Finals Day Results

Congratulations to all that played in Finals this weekend, all the games were played to a high standard and in the spirit in which we expected. The winner of the Club Championship was Justin Morris, who defeated Jim Nicholson 4&3. Jim was two up through the first 18 holes, but a fine putting performance in the afternoon from Justin was enough to claim the East Herts Club Champion Prize.

Justin was also in the Partridge final against pro shop Saturday boy Harry Bennett. The game was played on a very sunny Sunday and the morning round finished with Harry three up. The guys managed to have lunch and start the afternoon round before 12pm. Justin got within one shot after 15 holes, but a great bunker shot on 16 from Harry saw him regain a two hole lead with two to play. A half on the 17th and the celebrations started for Harry and his Caddie Big Norm. Harry performed an excellent speech on the balcony and we are all looking forward to what he comes up with at the men's dinner. The scoring from Justin and Harry was excellent on the day with Justin only dropping two shots to par in the last 22 holes.

Justin commented on the weekend's action "It was a great experience to play on Finals Day and the course was in superb condition. Both Finals were played in great spirit and were close battles. Unlucky to Jim in the Club Championships and very well played to Harry Bennett in the Partridge Cup."

Stuart Marshall came away from Saturday's battle in the rain with our Greenkeeper Tim Stigwood with a 3&1 victory in the Partridge Plate. Tim Stigwood playing off a handicap of eight received three shots in the match from Stuart Marshall off five. After a great up and down from sand on the first, Tim took an early lead in the match. Weather conditions quickly deteriorated with wind and rain. Stuart got back to all square by the 5th with a regulation par. Tim made a nice par putt on six to restore his 1up lead only for Stuart to win the par three 7th hole with a nice par. Tim used his shot wisely to win the 8th, but with a birdie on nine, Stuart was able to return the match to all square at the turn. By now the weather was getting worse and this was when our Caddies, Gary Olive and Matt Bennett, were a great help. Stuart won the 10th and 12th to take a two up lead, with a chip and putt on both occasions. Tim won the 13th with a par, but with a birdie on 14 and a chip and putt par on 15, Stuart was 3up with three holes to play. The match was won with Stuart holing a 10ft left to right putt on the 16th for par and the half that was needed to secure a 3&2 win. The course held up well in the poor weather conditions, but club selection was a challenge in the swirling wind. The match was played in a great spirit. Thanks to our referee Rob Peachey. 

"I actually had eight one putts in a row from the 9-16 holes, which really made the difference. A couple of these were from the fringe though. Drive for show, putt for dough" commented Stuart Marshall.

 

He's back! Or is he? 

So, what did you make of Tiger Woods' announcement that he hopes to return to action in October? 

The former world number one, now ranked outside the top 700, splits opinion, but it can surely only be a good thing that the 14-time Major winner is close to teeing it up competitively again after more than a year on the sidelines. 

Of course, nothing is straightforward where Tiger is concerned, because at the time of writing the 40-year-old still isn't 100% certain he'll be in the field to play in the Safeway Open in California, starting on 13 October - it all just adds a little drama to the Tiger circus. 

"It could be a fun fall," said Woods. "It was difficult missing tournaments that are important to me, but this time I was smart about my recovery and didn't rush it." 

What we do know is that he will be at Hazeltine at the end of the month as a non-playing Ryder Cup vice-captain. We suspect once the dust has settled on events in Minnesota, Woods will let us in on a little more. 

Maybe you're gearing up for your own return to action. If that's the case and your game is a little rusty, don't hesitate, click here to get in touch for more details about our coaching options.