CHAMPION

ROSS GIVES FIELD A ROASTING TO TAKE GOLDEN JACKET !

A heat wave greeted the players in the Suffolk country side as they prepared to battle for the Gold jacket in the second year of The Golf Comp.

Bad news hit the lead up however as Matt Ross had to withdraw after going down the covid, and Harry Marsden was unable to defend his title due to missing the first day through work commitments related to a small matter of representing his country in Karate. Only the best are invited to these championships you know!

There were new entries this year with father and son duo John and Dan Poole, Paul Fordham and Michael Redfearn.

The honour of the first shot fell to David Herron who conquered his nerves to clear the water that faced him on the way to the fairway. TGC 2022 was under way!

The dry conditions made course management even more important, debutant John Poole proved to be the master of this as he took the day 1 lead with a very impressive 38 points. Sam Rich who only just lost out last year was only 1 point behind with 37 points. They would be joined in day two finals group by Rob Ross and another debutant Tom Lacey.

One of the favourites for the title Andy Marsden struggled with his putter, the fact that up to the green he was playing so well made it even more frustrating for him. The lowest handicapper Paul Fordham recorded an impressive 32 points.

Day two commenced with the tension turned up a notch. Many took advantage of the resorts facilities, using the sauna and hot tubs to clear any lingering hangovers and the players stepped out into the heat of battle. After 9 holes John Poole held a slender lead, however the battle between Rob Ross and Sam Rich took it to another level as they hit par and birdies hole after hole, neither giving an inch until disaster on the 15th and 17th for Sam Rich whilst Rob Ross held his nerve left them facing the daunting 18th hole again over water with the result still not being certain although Rob Ross having the advantage. Like a true champion Rob Ross struck a sweet iron shot into the heart of the green, his arms aloft..the title was his!

Michael Redfearn took the honours of the days runners up with a fantastic display earning 34 points. A definite contender for next year. The pre champs favourite Andy Marsden luck did not improve when he was bitten on his arm causing it to swell to such an extent it was incredible that he even managed to swing a club. Dan Lacey recovered very well from day one with a spirited round, as did Dave Herron who I understand benefited from a short pre round lesson. The world is now his oyster! Special mention to Daniel poole who recorded the lowest round of the day 83, fantastic effort!!

It was sad to see Tom Lacey fall away on day 2, however totally understandable bearing in mind his lack of experience in the game. He will be a huge force in future years, a real talent, and his drive on the 1st which almost hit the green will remain in the memory for many years to come.

The Texas Scramble was unfortunately cut short to 10 holes, and was shared between Team Ross and Team Fordham.

So the players said their farewells, and already we are turning to 2023 with the possibility of the tournament going international! Congratulations to the new Champion Rob Ross and we all look forward to next year.

Bye for now, and happy golfing in the meantime!

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