Fantastic weekend of weather for the 2018 Surrey National Club Championships this weekend. We had a very firm course in good nick, meaning some top scores were out there for some. However with the resulting run-outs off the tee and some hard greenside areas, the conditions were ‘uncompromising’ and throw in a reasonable breeze on both days, it was a decent challenge for all.
Final green Day 2
Day 1
Jay Massey was the outstanding score on Saturday, a fantastic gross 73 dealing supremely with the hard fairways and firm greens. I had expected the greens to be slightly faster but they were still running well as I proved by a few clumsy 3putts.
A whole range of scores on Day1. Some very slow rounds at the end of the comp saw one or two not finish and I’m afraid the number of NR’s told their own story. If you were not slightly straight off the tee on the day, the bounces saw balls scream away into the deep stuff or beyond.
Out with Mini-Me Yule and Simon Greenwood, we had a good round if not all too great on the scoring. Starting on the 10th, we had two birdies and a par between us on that hole, only for us all to score poorly on the 11th. Story of the round for us 3, couldn’t really string a run of good holes together.
Some interesting scores out there recorded. An certain Pistol *cough* Mr B…Racey had a good tale to tell of “going well” until he returned 18over in the final 7 holes. Impressive Steve! A familar Day1 picture for so many, but at least the sun was shining.
Special note for our very own Mr Winkle, who’s solid gross 80 saw him make day2 with ease… top golf Mr Wheddon. And big thanks to Dom who had the cards all ready, pin sheets in hand and was down on the tee seeing every group off.
Ladies section were out with the Men’s comp and though I had left before they came it was all in the air between Bohwon, Novello and Jane.
Qualifiers were eventually assigned at the end of the day… roll on Day2. Swashies represented well in Day2, and (in order) we had Al Tweed, Scottie, Lee the Feez, Winkle, The Beef, myself, Sid Bailey and Jez Parfit all teeing it up.
Day 2
Clubhouse seeing the final groups in
Another early start and expectations varied across the field between, from “blimey I made day2” to “come on… attack!”. Couple couldn’t make day2 so first two groups where out in two balls but at least had a clear course to go around.
Some unfortunate scores on hole caught up with everyone at one time during the day, mistakes were really punished.
Out in the mid-field, Hadyn myself and James Carter were out at 8am. No sparkling golf from us 3 I’m afraid… we didn’t have a putt drop between us all day. James didn’t have his best day and fair play to Haydn who played very well despite an 8 on the 8th. He’d have been level par gross without that hole. Thanks to those guys, we at least had an enjoyable round in the fantastic weather.
England football took some attention away as the final groups came in and at the end Scottie and Tweedy were tied on 154. Top golf from them both. Back up to the 18th for the first play off, perhaps the nerves were showing as trouble off the tee saw the hole finished even in bogeys. Back to the tee again! Scottie’s approach then found the sand after seeing Tweedy hit an absolute worldy into the final green to about 4feet. After seeing it in for birdie, the result was decided. Great golf Scottie and comiserations… but well done Al. If you’re going to lose a playoff, then Al’s shot into the 18th was unreal.
Ladies competition also had drama, with another play off needed to split Bohwon and Novello. Coming down the 18th, Novello’s third unfortunately found the reeds by the lake whilst Bohwon’s found the sand. Both balls back in play onto the green and after a missed putt, the ladies were shaking hands and Bohwon took the ladies title for the 2nd year running.
After England did the job in the football, Dom was free to hold the prizegiving. After a welcome from Dom, including thanking Keiran and the greenkeepers, Tweedy and Bohwon collected the cups both saying a few nice words thanking their playing partners and everyone for their support.
Thanks Captain Dom for all your support and thanks to all who played over the weekend… roll on 2019!
Bohwon and Dom, Tweedy and a disappointed Northern Petal, Al and Dom
Albatross time
Not to be out done, RitchieBandito deserves a special mention playing in a Swindle non-qualies rollup, who (eventually) found his ball in the hole on the 12th for a fantastic albatross. Driver, 5 wood…. well done The Blakey.
Al Tweed and Bohwon – Club Champs 2018
Final scoreboard
Another great Club Championship, one of the best for years with it being so wide open on day two. Course was in great shape, so well done to our greenkeepers. Massive congrats to Alan and commiserations to our own Scotty who came so close, your day must come buddy. Very well done also to Jay and our Mark for shooting great scores on day one, congrats also to Bo, now a back to back winner. Richie, what can I say, my playing partner and what a way to finish a match 7 and 6, with an Albatross, he was only telling me five minutes prior in the buggy rolling down the fairway how much he longed for an Eagle, well mate, you still haven’t had one, but I’d swap my Eagles for your Alby any day, two great shots, well done.
Well done too, to all of you who stayed for the presentation, far too few people at this club do this and it it wasn’t for pretty much the same hard core group that do it each year, it would be a sad affair. On that note, well done Dom, a very busy day for you, you did a great job buddy. Thank you Kieran and James and everyone involved, a great weekend.