Well what an Open! It certainly lived up to it’s big billing based on it being staged for the 150th time. Cameron Smith was superb all round but just a magician with the flat stick. And poor Rory’s majorless run continues – hitting 18 greens in regulation in the final round and not winning must really hurt.
Back at HGC, Roger Sheen has become a big Cam Smith after he drew him in the Open Sweepstake to take the top prize. Plus thanks to Janice Moss for the photo below of the crowds waiting for Tiger on the Friday for what might be his final appearance in the Open at St Andrews… we will see!
Medal 6
Congratulations to full time gardener and part time golfer Bill Harvey for shooting an excellent nett 64 to win Medal 6 at the weekend. Mike Massey and John Bacon both had nett 68s but Mike clinched second place after the card play off.
Ladies
The winners of Ping fourball betterball competition played last week were Jane Wilkinson and Amanda Greaves with a tremendous score of 50 stableford points. Gill Kay and Mandy Gilbert finished runners up with 45 points.
Well done to Helen Armstrong for winning the nine hole stableford with 20 points. Jackie Murphy was second also with 20 points but lost out on count back. Special mention to Sally-Anne Heaford and Caroline Smith for recording good scores on the day.
Ping Demo Day
Thanks to Oliver Hunt from Ping for running the demo day yesterday in the sweltering heat. Thanks also to the six hardy HGC members who came along to try out and in many cases buy the latest and greatest equipment on offer. It’s a superb service from, in my experience, one of the best manufacturers in the industry.
Bunkers
A few members have mentioned to me recently about the bunkers not being raked properly. Also the rakes have been left in inconsiderate positions. The Greens Committee will be sending out more information in due course on the latter but for the time being, please be courteous and leave the bunkers in good shape when you leave them.
R&A 9H Challenge Final
Here’s a note from Sally Wright after she and Ann Coulson represented Hale GC in the final of the R&A 9 Hole Challenge at St Andrew’s on the eve of the 150th Open Championship.
They were one of 20 teams from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Australia & New Zealand & were lucky enough to play holes 1-4 and 14-18 on the Old Course. They came 4th with 34 points only 2 points behind the winners.
Captain Peter Forster, gave them a guided tour of the R&A St Andrew’s clubhouse followed by a celebration dinner there after the competition. They said their 2 days at St Andrew’s were nerve wracking, truly amazing and an experience they will remember forever!
One of my highlights was driving over the old railway sheds on the 17th Road hole and Ann did the most amazing drive over Grannie Clark’s Wynd on the 18th which was applauded by the onlookers.
Hole in One from Canada
Craig Rea just got a hole in one on the 16th hole at Fernie GC in Canada. He hit a six iron and it took one hop before rolling into the hole. The hole was 164 yards long. He can be seen celebrating the ace with Gwynneth & Martin Bramwell, wife Michele Rea and Andrew Gething. Well done Craig, hope the bar bill wasn’t too pricey!
