TOWNSENDS TRIUMPH

A quiz night was held on Thursday 21st January in aid of Lady Captain's charity. A fantastic turnout of 32 arrived to challenge each other to become the winners of this strongly fought battle. Captain Andrew Baxter and Steve Wales proved to be very professional quizmasters and the challenge began. Eight teams entered to answer questions in eight different categories including the D answer, history, triple challenge, geography, sport, science & nature, film & TV, general knowledge with booster picture questions. Victorious were the "Townsend Boys" with 243 points. This family team consisted of Grandad Ian Townsend, Grandson James Townsend, Son Andrew Townsend and Leek golf club member Stewart Townsend An amazing £117 was raised during the night and Lady Captain expressed her sincere thanks for everyone's hard work setting up the quiz and for everyone attending.

Pat Beeson, Lady Captain.

GET WELL SOON JEN

As some members may be aware, Jenny Cordon recently had major surgery on her knee and lower leg, following years of intense sporting activity. The burden of playing hockey and golf at a high level and on a very regular basis has taken its toll, and meant that she had been in considerable pain for some time. There was no choice but to operate, and it went ahead last week in County Hospital Stafford. She returned home yesterday and is convalescing as well as she can. You may see up and about in the clubhouse, subject to Peter being available to ferry her about, and I'm sure you will wish her well on her road to recovery. 

Andrew Baxter

LIAM HANCOCK - Algarve Pro Golf Tour Report

Monday 10th January Liam landed in Portugal to start his first full season as a full time touring golf professional.

The Algarve Pro Golf Tour in January 2016 welcomes players from 14 different countries playing this month.

After a full practice day at the first venue, Penina GC in Lagos, with 70 players entered Liam was off at 11.00am so a steady drive to the course with plenty of time to warm up, and with temperatures around 16 degrees it was a nice day to start his career in 2016. A steady start with only a couple of shots dropped he was two over par for the first 9 holes, however turning things around with four birdies on the back nine Liam was home with a level par round, and safely in the top 10, second day of the two day event Liam struggled with his putting and could only manage a four over par, finishing mid-table in 30th place overhaul…

A week later we now arrive at Palmares (Alvor and Lagos) after practice day including two hours putting to try and make amends for the last day at Penina, Liam was now feeling a little more confident. Teeing off at 9.55 among 71 competitors, Liam started slowly with a bogie on the first hole and an unfortunate double on the 5thleaving Liam three over par for the first six holes, however with true grit he managed to come home 4 under par for the last 13 holes including 4 birdies and an eagle to finish with a 1 under par 71, securing a solid 9th place. Drawn in the last three groups on day two, Liam was drawn out with Ricardo Santos and Tiago Cruz, both European Tour players in 2015 and both have cards secured for 2016. Liam was very excited and also feeling a little bit of pressure to be playing in such company, off at 11.10, he stated brightly with two birdies in the first 7 holes to move to 3 under par, however a double on 8, followed by five bogies on the back nine, even with two more birdies, it was not enough to save the day, finishing 4 over par and dropping to 28th place overall, in Liam's words the 'wheels came off', but when the dust settled all in all it was another valuable lesson under his belt for the future.

Finally we move to Oceanico O'Connor course in Amendoeira for the final big event. This is a 3 day tournament, with a very large field of 90 players, held at this superb complex, with 7300 yards of golf course and water coming into play on most holes this would be a very tough test indeed.

Liam played a very steady on day one with a round containing four birdies finishing just 1 over par and safely in the top 30 players, day two saw Liam play again very stead with another four birdies in the round, however Liam finished his last three holes of the day; Birdie, Birdie and then a disastrous nine on the last hole with no chance to recover, it was a missed cut by 4 shots.

Summing Up; All in all it have been a great few weeks in Portugal and meeting so many new players from all around the world was good and I am quite pleased that I have played some good golf to start my season off..

2016 will be a big learning curve for me and hopefully if I keep working hard the results will come.

Liam Hancock

Valentine's Dinner-dance 

Saturday 13th February
7pm for 7.30pm 
See the posters for the delicious choice of menu! 
Share a romantic evening with a loved one! 
Tickets available at the bar. 
£28.50pp

Booking is essential to avoid disappointment 

Winter League Sunday 24th January 2016

1st Place - Mike Andrews - 46 Points - 5 pts
2nd Place - Steve Matthews - 43 Points (back 3 - 8) - 4 pts 
3rd Place - Jim Hutchinson - 43 Points (back 6 - 7) - 3 pts 
4th Place - John Lawton - 41 Points (back 6 - 14) - 2 pts 
5th Place - Dan Smart - 41 Points (back 6 - 13) - 1 pts

New Handicap
Mike Andrews - 11, Steve Matthews - 6, Jim Hutchinson - 6, John Lawton - 14, Dan Smart - 3 
Pat Leatherbarrow - 5, Dave Griffiths - 17

Pro's Sunday Comp Sunday 24th January 2016

1st Place- Chris Alcock Terry Alcock Jim Allen Dave Smith 163 Points
2nd Place- Mike Andrews Chris Lilley Andy Leese Andy Walker- 161 Points (Back 9 - 83) 
3rd Place- Dot Cowburn Steve Spooner John Galley John Leeke- 161 Points (Back 9 - 77)