ANNOUNCEMENT
Leek Golf Club management wishes to inform members that the resignation of house manager Jen Flavell has been received after nine years' service. Having worked extremely hard over these years, with various house-chairs, serving the members to the best of her ability, she has decided to move on to pastures new. Her role has been varied during her time with us, with many challenges. We understand Jen will continue to be involved as a playing member of the ladies' section. We would like to express our sincere thanks for her commitment and hard work during her time with us, and wish her every success in the future. The re-structuring of all the catering and bar requirements is now a priority. Thanks must be given to Peter Cordon, who has offered to manage the bar operation in the short term and to all the kitchen staff and relief chefs for their assistance over the forthcoming busy period. We respectfully ask for your patience while we consider the best way forward for Leek Golf Club.
Andrew Baxter, House Chair
PRO/CAPTAIN CHALLENGE v ROSS MARTIN AND JIM HUTCHINSON WHITTINGTON HEATH GOLF CLUB - FRIDAY 31ST JULY 2015 - THE REMATCH
The match was a courtesy four ball as our prize for beating the Captain (Dave Gallimore and Professional) We were informed that we should play off Yellow Tees, much to our disappointment.
We had arranged to meet at Whittington Heath Golf Club before 10.00 am to sample the coffee and bacon rolls and having been met with a warm welcome from the secretary, we proceeded into the lounge for that breakfast. Then, fully refreshed, we made our way to the putting green; Greg informed us that the greens were QUICK!!!!!
The course looked tremendous with the sun beating down whilst Jim and Ross were eager to begin battle.
The first hole par 5 was easily reached by Greg and Dave whilst Ross was nowhere and Jim was left in the bushes. Jim "scrambled" his shot just over the green whilst Greg rolled his putt past the hole and off the green. "Gosh these are quick" was his response. Jim managed a par 5 along with Dave. Greg duly rolled in his putt for a birdie 4.
Greg managed to amass 3 birdies in the first 5 holes much to his delight; yes his putter was "on fire". However true to form his chipping let him down when he chunked a chip 2 yards into the bunker!! Jim and Ross exchanged gleeful glances. Dave however was Mr. Steady.
The banter was great and the golf, particularly from Greg and Dave was good to watch!!!!! After 8 holes Greg had managed 4 birdies and Jim and Ross were 3 down - our shots had saved us on some holes.
After the turn the tide began to turn when the challengers gained some spirit and applied some pressure. Jim, unfortunately was not having the best of days with the driver, Greg did suggest his 3 wood would suffice as it did for a few holes.
We all remarked what a wonderful day to be golfing on such a testing and challenging course.
Jim and Ross managed to claw 1 hole back and then another - 1 down with 3 to play. Things were not quite so happy with Greg and Dave. Jim's putter was "too hot to hold" as he drained a 30 foot downhill putt. Smiles in our camp!!!! Greg got his own back by draining a monster putt and immediately dropped his putter "I can't hold my putter it's so hot".
We had reached the 18th - 1 down. Dave was heard to say - "all we need is a half." Ross drove first - straight and true. Jim - long and slightly left. Dave - straight and true. Greg - long and further left. "Mine had a bad bounce" was Greg's excuse. On reaching the 2nd shots, Greg announced he had "NO SHOT- over to you Dave". Dave hit his 6 iron well towards the green, but we were not able to see it land and finish. Jim hit his 2nd and it flew and bounced over the green by about 20 yards. Ross hit a 6 iron straight at the flag; would it be good enough?
Greg smashed his 2nd out to the right of the green. As we approached the green, we could see that 2 balls were on the putting surface. Fortunately for Dave - his was closest. Ross, didn't manage to hole his putt and Dave lagged his putt up to the hole. A half in 4 and a win to Dave and Greg - revenge!!!!
A great game, played in a great spirit with great friends on a great golf course. Over a few well-earned drinks and some food we discussed the day.
We had all thoroughly enjoyed the course and the golf.
Jim and Ross would like to thank past Captain Dave and Greg for the opportunity to play Whittington Heath Golf Course and now that the official score is 1-1, look forward to the final match!!!!!!!
Are you up for it chaps?????????
STAFFORDSHIRE SENIORS 4BBB CHAMPIONSHIP
The above Championship event took place on Monday at the par 72 Great Barr Golf Club. Leek had two pairings in this prestigious event in the form of Dunc Stott & Dave Gallimore and Ross Martin & Ralph Harrison.
RESULTS
Winners of the Dave Thomas gross competition. Bob Aston (Trentham Park) & Steve Wild 67 (-5) Runners up. Dunc Stott & Dave Gallimore 69 (-3)
In the Cox Challenge Trophy Dunc and Dave came 7th with 41 points (back 9 of 22) whilst Ross and Ralph who also shot a score of 41 (back 9 of 19) finished just outside the top 10.
INTRODUCTION TO TRACKMAN
A reminder to all ladies and juniors that on Saturday 15th August there will be a chance for you to come and have a look round the new teaching facility and have a go on the Trackman simulator. Please just call down to the teaching bay between 12pm and 2:30pm on Saturday for your chance to see how it all works.
SENIORS v MARKET DRAYTON GC (AWAY) - Thursday 16th July 2015
On Thursday 16th July the Leek Seniors went to Market Drayton to play their away fixture. Another lovely sunny day - of which I take the credit for, of course.
Its some years since I last played at Market Drayton and the 'new holes' as I call them are maturing nicely. Sadly my partner Arthur Doherty and I did not take our 'A' game with us. I'm not sure how far down the alphabet we had to go to find the game we did take. It was just one of those days for us both!
Market Drayton's Seniors Captain's game was as flamboyant as ever, but the real star of the match was his partner who played off a handicap of 14 and so received 5 shots, most of which he did not need. We were treated to a man who knew his course inside out. He knew exactly where to drop his ball so that it finished near flag and his bad shots (whilst few and far between) always seemed to result in an excellent recovery shot. We lost 3 and 2 and did well to keep the match going so long. The course was a pleasure to play. The greens were a little quicker than ours and the borrows were a little more tricky to read - I blame my glasses!
It was yet again a pleasure to lead such a grand bunch of lads even if we did lose the match.
Jim Cumberbatch, Senior Captain 2015
SENIORS v WOLSTANTON (AWAY) - Monday 20th July 2015
On Monday 20th July the Leek Seniors played at Wolstanton. Sadly the Wolstanton Seniors' Captain's partner had to cancel at the last minute so we played John on his own. Despite the fact that he seemed not to need a partner for one or two holes, the result was somewhat inevitable.
The weather looked like being miserable with light rain falling but I managed to play in shirt sleeves and only had to put up my umbrella on a couple of occasions. This was another course that I had not played for a few years and it has not changed one bit.
John, the Wolstanton Seniors' Captain was super company and we had the pleasure of the Wolstanton Club Captain too to whom I had to apologise for the poor etiquette of our two players who failed to show him the respect of not beating him on his own course! We ran out the winners on the day with 5 wins, 2 halves and one loss.
Wolstanton will be here next year, no doubt looking to bring a winning formula to Leek.
Jim Cumberbatch, Senior Captain 2015
CLUB RESULTS
August Extra Stableford - Thursday 6th August
Division 1 - Ross Salmon 38 Points, Division 2 - Dave Knight 39 Points,
Division 3 - Mark Alcock 38 Points, Division 4 - Dave Bradbury 32 Points
August Medal - Sunday 9th August
Division 1 - Ian Hancock Nett 68, Division 2 - Steve Pennington Nett 66
Division 3 - Brian Baggaley Nett 65, Division 4 - Jim Bates Nett 72
Ladies August Medal - Tuesday 4th August
Silver
1st Nel Boulton Nett 68, 2nd Jo Peacock Nett 72, 3rd Leann Nixon Nett 73
Bronze
1st Sheila Wooley Nett 73, 2nd Jan Moss Nett 72, 3rd Maria Wootton Nett 74
Ladies August Extra Stableford - Thursday 6th August
1st Andrea Martin 36 Points, 2nd Jenny Cordon 35 Points, 3rd Dot Cowburn 33 Points
LADIES GROUP LESSONS
I will be running Ladies group lesson for beginners every Monday and Tuesday night 6:30 until 7:30pm. The cost will be £25 for 5 lessons, all equipment will be provided, no past experience needed. For more information please contact the pro-shop.
Click here to get in touch.