The Jubilee Trophy

Dean Martin's year gets better and better, and Dean has added The Jubilee Trophy to his list of successes. Dean's four round winning total of 273 won by a total of 8 strokes from runner-up Pete Watson, and with Ivan Kennedy third, a further two adrift. Dean's handicap is now down to 3 and he is playing very consistently indeed.

Brian Jones had the round of the day which if not in a Major would have been 89-23=66. And even with handicaps restricted to 21, Brian's net 68 was still good enough for second on the day. Mark Watkins wins 1st prize on the day with net 67. Click here to view all prizes.

Reddish Vale Trophy

Sunday's Reddish Vale Trophy was reduced to an 18 hole competition this year, and the handicap limit increased to 18. Changing the format of what was once a highly successful competition seems a shame, but in reality the competition has failed to attract a decent field for years. The thought of the hill twice deterred many, and whether it's the reduced time that people can commit these days, ageing golfers or declining entries there are far fewer competitions with 36 holes in a day.

61 people played this year which is by far the biggest entry for years. The tee times allocated originally were increased, and increased again to accommodate the field. The only downside (if you can call it that!) was that with such a huge entry, the last ones didn't tee off until 4.00 so it made for a late finish.

Anyway, like so many of our majors this year, the result was a tie. The RV Trophy will be decided with a three way play-off between Vaughan Stott (Reddish Vale), Roger Arnold (Houldsworth) and Mark Hanson (Mellor & Townscliffe) as seen in the photo. Each player scored a net 67 so ironically, The Vale Trophy will be decided over 36 holes after all. The best gross of the day incidentally, was also tied with 71's by Vaughan Stott, Tim Christie (Northenden) and Josh Dye (Delamere Forest).

The play-off has just begun and I can tell you all three played good shots from the first tee. Good luck to all three players.

Big Presentation - Please click the link - Saturday 30th August - 6.00pm

Tomorrow's presentation is a big one with lots to present. Do your best not to miss it as I am certain it will be particularly entertaining! Have a look at the vouchers being presented here. This presentation includes the prize vouchers from The Jubilee Trophy, and at last The President's Prize so there are day prizes that you may not realise you have won. The President's prize began way back on Sunday 8th June, so it is possible you could have forgotten about these!

As always, you need to attend the presentation wearing jacket and tie to collect your vouchers, and you can then spend them in the shop.

Unclaimed vouchers - Most people are more than keen to turn up and spend their winnings! See who has so far not claimed their vouchers by clicking here. These winners need to turn up at the first meeting they can to collect their winnings.

'Oh no, not again!'

If you missed Phil Mickelson playing from the same hospitality tent two days running in last week's Barclays Championship, it is worth a watch so click on the image to watch the action.

Phil declined a spectator's offer of a beer!

Win a dozen balls - how many shots?

Now and again we get some unusual events on the golf course that can require a little working out. The following is a scenario that occurred in last Sunday's Pro's stableford. See if you can work it out;

Player A's ball and player B's ball are both on the green.

Player A has already played two shots and it is his turn to putt. Player B asks if player A would like player B's ball marked.

Player A says no, and then putts. Player A's ball then strikes player B's ball, and Player A's ball is deflected into the hole.

The question is how many shots did 'player A' score on the hole?

The first correct answer wins a dozen balls. Click here to email me your answer.

Practice ground - progress

This week Nick and his staff have tapped into the irrigation system so the new greens will have a sprinkler system. The trench containing the feed has been back filled. 30 tonnes of sand has been added to the new area, and Nick has been power harrowing the sand into the surface.

Sounds like hard work doesn't it?

Thankfully this is done by an 'initial seeder' machine fitted to the back of the tractor, which loosens the surface and the sand is ameliorated (mixed in) to create the ideal seed bed before the next step which is the seeding on Monday. Will keep you posted!

I am here to help with all aspects of your game. When you decide that slice has cost you enough distance, or that hook has destroyed too many good scores, or those thin shots which make a mockery of the game have had their day - come and see me and we will sort it.