Joy of six for Ben W

The 2018 Bournemouth Tour was won by Ben W. It's his sixth title.

There were two changes before the start. Bruce's handicap was revised to 17 while, sadly, Kevin was ruled out following a late knee injury meaning he missed his first Tour.

Ben W blazed into a three point lead (equalling the Tour record) on day one with Simon the only other player registering a score in the 30s. Saturday's play turned a procession into a competition though.

Bruce (38 - his best Tour round)), Simon (33), James (37) and Ben W (27) were all covered by four points after the second round. It would come down to a last day shoot-out.

In the end it was Ben W that outstayed the field. His score of 32 was too much for the other contenders who perhaps lacked the match practice and physical requirements to cope with three rounds in three days.

Final scores

Ben W - 35, 27, 32 = 94
Simon - 32, 33, 26 = 91
James - 24, 37, 26 = 87
Matthew - 26, 29, 32 = 87
Bruce - 25, 38, 20 = 83
Ben F - 26, 27, 29 = 82
Brian - 20, 21, 30 = 71
Stuart - 22, 22, 24 - 68

Bens

2018 Handicaps announced

You always know the Tour is getting closer when the handicaps are released.

Here's how they are for 2018:

8 - Ben W
9 - Kevin
11 - Matthew
15 - Ben F
15 - Bruce
16 - Brian
18 - Simon
35 - James
36 - Stuart

Last year's champ Ben F is cut by the semi-traditional 10% (rounded up) which equals two strokes. He's never played off less than 16 and never won off less than 17.

Simon and Brian are both up one on last year's starting mark while Bruce's first Tour for four years sees him on his lowest mark in Tour history.

Hamptworth - "The home of enjoyable golf"

Preview:

The 2018 tour kicks off (should that be tees off?) at Hamptworth.

The course guide starts here if you want a hole-by-hole version or, if you think that your own printer ink is cheaper than buying a course guide you can print one off.

It looks a bit of a test to say the least and there's a 666 yard par 6! (The 16th) They call it The Beast.

The trophy might not be won on day one - but it could be lost!

What happened:

Judging from the scores this looks like it was the tough test that was predicted with only Ben and Simon breaking 30 points.

Best scores:

35 points - Ben W (off 8)
32 points - Simon (off 18)
26 points - Matthew (off 11)
26 points - Ben F (off 15)

Rushmore - "famous for its warm welcome, excellent golf & delicious home-cooked food"

Preview:

With nine holes in Dorset & nine in Wiltshire the course for the final day is set in the heart of the historic Rushmore Park. The course is a haven of peace, with only the abundant wildlife & spectacular views to distract from your game (it says on the website.)

The 2018 champion will be presented with the famous trophy at Rushmore after the final round and it looks like the winner will have to earn it.

The longest course of the week at 5,894 yards it boasts a "though-provoking layout" and promises to test "playing ability and course management." If that's not enough the greens are "the main defence of the course" with a "combination of fast paced surfaces and large undulations."

The holes have names too which always amuses me. Who will master 'Lionel's Avenue'? Will anyone get caught in 'Entrenchment Barrow'? Who'll take a dip in 'Michael's Pond'? Who'll get the best out of 'Badger's Glory'?

There's an aerial tour with boring music here if you have time for a look - or go for the written hole by hole preview if you prefer.

What happened:

The last day of a Tour can always be a bit attritional and Ben W outstayed his nearest rivals to take the trophy. Matthew, Brian and Ben F produced their best rounds of the weekend but all had too much to do.

Best scores:

32 points - Ben W (off 7)
32 points - Matthew (off 11)
30 points - Brian (off 20)
29 points - Ben F (off 15)

Wareham - "an established eighteen hole golf course in the Isle of Purbeck"

Preview:

Saturday afternoon will see the tourists head to Wareham for round two. Looking at the photos this one looks pretty open so may see some hot scoring if there are good conditions.

It's a par 69 at 5,432 yards with only one par 5 on the course and is apparently a tranquil setting with picturesque views over the Purbeck hills, Poole Harbour and over to Corfe Castle.

What happened:

This course played the easiest of the three on the 2018 Tour. Not everyone took advantage but three of the four best scores of the weekend were registered here.

Best scores:

38 points - Bruce (off 18)
37 points - James (off 36)
33 points - Simon (off 18)
29 points - Matthew (off 11)

2018 - Return to Bournemouth

Bournemouth has won the rights to host the 2018 Kylie Tour.

It will be the second time for the south coast town after first being the base in 2005. Paul won that year but a prior engagement means he won't be back to try to repeat the feat.

Only Paul and 2004 winner Mark are absent as there's a return after three missed years for Bruce. Ben F will defend the title he won in Ilfracombe.

There are three new courses for the tourists to play. West Wilts golf course will be the home of the Friday round, Wareham hosts Saturday's 18 holes while the tournament concludes at Rushmore on Sunday.