THE BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP

One that didnt get away, Ian slides in a birdie
The magnificent Nailcote Hall, truly a super venue for such
a prestigious event.

This event remains the highlight of the Social Golf calendar, it is that good, that I postponed a trip to Florida to play in the 2nd Major on the Edwin Watts Tour at the prestigious LPGA Club at Daytona and I am delighted to say once again I was not disappointed, this event gets better and better. A 4 day golfing extravaganza featuring from the European Tour, Graeme Strorm, Lee Slattery, Stephen Richardson.. hosted by the legend that is Tony Jacklin also featuring the European Senior Tours most winningist Fine Gentleman Tommy Horton….. and from the world of sport, Peter Schmeikel, Peter Shilton, Frank Worthington, Alan MacInally, Bob Champion….. from TV, Jasper Carrot, William Roach and many many more……….. put this in a competive environment, with paying public and tv cameras, it quite simply is as close as it gets for a social golfer to feel part of the tour……. Priceless..

This year, I Played with Tommy Horton in the first celeb am day and what a pleasure that was, quite memorable filled with wonderful anecdotes, little hints and for myself and my teammates a small window into the thought processes of a tour veteran. Many thanks Tom………. On the last day in the 2nd Celeb Am, we were joined by my good friend Clive Abbot of the Showpiece band The Black Abbots. Clive really is a most accomplished golfer and as usual was great company. He played sublimely. On both days despite some good golf, we simply failed to take our numerous birdie chances and sadly finished out of the places.

In the Pro Am, I partnered Suffolk Pro and Par 3 regular Andrew Collinson, and over the two days we got to know him and his good wife and I was proud to be his partner. They are lovely people and I wish them every success in the future. On day 1, I was overawed a little but Andrew played exceptionally coming in at two under which led all day until South Staffs Pro Steve Carter came in on 4 under. A sprightly Tommy Horton, clearly benefitting from all my advise was third at one under, no one else under par. This meant we would be in the last group on the final day and what a memorable day it would prove to be.

In tremendous rain and followed all day by the TV Cameras….. watch out for me in my trademark yellow trilby…….. Steve and Andrew put on a masterclass, it was thrilling, exciting, compelling and could have gone any way until Andrews unlucky bunker lie on the 14th. Steve held his nerve well to win by one shot and I was whilst sad for Andrew I was particularly delighted for this fine young man and exhilarated to be part of his triumph. Also with another class act Paul Cavill his amateur partner they won the team event. Pauls delight and that of his wife in winning a trip to Mauritius was again a special moment. With regard to them all, I sincerely hope our friendships formed in the heat of competition remain and look forward to meeting up with them all again. I wish particular good fortune to Andrew and Steve and wish them every success in the Tour Events for the rest of the year.

In the team event we finished 6th on nine under……….. level with the Great Tony Jacklin…… that’s one for the scrapbook………

If you love your golf, cancel your trip to Spain and play in this event….
See www.britishpar3championship.co.uk