Worthing 2010 results

I think we realised as soon as we saw the position of the isobars on the weather charts the day before that Worthing was going to supply us with some windy weather. How windy we only found out when we stepped on to the first tee the next morning. While it may not have been blowing quite as hard as it did at St Andrews the next day when play was stopped and (as BAGS veterans were quick to point out) certainly not as strongly as it did at Crail on the Scottish tour of 1997, it was definitely bad enough to make a tough course even harder. We were fortunate that there was only occasional rain on some parts of the course, so in that respect it was not like our first visit to Worthing in May 2005, but it was bad enough to bring the average score down to 23, the lowest ever for a BAGS day event and the winning score down to 32, one less than the previous lowest winning scores (though Andy Harper won on tour with 30 at Crail) by myself at the Drift in April 1993 and Peter Lambert’s at the very long Edinburgh course at Wentworth in March 1994.

So it’s with terrific respect and humility that we congratulate Glenn on his achievement on St Swithin’s Day in 2010. To keep the ball on the fairways (which I am sure Glenn will not mind me observing) is not something he has recently specialised in, was quite an achievement in those conditions and to sink as many putts as he must have done, took some doing on those windswept greens. A fantastic effort Glenn and if the wind blows like that on the forthcoming tour when we play on similar courses on the South Coast, you’ll be the bookies’ favourite. What a shame you couldn’t celebrate your win with a glass of kummel – I must have a word with the Worthing Sec. about its absence from their drinks list.

It’s getting very difficult to produce a newsletter this season without mentioning Kevin and on this occasion, he had amassed a fantastic 23 points after 9 before the conditions finally got the better of him and he had to settle for a score of 31 and runner up position. That’s the fourth BAGS event in succession, he has been on the podium though admittedly in the Charity event in June his team victory came with considerable help from the Langford side of the family. As he still has to play in three more day events and the tour, it’s tempting to speculate that we haven’t heard the last of his 2010 successes. When he hangs up his boots at BT there must be a new career for him as a coach!

Sufficient rounds have now been played for a Treasurer’s Trophy table to be produced and a large lead is held by…..you know by now. Even in the par 3 he has consolidated his lead and at this rate Kevin could be the first ever winner of three majors in a single season. On the day at Worthing Ian Sellers did well to win the par 3 and it’s also good to record an excellent third place by John Moody. Incidentally if you are still confused by the way par 3 rankings are calculated, take a look at the layout Ian has produced for the web site with a hole by hole calculation set out in full.

Sadly Ian could not play at Worthing due to a back injury and there are several other BAGS members currently out of action due to illness or injury so our best wishes for a speedy return to golf go to Gary, Robin B and Derek Pye. There’s better news of John Davies whose second back operation was successful and who hopes to be swinging a club or two before our October event at Woodcote Park. He is also hoping to see his BAGS friends again at the Charity BBQ at Glenn’s on August 8th for which 36 are now signed up. Should be great fun.

All three Golfathoners survived the heat on the 18 courses they played and scored well. Our thanks again to those who took part either by playing, driving or caddying. Apart from hosting the BBQ on the 8th, Glenn is preparing a gourmet Charity meal for 9 people on July 23rd the proceeds again benefiting the Marsden. Thanks Glenn for your generous efforts in making this happen and of course to Roger for serving and clearing on what promises to be a very special evening.

Croham Hurst is our next event in August – a few places are still available if you want a Surrey Hills experience – followed by the tour (for 32 members) to the South Downs. Thanks to all who have paid their balances so promptly. The final briefing notes will be sent out during August together with the OOPs for the first three days.

The KOs are proceeding smoothly and the draws for the Quarter Finals of all three competitions took place at the Golfathon. The deadline date for all matches is August 10th so if you are still involved please do your bit to ensure that you make early contact to make the appropriate plans.

Still no final news on the Charity amount raised though it seems likely we are close to £25k. Once all the auction and other proceeds are in, I’ll ask John to e mail the details to everyone so you find out the total immediately. Enjoy the Open today and some of us may even learn how to play better in the wind!

Ian Sellers played the first two par 3's well and as these had a lower stroke index it allowed him to win over Glen who got a notable 2 points on each of the par 3 holes. John Moody was also consistent and came in third.

These positions are carried into the overall calculation for the year, and you can see the positions for 2010 here