Don`t you just love the sporting tales of the unexpected!?
I mean who would`ve `thunk` that a Ronaldo-less Portugal could`ve beaten an In-Form French Team playing at home with the support of the entire Nation cheering them on! Even more amazing when you hear that it was because their Captain, one of the best Goalkeepers at the Tournament, was beaten by a 30 Yard `Eder!!
Still, although I enjoyed getting to watch some sport on `council telly`, I`m glad that the tournament where every nation bar Gibraltar, San Marino, the Faroe Island and Scotland managed to qualify, win an `I`ll never forget when we beat…. ` match of their lifetime, reach the knockout stages and receive a hero's welcome on their return has actually finished. For me there were some memorable games but ultimately it was the tournament where not getting beat proved just as effective as going out and winning!
My suggestion would be to make every Group Stage game have extra time & penalties. If you win in 90 minutes you get 3 points, if you win in extra time you get 2 points and if you win on penalties you get 1 point. No doubt the governing bodies would roll out the excuse of (feel free to adopt the voice you do when you are mimicking a child moaning!!) `But the players would get weeeeallllly tired! `
Bunkum & balderdash is my retort to that! Again thanks to the ever diminishing spots coverage of the BBC I did manage to watch a little bit of Wimbledon, you know, that Tennis event where the Top men (no, not the clothes shop!) have to play 2 to 5 hour matches every other day for 2 weeks if they want to win! Sometimes back to back days if the weather throws a wobbly!
Andy Murray at least gave us Scot`s something great to cheer about! A fantastic performance from a fantastic Champion, but, and it`s only a very small and pedantic but, he was the No.2 Seed so him getting to the final shouldn`t have been a great surprise! And given the fact that he only faced 4 seeded players on the way to the title (15th, 12th, 10th & 6th) meant anything less than a win would`ve been an underachievement. However you can only beat what`s in front of you and Andy, with the exception of 2 sets to Songa, was flawless. Still he didn`t have to worry about a Frenchman taking it to extra time before losing!
So we`ve had Portugal`s slow start before winning it in style, and a Scottish Champion to be proud of! And as it`s Open Championship week so all that brings me nicely to the fact that come Sunday night it will be the 17 Years since Paul Lawrie`s amazing victory at Carnoustie in The Open.
Definitely a `I`ll never forget when…` Scottish sporting moment! 1999 was the first time the Open had returned to Carnoustie since 1975. The famous links had not been considered for the Open rota due to poor travel and accommodation infrastructure that a Championship of that size now required. But with roads ever improving, the opening of a fine hotel on the grounds of the Carnoustie Links and a comprehensive rail timetable in place the Open Championship returned to the Angus coastline.
I took advantage of that rail link and went to spectate on the opening day of that championship. I even had the pleasure of seeing how difficult a test it was first hand when I played the course the Monday after! But I`m sure everyone remembers that the combination of the tough course set up and the even tougher weather lead to it being aptly named `CarNASTIE` that week!
How tough it was playing was summed up after 2 days when Rod Pampling claimed the unwanted record of being the first player in Open History to be 1st round leader then miss the cut!! He did so with rounds of 71 & 86!
But for everyone else the Championship is remembered for 2 things. Jean Van De Velde going through that 5 minutes of `heid in a blender` madness when, having got lucky with his drive at 18, then unlucky with his second that cannoned back off the stand to the OTHER side of the Barrie Burn, then chunked`n`dunked his ball back into the Burn, he proceeded to take his socks & shoes off and contemplated trying to play the ball out the water! `Sacre bleu!!`
Ultimately it was a 7 and into a 4 hole Playoff with the 1997 Open Champion, Justin Leonard, and Paul Lawrie. And it was Paul and namely his stunning 4 Iron to the 18th Hole in the Playoff that is the most memorable moment from that Open.
How long will it be before another Scot gives us that Lawrie/Murray moment again!?
The Senior British Open returns to Carnoustie in a few weeks too, so commemorate that unforgettable battle for the Claret Jug in `99 Paul Lawrie has set up an exhibition match with himself and Jean Van De Velde at his Golf Centre Par 3 Course. It takes place this coming Monday 18th July and Tees off at 1pm. For anyone on Holiday and especially for those with golf mad kids who perhaps have no idea about what happened in 1999 this is a great opportunity to see two of golf`s Class Acts and Classic Swingers up close and personal. It`d be a shame to miss that opportunity.
One things for sure, no magic moments will be missed at this year`s Championship if Sky Sports have anything to do with it!! Clearly they are pulling out all the stops to justify prying the Claret jug Coverage away from the good old Beeb with Sky having Cameras everywhere around Troon from the Practice Ground to the Players Portaloo!!
Not a shot in anger will be missed with coverage going on air at 6.30am in time for the first shot being struck at 6.35! A certain Colin Montgomerie gets the ball soaring and I`m sure you are with me in saying I`d much rather watch Monty play than have to listen to him commentate!
Remember that even if you don`t have Sky there is no better place to come and watch it than right here at your own Golf Club!
There was another head to head that perhaps wasn`t quite as glamourous as Lawrie v Van De Velde that I mentioned last week. The Handicap Championship between Aynslie Wallace & Keith Allan which, as I documented, Keith won. But as promised here is a little video synopsis of his route to the title! (Apologies, it`s not quite the quality of Sky`s "Chronicles Of An Champion Golfer"!!
There was more silverware being played for over the weekend here at Portlethen. On Saturday it was Round 2 from 3 in the Keith Tait Trophy. Low score of the day went to Rikki Chalmers in Division 1. In fact the top 3 scores of the day took the 1, 2, 3 in the Top Division. 69 was good enough to top Division 2 where Stephen Robertson took the spoils. It was 1 stroke poorer to take pole position in Division 3. This time it was Mark McDonald who edged it on the countback from Ian Elmslie. Both these guys are featuring regularly in the prizes these last few weeks and are being rewarded for their great consistency.
Division 1
1st- Rikki Chalmers - 75(9) - 66
2nd - Jeff Christie - 74(7) - 67
3rd - Stuart McLaughlin - 77(9) - 68
Division 2
1st - Stephen Robertson - 82(13) - 69
2nd - James Steel - 82(13) - 69
3rd - Stewart Clark - 84(14) - 70
Division 3
1st - Mark McDonald - 86(16) - 70
2nd - Ian Elmslie - 89(19) - 70
3rd - Brian Mutch - 87(16) - 71
With one more round to go (Sat 10th Sept) here are the guys in contention for the Keith Tait Trophy.
1. Rikki Chalmers - 70 + 66 = 136
2. Stuart McLaughlin - 69 + 68 = 137
3. Grant Munro - 65 + 72 = 137
4. Jay Donald - 72 + 69 = 141
5. Stephen Cook - 72 + 71 = 143
Sunday was Welltrain Trophy time and the man that clearly is well trained when it comes to these Stableford events is Eddie McDermott who claimed his second Stableford Trophy of the season with an impressive 41 Points in difficult and deteriorating conditions.
Division 1
1st - Eddie McDermott - 41 Points
2nd - William Somers - 38 Points
3rd - Scott Kranzke - 35 Points
Division 2
1st - Dino Becci - 37 Points
2nd - Simon Jolly - 37 Points
3rd - David Donaldson - 34 Points
Division 3
1st - Gordon Gibb - 39 Points
2nd - David Small - 36 Points
3rd - Douglas Norrie - 34 Points
Last Wednesday it was the 1st Round of the Rainbow Taxis Trophy. It`s neck & neck in the hunt for that Trophy which resumes this Wednesday (13th July) with Jack Stewart & Lee Stewart (no relations) vying to get their name,….well, their first name on the trophy! Both scored 66`s to lead the pack by 1 from Mark Leslie. Ryan Sheikh led Division 3 with a 68 while Graeme Westland topped Division 3 with a 71.
Division 1
1st - Jack Stewart - 73(7) - 66
2nd - Lee Stewart - 76(10) - 66
3rd - Mark Leslie - 77(10) - 67
Division 2
1st - Ryan Sheikh - 81(13) - 68
2nd - Ken McCombie - 83(14) - 69
3rd - Alejandro Correa - 83(12) - 71
Division 3
1st - Graeme Westland - 91(20) - 71
2nd - Gary Duncan - 89(16) - 73
3rd - Brian Ward - 100(26) - 74
A couple of performances caught my eye following last week`s Results.
Mark Leslie`s 67 on Wednesday saw him halt an unwanted run of 0.1`s which had seen his handicap rise from a season opening 8.0 all the way up to 9.5(10). Mark came looking for some help a few weeks back and after only 1 long game session and one specifically on his chipping he has shaved 1 full stroke off his handicap already!
It was a similar story with Willie Somers. Willie had started the season at 7.0 but was wrestling badly with his game. A run of 0.1`s showed he was losing that fight! So with his handicap at 8.5(9) he bit the bullet and came for a lesson. We had ONE session together and Willie went on to hold his handicap for 5 medals in a row, one more upward score appeared before another run of 4 handicap holds. Then on Sunday Willie made his first handicap reduction of the season and is now back down to 8 and (fingers cross) heading in the right direction!
So if your game is on the Turmoil Train and your rounds are forever getting derailed or keep missing the Buffers then let me get you back on track! There`s no better time to act than now….and you never know I might be able to get you onto Platform WON!
The students mentioned above were given simple and personal improvements to the swings they already had. There is never any major surgery involved in my style of coaching so don`t be put off by thinking that you will be stripped bare and rebuilt.
Why not take advantage of my latest Lesson Offer
"The Game Changer" - 4 x 45 Minute Lessons
Lesson 1 - Full Swing Analysis
Lesson 2 - Pitching & Chipping
Lesson 3 - Bunkers
Lesson 4 - Putting
ONLY £120. (That`s A £20 Saving)**
**Top Up Lessons will be given at the equivalent reduced individual price.
Everyone who signs up for this Package will have their handicap progress recorded until the end of September (Lessons are recommended to be taken over the maximum of 2 week intervals, and are only Valid until the end of this period).
The Player who achieves the BIGGEST PERCENTAGE IMPROVEMENT on their Handicap will be crowned my "GAME IMPROVEMENT CHAMPION" and receive a Commemorative Sweater, Certificate and an All-Expenses Paid Away Golf Day with myself.
Note - If the Promotion attracts enough interest I will offer 2 Runners-Up Prizes to join the All-Expenses Paid Away Golf Day with myself.
That lasting improvement to your Golf Game is just one Click away. Book your first session up today.
There are many more Shop Specials on offer right now too.
The fabulous Titleist 915 Wood Range has been massively reduced. The driver used by Jordan Speith has the adjustability and forgiveness to suit any golfer on the planet and with up to £70 Off any Driver or Fairway this is the time to take advantage.
The adjustability and potential of the Clubs will only be fully maximised when expertly fitted and I am offering that service as part of the promotion ABSOLUTELY FREE! This will be done with the very latest and most accurate Fitting Technology - The GCT Launch Monitor and HMT Head Measuring Technology allow me to pinpoint exactly what we need to do in order to get your optimum wood set up.
The GC2 distance measuring is second to none and is also something I am encouraging with my second Promotion.
Right now I am offering you a chance to Test Drive ON YOUR COURSE during any round of golf (Bounce or Competitive) any GolfBuddy GPS Device or Laser. This is not an option you have at any other Range or High Street Outlet, and certainly not Online.
This gives you a chance to check out the usability and visibility of the devices. (A few people have struggled to read some of the displays on certain other models, but don`t find that out until after they have purchased and used them.)
The Golfbuddy Range is the only company (along with Sky Caddie) that have physically walked and mapped the course to give accurate landmark yardages. (Other Devices and Phone Apps only use satellite imagery)
Where GolfBuddy differs from Sky Caddie is there is definitely no additional fees to be paid.
Their range is comprehensive with something for everyone.
From the simple CT2 & VS2 @ ONLY £129, the WT5 Gents GPS Watch @ £160 or the more bling LD2 Ladies Watch @ £199
For the person wanting more detail then there is either the LR5 Laser @ £199 or the PT4 Touchscreen Handheld @ £299
Click here to find out more about the GolfBuddy range.
To book your On Course Trial - Click here
PLUS Anybody who buys a Golfbuddy GPS during this Trial Promotional Period will receive a FREE Gapping Session (Normal cost £30)
This will give you the precise Yardages of all your clubs (Both the average distance and the absolute max you can hit your clubs).
If you are curious to try the Titleist 915 Driver and Wood Range remember that on top of the Clubs I have available we have our Titleist Fitter and his products arriving here on Friday afternoon (18th July). David the Titleiust Fitter will be here between 3 & 7pm and I will be on hand assisting him. The Official Fitting Appointments are all booked but the products and myself are there to use for those who aren`t booked, so feel free to pop along for a visit if you can tear yourself away from the golf coverage!.
In the Ladies Rowena Keith is putting up a fabulous defence of her Club Championship Crown. She lead the way in the 3rd Round thanks to a better countback from Sarah Beattie with both girls finishing on 76.
Division 1
1st - Rowena Keith - 89(13) - 76
2nd - Sarah Louise Ritchie - 83(7) - 76
3rd - Kathleen Johnston - 98(19) - 79
Division 2
1st - Morag Cammack - 109(27) - 82
2nd - Alison Bruce - 108(23) - 85
3rd - Barbara Tait - 107(22) - 85
Last week I was away again trying to qualify for the Deer Park Masters in Livingston. It was the worst I had played this season but I think my mind was elsewhere as it was also my 24th birthday! So myself and a few of my fellow pros went out on Thursday night to celebrate which was good fun.
Friday was a big day for me though, as the results for my written PGA exams were released at 5pm which I was not looking forward to! But to my delight I can happily say I managed to pass all the written exams!! So all I have left is the practical coaching and custom fit in August left to pass to get my Foundation Degree and to be a fully qualified PGA Professional.
On Saturday I was back to helping out with the Development Gang which had a great turnout to my surprise as we usually see less kids because a lot of them go on holiday.
I would also like to remind everyone that next week is Family Golf Day! So at the normal time on Saturday 3pm, we hope to see many parents of the kids that already come to the development gang. There's plenty of games and fun set out for the whole family to enjoy.
Next Terry and I will also be running the Junior Summer Camp! We have 16 kids signed up for the week which runs from 9-1pm Monday to Friday. The theme for the week is the olympics so a lot of the games and activities will have the Olympic twist on them.
Competition Results:
From the people that did battle for the Junior Stableford.. Cameron Ferguson came out on top by 5 points! I'm sure he will be chuffed with that as that will also bring his handicap down to 25!
Junior Stableford
Ladies CSS 76
Men's CSS 71
Cameron Ferguson - 42 Points (27)
Taylor Hughes - 37 Points (28)
Brandon Simpson - 32 Points (10)
The dark clouds still loom over this Summer I`m afraid, and they are bringing some awful stuff with them too. We had even more downpours of biblical proportion during the week which forced the course to close. It also curtails the work and progress of the efforts the Greenstaff make. However the Bounce-Back-Ability of the course has to be praised because not only did I witness the most surface water I`ve ever seen on the course after a 30 minute deluge, but I also saw that all completely disappear in the space of a few hours but also the course was back to normal with buggies in use the very next morning as if nothing had happened.
On a brighter note we are tip toeing ever closer to our Driving Range facelift completion.
We took delivery of the Range Signage on Tuesday and efforts are now being made to get them located and secured in place.
BE AWARE: This will probably mean a temporary closure of Driving Range use for a short period of time in the near future. We will notify you all when that is going to happen.
