The Social Golfer: August 2012

What really can you say, Facebook open champion, Facebook pairs champion, British Par 3 Team champions once again. Followed up with a 3rd position in the g tour qualifier at Moor Allerton which all but ensures a semi final berth at Belton Woods and keeps the qualifying final at Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus very much in focus. July and August very much saw TSG reach an unprecedented level of success and all this at a time we were moving to theYorkshire Dales..... Oh. Happy heady days.

Great Times at st.Andrews

In July, Karen and I with our good friends roger (Peg) and his wife Chris ( cheeky Chablis) headed up to St.Andrews to play in the inaugural Facebook Community Open a three day comp over the dukes, Torrance and kittocks courses. Superbly organised by local entrepreneur and Yorkshire lad Steve Cooke who with his family have to be wholeheartedly pris and thanked for making this event so memorable. A you now know, Tsg pretty cleaned up but this event was so much more than golf withcompetitorsfrom all over Europe, Australia and the good ole US of A....

With Robbie Harrison and Peter Harewood.... GREAT GUYS!!!

It had a truly cosmopolitan and international feel and the new friendships forged and made are far more important than the golfing titles. Day 1 at the dukes our four all with Robbie and the mercurial Peter Harewood who sprayed the all everywhere but with style, grace And a smile was a great day for means peg. Our golf was ok without being dynamic....

We struggled at times but fought for every point. I scored 34, peg 31 and we led the team event and was 2nd and 5th respectively in the individual.. Moving to the Fairmont to playitstwo ourse day 2 saw peg struggle a touch, I peppered the flag relentlessly but couldn't translate into birdies. We still led the team, I with 34 again, third in the individual, three adrift. The last day at the kittocks and whilst I didn't play as well really as I had at the Torrance the day before. Two birdies, a nearest to the pin and a Third day without a blob saw me compile a 39 top score on the day. Particular praise to a very sore Roger who despite bringing considerable pain and discomfort, bravely soldiered on to compile a score which ensured a comfortable team victory.

Ian and Peg on the Swilken Bridge, later in the week we were invited to

tour the R & A

FACEBOOK COMMUNITY OPEN CHAMPION with the COOKES, thanks guys and gal

The week culminated with a magnificent presentation at Old Course Hotel. Nicklaus famously said you had to win at the home of golf and TSG did. Great week, great company, fabulous golf, memorable event. Thank you to all who made it so enjoyable.

winning the magnificent prize from gOLFOON a 3000Euro Swizz Watch

which I explain will be donated to The Stroke Association

Powering my Tee shot away at The Dukes

Peg an I ponder my club selection

Heading south to the magnificent, stately Nailcote Hall and the annual British Par 3 extravaganza. The team event saw peg and I joined up with skitty our celeb was the Big Break winner Mark Murphy. A fine young man who played exceptional golf all week. In the team event we were imperious and at 16 under clear winners for a second year. Whilst the 3 amateurs all chipped in.... Mark was the star of the occasion.we were joined by gorgeous Eye Candy caddie, Rebecca Keen who brought much needed glamour to our colourful team.

The winning TSG defending Champions

In the main comp I was paired with Mr Trilby , 2008 winner Steve Cowle, once gain we had a great time but frankly never threatened to pull of a victory in the event for my cup THE HALLIWELL Cup, congrats to James Graham who I played with in 2010 when I won the event, clearly he learned something. The week culminated in the final team event when I joined the Nailcote Hall select team featuring great mate and trick shot star David Edwards and fine veteran Maurice Bembridge. Another first place to end in my opinion the best ever BP3. Thanks to Rick and Sue from Nailcote. Rick the course gets better. John and the Champions team.. U r all stars..... Many thanks.