| GOLFEST 08 |
GOLFEST 08 DIARY
After a highly successful Golfest 07 in North Wales, 10 members plus 4 guests embarked on a trip to Burnham on Sea for Golfest 08.
FRIDAY
The first competition was played on Worlebury Golf Club, near Weston-Super-Mare. It was not an overly long course, but small quick greens made scoring difficult at times. It was very picturesque with extensive views across the Severn Estuary and Somerset Hills.
A forecast of a winning score of 40 plus points at the halfway stage was quickly revised due to heavy rain and strong winds coming off the sea, buffeting the players for most of the back 9. Paul Anslow (22pts) and Glen Cooper (21pts) blitzed the front 9. Paul looked to have the competition sewn up, but a scoreless last two holes combined with Glen’s strong finish meant they were both tied on 37 points. Glen was victorious on countback, 16 points to Paul’s 15 points over the testy back 9. Kevin Oldfield, never one to shirk a challenge, scored an extremely impressive 19 points in the testing conditions over the back 9.
Overall it was a perfect start to the weekend. The small targets and slick greens challenged all. In hindsight though, as with many courses, it was one where the driver could have stayed in the bag. It yielded no less than 5 birdies from Paul (2), Gary Purchase, Richard Bishop and Rob Orrock whose deuce on a Par 3 guaranteed him a share of the £2’s pot.
After the evening meal at the course, all made the trek to the Laburnum Lodge Hotel. I have been reliably informed that the accommodation was basic, but suitable. However it was compared to something out of A League of Gentleman!!! Rob and Steve Knight had the unfortunate experience of being moved from their room not once, not twice, not three times but an amazing four times!!!! The rest of the evening was spent downing many a pint in the hotel bar.
SATURDAY
The previous days rain had passed but after a short drive to Burnham and Berrow Golf Club the guys were faced with a very strong wind making the challenge of The Channel Course even more daunting!!! The Channel is a 9 hole, 18 tee course, and rated as one of the finest 9 hole courses in the country .
After the pro had disturbingly suggested taking plenty of balls, the guys made the quarter mile trek across the sand dunes to the 1st tee. What greeted them on the opening hole was a large reed bed to the left with large expansive heavy rough to the right and a narrow fairway down the middle. The wind was blowing fiercely off the sea to the left making the rough on the right an accident waiting to happen. This was to be the norm on the opening 4 holes with the brave flirting with the reed bed on the left and the not so brave ending up in the thick rough.
Holes 5 through 9 all had narrow fairways flanked by sand dunes and more extensive rough. Accuracy from the tee was imperative. The greens were like lightening and the typical links undulations made putting a difficult proposition. It was a really tough test of golf, reminiscent of Royal St Davids on last years Golfest. Literally dozens of balls were lost as players wrestled with the conditions.
Andy Cousins produced a fine round of golf to record 34 points, including 2 superb gross birdies, to convincingly win by 6 points from Rob. His terrific performance also put him at the head of affairs by 3 points over Paul Anslow for the overall Golfest title with one round to play. “Chub” commented afterwards that he was in golf heaven playing the Channel course. “A tough links course, the sun shining and good company”. Sums it up nicely. A member commented afterwards that the course is used for county practices as it is a much tougher test than the main course!!! It was exceptional value at £20 for a day ticket, but there were no takers for more than 18 holes!!! On the day no less than 60% of scores were double bogey or worse!!!
After the round the guys returned to the digs and then headed into Burnham on Sea in a fleet of taxis for a night on the town. The guys split into 2 groups in search of a local gourmet experience, namely Indian and Chinese!!! Whilst one group headed back to the hotel’s bar, the others settled in at a local boozer where a band was playing. The evening proved one that few will ever forget. A band was playing and after a request from Steve Knight, Dave Turner joined the group to sing Living On A Prayer. It was an epic performance and one that would have made Jon Bon Jovi proud!!! It went down a storm and Dave was even asked to join them on stage for the Mustang Sally finale.
SUNDAY
After checking out with many a sore head, the guys made the trip north to The Kendleshire for the final leg of Golfest 08. The course had three loops of 9 holes. A few of the guys hitched a lift, whilst others had to walk the half mile trek to the 19th tee, their opening hole. En route the guys had a chance to catch glimpses of what was waiting for them on course. Water, water and more water plus copious amounts of sand and rough!!! The squalls coming off the Severn made conditions very interesting to say the least, as did the numerous hills after two previous days and nights of golf and partying!!!
The larger greens, which had a lot of undulation, were slightly slower than the previous two days, but still tested the short game to the full. Gary, the Societies best dressed man, was cooly kitted out in a Poulteresque style lime green outfit. Andy Paddock completed the first 9 holes with a terrific 19 points to hold the lead at the halfway stage. However the round then unfortunately descended into to a total farce. After experiencing numerous delays, due to a painfully slow fourball in front, our first 3ball arrived at the 1st tee to be told by an over zealous marshall that they were late. A group of around 70 kids were waiting to start a practice round for an English Schools competition to be played on the Monday. Remarkably this idiot then allowed the first two 3balls out on Holes 1 -9, but then put our next two fourballs out on Holes 10 -18. Can you believe that?!!! Our guys did not know this was happening until one group glimpsed another across the other side of the course!!!
Two of the groups had the opportunity though to experience the better of the three 9 hole loops, which included 2 island greens. Glen was again victorious with his 33 points proving how difficult the course played. Rob secured his second successive runner up spot, finishing one point back. Again over 60% of scores were double bogey or worse. Maybe, just maybe, this was due to the previous 2 days exploits catching up with several!!! Dave Turner achieved the only birdie at the day and gained him a share with Rob of the 2’s pot.
The contest for the overall Golfest title proved a very close affair with one point covering the top three spots. Glen with an overall total of 90 points prevailed from Paul and Chub on 89. He then, in an extremely generous offer, stated that he was donating his prize money to charity. Paul and Chub did however have the consolation of claiming the Golfest Team Competition, victorious by 5 points from Glen and Gary.
OVERALL
Although sadly I was not able to attend I am reliably informed the weekend was again a huge success. The golf was tough with only 2 from a potential 42 rounds being under par. It is apparent that Golfest is going from strength to strength and is hopefully a permanent fixture in the golfing year. The Kendleshire, following a strong letter of complaint from myself after their debacle, have given a 50% reduction on a future booking, which will hold until the end of June 09. Not sure what is to be done with that, but no doubt we’ll have discussions about that and come up with a suitable solution.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy Cousins for his tireless efforts in organsing the scoring for the three days and providing me with notes so that I can compile this report. I would also like to thank Bob Taylor for volunteering to collect the cash and liase with all three courses. I knew it was in safe hands mate. Thanks also to Kev and Dave T who organised the prizes for all of the competitions. Finally I would express my sincere thanks to everyone for their kind gesture in getting me a fine Adidas Polo Shirt and a set of balls.
Plans for Golfest 09 are already being made with one venue in particular, thanks to Rob, being tentatively pencilled in as a possible host. The Manor House Hotel and Ashbury Golf Hotel near Okehampton in Devon offer a potentially superb package that could meet our needs. It boasts five 18 hole golf courses in the foothills of Dartmoor National Park. It really does look an idyllic setting. For further information I suggest you log onto their website www.manorhousehotel.co.uk.
Roll on Golfest 09!!!!!!!
FINAL SCORES
WORLEBURY CUP
| Pos | Player | Score | Bir | Par | Bog | DB+ |
| 1st | Glen Cooper | 37pts* | 0 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| 2nd | Paul Anslow | 37pts | 2 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| t-3rd | Kevin Oldfield | 33pts | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 |
| t-3rd | Andy Cousins | 33pts | 0 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| t-5th | Andy Paddock | 30pts | 0 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
| t-5th | Gary Purchase | 30pts | 1 | 2 | 8 | 7 |
| t-7th | Mark Hill | 28pts | 0 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
| t-7th | Andy McLeod | 28pts | 0 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 9th | Bob Taylor | 26pts | 0 | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| t-10th | Richard Bishop | 25pts | 1 | 1 | 6 | 10 |
| t-10th | Dave Williams | 25pts | 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 12th | Steve Knight | 24pts | 0 | 4 | 3 | 11 |
| t-13th | Dave Turner | 22pts | 0 | 3 | 4 | 11 |
| t-13th | Rob Orrock | 22pts | 1 | 1 | 6 | 10 |
| Totals | 5 | 52 | 80 | 115 |
CHANNEL CLASSIC
| Pos | Player | Pts | Bir | Par | Bog | DB+ |
| 1st | Andy Cousins | 34pts | 2 | 5 | 8 | 3 |
| 2nd | Rob Orrock | 28pts | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 |
| t-3rd | Richard Bishop | 27pts | 0 | 3 | 4 | 11 |
| t-3rd | Paul Anslow | 27pts | 0 | 2 | 7 | 9 |
| t-5th | Andy Paddock | 26pts | 1 | 4 | 5 | 8 |
| t-5th | Dave Turner | 26pts | 0 | 3 | 5 | 10 |
| 7th | Gary Purchase | 25pts | 0 | 2 | 7 | 9 |
| t-8th | Steve Knight | 22pts | 1 | 1 | 5 | 11 |
| t-8th | Bob Taylor | 22pts | 0 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| t-10th | Dave Williams | 20pts | 0 | 2 | 4 | 12 |
| t-10th | Glen Cooper | 20pts | 0 | 1 | 2 | 15 |
| t-10th | Kevin Oldfield | 20pts | 0 | 0 | 5 | 13 |
| 13th | Andy McLeod | 15pts | 0 | 1 | 4 | 13 |
| 14th | Mark Hill | 14pts | 0 | 2 | 1 | 15 |
| Totals | 4 | 31 | 69 | 148!!! |
THE KENDLESHIRE OPEN
| Pos | Player | Pts | Bir | Par | Bog | DB+ |
| 1st | Glen Cooper | 33pts | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 |
| 2nd | Rob Orrock | 32pts | 0 | 4 | 8 | 6 |
| 3rd | Gary Purchase | 28pts | 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 4th | Kevin Oldfield | 27pts | 0 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| 5th | Paul Anslow | 25pts | 0 | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| t-6th | Andy Cousins | 22pts | 0 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| t-6th | Andy Paddock | 22pts* | 0 | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| t-8th | Andy McLeod | 21pts | 0 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
| t-8th | Dave Williams | 21pts | 0 | 2 | 4 | 12 |
| 10th | Bob Taylor | 20pts | 0 | 0 | 4 | 14 |
| t-11th | Dave Turner | 18pts | 1 | 0 | 6 | 11 |
| t-11th | Steve Knight | 18pts | 0 | 0 | 5 | 13 |
| 13th | Mark Hill | 16pts | 0 | 1 | 5 | 12 |
| 14th | Richard Bishop | 12pts | 0 | 2 | 3 | 13 |
| Totals | 1 | 32 | 68 | 147!!! |
GOLFEST INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION
| Pos | Player | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| 1st | Glen Cooper | 37 | 20 | 33 | 90 |
| t-2nd | Paul Anslow | 37 | 27 | 25 | 89 |
| t-2nd | Andy Cousins | 33 | 34 | 22 | 89 |
| 4th | Gary Purchase | 30 | 25 | 28 | 83 |
| 5th | Rob Orrock | 22 | 28 | 32 | 82 |
| 6th | Kevin Oldfield | 33 | 20 | 27 | 80 |
| 7th | Andy Paddock | 30 | 26 | 22 | 78 |
| 8th | Bob Taylor | 26 | 22 | 20 | 68 |
| t-9th | Dave Williams | 25 | 20 | 21 | 66 |
| t-9th | Dave Turner | 22 | 26 | 18 | 66 |
| t-11th | Andy McLeod | 28 | 15 | 21 | 64 |
| t-11th | Steve Knight | 24 | 22 | 18 | 64 |
| t-11th | Richard Bishop | 25 | 27 | 12 | 64 |
| 14th | Mark Hill | 28 | 14 | 16 | 58 |
GOLFEST TEAM COMPETITION
| Pos | Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
| 1st | Andy Cousins & Paul Anslow | 70 | 42 | 47 | 159 |
| 2nd | Glen Cooper & Gary Purchase | 67 | 26 | 61 | 154 |
| 3rd | Andy Paddock & Bob Taylor | 56 | 36 | 42 | 134 |
| 4th | Rob Orrock & Dave Williams | 56 | 31 | 53 | 131 |
| 5th | Kevin Oldfield & Steve Knight | 57 | 28 | 45 | 130 |
| 6th | Dave Turner & Andy McLeod | 50 | 31 | 39 | 120 |
| 7th | Mark Hill & Richard Bishop | 53 | 34 | 28 | 115 |
| GOLFEST 2007 The Diary |
THE BEGINNING
Golfest 2007 had initially started as an idea from Dave and Andy Paddock who had suggested to me how good it would be to take a trip away somewhere to play golf. Ironically Bob and I had also discussed this possibility a few years ago, so were quickly on board. The idea soon blossomed and after discussions during the Winter League earlier this year, several other members confirmed their interest. After some ground work of booking the accommodation and golf courses, the trip soon became a reality.
FRIDAY
Leaving the rain soaked West Midlands and Telford area's behind Bob Taylor, Rob Orrock, Steve Knight, Andy Paddock, Dave Turner and myself set out in the fear that the awful weather was waiting for us in North Wales. It had to be, from my childhood holidays at Morfa Bychan I certainly knew that it always rains in Wales!!! Several hours later 5 of the party arrived to glorious sunshine at our digs, the Awel Mor, in Criccieth. I traveled direct to Nefyn, our first course on the agenda. After experiencing heavy rain en route I eventually took a 20 minute break to bask in the sunshine overlooking Anglesey at Caernarfon. Kevin Oldfield, who was traveling to Criccieth with Andy McLeod on the Saturday morning, telephoned me and could not believe the fantastic weather I was experiencing!!! I think he thought I was joking when I told him it was 22 degrees!!!
However the picture was soon to change!!! Around 5 miles outside of Caernarfon the sea mist had settled, making driving hazardous and the prospects of golf virtually non existent. I arrived at the Nefyn Golf Club at the same time as the adventurous 5. Standing on the car park staring at the mist I think we all felt that there was no hope in hell that we'd been teeing off in just over an hour. The mist started to clear a little and we all agreed to give it a go, but when we teed off at just before 5pm you could barely see 100 yards in front of you!!!
Dave, Bob and I were in the first group out. On reaching our tee shots to this stern opening Par 4 hole, the mist was starting to clear further. By the time we'd got to the green, the mist as if like magic had completely lifted and what a magnificent course it revealed in glorious sunshine. The views from the 2nd tee were breathtaking. This was only the start however and by the time we reached the short Par 3 5th I realised that we were playing somewhere very special indeed. The tee overlooked the seas with waves crashing on the rocks below and an abundance of sea birds. Bob subtly suggested that the best was yet to come!!!
It soon became apparent that golf around here is certainly secondary. I've always been one for getting to my shot as soon as possible. Not the best habit to have, but one I'd had for a long time. Slow down and enjoy it I kept telling myself. Having a 5ball in front for a few holes, although unethical, maybe did us a favour as it slowed our group down enabling us to start to fully take in the awe inspiring sights.
By the time we reached the 11th tee the 5ball had disappeared. Now the short Par 4 11th may not be a classic golf hole, but what awaits at the green is absolutely breathtaking. It really is hard to describe the views that you can see to the east and west, along the coastline. My second shot finished precariously close to the cliff edge, testing my fear of heights to the full!!! The 12th has possibly the toughest second shot I have faced in a long time. Deep rough left and right with a cavernous hole some 75 yards from the green.
The course was just getting better and better. On reaching the 13th tee I was totally dumbstruck!!! A tee shot over the cliff face a mere 220 yards to the fairway or the "chicken" line onto the 15th fairways were the options on this amazing hole. All of us tried the brave line, Dave and I failed but a fierce cross wind allowed Bob's tee shot to drift onto the 15th fairway. Our group all agreed to wait for Steve, Rob and Andy following for a "team" photo on the platform tee for the Par 3 14th that overhung the cliff face. After Bob managed to organise his camera on timer, this added at least 15 minutes to the round much to the chagrin of us all waiting, a fantastic photo was eventually taken.
I managed a birdie 2 at this testy Par 3. Even if I'd have taken 10 it would not have mattered as it was just a pleasure being their. Dave and I then decided to hit golf balls into the sea. Why? Just for the heck of it!!! Andy then suggested that as we seemingly had the course to ourselves we play the remaining holes as a 6ball. It proved a great call, as these stretch of holes produced as much fun golf as I'd ever experienced. Banter flowed to and fro, and we almost had a hole in one when Dave's amazing tee shot at the Par 3 16th bisected two bunkers to finish a couple of feet from the hole and a birdie two followed whilst under immense pressure from his peers!!!
For the record, the competition was a close affair with Dave, Bob and myself all tied as we played the short Par 4 18th. I nearly drove the green and finished with a par and 31 points, whilst Dave and Bob unfortunately ended with double bogeys to finish one point adrift. Did we care? No way!!! After all we had seen and the weather we had experienced it was just one amazing round of golf.
A frantic phone call to the Madhia Tandoori restaurant from Nefyn's car park meant the six of us had to race at the speed of sound to make our 10.30pm booking. We arrived with 2 minutes to spare and found that we were the only customers present. A remarkable contrast from an "Indian" in Wolverhampton which would have been heaving at that time!!! Poppadums, Baltis, Tikkas, Jalfrezi's and Nan's were devoured ravishingly by us all. After the meal we returned to our nicely situated B&B on the seafront at Criccieth.
Bob, Andy and Steve all decided to check out the local garage music scene at the only pub open in Criccieth, whilst Rob, Dave and myself shared 2 bottle's of Beaujolais on the B&B's veranda, whilst watching the bats fly around and generally drooling over the course and weather we had experienced. It had been the perfect start to what was to prove a memorable weekend. After Dave and I had received a polite, if understandable, slap on the wrists from the owner for making too much noise, we eventually rolled into bed just after 1.30am. Dave almost immediately upset Andy, his room mate, when he started watching Star Wars at 2am!!!
Royal St David's and the Harlech Open awaited the following afternoon, plus the arrival of Kev, Andy Mac and some long lost acquaintances. Andy and Nigel Cousins plus 2 of their friends.
SATURDAY
I was up at 5.30am and by 6am was taking a stroll on the beach whilst the rest were in the land of nod!!! After a hearty full English breakfast the 6 of us took a gentle stroll into Criccieth town centre, a few of us partaking in a world famous ice cream. Mmm!!! Tasty!!! A game of miniature golf was on the agenda until that is we saw the dilapidated state of the course!!! We were fearful it would ruin our putting strokes!!! Kevin and Andy Mac arrived soon after 12 noon, with Kev feeling a little worse for wear. He blamed Andy Mac's driving but we all knew that it was down to the previous night!!!
We had booked a taxi to take us all to Royal St David's thus allowing everyone to have a drink and not worry about driving. Andy and Nigel Cousins plus Paul Anslow and Richard Bishop were booked into the Sportsman Hotel in Porthmadog. The taxi arrived promptly and we all set off for the course with our clubs in tow on a trailer!!!
The weather, after a dull overcast start, had improved and by the time we had a group photo on the 1st tee at Royal St David's the sun was shining with a stiff but not too testy wind. By the time the final group teed off some 15 minutes later it had changed considerably. The clouds had rolled in and the wind had picked up.
After two fairly straightforward Par 4's to start, the course really came to life with the extremely difficult long 453 yard Par 4 3rd. This was soon followed by a stiff 184 yard Par 3, played now in a vicious left to right crosswind. Holes 5 and 6 both played downwind, but were still a stern test. Hole 7 is where Royal St David's really showed it's teeth. This 474 yard Par 5 played directly into the of the wind, making it virtually impossible to reach the green in regulation. In my group Steve Knight defied the elements to produce three amazing shots into the heart of the green, alas a four putt followed but his feat of reaching the green in regulation was immense!!!
The 8th was a straightforward 483 yard Par 5 that played downwind and to finish the front 9 we played the 165 yard Par 3 which again featured a severe crosswind. Nigel Cousins produced the shot of the day on this tricky hole. His audacious tee shot finished some five feet from the pin, he unfortunately lipped out his birdie putt which would have collected the 2's cash!!!
Rob Orrock, playing in my group, had produced an excellent front 9 and had amassed an extremely creditable 16 points. His trusty "iron from the tee" strategy proving successful and wise in the conditions. After one of the worst front 9's I had ever played, only scoring a mediocre 7 points, I had Kevin, my partner, to thank for keeping us in contention for the team event!!!
The back 9 started with a brutal 426 yard Par 4 into the wind. The tee shot was tough enough but the second shot was made incredibly difficult by a stream some 70 yards short of the green, which I ultimately found even though I had struck my 3 wood perfectly!!! There was a little light relief when we approached the short 131 yard Par 3 11th. An innocuous looking hole, but one that surprisingly played longer than it looked. After hitting my best shot of the day I lipped out a ten foot birdie putt to, like Nigel had beforehand, miss out on the cash!!!
Holes 12 and 13 were demandingly long Par 4's and it was now apparent to every single player that this was more a war of attrition, rather than a game of golf!!! Now the 210 yard Par 3 14th hole was, from the tee, the scariest looking Par 3 I've ever played. There looked no room for error at all and you could only glimpse the top of the flag. Playing directly into the wind, several players even hit driver!!! However looks can be deceiving. Once the green came into view, it was clear that there was more room to play with than had actually appeared from the tee!!!
Could this course get any tougher? Well yes it did!!! The 418 yard Par 4 15th provided the most demanding tee shot of the day, over mounds to a narrow fairway. The second shot was no bargain either as thick rough ate away at the sides of the fairway the closer you got to the green. Thankfully for the first time in the round I hit three quality golf shots to walk away with a par, that felt like an eagle!!!
The Par 4 16th at 352 yards was the only Par 4 on the back 9 to play under 400 yards. A platform was perched above the tee, which gave us our only glimpse of the sea on the course. Steve's cry of "Go on Kev!!!" echoed from Barmouth to Porthmadog and then onto Criccieth as his tee shot split the fairway!!! I luckily holed a birdie putt from off the green to record the only one of the day and at last I was starting to find a bit of form.
The Par 4 413 yard 17th was to my mind a quality links hole. Bunkers strategically protected both the fairway and green making both the tee and approach shots extremely tricky. The 190 yard Par 3 18th was played thankfully downwind, with the green protected by a ring of bunkers. All in all on finishing I was, and still am, of the opinion that this is the most demanding course I had ever played. I've been lucky enough to have played Carnoustie and the Old Course and they were tough but really didn't compare to this!!!
Andy Cousins commented to me afterwards that he had never had to grind as much on a golf course when he was striking the ball so well and that really summed up the demands of this course. The Cousins brothers swept the board!!! Nigel produced an absolutely terrific 30 points (17 out & 13 back) to claim the Harlech Open individual title, whilst brother Andy was three points back in second place. Andy and his partner Paul Anslow also claimed the Harlech Open Team Title with a terrific betterball score of 38 points.
After a quick beer in the clubhouse the twelve of us took the two minute stroll to the Y Branwen Hotel opposite the course for a post round evening meal. A warm welcome awaited us and the food was of the highest quality, if however the quantity and presentation were more akin to a Gordon Ramsay type restaurant!!!
Steve the Taxi arrived promptly to take us back and the 8 of us staying in Criccieth arrived back just in time to witness the fireworks display at Criccieth Castle I had organised!!! Four went to the local pub, whilst the rest of us stayed and drank wine till the early hours!!! Tomorrow was Porthmadog, surely to God it couldn't get any harder than Royal St David's!!!
SUNDAY
There were a few heavy heads on Sunday morning as we ate breakfast!!! After settling our bill at the B&B we headed off to the course for the Porthmadog Classic. There had been heavy rain overnight but on arriving at the course we were greeted to glorious sunshine. The Awel Mor Gueshouse had been a great place to stay with decent food and a few of us had rooms with a sea view, although the only downside was the "unlimited bar" that strangely closed at 10.30pm!!! We had been lucky, the 4 staying at the Sportsman Hotel in Porthmadog had experienced both a "rough" breakfast and a sour-faced owner!!!
The pairs from Harlech had been split up to allow as many players to play with as many different people as possible, after all it was a social weekend. Scores from the individual and team events at the Harlech Open were carried forward for the outright Gwynedd Cup.
Porthmadog had a totally different feel to Royal St David's. The first 9 holes had a parkland look to them and the benign conditions produced some excellent scoring. Kevin, under strict instructions from myself to attack at all cost, produced a fine 10 points over the opening holes. After suffering a traumatic start to my round at Harlech, I started to produce some decent form and my tee shot at the Par 3 6th finished inches from a hole-in-one. The tap in birdie 2 meant I had at least secured a share of the £24 2's pot!!!
Andy Paddock, who was playing alongside myself, Dave Turner and Andy Cousins hit the Par 5 8th in two shots and although he missed his eagle attempt he grabbed a birdie and was menacingly starting to find his best form. Steve Knight, who had played some terrific holes on the Saturday without his just rewards, gained an impressive 19 points over the outward 9 to tie the lead alongside myself.
The back 9 holes were in complete contrast to the front. Blind shots galore, along with humps and hollows made for a real test of links golf, but not quite as tough as that we had faced at Harlech!!! The short Par 4 12th was not the best hole on the course, but did give a marvelous view of the beach and estuary. The Par 3 13th was possibly my favourite hole at Porthmadog. From a raised teeing area, you hit downhill across sand dunes to the green below. It required a very accurate shot to find the putting surface and Richard Bishop claimed a notable birdie 2 to get into a share of the 2's pot.
The Par 4 14th was aptly named Himalayas. A tee shot across a cavernous sand dune to a tight fairway bordered by severe humps and hollows meant this was by far the toughest hole on the course. Both the 15th and 16th holes were shortish Par 4's but required accuracy from the tee as gorse and thick rough lay in wait for any errant tee shots.
It was all adding up to a terrific round of golf on a stern, but ultimately fair golf course and one that realistically suited our standard. The approach shot to the green at the Par 5 17th tested the nerve of every player as gorse bushes left and right, along with a stream fronting the green made it a demanding shot to say the least!!!
Fatigue from the previous days exhertions were catching up with everyone by now and the last, thankfully, provided a gentle climax to a fine course. Steve Knight had maintained his great play over the inward half and recorded a superb 38 points total to claim the overall Porthmadog Classic title. Andy McLeod played steadily throughout his round and secured runners up spot on a fine 34 points.
Steve's remarkable fightback at Porthmadog, (to be honest I would not have thought him capable of such a feat after seeing him at 2am the previous morning!!!) was also enough to secure victory in the Gwynedd Cup. His overall points score of 61 points for the two rounds was four clear of Paul Anslow and Nigel Cousins. Andy McLeod's round along with his partner, Dave Turner's 29 points were enough to claim the Porthmadog Classic Team Event and to narrowly take the overall Gwynedd Cup Team event by one point from Nigel Cousins and Richard Bishop. Richard and I thankfully shared the £24 2's cash pot.
After the presentation of the trophies, during which I was presented with a superb Callaway golf shirt which was very much a surprise and one that I will wear with pride in future Society events, we all made the trek home. A few miles outside of Porthmadog it started to rain and didn't stop all the way home. It made me truly thankful for the conditions we had played in throughout our three rounds on what was truly a terrific weekend.
I would personally like to thank everyone for making the weekend so memorable. Special mention must go to Dave Turner for providing the trophies, which were terrific. Between the twelve of us we didn't have one cross word with each other. Even when Steve the Taxi stitched me up for an extra £3 each, nobody complained!!!
I have played in numerous football and cricket teams but these bunch of guys were the best I'd ever been round. I would have no hesitation in organising a similar event next year, something that I know is already a popular idea!!! Thanks again guys, you were awesome!!!
RESULTS
HARLECH OPEN
| 1st | Nigel Cousins | 30 |
| 2nd | Andy Cousins | 27 |
| 3rd | Paul Anslow | 26 |
| 4th | Dave Turner | 25 |
| 5th | Kevin Oldfield | 24 |
| t-6th | Rob Orrock | 23 |
| t-6th | Richard Bishop | 23 |
| t-6th | Steve Knight | 23 |
| t-9th | Martin Rainer | 22 |
| t-9th | Andy Paddock | 22 |
| 11th | Andy McLeod | 20 |
| 12th | Bob Taylor | 12 |
HARLECH OPEN TEAM EVENT
| 1st | Andy Cousins & Paul Anslow | 38 |
| 2nd | Nigel Cousins & Richard Bishop | 36 |
| 3rd | Martin Rainer & Kevin Oldfield | 34 |
| 4th | Dave Turner & Andy McLeod | 32 |
| 5th | Steve Knight & Rob Orrock | 31 |
| 6th | Andy Paddock & Bob Taylor | 29 |
PORTHMADOG CLASSIC
| 1st | Steve Knight | 38 |
| 2nd | Andy McLeod | 34 |
| 3rd | Martin Rainer | 32 |
| t-4th | Paul Anslow | 31 |
| t-4th | Richard Bishop | 31 |
| 6th | Dave Turner | 29 |
| t-7th | Andy Paddock | 27 |
| t-7th | Nigel Cousins | 27 |
| t-9th | Rob Orrock | 24 |
| t-9th | Bob Taylor | 24 |
| 11th | Andy Cousins | 22 |
| 12th | Kevin Oldfield | 20 |
PORTHMADOG CLASSIC TEAM EVENT
| 1st | Andy McLeod & Dave Turner | 63 |
| 2nd | Steve Knight & Rob Orrock | 62 |
| 3rd | Nigel Cousins & Richard Bishop | 58 |
| 4th | Andy Cousins & Paul Anslow | 53 |
| 5th | Martin Rainer & Kevin Oldfield | 52 |
| 6th | Andy Paddock & Bob Taylor | 51 |
GWYNEDD CUP - INDIVIDUAL
| 1st | Steve Knight | 61 |
| t-2nd | Nigel Cousins | 57 |
| t-2nd | Paul Anslow | 57 |
| t-4th | Martin Rainer | 54 |
| t-4th | Dave Turner | 54 |
| t-4th | Richard Bishop | 54 |
| t-4th | Andy McLeod | 54 |
| t-8th | Andy Paddock | 49 |
| t-8th | Andy Cousins | 49 |
| 10th | Rob Orrock | 47 |
| 11th | Kevin Oldfield | 44 |
| 12th | Bob Taylor | 36 |
GWYNEDD CUP - TEAM
| 1st | Andy McLeod & Dave Turner | 95 |
| 2nd | Nigel Cousins & Richard Bishop | 94 |
| 3rd | Steve Knight & Rob Orrock | 93 |
| 4th | Andy Cousins & Paul Anslow | 91 |
| 5th | Martin Rainer & Kevin Oldfield | 86 |
| 6th | Andy Paddock & Bob Taylor | 80 |
That's all folks!!!
Roll on GOLFEST 2008?!!!!!!!!