats were blown off, bags were blown over, but the views! It was fantastic. The third tee saw us have a stunning view looking over the beach where Broadchurch was filmed. The signature hole is the sixth, a par three that falls away dramatically (see Matthew's picture below) - Kevin had the heebie-jeebies looking down from the tee to the target. All sorts of clubs were taken depending on how the wind was at that particular moment.
The tenth is another superb hole. Only 147 yards but a pond smack in front and a massive drop (which Matthew found) to the right. (Matthew did get his second to three feet from about 80 yards away and blind - shot of the week for me).
Another feature of the back nine is the dry stone wall which runs across, 12, 13 and 14. Paul found himself a yard from it on the 13th but thought a sand wedge would clear the obstacle. It might have done had he enough talent which he had cause to ponder as the ball whistled past his ear after rebounding from about two feet up the wall!
The sixteenth is a fabulously undulating par five and the par three eighteenth is a nice way to finish. Paul coming as close as anyone to a hole-in-one with one of his bump and run specials that ran close to the hole.
All in all this is a terrific course and no doubt one on the list for a return visit at some point. There's a bit of confusion about which hole should play when at a couple of points but that shouldn't detract from the excellent round.
Best scores
42 points - James (off 36) 2015
32 points - Simon (off 21) 2015
29 points - Kevin (off 8) 2015
29 points - Paul (off 36) 2015
Saturday, 4 July 2015
Warren Golf Club - "a true links course on the South Devon coast"
The 2015 Tour kicked off at Warren Golf Club in Dawlish Warren. The website states that 'visitors are welcome anytime" and we were certainly made to feel welcome as we gathered in the clubhouse before the off.
Competitors fed and watered, the Tour got underway. The wide open spaces of the first don't really give you a clue about what's to come. Paul walked off the first green with four points and the Tour lead which was as good as it got for him.
The front nine is quite tight in a lot of places. the gorse lining the fairways meaning a wayward shot is probably lost. Paul and James struggled to keep it in play and even their high handicaps weren't enough to score points in large quantities.
The seventh is a cracking hole with the beach in play if you push it right and there's an elevated green on the par three eighth making it play longer than it looks and bringing the front bunkers very much into play.
The course then opens up a little bit, giving the poor drivers some respite. There's still plenty of trouble to find but there are a few safer areas to aim. The par five 12th has a ditch down the left which can trap the unwary (Kevin) quite literally!
It's then straight onto the shortest hole where the wind can play havoc with club selection. Then we're back to tight and tricky again with the sea on your right and the target not always obvious before we're back we're we started. The 18th fairway is the same as the first just in the opposite direction.
This course is a real challenge and a lot of fun with it. The wind was blowing (although the locals said it wasn't that much!) and as it was cloudy I don't think we quite saw it at its best. It doesn't give up points lightly that's for sure.
Best scores
37 points - Stuart (off 36) 2015
36 points - Kevin (off 9) 2015
34 points - Simon (off 21) 2015
32 points - Ben W (off 8) 2015
32 points - Matthew (off 13) 2015
Competitors fed and watered, the Tour got underway. The wide open spaces of the first don't really give you a clue about what's to come. Paul walked off the first green with four points and the Tour lead which was as good as it got for him.
The front nine is quite tight in a lot of places. the gorse lining the fairways meaning a wayward shot is probably lost. Paul and James struggled to keep it in play and even their high handicaps weren't enough to score points in large quantities.
The seventh is a cracking hole with the beach in play if you push it right and there's an elevated green on the par three eighth making it play longer than it looks and bringing the front bunkers very much into play.
The course then opens up a little bit, giving the poor drivers some respite. There's still plenty of trouble to find but there are a few safer areas to aim. The par five 12th has a ditch down the left which can trap the unwary (Kevin) quite literally!
It's then straight onto the shortest hole where the wind can play havoc with club selection. Then we're back to tight and tricky again with the sea on your right and the target not always obvious before we're back we're we started. The 18th fairway is the same as the first just in the opposite direction.
This course is a real challenge and a lot of fun with it. The wind was blowing (although the locals said it wasn't that much!) and as it was cloudy I don't think we quite saw it at its best. It doesn't give up points lightly that's for sure.
Best scores
37 points - Stuart (off 36) 2015
36 points - Kevin (off 9) 2015
34 points - Simon (off 21) 2015
32 points - Ben W (off 8) 2015
32 points - Matthew (off 13) 2015
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Exmouth 2015 - Simon wins at last!
After finishing five times in the runner-sup spot Simon has finally got his hands on the famous Trophy.
His 28 points at Sidmouth on the final day was enough to give the crown by a single point from Kevin. The toughness of the weekend reflected in the overall winning total of 94.
Day one - Warren
Dawlish Warren was the setting for the opening round of the 2015 Tour and we enjoyed the club's lunches and hospitality before we teed off. A new rule was passed which meant last year's winner got a 10% handicap cut.
This is a genuine links course and with the wind blowing there wasn't a lot of room for errors, particularly on the front nine. Stuart, making his return after a four year absence, was a surprise leader with his 37 points. Kevin (36), Simon (34) and Matthew and Ben (32) were all well poised behind him. Paul and James did not find the conditions to their liking.
Day two - Bridport and West Dorset
A great course up on the cliffs and a stiff wind both had their say in sorting out the field on day two. None of the frontrunners really made their move and it was left to James to top score with a massive 42.
Stuart fell back from his day one lead and the day ended by a wedding party on the 18th with Simon a point ahead of Kevin. There was a six point gap to third place, Ben's chances of a threepeat went with a 24 point round.
Day three - Sidmouth
The wind died and the temperature cranked up for the deciding round. We'd liked the look of the scorecard (par 66, seven par threes, easy!) but it was an undulating, and in some places steep way to finish the Tour.
James and Stuart both threatened to hit the big score they needed for the win but putting (james) and chipping (Stuart) eventually let them down. It came down to Simon and Kevin and it came down to the 18th. Neither of them got their approach close and when Kevin's putt didn't make it up the slope the door opened for Simon. He stepped through and emotionally received the trophy in the clubhouse.
Final scores
Simon - 34, 32, 28 = 94
Kevin - 36, 29, 28 = 93
Stuart - 37, 22, 28 = 87
James - 15, 42, 30 = 87
Matthew - 32, 22, 32 = 86
Ben W - 32, 24, 29 = 85
Paul - 17, 29, 17 = 63
Postscript 1 - Simon's summary
Postscript 2 - Matthew's Highlights
His 28 points at Sidmouth on the final day was enough to give the crown by a single point from Kevin. The toughness of the weekend reflected in the overall winning total of 94.
Day one - Warren
Dawlish Warren was the setting for the opening round of the 2015 Tour and we enjoyed the club's lunches and hospitality before we teed off. A new rule was passed which meant last year's winner got a 10% handicap cut.
This is a genuine links course and with the wind blowing there wasn't a lot of room for errors, particularly on the front nine. Stuart, making his return after a four year absence, was a surprise leader with his 37 points. Kevin (36), Simon (34) and Matthew and Ben (32) were all well poised behind him. Paul and James did not find the conditions to their liking.
Day two - Bridport and West Dorset
A great course up on the cliffs and a stiff wind both had their say in sorting out the field on day two. None of the frontrunners really made their move and it was left to James to top score with a massive 42.
Stuart fell back from his day one lead and the day ended by a wedding party on the 18th with Simon a point ahead of Kevin. There was a six point gap to third place, Ben's chances of a threepeat went with a 24 point round.
Day three - Sidmouth
The wind died and the temperature cranked up for the deciding round. We'd liked the look of the scorecard (par 66, seven par threes, easy!) but it was an undulating, and in some places steep way to finish the Tour.
James and Stuart both threatened to hit the big score they needed for the win but putting (james) and chipping (Stuart) eventually let them down. It came down to Simon and Kevin and it came down to the 18th. Neither of them got their approach close and when Kevin's putt didn't make it up the slope the door opened for Simon. He stepped through and emotionally received the trophy in the clubhouse.
Final scores
Simon - 34, 32, 28 = 94
Kevin - 36, 29, 28 = 93
Stuart - 37, 22, 28 = 87
James - 15, 42, 30 = 87
Matthew - 32, 22, 32 = 86
Ben W - 32, 24, 29 = 85
Paul - 17, 29, 17 = 63
Postscript 1 - Simon's summary
Great time & fantastic company all.
Excellent tour.
Ben top quality courses and for the price amazing.
Excellent accommodation Matthew
Can’t deny to finally win the Kylie Open was a great feeling guys
Postscript 2 - Matthew's Highlights
The width of the river Thames.
Morecombe and Wise.
The wine list.
Earphones around neck, glasses on head.
Poking the eastern European hotel staff.
Know your place little bro.
The bag strike.
The emotional winners acceptance speech.
Sunday, 10 May 2015
2015 - Exmouth
The destination and dates are set for the 2015 Tour.
KOT heads south again and will be based in Exmouth.
The courses are:
Fri – Dawlish Warren – Golf on a spit!?! Who would have thought longshore drift would be so useful.
Sat – West Dorset at Bridport – Check out the neat video and the Broadchurch reference.
Sun - Sidmouth golf club - It’s short, so ideal, I suppose, for Sunday morning. Apart from all those hills!
All 3 nice, shortish, courses with sea views.
The confirmed tourists are:
Ben W - five time winner and defending champion
Paul G - 2005 champion
Stuart, yes, Stuart! - holder of the single round points-scoring record
Matthew - two-time runner-up
Kev - three-time champion
James - 2011 winner
Simon - five-time runner-up!
KOT heads south again and will be based in Exmouth.
The courses are:
Fri – Dawlish Warren – Golf on a spit!?! Who would have thought longshore drift would be so useful.
Sat – West Dorset at Bridport – Check out the neat video and the Broadchurch reference.
Sun - Sidmouth golf club - It’s short, so ideal, I suppose, for Sunday morning. Apart from all those hills!
All 3 nice, shortish, courses with sea views.
The confirmed tourists are:
Ben W - five time winner and defending champion
Paul G - 2005 champion
Stuart, yes, Stuart! - holder of the single round points-scoring record
Matthew - two-time runner-up
Kev - three-time champion
James - 2011 winner
Simon - five-time runner-up!
Saturday, 9 May 2015
From the archives - Ben's 2003 review
(Another old email)
A really close finish with 5 of us separated by 4 points at the top of the leaderboard. However, there can be only one winner, and I have absolutely no hesitation, especially now that the effects of the alcohol have (recently) finally worn off, in saying that I'm very glad it was me! In addition, I'll be trying very hard to win it again next yr at which point I think I should be able to keep the trophy!
Highlights for me:
PG's remarkable appearance at Crediton station, which meant that we were able to make it to Bude in time, just! Oh, and not forgetting THAT shirt.Disappointed I didn't get to play with you Paul, we cocked up the pairings at Bude.
Stuart's persistent good humour, despite a lack of consistency that would try the patience of a Saint. Managing to hit his left toe twice on the stroke index 1 hole at Roserrow, immediately quipping 'no wonder it's the most difficult hole on the course' - priceless!
Kev for pointing out to Matt that he could re-drop without penalty on the 4th at Crediton, when unbeknown to Kev, Matt had already played about 10 shots, including an air shot, was severely p*ssed off with life the universe and everything just 45 mins into the golfing weekend! In addition, a sterling effort from Kev in winning at Bude (which was my personal favourite course over the weekend) and running me as close as you could get for the championship - better luck next yr mate!
Swatty - harshly chopped by the handicap committee (sorry mate!) after his magnificent victory at Crediton, and never really got going again. Especially evident in the afternoon at Bude where I got a bad back from carrying him round for our clean sweep against the dream team of Matt and Mark. Did we ever get the £3 off them?
Matt - played consistently well, and topped it off with a victory at Roserrow, which was probably the toughest course for scoring with that wind. Not only did he give up on the 4th at Crediton, but his ball was right next to a ball from an old codger playing down an adjoining fairway. Matt, in foul mood, then had to have a discussion about which one of the two Tietlist 4's lying next to each other on the fairway was whose.
Mark - he reached that green at Lanhydrock with a 7 iron??? It was a pleasure to watch some of those soaring golf shots over the weekend. A bit more consistency and who knows? And if you ever need to stay awake on a car journey - just get into the passenger seat when Mark's driving - I assure you that staying awake will not be a problem!
Finally Woolly - joint third place with Matt, two points behind me. After stellar performances over the 1st two rounds, Woolly was chopped from 23 to 22 and never recovered from the injustice of it all.
Special thanks to the drivers, and everyone for making it such an enjoyable weekend, despite the weather. Looking forward to next year already.
A really close finish with 5 of us separated by 4 points at the top of the leaderboard. However, there can be only one winner, and I have absolutely no hesitation, especially now that the effects of the alcohol have (recently) finally worn off, in saying that I'm very glad it was me! In addition, I'll be trying very hard to win it again next yr at which point I think I should be able to keep the trophy!
Highlights for me:
PG's remarkable appearance at Crediton station, which meant that we were able to make it to Bude in time, just! Oh, and not forgetting THAT shirt.Disappointed I didn't get to play with you Paul, we cocked up the pairings at Bude.
Stuart's persistent good humour, despite a lack of consistency that would try the patience of a Saint. Managing to hit his left toe twice on the stroke index 1 hole at Roserrow, immediately quipping 'no wonder it's the most difficult hole on the course' - priceless!
Kev for pointing out to Matt that he could re-drop without penalty on the 4th at Crediton, when unbeknown to Kev, Matt had already played about 10 shots, including an air shot, was severely p*ssed off with life the universe and everything just 45 mins into the golfing weekend! In addition, a sterling effort from Kev in winning at Bude (which was my personal favourite course over the weekend) and running me as close as you could get for the championship - better luck next yr mate!
Swatty - harshly chopped by the handicap committee (sorry mate!) after his magnificent victory at Crediton, and never really got going again. Especially evident in the afternoon at Bude where I got a bad back from carrying him round for our clean sweep against the dream team of Matt and Mark. Did we ever get the £3 off them?
Matt - played consistently well, and topped it off with a victory at Roserrow, which was probably the toughest course for scoring with that wind. Not only did he give up on the 4th at Crediton, but his ball was right next to a ball from an old codger playing down an adjoining fairway. Matt, in foul mood, then had to have a discussion about which one of the two Tietlist 4's lying next to each other on the fairway was whose.
Mark - he reached that green at Lanhydrock with a 7 iron??? It was a pleasure to watch some of those soaring golf shots over the weekend. A bit more consistency and who knows? And if you ever need to stay awake on a car journey - just get into the passenger seat when Mark's driving - I assure you that staying awake will not be a problem!
Finally Woolly - joint third place with Matt, two points behind me. After stellar performances over the 1st two rounds, Woolly was chopped from 23 to 22 and never recovered from the injustice of it all.
Special thanks to the drivers, and everyone for making it such an enjoyable weekend, despite the weather. Looking forward to next year already.
From the archives - 2004 preview
(I've been deleting some old emails at work - here's my look at the 2004 runners and riders)
The excitement's mounting! I popped into my local branch of Coralbroke this morning to see if I could get a bet on the event everyone's calling 'The 6th Major' - here are the odds.
7/4 - Ben. The only man to lift the trophy is looking to threepeat. A worthy favourite if he brings his A-game. If he struggles around the greens then the famous trophy could be leaving Old Town. (Last Year, 1st)
11/4 - Simon. His power play has made the world of golf sit up and take notice over the last 12 months. If he can lift his short game to the next level he'll be in with a real shout. (Last Year, 5th)
9/2 - Kevin. What he lacks in power he makes up for with an exquisite touch from 80 yards in. Now working with a distinguished sports psychologist to curb that famous temper. Four rounds in just over 48 hours may not be the ideal format for him. (Last Year, 2nd)
11/2 - Brian. Has all the tools to get the job done if he can avoid the inconsistent patch which pops into his game from time to time. Will have to avoid becoming distracted by poor shots or playing partners and keep his head on the job in hand. (Last Year, =3rd)
13/2 - Mark. Another massive hitter who needs to bring a little finesse to the party to get into the shake-up. Chance may rely on where the handicapper places him which might not leave too much margin for error. (Last Year, 6th)
66/1 - James. The dark horse of the field with little known form to go on. Will play down his chances at every opportunity which is either sneakiness or sound judgement. Time will tell. (Last Year, Did Not Play)
80/1 - Stuart. Not seen on the course too much recently. Has the ability to string some fine holes together but also liable to suffer a complete 'mare. Will probably have to settle for being an entertainer rather than a contender. (Last Year, 7th)
100/1 - Paul. Been working harder than ever on his game as of late but no real signs that he can compete against this sort of company in golf's hottest tournament. (Last Year, 8th)
The excitement's mounting! I popped into my local branch of Coralbroke this morning to see if I could get a bet on the event everyone's calling 'The 6th Major' - here are the odds.
7/4 - Ben. The only man to lift the trophy is looking to threepeat. A worthy favourite if he brings his A-game. If he struggles around the greens then the famous trophy could be leaving Old Town. (Last Year, 1st)
11/4 - Simon. His power play has made the world of golf sit up and take notice over the last 12 months. If he can lift his short game to the next level he'll be in with a real shout. (Last Year, 5th)
9/2 - Kevin. What he lacks in power he makes up for with an exquisite touch from 80 yards in. Now working with a distinguished sports psychologist to curb that famous temper. Four rounds in just over 48 hours may not be the ideal format for him. (Last Year, 2nd)
11/2 - Brian. Has all the tools to get the job done if he can avoid the inconsistent patch which pops into his game from time to time. Will have to avoid becoming distracted by poor shots or playing partners and keep his head on the job in hand. (Last Year, =3rd)
13/2 - Mark. Another massive hitter who needs to bring a little finesse to the party to get into the shake-up. Chance may rely on where the handicapper places him which might not leave too much margin for error. (Last Year, 6th)
66/1 - James. The dark horse of the field with little known form to go on. Will play down his chances at every opportunity which is either sneakiness or sound judgement. Time will tell. (Last Year, Did Not Play)
80/1 - Stuart. Not seen on the course too much recently. Has the ability to string some fine holes together but also liable to suffer a complete 'mare. Will probably have to settle for being an entertainer rather than a contender. (Last Year, 7th)
100/1 - Paul. Been working harder than ever on his game as of late but no real signs that he can compete against this sort of company in golf's hottest tournament. (Last Year, 8th)
Thursday, 9 April 2015
2015 US Masters prediction Competition
Rules - Pick 4 different golfers for the 4 days… the catch - only 2 can be in the current top 20.
You score what they score for that day you pick them, if you picked any golfer in day 3 or 4 and they miss the cut then you score 85 for those two days. Lowest score overall wins….
| Name (current score) | Golfer - Round 1 | Golfer - Round 2 | Golfer - Round 3 | Golfer - Round 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul (-5) | Casey 69 | Poulter 72 | McIlroy 68 | B.Watson 74 |
| Bruce (-10) | Woods 73 | Poulter 72 | Rose 67 | McIlroy 66 |
| Simon (-9) | Palmer 69 | Moore 66 | Spieth 70 | B.Watson 74 |
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