Michael: Tournament Update

On Tuesday I played in the PGA National Assistant South Region Qualifying. There were 84 entrants and only 19 qualifying spots, making competition tough. There was also a lot of very good full time players, such as Chris Rodgers who make the cut in last year's British Open and is a former European Tour player. This meant I knew I had to shoot a good score to have any chance of getting through.

I started off playing really solid golf, hitting every green in regulation for the first seven holes, however I was unable to capitalise with the putter. A wayward tee shot on the eighth resulted in a bogey and I turned at +1. A three putt bogey on 10 made things worse, however I was able to bounce back with a great birdie on the par 5 12th and I was back to +1. But then consecutive bogeys on 13 and 14 from the edge of the green meant I would need a strong finish if I was to qualify. I managed to pick up a great birdie on the long par 3 15th and I finished the round on +2. I felt disappointed as I had a lot of great birdie opportunities all day but the putter let me down. I would now have a long wait to see if I would qualify.

Things were looking good, and I thought at one stage I was going to qualify without the need for a playoff. However some good scores in the last few groups meant there would be a six man playoff for the final two qualifying spots. Luckily two of the players did not turn up for the playoff meaning there was now only 4 players playing for the two qualifying spots. I hit a very nervy tee shot and the ball looked like it was heading for the trees to the left of the fairway, however the ball somehow managed to carry all the trees and finish on the neighbouring hole. I was then last to play the second shot and with all the other players hitting the green I felt a bit under pressure. However I managed to hit probably my best shot of the day, hitting a wedge over the trees onto the green and 3 foot from the hole, I would go on to tap in for a birdie three and win the first qualifying spot.

I was delighted to qualify from such a big field and I am looking forward to the PGA National Assistants Championship which is being held at Coventry Golf Club at the start of August.

Charity Invitation Day - Saturday, 27 June

If you would like to enter a team, the details for the day and entry forms are on the Captain's Notice Board. As you know, our charity this year is The Grange at Bookham whose aim is "creating a society where individuals receive the support they need, and are enabled and encouraged to lead enriched and fulfilling lives". We hope you will support the day.

Thank you,

Rosemary and Peter

A Fun Social Golf Evening

On Friday, 8 May 30 people enjoyed an evening of Cross Country Golf followed by supper. This is always a fun evening, playing 6 very different holes with the challenge of playing shots you would not normally play on the golf course. Sometimes they are successful, and sometimes not!! The finishing hole of 15th tee to 18th green is always a challenge to finish with. With just a sprinkling of rain for the first few groups out, we were lucky enough to enjoy a reasonably dry evening. 5 guests joined us for supper, which was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all for taking part and having fun!

Many of us think we know the rules quite well... but do we really?

Are you unsure of the rules relating to red and yellow hazard markers?
Not sure about when and how to take relief from a staked tree?
How about playing the wrong ball in a stroke play or match play event?
Maybe it's those pesky rabbit scrapings that cause you concerns... or even what to do if a errant crow picks up your ball and flies away with it....
You may think those easy ... but what about the more tricky issues....

We are fortunate that Grahame Glover-West, a member at Bletchingley, is a Rules Official and he will explain these and many other rules This will be both an informative and participative evening. We are limiting this evening to the first 40 names, and if popular, will hopefully run another session later in the year.