There was an Englishman, Irishman and a Scotsman……..
(It`s the way I tell `em!!)…..and they were arguing over who should get a game in the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles! The cocky cockney immediately blurts in with "I`ve played on 4 Teams, won it with 3 and played a huge part in 2012! I should definitely be playing!", next the Irishman pipes up "Well I`ve played on 3 Teams and won it twice! I also holed the putt that won the match in 2010! Plus I have an accent that is both European and American at the same in the same sentence and sometimes even the same word! So I definitely should be playing!"…..the Scotsman meantime is just quietly taking it all in! The Englishman jibes, "Do you think you should be playing because your head looks like the trophy!!?", the Irishman throws in "Bet you think you should be playing because it`s in your back garden!"
The Scotsman smirks to himself and says calmly but confidently! "There are 2 reasons why I`ve shown enough to be playing in this Ryder Cup, but for now I`ll keep them hidden under my kilt!!"
There are many different words, names, mild euphemisms and references used and associated with the nether region of courage but there is absolutely no doubt that Stephen Gallacher showed he had them/that in abundance as he went under the microscope in his last gasp push to make the Automatic Qualifying spot for the Ryder Cup! Needing a Top 2 finish to guarantee a place on Team Europe Gallacher found himself not only 14 strokes behind after 27 holes but outside the halfway cut mark! What he produced over the next 45 holes was quite simply outstanding! A back nine 30 saw him roar back into contention, a 3rd round 69 gave him a glimmer of hope but then an electric start when the heat was really on got him to 7 under through 12 holes of round 4 and it seemed his destiny was in his own hands. That 16 under par for 39 holes stretch was simply majestic, then sprinkle in to the mix the importance of what he was trying to achieve and it was almost unbelievable! But I`m sure nobody factored in the prospect of someone producing even better numbers than those!? I`m sure not even the man who did better those numbers, David Howell, could quite believe it? Howell, a former 2 Time Ryder cupper himself, managed to play the closing 3 rounds of the Italian Open in 19 Under Par to thwart Scotland's only hope, thanks mainly to a closing 63! It`s unusual that a race for 2nd place takes centre stage but there was actually a winner! South African, Hennie Otto, a player with a backswing that changes direction more times than an Independence Opinion Poll clung on to win by 2 strokes. I say clung on because Hennie spent that much time on the left that I thought he was a Labour Back bencher! I can't remember watching a tournament leader, and eventual winner, shouting "Fore" quite so often on the way to victory! But as the openly Christian South African remarked himself I think someone was looking down on him favorably that day. From the moment he inadvertently nudged his ball in the first fairway and it rocked back into place to the good bounces he got from wayward tee shots on the back 9 lady luck was shining on Hennie and he managed to scramble it round in a blemish free 68 strokes! In fact the only bogey he got all day was when he was caught on camera having a good old pick of his beak whilst watching his playing partner tee off!! However his quarter of million euro winner's check isn't to be sniffed at that's for sure! And I`m sure he`s enjoying the popularity too, but perhaps he`s used to signing all those Otto-graphs!?
Who won the Italian Open is basically irrelevant and already forgotten, but the big headline of the week was saved for Captain McGinleys Wildcard announcements. And in the end all Stevie G`s blood, sweat and tears was not in vain as the Scotsman joined TWO Englishmen (and that Northern Irishman) on the Ryder Cup Team thanks to that other Irishman! This Ryder Cup just got even more special with one of our own to cheer on! And what a Team he`s joined! Not only is it bursting with Experience (9 Multiple Ryder Cuppers who all know what it`s like to WIN the thing!) but virtually all these guys are bang in form. It`s not often we would`ve said the 2 guys playing poorest were Poulter and Westwood, who also got the Wildcard nod. Neither of these guys will let the side down! Poulter on sheer desire, Westwood is as reliable and as steady a Partner you`ll find.
And even the Rookies are on fire. Gallacher as we have already highlighted, but that came on the back of Welshman Jamie Donaldson (completing the Celtic connections!) winning in the Czech Republic to book his ticket to Gleneagles. Victor Dubuisson is not only a birdie machine but he`s already proven in the WGC Accenture Matchplay, where he got to the final eventually losing to Aussie Jason Day, that he`s a matchplay force to be reckoned with.
It`s now down to pairings, chemistry and ensuring against complacency because under estimate the Yanks at your peril!
Captain Watson also completed his 12 man line up when he selected Keegan Bradley, Hunter Mahan and Webb Simpson. Perhaps in many ways Tom`s decision was as difficult as Paul McGinleys but for completely the opposite reasons. McGinley had an abundance of guys with both WINNING experience and current form that he had to narrow down and ultimately disappoint a few. Watson however was more scratching his head thinking who do I have to pick from!? In the end he opted for probably the 3 most obvious choices. Keegan Bradley has 1 previous Ryder Cup appearance where he ended on the losing side, however individually Bradley did post an impressive 3 points out of 4 and made a great partner for Phil Mickelson. So I`m guessing that played a factor in the captains decision, although his current form is patchy!
Next up is Hunter Mahan, the most experienced of the US Wildcards with 2 Ryder Cups under his belt (2008 & 2010) which resulted in 1 Win and 1 Loss. His long term form hasn`t been good at all but he has hit a hot streak lately with a win in the first of the Fed Ex series tournaments which has him sitting in 3rd on those standings. That just leaves Webb Simpson! The former US Open Champion is another struggling to find any consistent form never mind reach the heights his game got to back in 2012. That was the year of his only Ryder Cup appearance and much like Bradley his inclusion this year is based purely on his performance and partnership alongside Bubba Watson that year. He went down meekly in the Singles to Ian Poulter and quite frankly has never really recovered!
The only thing you might say about these inclusions is they all have points to prove and scores to settle! I believe the only thing that can stop the Europeans winning is the Europeans themselves but the Americans will put up a good fight and it will be a fabulous spectacle whether you are lucky enough to be there or simply watching it on the TV. Remember, it is Sky Sports that have the exclusive coverage of it so if you don`t have those channels then why not use your home of golf, Eastwood, as the perfect place to sit back and relax while you take in the action as we will be showing all 3 days play and the Opening ceremony LIVE in the Clubhouse!
There will also be some crucial Wildcard decisions to be made this coming weekend when the Cappro Cup Final 24 are decided! There can still be some too-ing and fro-ing in the Automatic Spots with this week's Results which means there is still time for some to play their way into the Team and also for some to come up with some seriously good bribes for myself or Captain Crooks!!!
Here is a reminder of the Standings going into the final week.
There was a Ryder Cup theme to last weekend too. Firstly on the Saturday the Club held a 2 Man Texas Scramble Competition with the Top Prize being a Pair of Ryder Cup Match Day Tickets with Sweep money being paid out to the Top 3 places as well. The opportunity to get to the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles turned out to be an even closer affair than the plight of Stephen Gallacher with the difference between 1st (and the tickets) and 3rd coming down to 0.25 of a shot!!
It was Iain Wilkie and his guest, David Walker who scooped the top prize with a 61.5. 2nd courtesy of the better back 9 were David Mair and soon to be Mrs Mair, Laura Paterson on 61.75 which left Allan & Ross McGinness ruing that pesky quarter of a stroke as they finished 3rd!
There were more Ryder Cup Matchday Tickets up for grabs at the evening BBQ that night with the lucky pluckers (because they were plucked from the Prize Draw) Kirk Gowans and Christine Kemp both winning 2 Pairs of Tickets each!
There were also Thursday & Sunday Competition Results to bring you this week:
THURSDAY MEDAL
Div 1:
1st: John Marszol 73(5) - 68
2nd: Stephen Smith 75(6) - 69
3rd: David Lyon 83(13) - 70
Div 2:
1st: Jim Duncan 92(28) - 64
2nd: Mike Robinson 82(15) - 67
3rd: David Stafford 84(17) - 67
SUNDAY STABLEFORD
Div 1:
1st: Frank Taggart 38 Points
2nd: Campbell Stewart 35 Points
3rd: Harry Montgomery 35 Points
Div 2:
1st: Gerry McGeachy 40 Points
2nd: Gary McKenzie 34 Points
3rd: Roger McKenzie 34 Points
The eagle eyed of you out there might have noticed that on the Howdidido Results it was Graham Nicol who finished 3rd in Div 1 on Sunday, but hot on the heels of my "Competition Admin Do`s & Don`ts" Graham forgot to sign the Entry Sheet in the Shop which meant he wasn`t registered to play in the sweep! There was also someone who signed in on the Entry Sheet and didn`t Swipe In or Return a Scorecard! So as another gentle reminder I`ve reposted my Guide (I stopped short of calling it an Idiots Guide!)
I`m sure many of you who regularly play in the competitions notice names at the foot of the results page that have been DQ`d for simple and silly little things like "No Signature", "No Handicap" or worst still "No Card Returned!". These little misdemeanors however are picked up by people who give up their own time to process and run competitions and while they appreciate that many of these things are simply oversights there are other parts of the "Playing In Medals Process" that, if missed out, add significant and unnecessary time to that given up by these volunteers when processing the results. So I just want to quickly go through the Do`s & Don`ts on a Medal Day.
Swipe In Computer In Clubhouse Prior To Round
Enter Name On Sheet In Pro Shop Regardless Of Whether You Are Paying Into The Sweep/Two`s Or Not (For Handicap Cards Also Require To Do This)
Enter Score Or Non Return Into Computer
Player (+ H/Cap)& Marker Signature On Scorecard
Return Scorecard Into Box Beneath Computer Regardless Of Score Or Non Return
The Number Of Scorecards Returned, Scores In Computer & Names On Pro Shop Entry Sheet Should All Match - If They Do Then The M&H Volunteer Can Check The Winning Scorecards For Discrepancies & Push The Button To Print Results. However If You Don`t The M&H Volunteers Need To Go Through Every Single Card And Cross Reference With Both The Entry Sheet And Computer Scores.
Every score has an impact on the CSS for that day so please just take a few moments out of your day to help save a lot of time out of someone else`s.
If you don`t remember your Scorecard or Swipecard this weekend I encourage you to remember your Credit (or debit!!) Card though!!!
Check out some of the Crazy Clearance Deals below.
DRIVERS
TaylorMade SLDR Drivers: Were £299 NOW ONLY - £229!
TaylorMade Jetspeed Drivers: Were £199 NOW ONLY - £129!
TaylorMade RBZ II Drivers: Were £229 NOW ONLY - £119!
PING G25 Drivers: Were £249 NOW ONLY - £179 !
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Callaway X2 Hot Drivers: Were £249 NOW ONLY - £199!
Callaway X Hot Drivers: Were £229 NOW ONLY - £99!
Callaway RAZRFit Xtreme Drivers: Were £329 NOW ONLY - £129!
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FAIRWAYS
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HYBRIDS
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Adams Hybrid: Were £129 NOW ONLY £109
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WEDGES
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PUTTERS
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Yes C Groove: Were £99 NOW ONLY - £69!
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Sale Rail: Up To 70% OFF!
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Sale Rail: Up To 70% OFF !
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SHOES(Ladies)
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FootJoy Contour: Were £69 NOW ONLY £59!
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Pro Quip Jackets: Were £75 NOW ONLY £40!
BAGS(Stand)
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Wilson Nexus: Were £110 NOW ONLY - £89!
Callaway Euro Chev: Were £99 NOW ONLY - £79!
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BAGS(Cart)
TaylorMade R1: Were £159 NOW ONLY £79! HALF PRICE!
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Wilson Ionix: Were £110 NOW ONLY - £89!
Masters T900: Were £60 NOW ONLY £30! HALF PRICE!
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Individual LessonPrices
30 Minute Lesson - £30*
45 Minute Lesson - £35*
60 Minute Lesson - £40*
Development Plan Package: "The Game Changer" (4x 45 Minute Session) - £140*
This Package is the ideal way to make simple, effective and long lasting improvements to your game. Whether it is focusing on one particular aspect or gaining knowledge and adding improvement to every department of your golf game.
Complete Game Package: "Top To Toe Improvement" (3x 45 Minute Session) - £105*
This Package focuses on every aspect of your game where you will be given analysis and advice on how to improve your Tee To Green Game (Session 1 - Long Game), your Approach Play (Session 2 - Shortgame) and your Putting Prowess (Session 3 - Putting)
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.
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.
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.
Group Tuition
2 People (1 Hour) - £30PP
3 People (1 Hour) - £20PP
4 People (1 Hour) - £15PP
To book, click here now.
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.
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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
Members Birthdays This Week
7th - Cameron Greer, Alan Young, Alasdair Cochrane and Andrew Arrol
8th - Kenneth Gibson, Robert Shearer, Craig Conway and Roderick MacKenzie
9th - Ken Soutar, Elaine Samuel and Christine McConnell
10th - Michael Langleyand Jonathan Adam
11th - Steven Brown
12th - John Hanson
13th - Joan Hunter
