Golfshake Open West Midlands Qualifier Now Open!!!

This event is now live and will be held at the Forest of Arden on the Aylesford course.  The event is on Saturday 14th August 2010 and first tee time is 11:00am.  Cost per person is £36 for up to 32 players and includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll on arrival, 18 holes on the Aylesford course and prizes.  Buggies are available if required at a cost of £30 per buggy. 

The course is sister to the Arden course, which has held the British Open on several occaisions, and is kept to the same standards.  The greens are well kept, true and are usually quite quick.  Water features on several holes, including the picturesque Par 3 10th and tempting Par 5 18th - a great finishing hole.  There are some pretty good practice facilities at the course including range, large putting green and short game practice area with chipping green and practice bunkers. 

You can access the comp via the link below.  Hope to see you there

http://www.golfshake.com/golf/view/5871/

Santo will be pleased

Yep.  Need to pay don't I

Just done it

Im in

& me.

Reasons to take part

Qualfiers:

 - Compete to win on the day prizes from Srixon, Golfbreaks.com and more

 - Earn a free place in the GS Open 2010

Final:

 - Compete to win golf breaks from De Vere

 - Compete to win great prizes from Srixon

 - Compete to win great from Golfbreaks.com, Bunker Mentality plus TBC

More info:

http://www.golfshake.com/news/view/1616/Golfshake_Open_2010_Coming_to_You.html

Hi chaps,

I am interested in making this my first Golfshake event as i would like to get a bit more competitive in golf, i have a couple of questions.

I dont have an official handicap only my golfshake one - does this rule me out straight away?

also if i would like to invite a friend that has no handicap at all (he does play but has never attempted to get  a handicap of any kind) how can he get on board?

Thanks for your time.

Paul,

Your Golfshake handicap is fine, feel free to use it.  Your friend can also join by joining Golfshake and putting in at least 3 cards to get himself a Golfshake handicap

Thanks Chris.

IMPORTANT UPDATES

• The first tee time has been brought forward by 15 minutes to 10:45 at the request of the Forest of Arden
• Final numbers are to be confirmed to the course one month prior to the event, meaning you will have until 14 July 10 to register
• A £10 deposit will be required by 14 July 10.  No deposit, no play.  Payment details will be sent out via PM to those registered
• Full payment is required by 31 July 10.  No payment, no play.  Deposits will only be refunded if another player takes your place
• Buggies can be booked direct or through myself.  Cost is £30 per buggy

There are only 32 places available and I cannot get more (I've asked).  24 places are already gone so be quick!

Anyone participating in this event prepared to share a buggy with me. £30 equates to almost 2p a yard and I object to paying that amount for a buggy when one can hire a car for the day for much less.

I did try to get an improved deal on the buggies John knowing that at you would need one as a minimum.  Unfortunately i couldn't get them to move on the price.  Sorry

I havn't had my payment instructions so hurry up perry as your worse than than you know who!!   JP I will share with you I just need you to carry my tour bag and I will walk. Same at Winchester if you need me to.

Registered straight away and then realised its the 1st round of our club championship on that day with the 2nd round on Sunday if I make the cut. I'll pull out for now Chris and take my chances as I still need to shoot around 80 in the next medal to qualify. Sorry.

Paul

I've just joined a club and they've given me a handicap of 28 Chris, can I use that?

That would suit me Tim wouldn't want you in my division anyway!

Dream on, Hawkins.

Tim

Errrrr......No

Welcome aboard mate

 

27 out of 32 places have now been taken.  Only 5 places left.  If you're thinking about whether aor not to play, make your decision soon or you could miss out!!!

30 out of 32 places now gone.  Get in quick to avoid disappointment!!!

I'm in course looks nice shame about the company but you can't have it all ways.

Please do wait until it's full Dave then none of us will be disappointed

Back in, got my dates messed up

What, with "34 points" Hawkins playing?

The last spot has now been taken.  I will be running a waiting list though as there are always drop outs and if anyone fails to pay on time their space will be offered up to people at the top of the waiting list. 

Thanks for the great support for this qualifier guys, it's taken us less than a week to fill all the slots up!

Great perfomance, Chris, these things are not the easiest to set up.

"15/2 Paul H wins it"

I think I've used up all my decent rounds this week mate!

OK guys, a quick update.

This event is now full.  There are already players on the waiting list.  Firstly, can I say thanks very much for the great support for this event.  I'm hoping that this qualifier will put strong contenders to win the title forward.  I'm only sorry I couldn't get more tee times, although I am still trying.

Now the important thing.  I have already PM'd payment details out and have already received some payments for the event.  Due to the demand, if I do not recieve deposits and/or final payment on time I will open slots to those on the waiting list.  It then becomes a case of those who pay first will get the spot.  If for some reason you have not received the payment details or have a problem, PM me.  Payment deadlines are as follows: -

• Deposit - Minimum of £10 to be received no later than 14th July 10
• Balance - To be received no later than 31st July 10

I have to confirm the numbers to the course by 14th July 10 and this is why I need the deposit by this date.  

Once again, thanks for the great support guys, I look forward to a great day.

I've updated the info for this event, including some clarification on rules for the day.  You can check out the detail here -> http://www.golfshake.com/golf/view/5871/info/

Deadlines for payment are on here too.  HINT - Pay up on time!!!

There is now only two weeks to get your deposit in.  If you haven't already paid, please make sure you do.  There is a waiting list and if you don't pay on time then your spot will be opened up to those on the waiting list.  First to pay will get the spot. 

There is less than 5 weeks until the event, where I believe the overall winner of the final will be found. Unfortunately, there are only 2 days until the deposits are to be paid and I have only received payments from 19 of the 32 players.  If you believe you have paid and have not received a PM from me confirming receipt of payment, please get in touch.  If you haven't paid yet, I ask that you pay the desposit IMMEDIATELY or I will open your place up to players on the waiting list.  

DON'T MAKE ME NAME AND SHAME!!!!!

No, that'll do Dave.  I'd rather someone pay a little late but tell me they are going to do it than not get in touch at all and pay on the deadline

Deposit received

Chris,

Sent my deposit yesterday, have you received it ?

Martin

Not yet Martin

 

The following message has been sent out via PM in the last few minutes: -

~~~~~~~~~~~~

All,

You are receiving this PM for one of two reasons: -

You are confirmed for the event and have not paid you deposit in time

You are on the waiting list and hoping for a spot

There are currently four persons who have not paid or contacted me to make arrangements to pay.  These people have been bumped to the waiting list.  With immediate effect, the next four players who received this PM who contact me stating they wish to play and confirm they have paid at least their deposit will get those four spots. 

This may seem a little harsh, but I don't want people to miss out on playing for someone who hasn't made any contact or payment and may well not turn up.  I look forward to hearing from you and will send out another PM if/when the spots are taken.  

Chris

Quite right Chris, you shouldn't apologise.  It's fair enough if someone puts their name down and has legitimate reasons for not being able to attend, even up to the day, because things do happen, but I would hope that at least you'd be told.  But to put your name down and not even bother to reply to PM's is just wrong.  Personally, I'm in favour of name and shame in these instances - or even some sort of yellow card warning system for event organisers.    

Now only 3 spots available

Tim,

I agree, some sort of card system that allows other ogransisers to see how dependable you are. Something along the same lines of Ebay where everybody gets a rating.

Keep up the good work Chris, I just hope those that have been knocked off the list haven't bee replaced by players in my category

John.

Now only 2 spots left.  There was interest expressed at the South West qualifier today in filling those spots.  Funnily enough, these people didn't qualify today......

All spots now taken and I have received at least a deposit from all but one player (who joined late and has contacted me to say they will be paying the full amount this week).  Thanks very much for the support guys and it's good to see that the challenge of qualifying for the final is bringing out the competitive spirit in everyone.

I will keep the waiting list open in case there are any drop-outs.  I expect as this is the last qualifier, there will be some eager last minute requests to join in.  Dave Ley has hedged his bets and got his name down for nearly all of them....

Chris, Just supporting as many regional qualifiers as I (need to) can.  

Unfortunately we have had a couple of late drop outs for the comp.  This means that there are now 2 of the 32 spots up for grabs.  If you want to play, PM me and we'll get you sorted. 

Everyone who is confrimed has now paid up too, so thanks very much for your support guys

I'm afraid not Dave, as the highest handicapper you have to go first so everyone can heckle you into a duff shot to make us lower handicappers look better.  Sorry mate.

Must admit the nerves are setting in before my first golfshake event. hope I dont play too slow as John P is in the group behind me!

I'm sure you'll be fine Paul!!

Good luck to everyone playing!

Actually, first off the tee in Group 1 is no other than Mr Hawkins

PosnNameHcpGroupPlayer1Tim Hawkins15112David Sidwell19.6123dave knatt22.2134Martin Millichip7145Chris Perry14.9216Phillip Newton19.8227Paul Evans22.3238Paul Hindmarsh7.5249steve hancox19.83110Dave ley 8.53211John Pettitt16.83312Peter Wilson22.33413Paul Williams22.44114David Homer15.14215richard booth9.44316Phil Eadsforth16.74417john flood the lefty13.85118Robert Haynes20.35219Matthew McNeil245320steve beniston17.55421Danny James14.46122Richard waterhouse17.76223Gerry Wilde20.86324gary hand246425neil andrews18.57126Michael McMahon16.77227Jon Williams21.57328ray perryman25.77429Neil Smith19.58130david damp15.28231Jon Garritty21.683

Can't help thinking that there may have been a bit of manipulation of the draw here.  So may have to give the new driver it's début shot by crashing it 250 yards down the first fairway*.  That'll show you lot.  

* Down the Arden course that is... 

Tim, just try & ignore all those eyes burning into the back of your head on the 1st tee, most of them willing you to duff it so it takes the pressure off them.

Enough of the reverse psychology John.  I've been off first in the N v S, no problem, pressure is my middle name

No really, my parents really didn't like me. 

I promise, no manipulation at all Tim.  I did the groupings last night just after sending the PM out to everyone.  It's pure coincidence that you're getting your comeuppence for the nastiness you were giving poor Dave.

Oh, and the first for the Arden runs to the left of the first for the Aylesford.  They are not parallel though as they diverge apart.  And the trees you would have to clear to get back onto the Aylesford are quite tall

Aiming for the left bunker at 250 Chris, that way I'll need to get out of the sand and over the tree!

(And how can they diverge apart?  Any other way they can diverge?) 

As its stableford Dave the 18th shouldn't really be a card wrecker!!

 

I would venture that you should be more worried about the 11th than 18th.

Look, stop sucking up to Perry, you won't get any more points.  Cold hard cash is the only way....

Brown tonguing......frowned upon around here 2 shots off by my reckoning Perry's cheap by the way.

Cup of tea and a boost bar from the beverage truck and we might be able to sort something out Richard....

Told you he was cheap ::lol and i expect you could still barter!!

If you'd seen the prices at the FOA Dave, you'd realise I'm anything but cheap!

Thanks to all those who attended today.  Sorry the weather wasn't all it could have been. 

The course was wet in a couple of places due to the poor weather through the week, but held up reasonably well and didn't seem to affect play too much.   We had some showers throughout the competition mixed in with some sunny spells.  There were a couple of heavy showers in there too and I was little concerned we would be called off the course when we had a couple of bouts of thunder and lightning, but fortunately this was far enough away to not be a problem. 

The course put up a decent test for the competitors, with only 8 of the 31 players managing to card 30 points or more.  There may have been a few higher scores had the weather been better, but well done to those who managed to tame the conditions.  The final results, including the spot prizes, are below: -

Division One (under 18 handicap)

• Winner - Martin Millichip, 37 pts
• Runner up - John Flood, 36 pts
  
• Third place - Richard Booth, 32 pts (countback)

Division Two (handicap 18 and over)

• Winner - Neil Andrews, 35 pts
• Runner up - Robert Haynes, 31 pts (countback)
• Third place - Phil Newton 31 pts (countback)

• Wooden Spoon - Jon Garritty, 15 pts
  

Spot Prizes

• Secret Six (holes selected by the starter were 2, 3, 8, 11, 12, 18) - Martin Millichip, 26 strokes
• Nearest the Pin, Hole 10, 156 yard par 3 - Gerry Wilde
  
• Nearest the Pin in two, Hole 7, 340 yard par 4 - Chris Perry

The top two from each division have qualified for the Golfshake Open Final at Wychwood Park on Saturday 11th September 2010.  Can you please go to the link below and register to play.  If you can't make the game (or just don't want to play) please let myself or Darren know and the place will be offered to the next best placed person from your division. 

Golfshake Open Final

Finally, thanks again to all who entered.  I hope you enjoyed the day and hope to see you back again next year.

Forgot to add this to the last post.  All scores an be accessed by the link below

http://www.golfshake.com/golf/view/5871/scores/

Well done Martin and all those that qualified, email/notification coming shortly.  Could be a story in that headline Sanders

An excellent round from Martin and a well done to my old chum, Floody.

To save the expense of Leyo having to find more qualifiers in an attempt to qualify, I have awarded second place to him for his excellent performance at Wokefield and he will be representing the South in place of me. I have finally realised that I just am not fit enough or good enough for this game anymore.

It was a miserable day and one that I would have like to have avoided, as I do not venture out when I am likely to get wet, or like yesterday, soaked right through.

A well done to Chris for his efforts in organising the event, I certainly don't envy him the work that must have entailed.

Having said that, I doubt it will stop me supporting these events for as long as I can manage. The scores are irrelevant when one has good company like Peter Wilson (Played extremely well, really impresssed) Steve Hancox (A silky touch on the greens I wish I could emulate) and my old mucker Leyo, who never fails to play like Jekyll and Hyde. Brilliant one minute then shanking the next. Thanks guys.

Ivan, all I am likely to contract is old monia.

Pitch and putts are about my mark these days. Just cannot seem to get any power into a shot. I don't really know why I have 14 clubs as they all go the same distance, about 100 yards.

I still remember the time we played at Corby, when you hit three wood pin high on the first par four. When we struggled with trying to repair my electric trolley when the wheels fell off.

I cannot blame my clubs, I just seem to have suddenly lost energy. which causes me to try and hit harder instead of swinging smoother.

It is difficult having an 18 year old thinking brain trying to get an 73 years old and out of condition body into positions it cannot possibly achieve. I am still as good as anybody from 120 yards, but it is getting to that magic yard marker that is causing me to play the rubbish I am presently doing.

Good evening all,

A couple of very important thank you's.

Firstly Chris, thanks very much mate for all the hard work and effort you put into this event superb. We wont hold the weather against you mate although you might say you have the perfect alibi, ME!!

Secondly, I would just like to echo John Pettitt and his comments about the company in our 4 ball, John, Leyo and Peter Wilson it was a real pleasure to have shared the afternoon with you all, lots of smiles and banter all the way round certainly brightened up a damp day.

Talking of banter Dave, on the 9th green where I'm sure someone moved the hole on my monster 1st putt which missed about 4 foot to the left and then you commented I may need to pop to specksavers!! after a read like that ( just before I knocked it in with my second). I would like to remind you that on that very same hole mate, if it had not been for me you may not have made it to the green, Remember standing all alone on the fairway next to that little white ball after another superb drive and no clubs to hit the next shot with?? Who rescued you?

And just in case anyone is thinking this, No I did not lend him a club. Knowing Dave when he reads this he will reply with his version.

Great afternoon, golf not brill but great afternoon none the less thanks again gentlemen.