Best game ever secures
 Stableford Tour Championship
for Russ Howard at Abergele
 

Congratulations to Russ Howard on winning the Stableford Competition on this years Tour to North Wales. What a time for Russ to play his best ever round of golf on our last day of the Tour at Abergele Golf Club. Russ scored 41 points from 97 strokes and played so well on a course that was so difficult on the day. Abergele was in great condition, with lush fairways and  very fast greens. To make it more difficult the flag positions were tucked away or placed on slopes so as to make putting a severe test. All the more special for Russ who had a great  game and played well over the weekend.

On Friday we started the Tour with our first ever visit to Rhuddlan Golf Club a parkland course with a very good reputation. We were not to be disappointed. The day was won with a fabulous score of 42 points by Phil Smith with a gross 77 strokes. Phil went on to have two further rounds of 91 strokes on Saturday and Sunday to win the Strokeplay Tour Championship by a winning margin of 17 strokes.  Phil also won the Longest Drive at Rhuddlan and all in all had a great days golf. Well played Phil. (shame about the Nearest the Pin at North Wales!)

In second place at Rhuddlan came Steve Rushton with 37 points followed by six players on 35 points - Russ Howard, Joe Matthews, Steve Ruddell, Phil Stonier, Jon Downs, and Daz Matthews. Russ Howard won the Nearest the Pin.

The two Captains beforehand announced their pairs for the captains Cup Competition and after day one it was the “Professionals” that took a 4 - 2 lead over the “Amateurs” into the second day.

So, our Tour was underway with a great days golf at Rhuddlan, a tasty full English Breakfast in the clubhouse to start off with and a warm sunny day to keep us all happy with a couple of pints in the bar afterwards. What more could a golfer wish for? We then headed off to Llandudno for our stay at the Oasis Hotel. After a lovely meal, nearly all of us headed off to the Llandudno pubs for a couple of hours.

The second day, “Trilby Day”, took us to North Wales Golf Club our second visit in two years. A  favourite with everyone after some very good reviews from us all. Before the game we all had a shot at the “PIGS 60 yard Challenge” over in the dunes and it was Ed Green that came away the winner. He also won a prize of a bottle of Whisky which was kindly donated by Dave and Ann from the Oasis Hotel.


Scattered showers were the order of the day but it did not stop us from enjoying our golf. The day was won by last years Tour Champion Karl Furniss with 44 points from 81 strokes who also won the days Longest Drive Competition. In second spot came Joe Matthews with 39 points from 92 strokes and making full use of his handicap. In third spot came Steve Ruddell with 37 points. It really is a mystery how he managed to survive the day - never mind coming third - after his exploits of the previous evening. Back in the Hotel, proprietor Dave spent all morning clearing bottles away - seeing Mr Ruddell it was very obvious where the contents had gone!!  Arrhhh....it’s the Tour though and that’s what we’re here to do. Ohhhh nearly forgot the Nearest the Pin was won by Phil Stonier at North Wales with a shot that was just so majestic in it’s application and execution. The tee shot saw the ball soar high into the sky, and allowing just a little for the high wind, it dropped so gently so as to nestle up to the hole. It is understood that when Phil realised it was Phil Smiths name on the marker, from a previous good but perhaps lucky shot, that he was overcome with emotion. So nice to put one on the old enemy! Worth coming on Tour for that alone. Anyway more about this shot which just soared into the sky, just about picking the ball out from the grey cloud that hovered above, it was just so high...........no, must get on.

The results of the Captains Cup were the same as the previous day with a 4-2 win to the “Professionals” which meant they were taking a 8-4 lead into the final day.

Our final day saw the Tour end at Abergele Golf Club. As stated previously, the course was in excellent condition, good open fairways, first cut a little long and therefore needed to be avoided. As for the greens, boy were they fast -  a real test. Before we started we had a little fun again with a Putting competition that saw Karl Furniss winning the prize of a golf towel. It was Russ Howard who ran out the Days Winner and came in with 41 Stableford Points from 97 shots. A great score on the day and enough to give Russell his first Society win. In second place came Peter Simms with 37 points from 94 strokes and played his best game with the Society for some time. In third spot came Mel Clewlow with 33 points from 103 shots and enjoying his first trip on Tour with the Society. In 4th and 5th spot came Phil Greatbatch and John Smith both on 32 points. John also winning the Nearest the Pin and Stan Malpass winning the Longest Drive Competition.

The Captains Cup, well what more can we say. The Professionals came out on top with a 14½ to 9½  winning margin over the Amateurs. The Captaincy of Stan Malpass was just too good over the weekend sending out his star players totally inspired and motivated. Well done Stan for a job well done. As for Mr Downs and Mr Ruddell, well, less said the better.

Overall, great weekend for Russ Howard and Phil Smith winning the respective Tour Championships. Stan Malpass the Captains Cup. The PIGS Trotter Trophy was presented to Joe Matthews for finishing Runners Up in the Stableford Competition.

Our thanks must go to Pete Meadowcroft (Fine Master for the weekend) who did a splendid job in keeping everyone in order. Fines raised £52.28p and will go towards paying for the Trophies and the PIG mugs which we hope you will enjoy your coffee from (black for Mr Ruddell please!). It is understood that there is a “roll over” of fines that will be divulged on the first night of next years tour. Yes, it just has to be said “What plonkers Rodney” - who you may ask, well perhaps the photo in this paragraph will give you a clue! I mean how can anyone get lost on a golf course with a huge sign by the tee! Start saving guys - you know who you are....Joe, Brian, Karl and Daz. We can expect it from Joe but you other three!. The smile on Peters face suggests that the fine will be a big’un.

Thanks to all those that brought along prizes and especially to Jon Downs and Steve Ruddell for the gifts from ABB - much appreciated.

The results over the weekend prove that our handicapping system is correct. All have a chance of winning if you play well on the day. Enough said. Congratulations Andrew - a job well done.

It’s all over so fast. Wish we had a way of slowing it all down but we would only drink more if that happened! Finally, great company guys, a pleasure to spend the weekend with you all again. Look forward to next year.

 

 

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