What is going on!?

Since when, and more importantly why, did Scotland become so popular!? Radio 1 has their "Live Weekend" in Glasgow, the Commonwealth Games is just waiting for them to pack up their speakers before they roll into town, hot on the heels of that will the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, we`ve got Stephen Gallacher making a good fight to be on the Team, Glasgow Warriors went within a whisker of winning the Pro12 Trophy in rugby, even our National Football Team is respectable again, and Andy Murray is still going strong in Roland`s Garage! Hmmmm, I wonder why the Scottish Government chose this year to hold the referendum for independence!?????

Our stock has never been so high! Come to think of it the Nations stock has been on a bit of a high ever since Phil Mickelson won back to back events here last summer in the Scottish Open & Open Championships and we all know how Phil loves a high stock!! In fact a lot of Phil`s stocks have just gone FB hIgh! Maybe he also had a hand in our result against Nigeria the other night!? You really can`t blame people for being suspicious of any jiggery-pokery when they see that Scotland have managed to get a favorable result! Especially when dressed like a packet of Refreshers!! Although Charlie Mulgrew`s goal made him look more like a Jammie Dodger!! In the end though we were the ones unlucky not to win following a late equalizer from the Brazil bound Nigerians, but I`m sure they were glad it was just a friendly and they didn`t have to endure extra time.

That wasn`t the case in this weekend's golf with both the European Tour and the US Tour needing Playoffs to decide their respective events. After 72 holes in Sweden we still had Nordea who was going to win with the trio of Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, Tie Racks Tongue Tied Jaidee and Scotland's man of the moment Stephen Gallacher all Thai`d at 16 Under. When VD & SG could only make Par it left the door open for former paratrooper Jaidee to swoop in and take the spoils!

Over on American soil Jack Nicklaus`s Memorial Tournament, at the very homely named Muirfield Village, also needed Sudden Death and their Playoff was also of an Asian persuasion! As Kevin Na, born in Korea but now an American citizen and Las Vegas resident went up against 22 Year old Hideki Matsuyama. Their trip back down the 18th hole for extra holes turned out to be one of the noisiest playoffs ever! For Na it started with a yell and a creek (because his that's what the Yanks call a stream that his ball bounced into!) Then Matsuyama heard a scream as he hit his approach shot of a lady spectator then the cheers as he holed his 12 foot putt for a Par and the win!

With both wins going to Non-Ryder Cup contenders there were no big changes to either side's standings but Dubuisson as cemented his place and is dead cert to be at Gleneagles and in the case of both Na and our own Stevie G they have done their hopes no harm at all. However they will need to keep up that kind of form for the remainder of the season to ensure they are on the plane (or in Stephen`s case, the bus!) to Bonnie Scotland in the Autumn!

The other Autumn Team Showcase that everyone is anticipating (well, everyone being me and the few that will be playing in it!) was back on the agenda this weekend as Cappro Cup Qualifying got back underway again in the Summer Meeting. I`m not really sure the reason but the scoring was higher than expected given that the weather gave us as nice a day as we`ve had all year!

Even the better players couldn`t take advantage of the idyllic over head conditions with young Callum Taggart`s 75(6) - 69 being the lowest score in Division 1! As Callum is still a Junior that meant the Sweep places went to Paul Conacher 75(6) - 69, Bill McKean 76(6) - 70 and Robbie Sutherland 76(6) - 70.

Division 2 produced the best score of the of the day with Ken Peberdy`s 78(12) - 66. Jim Willet 81(11) - 70 was second in the division some 4 strokes further back and Craig Walker 87(15) - 72 claimed 3rd.

Division 3 saw Davie Drummond 84(17) - 67 nearly fulfill his promise to get back into Division 2 that day! Keith Robb 91(21) - 70 nibbled away at his handicap again to make 2nd place which meant Joe McCallum 98(28) - 70 was squeezed into 3rd on the countback. 

   
   

After all the Cappro Cup points were distributed the Standings saw a little bit of movement at the top of each Category.

Joe McCallum & Craig Walker certainly enjoyed a profitable week as they both featured in the money from Thursday`s medal too. It was Iain King 79(12) - 67 who showed a much needed return to form with the best round of the day to take top spot in Division 1 and I`m sure David Sibbald 68(1) - 67 won't be too disappointed that his great score only managed 2nd in the sweep. George Roberts 82(14) - 68 took 3rd spot.

As mentioned Joe McCallum 99(28) - 71 managed to pick up more money with a worse score on Thursday than he did on Saturday as did Craig Walker 87(15) - 72 with the exact same score as he had on Saturday (did you just photo copy the card for Saturday and go drinking instead Craig! Ha! Just kidding!) Bill Bonellie 88(12) - 72 came in 3rd in Div 2.

Joe must`ve rubbed a Gold Lamp, discovered a Four Leaf Clover or found a Rabbits Foot because not only did he pocket all that loot from his golfing ability but he also won the Bonus Ball Draw as wel!! I hope you got the real lottery ticket on this week Joe!? 

  

  
This week was also a notable one for Iain King but not just for his good score. For Iain, and more importantly his dad, Iain King Snr, last Saturday was the 19th Anniversary of the sad passing of their close friend and fellow Eastwood Member John Wright. John suffered a fatal heart attack whilst playing the Par 3 15th (which was the old 10th hole at the time), The Kings wanted to commemorate John`s life in time for next year's 20th Anniversary and held a Fund Raiser golf Day in his memory last Sunday. 


All in all they raised nearly £1800 pounds for The British Heart Foundation and a Memorial Bench that no sits proudly behind the 15th Tee. For those of you who know the old course layout it`s quite symbolic because this was John`s last hole before he crossed over to the other side and I`m sure he is in a place where he is enjoying his golf free from the wind, rain and midgies of Eastwood! Well done to Iain Snr & Jnr with their efforts. 

The 15th has been a focal point this week with new Member Ronnie Taylor notching his first ever Hole-In-One there last Tuesday! Unfortunately for Ronnie it wasn`t in a competition but none the less he was over the moon with his achievement!

 

It was a notable week also for our Junior Fleming Watson Team. You may have been keeping tabs on my updates but the kids are flying high at the top of the league. Last Friday they took a huge step towards claiming that title when they overcame a huge test away to their nearest challengers for the League, Cathkin Braes. 

They edged a tight game 3.5 - 2.5 with the man of the moment being Matthew Duffy. Matthew was my Junior Scholar last year and proved what a great prospect he is. Standing on the 17th Tee he found himself 2 down with 2 to play. A 7 iron approach to within inches of the pin cut the deficit to just one and having boomed a drive to within only a wedge of the last hole at Cathkin a Par was good enough to claim that hole as well and get that all important half point to guarantee the win. Good luck to the boys in these next few weeks as they look to close it out.

The other Teams again had mixed results. The Gents Brand Putter managed a 4-4 Tie at home to Pollock while the Over 50`s FIT League went down 2-1 away to the same opponents.

In a weeks' time the US Open at Pinehurst gets underway and you have the chance to reap the rewards of someone else`s success with my US Open Sweepstake.

U.S. OPEN SWEEPSTAKE

Tickets - £5

The 1st Round Tee Time Pairings will be put in a sealed envelope (So you will get 3 players for your £5!) Simply pick an envelope and hand it back. After the last putt is holed we will open all the envelopes and find who had the following:

1st - £80 Shop Credit
2nd - £60 Shop Credit 
3rd - £40 Shop Credit

Best 3 Ball Aggregate (All 3 Players need to make the Cut!) - £20 Shop Credit
Low Amateur - £20 Shop Credit
Dead Last After 72 holes - £20 Shop Credit
Highest Round Of The Week - £20 Shop Credit

You never know you might just get lucky!

While getting Lucky next weekend in my US Open Sweepstake might MAKE you money, this weekend In Store I`ll definitely be SAVING you money with my…

For the Weekend Only - Sat 7th & Sun 8th June - Take advantage of my unbelievable 3 For 2 Savings* on products like.

3 For 2: On ALL CLOTHING! (Ladies, Gents & Sale Ranges) 
3 For 2: On ALL BALLS! (Offer Based On 2 x Dozen Price) 
3 For 2: On ALL SRIXON GLOVES! (Leather, All Weather & Rain) 
3 For 2: On ALL CAPS! (Includes Ladies Visors) 
3 For 2: On ALL TEES! (Mix n Match) 
3 For 2: On ALL MASTERS ACCESSORIES! (Mix n Match) 
3 For 2: On ALL FJ SOCKS! (Ladies & Gents) 
3 For 2: On SELECTED GRIPS! (eg: 12 Grips For the Price of 8! Golf Pride Multi Compound Blk/Pink, DD2, Tour Wrap 2 & All Black Widow)

(*Cheapest Item FREE! You can "Mix n Match" across all the categories - eg: Shirt, Balls & Cap = Cap FOC!)

There are lots of other In Store Promotions & Savings to be had on Equipment & Shoes.

Check out this week's video.

As I mentioned last week for the Month of June I am offering 10 Golfers the chance to give their game a much needed "June Up!", well there are only a few of these packages left so if you like the sound of what`s on offer then get in touch.

The Mid Season "June Up".

1) 1x Equipment Analysis & MOT Session: Iron Spec Check, Driver Flightscope Evaluation. (30 Mins) 
2) 1x Swing Assessment: A Video Lesson concentrating on areas of improvement for your Tee to Green play. (30 Mins) 
3) 1x Shortgame Masterclass: Sharpening up your Greenside performance. (30 Mins) 
4) 1x Putting Appraisal: Fine tuning your Stroke, Pace Control, Green Reading & Confidence. (30 Mins)

All this for only - £70!*

*These 4 sessions will be given as two 1 Hour Slots (Sessions 1&2 and 3&4 will be together) and must be taken in the month of June. This Package is limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. To be one of the Lucky 10 click here.

But you might feel more comfortable trying to improve your game alongside your friends so why not get together and arrange a longer group session!?

Consultation "Performance Analysis & Overview" (2 Hour Session) - £75 2 People = £37.50 Each, 3 People = £25 Each, 4 People = £20 Each)  
This session contains a detailed assessment of your game and your goals! Important performance data is recorded using Flightscope which alongside a comprehensive Skills Test and questionnaire allow a "Plan For Progress" to be created specifically for your game. *Anyone who takes this assessment automatically qualifies for a 10% Reduction on all future Lessons & Packages that season. 

Playing Lesson: "Take It To The Course" (2 Hour Session) - £75* 2 People = £37.50 Each, 3 People = £25 Each, 4 People = £20 Each) 
This On Course Session focuses predominantly on your ability to manage your game and the course, mental approach, visualisation, routine, green reading, rules, etiquette and shot execution. Whilst how to play certain types of shots will be covered technique and swing changes will kept for on the Practice Range. 

Scoring Zone: "The Ultimate Shortgame Session" (2 Hour Session) - £75* 2 People = £37.50 Each, 3 People = £25 Each, 4 People = £20 Each)  
The ideal way to make significant and lasting improvements to the one area of the game that guarantees lower scores! This session contains a detailed assessment of your Shortgame "Strengths & Weaknesses", a skills test, Computerized Putter & Stroke Analysis, Green Reading & Pace Control as well as an overview of Pitching & Bunker technique, Chipping method and shot choices. 

Group Tuition 
2 People (1 Hour) - £30PP 
3 People (1 Hour) - £20PP 
4 People (1 Hour) - £15PP   

 

DRIVER FITTING 

Specification Fitting & Set Up Only (Make & Model already established) FREE 
*Includes Flightscope Radar Fitting - 30 Minutes 

Full Fitting Experience (Requirements Unknown) - £30 
*Includes Flightscope Radar Fitting, Analyse current Driver, Trial New Driver options, custom fit to players Spec. - 60 Minutes (£15 Comes off purchase price - £15 given back as Shop Voucher for future/additional purchase) 

IRON FITTING 

Specification Fitting & Set Up Only (Make & Model already established) FREE 
*Includes Flightscope Radar Fitting - 30 Minutes 

Full Fitting Experience (Requirements Unknown) - £30 
*Includes Flightscope Radar Fitting, Analyse current Irons, Trial New Iron options, custom fit to players Spec. - 60 Minutes (£15 Comes off purchase price - £15 given back as Shop Voucher for future/additional purchase) 

PUTTER FITTING 

Specification Fitting & Set Up Only (Make & Model already established) FREE 
*Includes Tomi Putting Analyser Fitting - 30 Minutes 
Full Fitting Experience (Requirements Unknown) - £30 
*Includes Tomi Putting Analyser Fitting, Analyse current Putter, Trial New Putter options, custom fit to players Spec. - 60 Minutes (£15 Comes off purchase price - £15 given back as Shop Voucher for future/additional purchase) 

FULL BAG FITTING 

Specification Fitting & Set Up Only (Make & Model already established) - £30 
*Includes Flightscope Radar & Tomi Putting Analyser Fitting - 60 Minutes
 (£15 Comes off purchase price - £15 given back as Shop Voucher for future/additional purchase) 

Full Fitting Experience (Requirements Unknown) - £50   £50  
*Includes Tomi Putting Analyser Fitting, Analyse current Putter, Trial New Putter options, custom fit to players Spec. - 120 Minutes (£30 Comes off purchase price - £20 given back as Shop Voucher for future/additional purchase)

To book a lesson or fitting, click here 

 
Some more dates for your diary:

The Eastwood Seniors Open for all gents Over 55 is being held on Thursday 3rd July this year and there are spaces available. It is a £10 Entry which includes a Whiskey Miniature and an Eastwood Ball. The Prize Money is great which is split over many different Age categories. Entries can be made with Jackie in the Office. (eastwood02@btconnect.com)

On the topic of Open`s the Ladies Open Tri-Am is another that is looming quickly. They are holding that competition on Tuesday 5th August an the aforementioned Tri-Am format. Team entry is £30 and entries for that can be made to Carol Anderson (carol.f.anderson@btinternet.com - 07733 112818)

Another upcoming date for your diary is Sat 7th June when the Club are holding a "Big Band Night" in the Clubhouse - Tickets cost Only £5 and can be booked behind the Bar.

Remember you can keep up to speed with all Shop, Course and Club news by following me on either Facebook or Twitter. Simply follow the links below.

Members Birthdays This Week

8th - Willie McCrae and Atta Lone

9th - Nan Moss and Niall Bree

10th - Ann Russell, Douglas Sharp, Ronnie Waddell and Glen Malcolm

11th - Stuart Paterson, Alan Hunter and Marc Whyte

12th - James Thompson

13th - Eddie Deans and Graeme Smyth