TENERIFE THE 2009 JR CLASSIC

Pictured STEFF landlord Wild GEESE, Billy and Winner of JR CLASSIC Mike Roberts

A long weekend in Tenerife with twenty guys means golf, sun and sangria... And The Social Golfer enjoyed plenty of all three.

First the Golf............ my performances were 38 points Friday, 15 points Saturday, 30 points Sunday... Can you guess which night I got absolutely slaughtered on and The Bin men had

to get me home............ On Friday we played The Links 9 and he North Course 9 at Golf De Sur..also this included THE CHARITY GOLF EVENT run by THE WILD GEESE IRISH BAR... Mein host Steff deserves every praise for his unstinting support of the Childrens Charity in Tenerife and I was delighted to denote a pack of books and Social Golfer Tee Shirts to raise further funds for such a worthwhile cause.

The Golf De Sur was by far the best we played this trip although The Greens a little slow...

It has improved since I first visted 4 years ago. ( Review in first book THE SOCIAL GOLFER)

On Saturday we played Los Americos, my first visit. I was pie eyed and Could not see my ball. I was lucky to score 15 points

The 18th at Los Americos, a fine closing Par 5

This course should be a pearl.... it came highly recommended and indeed its location and layout are exceptional. The Greens however for the Start of their season were a disgrace. Shambolic putting was enountered by all. They were probably the worst Greens I have encountered in my Golfing Career.

The last day we returned to Amarillo, set on the coast, I particularly find this course appealing and with the wind blowing a real challenge. Once again the Greens disappointed but I still enjoyed this far more than Los Americos, but then again I was sober an Stan had given me a sleeping pill instead of pain killer, no wonder I was chilled.

As a Resort, The Island of Tenerife is struggling, The Euro is now making this an expensive place to visit. It has done little to change my original opinion in my First Ratings that it may be ideal for a BOYS TRIP , but I am sure Cyprus, Maderia would be preferred choces for Matron and I..

Sadly, I feel, presumably as the Economic Impact has affected summer bookings, The Golf Courses are being neglected. I would not at moment advice anyone to visit just for the Golf.... Golf and Night Life, perhaps.... but there is better golf to be had and for a lotc heaper around The Med.

I'm a Celebrity at The West Midlands Golf Course

The Ledge Skitty, Gentleman Tom and El Bandito Ralph on the 15th Tee after Ralph got us playing it the wrong way down the 17th, Ralph blames Tom, Tom blames Ralph, Steve is confused.

I was given the pleasure of representing a Stroke Association Team at the West Midlands Golf Club in The John Lowe, Frank Worthington Charity Classic..... I did some book signing before leading my merry trio as their appointed celebrity to 3rd Place with 92 points. On a fine course in glorious weather it was great to meet up again with Peter Shilton, Shell Macrea ( singer The Fortunes) Bobby Thompson so soon after Nailcote and the BP3. I won the nearest the pin on the magnificent 18th (Aka Sawgrass). The wives then joined us for a memorable evening at the Manor Hotel in Meriden. The presentation saw us given the winners prizes by mistake, Theres no way I was going to hand it back without milking it for all itwas worth. A fine day finished with a book selling which raised further funds for their charity Cancer Research. We also met a team from the British Amputee Golf Association, this was of great interest to me with my experience in The Disabled Open in Florida and gives me the contacts as well as impetus to involve these great guys in THE SOCIAL GOLFER OPEN, which I anticipate running next year.




The 18th a super climax all carry at 140 yards , I hit a 5 iron to ten feet for the nearest to pin, mis the birdie putt but finish a fine round with a Par. A Great day, Great People, many thanks to John, Frank and Des Blee Promotor for inviting me..... not sure the Term Celebrity really applies to me but so what.............
I AM ONLY EVER A YES AWAY FROM A ROUND OF GOLF

BLACKPOOL RUGBY CHARITY Event at De Vere

Bobby, Tim and Ralph at the 7th a glorious Par 3

Last week, I played in THE BLACKPOOL Rugby League Clubs Charity Event at The Glorious Herons Reach Course at The De Vere in Blackpool. I was partnered by long time golf buddy Ralph "El Bandito" Harwood, Club Chairman Bobby Hope and local businessman Tim Clokey made up our 4 ball and we finished a creditable 2nd. I am still awaiting my prize of a Coffee Maker but understand that some of the bedrooms in Bobbys Hotel now have such machines.Later that week Tim took all of us to His Lancaster Club and despite the rain we had a fantastic day, what a glorious course and club house (pictured above). I can wholeheartedly recommend this track to anyone. Bobby forgot my Coffee Maker but it did not detract from a round at one of the North Wests most prestigious but oft overlooked clubs. The 18th a short par 3 over a Ravine to the front of the club house is a stunning finale to the round. Thanks Tim.

THE MAYONNAISE JAR.....

Between the Bp3 and Tenerife, I have again undertaken some social work by speaking to fellow stroke victims and others traumatised by ill health problems. I am indebted to my good friend Bob McAllister (no mean golfer himself) who sent me the following, which I use to emphasise the importance of HEALTH not WEALTH.

A prominent professor had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students, If the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls. He then asked The students again If the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand And poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded With a unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced Two cups of coffee from under the table And poured the entire contents Into the jar, effectively Filling the Empty space between the sand.The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, As the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that This jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things God, your family,children, health, Friends, and Favourite passions Things that if everything else was lost And only they remained, Your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter Like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else, The small stuff.'
If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,'there is no room for The pebbles or the golf balls.The same goes for life.If you spend all your time And energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for The things that are Important to you.'Take care of the golf balls first They are the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'One of the students raised her hand And inquired what the coffee represented.The professor smiled.'I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for A couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

To all my fellow social golfers, never forget no matter how good the golf, how much you love your golf, there are believe it or not some things more important... and with that I now embark on a month that will see me play as a celebrity in The Frank Worthington, John Lowe Classic, travel to Tenerife for the JR Classic and culminate at Hilton Head in South Carolina in the E Tour Nationa Finals. I am extremely fortunate but it all starts with the golf balls.

Good Health to you all and I look forward to our two coffees!!!!!!