CHAMPION

TYE SEIZES THE GOLD JACKET !

The third chapter of TGC saw the eager field make their way to the Midlands to take on The Belfry, by far the most illustrious of venues so far for this growing in stature competition. 

Stands were being erected on the 18th of the Brabazon to give the competition that extra special feeling of what might be for future TGC championships. The Derby course was the first challenge, and last years Champion Rob Ross had the honour on a glorious sunny hot morning of kicking things off. But it was Mick Redfearn who set the pace with a stunning front 9, scoring 24 points. Unfortunately the brakes came on as he made the turn, and had to settle for a creditable 35 points. He was pipped by 1 point by debutant Tye Boughen. But predictions of a competitive weekend were proving to be true with only 5 points separating the top 7 places. Game on!

Drinks flowed for some players as they saw in the early hours of Saturday morning, whilst others held their game face as the Brabazon awaited. Things were becoming serious and the last group consisting of Tye Boughen, Mick Redfearn, Trevor Ranns and Andy Marsden aimed to take advantage of their sensible early nights to grab that Gold Jacket. Another glorious day greeted them as they took on the Brabazon. However the round brought one of the highlights of TGC history. Paul Fordham standing on the famous 10th tee feathered a driver onto the heart of the green, and then followed this masterclass with a 10 foot putt to secure an incredible eagle!  It was really a special moment and one that was captured on film and is currently going viral!  It certainly made up for him and his playing colleagues missing out on the iconic sausage roll at the halfway house because Matt Ross, Scott Huggett Ant Dye had just taken the last available!

The sausage roll was the least Scott Huggett deserved however, as he battled back from a poor first day performance with a fantastic round securing 36 points, easily the most in the field at the Brabazon. Paul Fordhams 5 points at the 10th gave him some hope but it was soon evident that the winner would be coming from the final group. Trevor Ranns was battling Tye Boughen all the way, but he just fell away in the last few holes, meanwhile Tye Boughen performed a slam dunk on the par 5 to secure a glorious birdie and the championship was won!

Rob Ross helped Tye Boughen put on his Gold jacket and handed him his trophy, his stunned look during the ceremony was understandable as he tried to take it all in. He joins the winners circle and we all look forward to the adventures he brings the Gold Jacket over the next 12 months. Fellow debutant Trevor Ranns was the runner up, whist an unconsolable Sam Rich secured 3rd. He has now recorded a 2nd and two 3rd's in the three TGC's. Surely the Gold jacket awaits him next year?

After another heavy night for some,  with strong rumours that Tom Lacey was the ring-leader, the PGA National awaited the players who were now split into teams picked the previous evening in a four-ball best two scores format. All three teams were under the impression they had won, but it was in fact won with ease by Team Sam Rich, who had chosen well with Matt Ross, Scott Huggett and Ant Dye.

Huge congratulations to the new Champ Tye Boughen. Many will say this was the best TGC yet, it was a close affair and really wets our appetite for next year which promises to be the most competitive ever!

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