Cross Country
Billy Ellis and Kenzie Lodge snatch victory on last hole
Apologies first to those appeased by the closure of the course Bank Holiday Monday in the morning but as some have pointed out that if the required number of Tees are not filled then a cancellation of the competition should ensue. The 13 tees rule applies to “Shotgun Start” competitions and as this was a cross-country competition with only 7 holes the course was closed for Health and Safety reasons only. Unfortunately, club surveys have asked for more variety of which I try and think up different formats for “fun”, the Armistice Trophy started like this in 2014 with about 20 players and gained more popularity until it was deemed a popular enough to be endorsed as a club competition in 2018. Of the 24 players who took part all seemed to find it an interesting challenge with 1 Junior, 3 Ladies and 20 men partaking, so it was open to all.
The Guildford Greensomes format seemed to favour the lower handicap teams but that is an issue that may require a slight tweaking in any future events. The course consisted of 7 holes which varied in length from 426 yards to 790 yards, three par 5’s and two par 6’s & 7’s.
Gross scores ranged from 36 to 53 with Nett scores 32.8 to 46.2 being returned. Those who played have returned positive comments on the format with it being enjoyable and something you need to think about as you plot your way around the course.
Winners on the day were Billy Ellis (club throwing champion on the 16th, driver into the nettles) and Mackenzie Lodge (which is not an Air B&B by the way) who shot a Cross-country course record 36 (gross) 32.8 (Nett), which included an Eagle 3 on the last, for the 7 holes played closely followed by Jack Noakes and Jake Bailey with a 37 (Nett 34). The wooden spoon was a closely fought affair with CC & VC pipping Marie Norman and someone by 2 shots. Thanks to those who played today and for the feedback offered, a very enjoyable experience with laughter and banter all around with the general consensus that at least 2 more holes be added for the next one and hopefully a better entry from the members, honestly it is different, fun and a challenge.
Special mention to the 3 ladies who played, Tracy, Maggie and Marie and a very special mention to young Max Leuty who I predict could be Gorleston’s youngest Tolly player this time next year if he continues his progression down the handicaps.
My final word, Cross-country, please don’t knock it unless you’ve tried it and sorry if it’s upset a few.
Stuart Pearce
The Guildford Greensomes format seemed to favour the lower handicap teams but that is an issue that may require a slight tweaking in any future events. The course consisted of 7 holes which varied in length from 426 yards to 790 yards, three par 5’s and two par 6’s & 7’s.
Gross scores ranged from 36 to 53 with Nett scores 32.8 to 46.2 being returned. Those who played have returned positive comments on the format with it being enjoyable and something you need to think about as you plot your way around the course.
Winners on the day were Billy Ellis (club throwing champion on the 16th, driver into the nettles) and Mackenzie Lodge (which is not an Air B&B by the way) who shot a Cross-country course record 36 (gross) 32.8 (Nett), which included an Eagle 3 on the last, for the 7 holes played closely followed by Jack Noakes and Jake Bailey with a 37 (Nett 34). The wooden spoon was a closely fought affair with CC & VC pipping Marie Norman and someone by 2 shots. Thanks to those who played today and for the feedback offered, a very enjoyable experience with laughter and banter all around with the general consensus that at least 2 more holes be added for the next one and hopefully a better entry from the members, honestly it is different, fun and a challenge.
Special mention to the 3 ladies who played, Tracy, Maggie and Marie and a very special mention to young Max Leuty who I predict could be Gorleston’s youngest Tolly player this time next year if he continues his progression down the handicaps.
My final word, Cross-country, please don’t knock it unless you’ve tried it and sorry if it’s upset a few.
Stuart Pearce