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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on May 23, 2020 6:13:36 GMT -5
Event 18 Preview - LA GUILLOTINE
We return to continental Europe for our next golfing extravaganza, and the venue is the gorgeous little course at Club Belvedere in rural France. Although less than 7,000 yards in length, it will still provide a test of your ability. The designer, Adam Benjamin, has included an amazing amount of detail. For instance, when you are standing on the third tee, look to the left at the horses in the small paddock – look closely and you will see their horse poo on the grass!!
Shot decision-making will be at a premium here so make sure your golfing brain is fully installed before you start your rounds!! Bon chance!!
Oh, one more thing – even though this event has been named La Guillotine, there will be no cut…
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on May 25, 2020 6:13:03 GMT -5
Event 17 Handicap RESULT - THE KERRY CLASSIC
The result of this one was impossible to call right up until the final round. It seemed that we would have yet another first-time winner in Itsthetodman - but he failed to turn up for his last round, which means that ART VANDELAY wins his second trophy of the season, adding to the one he acquired in Iceland. Tied for second place, two strokes back, were Les Souter and EZ2PUTT, the latter recording the best round of the week, a storming 62 in the final round. Les rises to the top of the Money List because of his good performance, his fourth runner-up spot this year.
Art moved up from 6th to 5th in the earnings rankings, and EZ2PUTT (Phil) climbed from 28th to 24th - there was very little other movement.
We had two debutants taking part at Ballybunion, Kypran (Franck) and age12001 (James?!), who both found it a little tough out there, so the only way is up!! Good luck new goats!!
See you all in France!!
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on May 29, 2020 17:56:56 GMT -5
Event 19 Preview – Red Light Open
Holland is our next tour stop where we visit the Royal Hague Golf & Country Club, which sits on the coast between Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The club was founded in 1893 and was showcased to the world when Byron Nelson played Gerard de Wit in a 1963 episode of ‘Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf’. If you have a spare hour you can watch their fascinating match right here:
It hosted the first two Dutch Opens – in 1972 (Jack Newton) and 1973 (Doug McClelland) – and a further in 1981 when Harold Henning edged out Nick Price and Ray Floyd. It also held three Senior Tour events from 2010. Much of Royal Hague involves threading your ball along narrow paths of land that plunge and rise across natural mounds, hollows and ravines. It means often there is tangible difference between a really good drive and a decent drive, or a decent drive and a modest drive; a clear view of your next shot is usually the reward. The penalty for straying off the short grass is often severe too, with bushes, trees and tall fescue grasses in wait.
The greens are generally of a good size but the false fronts and run-offs to the side and back combined with their crowned nature mean there are often relatively small ‘safe’ landing areas. So the premium here is on accuracy, not distance, as the course is less than 6,900 yards long.
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Post by charles56 on Jun 1, 2020 4:35:11 GMT -5
Lovely video of 1963 Holland (as the Netherlands [= which means lowlands] is also called; the alternate name refers to the time the country became a Republic in 1581 [the first in the world] when they kicked the Spanish rulers out through a revolutionary war and installed a new form of self governement; the largest and most powerful of the 7 provinces was Holland and so that is the reason the whole country was known popularly as Holland to this day; in 1815 it switched back to a Kingdom). I remember the city well as i lived there later on too. Today, it aint so rustic anymore, but more places are like that i guess...
I was 7 years old when this video was shot and lived nearby the course in Wassenaar. My parents were members there though only for the tennis. A couple of years later i picked up golf myself. In 1993 i actually played the course as a greenfee player and made a gross 94 from the member tees. It's a majestic course and one of the best links courses in the world. Not long but precise and the rolling fairways are small targets to hit and hold. When the wind picks up and things speed up its a brute. Enjoy and play well everybody!
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jun 1, 2020 6:53:43 GMT -5
Event 18 Handicap RESULT - LA GUILLOTINE
We had yet another first-time winner last week - Old Goat debutant TERBAL put his massive golfing experience to great effect by producing a 5-stroke victory!! One to watch for the future for sure! The runner-up spot was claimed by Skunky, the second time he's been the bridesmaid instead of the bride, and he finished an incredible 9 shots ahead of Backspin000 in 3rd place, his 5th podium finish.
The best handicap round score at Club Belvedere was 62 and that was achieved by our tourney winner, twice, Backspin000, and BeeGee who was also making his first appearance on our World Tour.
Les Souter consolidated his top spot on the Money List by coming in 4th, and any upward movement was minimal - Kenneth-H from 4th to 3rd, Skunky from 8th to 7th, and Kypran from 31st to 29th.
We make our way to Holland for the next event, and my travel advice is to be very careful if you go window shopping in Amsterdam...
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jun 4, 2020 19:44:29 GMT -5
Event 20 Preview - Seve Memorial
As this week’s tournament is located in Spain I thought it only right that we seize the opportunity to remember one of the golfing greats, Spain’s own Severiano Ballesteros, one of the most exciting talents ever to grace a golf course. And how fitting that the Seve Memorial will take place at the amazing Frigiliana course, situated in one of the most beautiful villages in Andalusia, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The designer, Christian Elsesser, has created a very special course with lots of variety, undulations, and stunning panoramic views. There is so much detail, not only on the course, but also in the surrounding houses and gardens, that it is difficult not to be distracted and to allow your concentration to wander. But do not be deceived – if you fail to bring your best game this course will hurt you and you will leave with bad memories! Your course strategy must be carefully considered and shots well executed to avoid an ugly scorecard.
As for the weather forecast, it looks like it will be wet and cloudy at the start of the week, but gradually clearing by the end of the event. Good luck Old Goats!!
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Post by charles56 on Jun 5, 2020 3:53:48 GMT -5
Our next venue is a great choice. Again. I have played this course a couple of times and the vista's, objects and course routing is second to none. A briliant design. The designer has a couple of fantastic courses on his name. A great tribute to Seve!
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jun 8, 2020 7:15:09 GMT -5
Event 19 HANDICAP RESULT - RED LIGHT OPEN
He's done it again!! Terbal won on his debut in France last week - and this week he's made it 2 wins in 2 outings in Holland. All his putting woes faded into obscurity as he completed a 6-stroke win over Kypran (Franck) in second place. Franck had made most of the running all week but he imploded in the final round and had a nightmare! In third we had another debutant in Ianhoggard who was only one shot adrift of Franck, but a podium finish in his first tourney must be pleasing.
Franck also took the plaudits for the best round of the event, a splended 60 (-10) in the opening round when he started like a train!
There was some movement on the Money List where, despite a very poor performance at Royal Hague, Les Souter remains as chief earner - but his lead is now less than $200.
We had 18 old goats completing the event this week, so a big thanks to all of them - and hopefully we will see a good turnout in sunny Spain where we head to for the next golfing extravaganza!!
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jun 11, 2020 7:05:04 GMT -5
Event 21 – US OPEN
Winged Foot is not yet ready to play so Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island, New York, will host this year’s US Open, as it did in 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004 and 2018, and another is scheduled for 2026. At over 7,400 yards the links-style course is wide open, but be wary of the greens if they are dry and fast!
Shinnecock boasts the oldest clubhouse in the U.S. (1892), and was the first American golf club to admit women members, which it did from the start. It is also the only golf course to host the U.S. Open in three different centuries.
The weather looks as though it will not be too good at the start of the week, but will gradually improve – and the weekend may even be dry and hot!
Good luck Old Goats!!
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jun 15, 2020 6:46:41 GMT -5
Event 20 HANDICAP RESULT - Seve Memorial
Terbal completed an unprecedented three wins in a row at Frigiliana in style with a resounding 11-stroke victory!! Finishing way back in a tie for second place were Arsam, his first podium place in seven starts, and Bobfletch who, as a result, moves to the top of the season's Money List, helped by previous leader Les Souter's relatively poor showing.
Also moving up in the rankings are Terbal to 15th, Arsam to 17th, EZ2PUTT to 20th, Kypran to 22nd, Ianhoggard to 23rd, and Beegee to 25th. Welcome to new Old Goat Sikkum who has only just started playing TGC but who I'm sure will become a force to be reckoned with, just as he was on Perfect Golf - watch this space! Best round of the week was registered by Terbal, whose third round 62 (-9) more or less made the final round a formality to clinch the win.
So, we make our way to Long Island, New York, and Shinnecock Hills which will host the O.G.U.S. Open this week - and being a Major tourney, that means DOUBLE earnings!!
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jun 20, 2020 6:13:44 GMT -5
Event 22 Preview – NORSE CLASSIC
Losby GK Ostmork (East Course) is located near Oslo and has hosted the Norwegian championship and several other tournaments in previous years. The most notable ones are European Ladies Tour SAS Masters in 2007 and European Challenge Tour for men. The course’s main defence is the many water hazards, although you will also have to be careful on the greens.
Challenging but with a great variety of holes, you will need accuracy to score well and also concentration to find the greens in regulation. The course was rated in the Top 10 best courses in Norway, and has been featured as one of the top golf courses in Europe. The signature hole, “Finnland,” is a short 336-yard par four. The River Losby runs down the right side of the fairway and cuts in front of the green, making both the tee shot and approach shot difficult.
Although they had some rain last week, no rain is forecast for the event, just a little wind at the beginning of the week. After the trials of Shinnecock Hills this should, hopefully, be a lot less stressful for everyone!! Enjoy!
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jun 22, 2020 4:34:47 GMT -5
Event 21 HANDICAP RESULT - THE O.G.U.S. OPEN
In only his second tourney Sikkum (Archie) showed how quickly he's been climbing that learning curve by romping away with a crushing 16-stroke victory to become our third different Major winner in this inaugural Old Goats season!! At the halfway point he was tied with Kypran (Franck) but then went into hyperdrive by shooting a couple of stunning 56's to claim the trophy. Franck finished in the runner-up spot also by a 16-shot margin from Kenneth-H in third.
Thanks to their performances and the 'double earnings' status of a Major event, the top three all rose up the Money List - Archie from 30th to 21st, Franck from 22nd to 17th, and Ken from 4th to 2nd. Shinnecock Hills certainly provided a stern challenge, as expected, as illustrated by the fact that only four of the nineteen who completed the tourney were able to finish under par. It was a very good turn-out so thanks to everyone who took part and their continuing support.
We return to Europe for the next event so good luck to everyone in Norway!!
One more thing - we have a new 'sub-tour' starting next week, numbers permitting, the TOUR OF ENGLAND which, as the name suggests, will be a tour of courses around England. Most are real courses, and the first event, the Goldfinger Invitational, takes place at Stoke Park, the club where villain Auric Goldfinger played golf with James Bond. We have seven or eight members already, but more would be great, so if you want to give it a go please join the Tour of England society, through which the new tour will be played.
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jun 25, 2020 6:54:49 GMT -5
Handicap Event 23 Preview - Carlsberg Condor?
Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort in Denmark is Europe’s largest golf resort, comprising 45 holes, and where the best course is the Backtee. The Himmerland Open on the Challenge Tour was held here from 1994 to 1998 (Thomas Bjorn won in 1995, his first tournament win). The Made in Denmark event on the European Tour was also held here from 2014 to 2017 and again in 2019. The 2015 tournament featured the shortest par-3 hole in European Tour history, when the 16th hole played just 79 yards in the final round!! This hole is known as ‘Himmerland Hill’ and has legendary status on the tour.
The course normally plays at nearly 7,400 yards, but we will be playing the routing from the 2019 Made in Denmark event, which includes at least one hole from the adjoining Garia course, resulting in a reduced length of around 6,800 yards and a par of 70.
Situated on the Jutland peninsula, winds blowing in from the North Sea can make things difficult, and some wind is forecast, but not for every day. We may also have a little rain – but not enough for Art to be concerned about. In general, the weather is predicted to be changeable so be prepared for anything!! Good luck!
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jun 29, 2020 6:26:29 GMT -5
Event 22 Handicap RESULT - NORSE CLASSIC
And we have yet another first-time handicap winner!! Kypran (Franck) just about managed to scrape a 1-stroke victory, mainly because of his sensational third round 57, which included his first ever ace!! Even then, Sikkum (Archie) produced a stunning final round 61 to threaten Franck's victory party, but the Frenchman was not to be denied and his closing 68 was just enough to set the champagne corks popping!! Sneaking into third spot, his third of the season, was Kenneth-H whose fourth round 65 was his best score of the week.
In the Money List Franck moves up from 17th to 15th, Archie from 21st to 18th, and Ken remains in 2nd but has closed the gap on Bobfletch to just $110. Two new members completed their first events - MonkeySpank101 who finished in 18th, and Bovakian who impressed by ending the week in a tie for 4th. We also had a record turnout with 21 goats completing the tourney - so a big thanks to all for your growing support!!
This coming week we head south across the Skagerrak to visit Denmark, where a tougher course lies in wait for the Old Goats circus, so take plenty of balls...
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Post by PLAYTOURGOLF BOSS on Jul 1, 2020 17:40:44 GMT -5
Handicap Event 24 Preview - THE HAGGIS SPECIAL
Kingsbarns lies on the East coast of Scotland, close to St Andrews in fact, and co-hosts the annual European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. It was also the venue for the 2017 Women’s British Open. Golf has been enjoyed here since 1793 and the course has its’ own burn (stream) called the Cambo. The terrain is perfect for links golf with rippling fairways, humps and hollows which always add some unpredictability to your shots! Surprisingly, the course is man-made and only opened in 2000, hence the invitation to the Old Goats to hold an event here to help celebrate its’ 20th anniversary – an invitation we gladly accepted!
Situated on the East coast of Scotland and overlooking the North Sea, fierce winds can make things very difficult – and wind is forecast for every day of the tourney. Good luck!
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