What do you call a Tiger with only 1 leg!? Infallible, Unstoppable, Unbreakable, Unbeatable, Unbelievable even!
What do you call a Tiger with a bionic back, knee, fried brain and bruised ego!? Broken!
Poor Tiger, just when you thought things were on the upturn in his life/comeback he finds a new low to his career. This time the worst round as a Professional on a course he has won on 5 previous occasions at. On the eve of the US Open this unwanted career first of a physically fit, technically confused and mentally broken reminds us all how far the golfing God has fallen. Rewind 7 years to Torrey Pines and quite literally a 1 legged Tiger winced, limped and hopped his way over 5 Rounds (90 HOLES!!) to claim the last of his 14 Majors. He arrived at the Tournament that year with no knee ligament and a stress fractures in his left shin (I know it`s got a more scientific name but I can`t remember it tibia honest!) he hadn`t played tournament golf since that year's Masters, he had barely hit any balls let alone played golf such was the discomfort of his injuries. But the difference was this was Tiger in the 2000`s!! He was head and shoulders the best, and the rest knew it! Tiger knew it, and more importantly he had a belief, a will to succeed, a higher power almost! (Like a Jedi using `The Force` to overcome all obstacles!!) That meant virtually nothing could stand in his way.
His mental strength was unparalleled and he had a swing/technique that he could trust…….and the evidence is right there for everyone to see that with those 2 factors in place no physical limitations or injuries could derail that train! His coach at that time was Hank Haney, who has reported that going into that event Tiger had only managed to walk 9 holes since the US Masters (those were his only 9 holes of practice for that US Open), prior to that any golf had been played on a Buggy (that`s where the comparison of Tiger to Jake Legge ends incidentally!) yet come the tournament not only did his mind over matter allow him to complete the 4 rounds but he had to muster even more adrenaline to overcome the 18 hole Monday Playoff that is tradition of the USGA in the event of a tie in their National Open Championship.
The big question this year is will current day Tiger manage to finish 72 Holes, and it`s not a question of his fitness this time more of his form!
I personally don`t think this is the real Tiger! I think in his recent self-imposed exile he got scientists to create a clone body double! Or perhaps the boffins at EA Sports have managed to make an actual Avatar and its being played on the PGA Tour by a wee spotting 9 year old from Ohio on his PS4! Clearly he gave his wee sister a shot on Saturday……or maybe it was Grandads turn!!!
My other theory is it`s not Tiger, but Will Smith getting into character when he plays the lead role when the bring Tigers story to the big screen! He`ll probably even get asked to do the song for the Opening Credits too!
"Now, this is a story all about how
My life got flipped-turned upside down
And I'd like to take a minute
Just sit right there
I'll tell you how I became the prince (Jack`s still the King!) and a Golf Millionaire
In Cypress, California born and raised
On the practiceground was where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool
And all shootin some golf-balls instead of at school
When a couple of guys who thought I was so good
Started making deals so I could pay for food
So with one little squiggle and my mom right there
They said 'You're now the new face of Rolex & Nike Air'"
It`s funny when you look at Will Smith films though, because they do actually write a good story of Tigers life.
When he first burst on the scene and was so dominant he must have thought `I, Robot` then as it was pretty obvious to everyone anyway, he probably started thinking `I Am Legend` (Not sure why he is speaking like a Navajo Indian mind you!!). His stocks rose so much that he then needed to have constant personal protection from his `Men In Black` and it wasn`t just his status that got bigger! He then started to work out and put on at least `Seven Pounds`. In his attempts to emulate Jack Nicklaus`s record he took the Golden Bears advice to "find a woman and get married2 so set off on the `Pursuit Of Happiness` and eventually got `Hitch`ed. However he soon needed an `Ali`bi as he and his entourage had been `Bad Boys`, yip even the `Men In Black 2`! When all that became public he became `The Enemy Of The State` and it eventually ended in a Divorce, I suppose you could call it Elin`s `Independence Day`. Which brings us to present day where it`s quite obvious right now he really needs to `Focus` and maybe then he still has time to surpass Jack`s Majors record and once he has moved into the life `After Earth` people will still be able to say that HE WAS LEGEND!
(I really tried so hard to get Hancock in there but despite quite a few ideas none of them really fitted!!)
I have to say that the US Open has rolled around pretty quickly which has meant my Pro Shop Sweepstake is later than usual to be organised. It will be available from this Friday so you have just under a week to get your name in. I`ve tweaked the format for this Major so now all you do is pick a Square (or 5!!) and there will be Prizes for every day as well as overall.
US Open Sweepstake
There will be 156 squares for all the players. These can be bought for £2.50 per square or 5 for £10. Make sure to be quick as these sell out fast.
There will be prizes available for 1st, 2nd, 3rd individual, Best Score Each Round, Worst Score Each Round and Leading Amateur.
Who`s your money on? Will another European follow in the footsteps of the imperious performance of Martin Kaymer last year. I have to say I don`t know much about the course. I thought Chambers Bay was a place in `Home & Away`!!
Speaking of unknown quantities with the football season all but done it was back to International Friendly time again on Friday with Scotland v Qatar, a Nation with limited footballing talent and a climate not conducive for ideal playing conditions………..against Qatar! Yes, Gordon Strachans `Rhubarb & Custard Army` swept aside the Middle East Minos emphatically by 1 scuffed shot to nil! But I`m sure it`s such a great feeling scoring for the country you grew up hating!! As we unearth another mediocre `my granny slept with Rod Stewarts drummer once after a gig at the Blackpool Pier` Anglo-Import. Matt Ritchie, the Bournemouth winger, comes from so far Dan Sauwf, that he thinks the White Rose of Leeds United is `The Flower Of Scotland` and Guy & Shane Ritchie are his `Jock` Uncles!!
But it`s off to Ireland next for the Tartan Army which could quite possibly end up in such a booze-fest that neither set of supporters even remember the result!
It was quite a result for Sweden over the weekend with them claiming victories on both the European Tour & the PGA Tour with wins for Alex Noren & David Lingmerth respectively. You could say these Swede Dreams were a real turnip for the books.
Plenty of Results to bring you from home soil too.
The Pennant League got underway last Thursday and the Portlethen gents got off to a great start by beating one of the league`s best teams, Murcar, by 3 ½ - 1 ½ . Next up is another home tie against Peterculter this Thursday.
In Medal Play there were the usual Wed, Sat & Sun Competitions on the fixtures.
On Wednesday it was the Rover Vase and it was basically all`rover bar the shouting as soon as Jay Donald posted his impressive Nett 64! That was good enough to win by 5 Strokes as the remainder of the prize winning scores were all around the 60-71 mark.
ROVER VASE, Wednesday 3rd June `15
Division 1 (10 & BELOW)
1st: Jay Donald = 74(10) - 64
2nd: Sean Lawrie = 69(0) - 69 ACB
3rd: Craig Henderson = 76(7) - 69 ACB
Division 2 (11-15)
1st: David Spence = 81(12) - 69
2nd: Steven Scouller = 82(12) - 70 ACB
3rd: James Steel = 82(12) - 70 ACB
Division 3 (16 & ABOVE)
1st: Colin Beaton = 91(22) - 69
2nd: William McKay = 92(22) - 70
3rd: Alan Stewart = 90(19) - 71
Pictured above- Jay Donald, Sean Lawrie, Craig Henderson and Steven Scouller
The Strokeplay Championship got underway on Saturday in a quite brutal wind. This was perhaps reflected in the scoring and CSS that day but as usual there were a few who coped with the conditions better than most. Leading the way in the Strokeplay Championship was Graham Innes with a solid 73 off the Black Tees.
JUNE MEDAL & S/P CHAMP RD1 , Saturday 6th June`15
Division 1 (10 & BELOW)
1st: Michael Edwards = 76(6) - 70
2nd: Ray Cowan = 79(7) - 72
3rd: Derek McCann = 82(9) - 73
Division 2 (11-15)
1st: Duncan Livingstone = 86 (13) - 73 ACB
2nd: Scott Bremner = 85(12) - 73 ACB
3rd: Peter Wadsworth = 87(14) - 73 ACB
Division 3 (16 & ABOVE)
1st: Colin South = 89(20) - 69
2nd: Doug Robertson = 89(17) - 72 ACB
3rd: Gary Duncan = 89(17) - 72
Pictured above- Graham Innes, Derek McCann and Scott Bremner
The Matchplay Stages of The Championship got underway and Round 1 is now complete. If the last 16 threw up some juicy ties then the Quarter Finals now have some really interesting head to heads.
The June Medal also provided the 4th Round of Cappro Cup Qualifying. We are not quite at halfway so there are still plenty of events to pick up points so I would encourage anyone who hasn`t signed up yet to do so. Especially in the Top and Bottom Categories where there are limited entries which mean not all the points on offer are being dished out and players are picking up points for perhaps not their best scores! Check out the Top 4 Automatic Qualifiers below and Click Here to view the Full Standings.
Sundays Walk On had a relatively small turnout compared to most weeks hence the 2 places only in Div 1.
SUN WALK ON, Sunday 7th June`15
Division 1 (10 & BELOW)
1st: Ian Logie = 80(7) - 73
2nd: Ray Jellema = 83(9) - 74
Division 2 (11-15)
1st: Phil Dear = 82(13) - 69
2nd: Gary Lloyd = 82(11) - 71 ACB
3rd: Stephen Robertson = 85(14) - 71
Division 3 (16 & ABOVE)
1st: Douglas Norrie = 87(18) - 69
2nd: Gordon Duff = 90(20) - 70 ACB
3rd: Mark Robertson = 87(17) - 70
Pictured above- Ian Logie, Stephen Robertson and Mark Robertson
The course is starting to blossom with some, but not nearly enough, warmer temperatures! The trees and shrubbery are now all in bloom and the course in general is starting to see some good definition. The main headache and area of focus from Neil and his team are the Green surfaces. The grass is now going through that problematic seeding phase which not only makes the surfaces look poor but they can become a little bumpy too.
You never want to put the leaf under too much stress so cutting low, especially with the growing conditions not exactly at peak rate yet, isn`t an option. But getting a good cut, rolling and dressing are and as any plant grows from the root stimulating down there helps too. So this week Neil has administered some micro aeration to help get oxygen and other important nutrients to the root, followed by hand mowing the greens instead of the usual ride on mowers. The benefit to this is these hand mowers are equipped with front mounted brushes to help lift the grass (picture a hairdresser lifting your hair so they can trim the ends better) , the blades to cut followed by a heavy steal roller to smooth the surface behind. This was then re-rolled using the turf iron.
Between last week`s additive, and this week`s work the greens are really starting to find their colour, trueness and speed.
These Seniors fairly get about! And I`m pretty sure they are where they are meant to be and haven't just aimlessly meandered off! But our Portlethen Pensioners have been boosting their pocket money with some fine away performances in the Local Opens.
Henry Lornie and Andrew Keay both returned with Vouchers from the Banchory Seniors Open, where Henry finished in 2nd Place.
Hopefully our local lads can scoop all the prizes in our own Seniors Open which is on this Monday. Entries are still available for both local and visiting golfers so give us a call to book your entry.
The "Get Golfing Gang" seem to be going from strength to strength with numbers growing on a Saturday every week. My Development Sessions are providing some noticeable improvement and results with Murray Sinclair posting his best score in a long time and getting his handicap reduced by a stroke too.
The boys still can`t break the girls stranglehold on the Competitions though with Katie Robson leading the way in the June Medal.
June Medal Results
1st : Katie Robson = 80(12) - 68
2nd ; Murray Sinclair = 94(25) - 69
3rd : Louise Cook = 91(21) - 70
With no Junior Pennant this weekend the Matchplay Rounds of the Championships were played with wins for Lewis Sinclair, Ashley Wallace, Finlay Wallace & Brandon Simpson. Could it be a brother and sister showdown in the Final!!?
"All the Golfing Gossip from the Powder Room" by Aileen McVey The Pro Shops 1st Lady
Well I made it back from my Cruise in one piece although I think it`s only my tan that is holding everything together at the moment. All I`ll say is the trip and facilities were fantastic so the only thing we upgraded was our Drinks Package!! I might have to find a bike that runs on Prosecco as I`m not sure I`ll have much energy to get back in the Saddle to pick up my training for my Charity Cycle later this year.
I`ve shoogled my Collection tin since I`ve been back so unless Stuart has been in about it with the butter knife there haven`t been many spare pennies being dropped in!? Any loose change will be gratefully received!
So I need to get back on the roads but I`ll definitely need to get back on the fairways too. The course looks amazing and has really come on in the week I`ve been away. I hear the weather hasn`t been great but it clearly hasn`t stopped the ladies getting out to golf.
Alison Bruce is still playing consistently well in the Bronze Division whilst Denise Robertson got a runner up place following her lesson from Stuart. Linda Craik & Rowena Keith seem to be leapfrogging one another in and out of 1st & 2nd places.
Saturday June Medal
Silver 1st: Rowens Keith = 89(14) - 75
2nd : Catherine Craig = 92(14) - 78
=2nd : Linda Craik = 91(13) - 78
Bronze
1st : Alison Bruce = 98(21) - 77
2nd : Denise Robertson = 103(25) - 78
Tuesday Walk On Stableford
Silver
1st : Linda Craik = 37 Points
2nd : Rowens Keith = 36 Points
Bronze
1st : May Fergus = 36 Points
2nd : Joy Smith = 35 Points
=2nd : Alison Bruce = 35 Points
As I`m sure the avid readers are aware that many of the Prize Winners and Success stories of the season so far have all benefitted from my advice and instruction. This is just a reminder that my "Game Improvement Package" is still available and running until the end of June. So why not take advantage and book up today.
My search is on to find the "GAME IMPROVEMENT CHAMPION!"
Here`s how you qualify to be I the running for this Award.
For the Months of May & June I will be offering this exclusive Lesson Package.
"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 August (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. (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 lots of players benefitting from the solid, expert and professional advice that is available to you all on your doorstep. So don`t get left behind, and as I mentioned last week some of the key things to playing well and scoring better on the course could come down to just having more confidence in your distance awareness. Why not take advantage of a couple of my services that you simply can`t get ANYWHERE ELSE and definitely can`t get from any online supplier!
Knowing YOUR Yardage:
As I`ve constantly mentioned in previous Newsletters I have the Technology to give you this info. in the form of my FlightScope Radar. But the truth of the matter is it wasn`t really portable or practical enough for the logistics of the Portlethen Driving Range. But have no fear because I have invested in the very latest Camera driven Launch Monitor. The GC2 with HMT (Head Measuring Technology) now gives me, but more importantly you, the best kit to get the best feedback. It will be a big part of my Club Fitting and Tuition Sessions but right now I`m offering you guess the chance to get your game "Dialled In" starting wioth knowing how far you hit each club. This `Distance Gapping` Session does two distinct things for you. It gives you peace of mind that you know how far you hit each club, and it also highlights if there are any significant GAPS or CLUSTERS in your Set.
Book You Gapping Session Today - ONLY £20 !
Knowing THE Yardage
Knowing how far you hit each club is a start, now all you need to know is the ACTUAL distance you have left to hit. For that there are many forms of Measuring Device on the market. There are Lasers which accurately pin point the target you are shooting at with a very easy `Point & Press` function. Then there are handheld Units that give you a visual arial display of the hole, all is hazards and features as well as the front, middle and back distances of the green. Then finally the most convenient and popular just now is the watch/wrist mounted device. The information is more basic due to the size of the display but it is every bit as accurate and you know how far you are away from the front middle or in most cases the best yardage to use is the back edge of the green from anywhere on the course just by having a quick glance at your wrist!
We have just taken delivery of all the latest models of laser, unit & watch styles from GolfBuddy, Garmin & Nikon. So why not take one for a test drive and see the confidence that KNOWING THE EXACT YARDAGE can have on your game. I`ll put money on most of the good players will be relying on something like that in this week`s Champ Qualifiers.
Book you Golfbuddy Test Drive Today - FOC! Click here to book yours.
The "Anniversary Day" Competition is coming around fast and is going to be a great day to be involved in.
It will be held on Saturday June 27th when we be looking to build on last year's success and make it an even greater and memorable event.
As well as a half way barbecue, bar and on-going entertainment around the clubhouse there will be numerous on-course competitions with significant spot prizes at EVERY hole, requiring elements of skill/downright luck or sometimes both.
Nearest the pins , longest wrong handed putt, straightest drive, hidden holes, hickory clubs will all feature as well as a few surprises along the way and an overall team prize and "yellow ball" event.
This year we are also looking to raise monies for charity which a portion of your entry fee will go to. Our nominated charity for 2015 is the "Brain Tumour Charity" and we are sure that your support for this worthwhile cause will make a huge difference.
The format of the day will be a 3 or 4 player team event and is open to ALL golfing members (Don't worry if you don't have a team, we'll find one for you)
There will be a 10th tee start and entry fee will be £ 30 per team (inclusive of charity donation)
Enter on line from 7pm on Sunday 14th June.
"Upcoming Trial/Fitting Days"
- Wilson - Tuesday 9th June 1pm - 5pm
- Callaway - Thursday 3pm - 7pm
- PING - Friday 3rd July 1pm - 6pm
Book your appointment slot (30 Minutes) today by clicking here.
