Four Furlongs - Success!!

Four Furlongs Team - Dean Butler, Roger Tillett, Chris Adlem & Dave Warwick

The Macmillan Longest Day Golf Challenge on Friday 28th June
Visit http://www.facebook.com/4furlongs for dedicated page & photo’s.

Phew!!!  Challenge complete AND it certainly was a long day but incredibly worth it! With a tee off at 4.30am, we watched each ball go far into the morning drizzle and low dark cloud. Luckily, we found them again and carried on through a muggy drizzle!  8.30am arrived with giant breakfast baguettes and coffee delivered by Jill and we dined alfresco under a tree on the 4th green. As the drizzle came harder and the wind picked up, the wet weather gear had to make a full appearance!
At 11.30am it was time for a quick shower and change, when the sun eventually put his hat on for a while and the shorts came out ready for the 3rd round!
By the start of the 4th round at 4pm, the wind had brought quite a chill and thanks to Sandy and Jill with their snaxpax of goodies, energy levels were boosted again (we won’t mention tempers!).
Eventually we finished at 8.45pm with some quite amazing individual scores under the circumstances!

It's a long walk back from the 14th green!!

Stableford rules – best 2 scores count for each hole per round for an entry to the Macmillan trophy in October. Round 1 = 88, Round 2 = 82, Round 3 = 86, Round 4 = 80

Our thanks go out to the fellow golfers of whose games we steamed through and their words of encouragement and applause. To Tim and the golf shop staff for their assistance and use of the buggy for Jill, Christine & Sandy to keep check on us – special thanks to them!

Jill in the "support vehicle"!!

Also a big thank-you to all who supported and sponsored us in raising in excess of £1000 and still counting for Macmillan Cancer Care. Contributions can still be given via http://www.justgiving.com/4furlongs2013 
 
Dave Warwick.

Racecourse Junior Medal

A small group of juniors from both Newbury & Crookham and NRGC played in a medal competition yesterday at the racecourse off the white tees. The weather was perfect and some of the scoring was outstanding.
Harry Bowness was the winner with an excellent gross 71 nett 60. He was followed by runner-up Josh Sheppard who also went low with a nett 64 and young Andrew Mead made his day by scoring his first hole-in-one at the par 3 14th. Thanks to all who took part in this joint medal.
Full details - click here.

Seniors Yellow-Ball Stableford

A beautiful day for golf at the racecourse today with lots of sunshine and not much wind. The yellow-ball Stableford was actually an orange-ball Stableford!! I don't know if it's just me but, I think orange balls are OK in the frost and snow but very difficult to see in the summer months ... get some yellow balls Roy!!!
A few of the regular seniors were away today, but still a healthy field of ten teams of three competed today for the prizes. The winning team with an exceptional score of 141pts were Malcolm Passey, Roy Whiting & Paul Tebbutt. Runners-up were Chris Piper, Alan Owen & John Day who just pipped Linda Vale, Colin Cox & Jim Green on count-back after both teams scored 115pts.
Full result - click here.

Longest Day for Monty and Chris

Monty Norman and Chris Moore successfully completed their Longest Day Challenge yesterday evening at approximately 8:00pm. It certainly was a long day as well!! Having started at 6:00am playing 18 holes at Newbury & Crookham, they then proceded to play another three rounds at the Racecourse to complete 72 holes in one single day. Not bad for a couple of old 'uns!!!!!
Both took part in this challenge in support of the Macmillan Cancer charity and particularly in memory of club stalwart and good friend Mike Willson, who sadly lost his battle with that disease earlier this year.
Monty and Chris were helped by other members at various stages along the way. Thanks to Gary Moore, Les Eden, Judy Willson, John Taylor and Paul Tebbutt for their support.
Thanks to all those who have already sponsored Monty and Chris and if you wish to make a financial contribution to this cause, please visit their Just Giving web page.

Monty and Chris ... finished at last!!!

Al Drennan

All at the golf club send their best wishes to Al Drennan following his emergency operation last week. Al is currently recovering in John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford.
Hope to see you soon Al.

Club Championships

The final round of the Ladies and Men's Club Championships were played today in quite demanding conditions with a strong westerly wind blowing ... but thankfully no rain!! With the rough up and the fairways more defined, there is certainly more of a premium on finding the "short stuff" off the tee and wayward shots are usually punished. In my opinion, this is exactly how it should be and the comments received from most players are very positive and complimentary about the changes.
As previously mentioned, the field for both men and ladies competitions were smaller this year, but this in no way detracts from the achievements of the winners of today's competitions who played some excellent golf to win their respective prizes. A big thank-you to all players who entered this year's events.

Ladies
In the ladies competition, Kim Richardson played another excellent round to retain her overnight lead and win the Ladies Club Championship with a total of 173. Sian Soanes (184) was the runner-up. In the ladies nett event, Allison Holmes just managed to edge out the unlucky Sian Soanes by a single stroke after improving 7 strokes on her first round score.
Ladies - Gross
Ladies - Nett

Men
With no previous champions entering this year's event, we were always going to have a new champion. Wayne Arnold carded two excellent rounds in the 70's to become this year's Club Champion with a total of 155. Senior Club Champion John Day also put in a solid performance on day two to finish runner-up on 160 followed by first round leader Jon Miller (165) who couldn't quite manage the excellence of yesterday.
In the nett categories, there were more excellent scores and the prize winners were John Day (144) Div 1, Dean Butler (144) Div 2 and John Cooper (149) Div  3.
Men Gross
Men - Nett Div1
Men - Nett Div2
Men - Nett Div3

Club Champions - Wayne Arnold and Kim Richardson

Club Captain Jeremy Twaits with today's winners -
Dean Butler, Wayne Arnold, Kim Richardson, John Day and John Cooper

Scratch KO
As in previous years, there will be a scratch KO competition for the eight players with the best gross totals over the two days (men and/or ladies). To see the draw for this competition - click here.

Order of Merit
Both men and ladies events earn individual order of merit points based on the gross results. Half way through the year it's still a very close competition with John Day just ahead of Christine Cooper, Dean Butler and Sian Soanes. Full listing - click here.

Quiz Night at the Clubhouse

A good turn out at the clubhouse tonight for the Quiz & Supper organised in aid of the Newbury Cancer Care Trust who do fantastic work and a charity we are always willing to support.
"Tina's Team" struck early in the evening to win the table-top quiz following a tie-break with three other teams. I don't know the name of the guy who won the gallon of whiskey in the raffle, but I thought he'd won the Euro-Millions lottery!!! In the main quiz, it was very close with two points separating the top three teams. the "Zombeez" team were the winners with 71.5pts followed by "Under Pressure" on 70.5 and "Up At The Top" (69.5).
Thanks to the Mike Smith, Rachel and the rest of the Wessex team for the food and beverages. Thanks also to Chris Moore and his team (Judy, Lorraine, Stuart, Paul & Steve) for organising, marking, and administering the quiz. But mostly - a massive thank-you to the thirteen teams that attended on the night and managed to raise over £400 for the Newbury Cancer Care Trust.

The winning team with quizmaster Chris Moore

Club Championships - Round 1

Not very pleasant conditions for the first round of this year's Club Championships today with a strong breeze and some squally showers making life difficult for all the players. Despite this, there were some very good scores returned.

The ladies were out first this morning. In the gross competition, Kim Richardson holds a three stroke lead over Sian Soanes followed by Allison Holmes and Christine Cooper. Sian is just ahead in the nett competition.
Ladies gross
Ladies nett

A smaller field than usual for the men this year, but just as competitive. It's not easy to win a Club Championship and after round one there are still at least 6 players in with a shout. The current gross leader is Jon Miller (77) just one ahead of Wayne Arnold (78) closely followed by John Day (our Seniors Club Champion) in third spot. In the nett divisions, Jon Miller heads the field in Div1, Paul Hickey in Div2 and John Cooper in Div3.
Men Gross
Men Nett Div1
Men Nett Div2
Men Nett Div3

Please note: Round 2 will start 15 minutes later than today. 
Round 2 draw - click here.

Seniors Club Championships

The second and final round of the Senior Club Championships (Men and Ladies) was played today in what felt like the hottest day of the year so far. Virtually no wind to speak of today which had everyone scratching their heads as to what clubs to take!?! We ALWAYS have wind at the Racecourse!!! Once again the course was in excellent condition - thanks to Richard Holmes and his team.

Senior Men Gross
In the gross competition, John Day kept his nerve to go one better than his runner-up finish last year and become Senior Club Champion. 2009 and 2011 champion, Jim Green, claimed the runners-up spot just ahead of Monty Norman who couldn't quite match his excellent score from round one. Paul Tebbutt crept into fourth place with today's lowest gross of 85. Full result - click here.

Senior Men Nett
In the nett competition, Monty Norman grabbed the honours with a total of 139. Runner-up was John Clark who just beat Gordon Turner on count-back after both returned 145. Full result - click here.

Senior Ladies Gross
After an excellent front nine and despite a little "blip" on the 14th, Judy Willson managed to hang on to her first round lead to become the Senior Ladies Club Champion for the first time. Linda Vale took the runners-up spot with Sandy Deacon in third place. Full details - click here.

Senior Ladies Nett
Sandy Deacon won the nett competition with a total of 146 ahead of Judy Willson (151) and Linda Vale (156). Full details - click here.

Senior Club Champions - John Day and Judy Willson

 

Prize Winners
Monty Norman, Sandy Deacon, John Day, Judy Willson, John Clark & Jim Green

Entry for Men's & Ladies Club Championships

It's not too late to enter these competitions!!

The draws for both competitions will be made this coming Wednesday (19th June). If you wish to play in either of these two competitions, please ensure your stamps are on the entry sheets on the notice board at the club by this date.

Senior Club Championships - Round 1

Not ideal conditions today for the first round of the Senior Club Championships with a gusty breeze and some drizzly rain towards the end of the round. Our thanks go to Richard Holmes and his team for preparing the course in immaculate condition. Thirty-one players (twenty-eight men and 3 ladies) played in the event which will conclude with round 2 next Wednesday.
In the men's event, Monty Norman returned a fantastic gross 81 (nett 65) to lead in both the gross and nett categories. Just behind Monty are former champion Jim Green (82) and last years runner-up John Day (83). Behind Monty in the nett competition, Mike Pritchard and Tommy Lees both carded nett 71's to be 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Round one gross scores - click here.
Round one nett scores - click here.

In the ladies competition, Judy Willson and Linda Vale are both tied at the top on gross 95. Linda Vale is top in the nett category from Sandy Deacon on count-back from Judy Willson.
Round one gross scores - click here.
Round one nett scores - click here.

Captains Day

Captains Jeremy Twaits & Jan Hinks both worked incredibly hard over the last few weeks to organise yesterday's Captain's Day event and their efforts were rewarded with a hugely successful day. Forty-five players competed in the competition which was a Stableford event with selected Powerplay holes (double points for net par or better). There were also other mini-events during the course of the day to keep everyone interested and amused with the blindfold tee shot probably the most challenging!!!
As usual there are a few people to thank as well as Jeremy and Jan. Firstly, the green keepers for presenting the course in excellent condition and cutting the extra powerplay holes, some of which were quite a bit tricky!! Callum and the rest of the clubhouse staff for an excellent BBQ following play and working diligently all day. Sian and Sam for managing the early morning registration and raffle ticket sales and Paul for collating the scores. Mostly - thanks to all who attended on the day and raised over £350 for the captain's charities.
The winner of the men's event was John Day with a fantastic score of 55pts. Russell Bowers was runner-up with Richard Osgood a close third. Sam Whiting was the ladies winner on 45pts followed by Liz Evans and Sian Soanes. Our very welcome visitors were headed by Roger Tillett 48pts followed by David Crosse and Mark Grant both on 44pts.
The other prizes were won by ... Nearest the Pins - Jason Allum, Sam Whiting & Mark Grant. Longest Drives - Josh Wallin & Shey Walder. The chipping competition - Lesley Cratchley. The putting competition - Judy Willson. The overall golf skills (chipping and putting) - Dave Warwick. The blindfold tee shot - Roger Tillett. The highest powerplay points - Javed Shanlechi. And of course it goes without saying that Jon Miller's team just scraped home on a tie-break in the quiz!!!
Full results - click here.

Seniors vs Theale

The seniors played their match with Theale Golf Club yesterday. Unfortunately, the team lost by 4.5 to 1.5. However the weather was great and an enjoyable time was had by all. Many thanks to our friends at Theale for hosting this day.

The seniors were represented by John Day & Tom Wallin, Brian Faithfull & Les Eden, Tommy Lees & Chris Piper, Bob Stevenson & Mike Pritchard, Richard Hook & Steve Thompson and Geoff Denner & Barry Heath.

Four Furlongs Longest Day

For the second year running, the Four Furlongs team of Dave Warwick, Dean Butler, Chris Adlem & Roger Tillett are taking on the Longest Day challenge of completing four rounds of golf in one single day. This is all in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Support charity. Please give any support you can to this worthwhile cause. For more info and donations, visit http://www.justgiving.com/4Furlongs2013.

Seniors June Medal

Some beautiful sunshine today for the Seniors June Medal. The course is in great condition but, judging by the number of NR's today, some of the seniors found the rough to be a bit punishing!!!
Thirty-seven players (33 men and 4 ladies) took part today with a separate medal for the ladies.

In the men's division, Ofer Ben-David was the clear winner with a great score of 67. Paul Tebbutt was runner-up on 71 followed by a group of players on 73. Raymond Bilton claimed the third spot and also the lowest gross of the day (82). Full result - click here.

In the ladies event, Liz Evans was the victor with an excellent 70 followed by runner-up Sam Whiting who carded the lowest gross for the ladies.
Full result - click here.

Just two 2's recorded today - Les Eden on the 2nd and Rod Spring on the 16th.

June Medal

A small field of eighteen players (15 men and 3 ladies) for this month's medal played as a mixed competition in two divisions. Nice to see some warm sunshine although the strong breeze made things a little tricky. In my opinion the course is looking excellent with more definition down the fairways and some fairly penal rough which is punishing for any wayward shots (as it should be!).

Division 1
The winner of the top division for the second month running was Dave Warwick with an excellent 67 and equal lowest gross of the day (78) with Andy Steadman who finished third. Runner-up was Dean Butler on 72.
Full result - click here.

Division 2
Stuart Briginshaw took the honours in Division 2 on count-back from Roger Carter after both returned nett 66. Third place went to Andrew Mead with a fine 68. Paul Tebbutt's 84 was the lowest gross in this division. Full result - click here.

Two's
There were three 2's carded today - Roger Carter (6th), John Butcher (11th) and Andrew Mead (16th).

Owen Millennium Trophy
In the Owen Millennium Trophy (best 4 gross medal scores from Mar-Oct),  Dave Warwick leads the way on 325. Paul Tebbutt is currently second on 342 closely followed by Jon Miller (345). Only those who have completed 4 medals are shown on the listing. Full details - click here.

Summer Medal Aggregate
This is similar to the Owen Millennium Trophy, but based on nett scores instead of gross. Roger Carter leads the way on 277 followed by Dave Warwick (281) and Paul Tebbutt (282). As above, only those who have completed 4 medals are shown on the listing. Full details - click here.