CHAMPION

PLAY OFF DRAMA NEEDED FOR ROSS TO CLINCH 2ND TITLE!

The 2024 'The Golf Comp' was eagerly awaited. The biggest yet with five new qualifiers, Richard Townrow, Mark Larter, Neil Boughen, Tom Scragg and Sean O'Brien looking forward to join the battle for the Gold Jacket. There was some heartache with the news that Sam Rich was unable to attend due to injury, the field look forward to see him return next year.  Early favourites were in form Michael Redfearn who's stunning golf this year has seen his handicap slashed from almost 21 to 17.6. An incredible effort.  Silky smooth Paul Fordham could not be overlooked, and how would big hitter Tom Lacey perform this year after the promise he showed two years ago? 

East Sussex National was the venue, and what a fantastic location it turned out to be. They took fantastic care of the golfers on show and before long out going Champion Tye Boughen was kicking off the proceedings as he drove off from the 1st tee.  The weather was kind despite the poor forecast, however the wind proved to be quite a challenge. Not for Tom Lacey however, who had the crowd on their feet early doors with an incredible birdie on the long par 5 second hole. He continued his front 9 scoring 19 points. Meanwhile ex Champ Rob Ross was also going very well equalling this 19 point opening score for his 9 holes. However whilst the field battled through the tough conditions Matthew Ross came through the half-way point with an impressive 15 points.

The second 9 belonged to Paul Fordham with a remarkable 20 points with a handicap of 10,  putting him right into contention as he bagged 32 points. Just in front of him was Rob Ross who faded to score 15 points in the back 9 putting him on 34 points. However there was no such let up by Tom Lacey who scored a remarkable 20 points as well putting him firmly in the lead with 39 points. The nearest contender to them was Michael Redfearn with 26 points, so it appeared the new champion will be one of the top three from day 1.

Thankfully day 2 was dry by the time the 1st tee arrived despite a huge downpour earlier in the morning, however the wind was not relenting. The field appeared to have grown used to the conditions as performances throughout improved. Last years Champion bounced back from a poor day 1 to score an impressive 33 points, however two stand out performances were provided by Neil Boughen and Dan Lacey. Both players were bitterly disappointed by their 1st day performances, however a 28 by Neil and 25 by Dan was a great way from them to complete the Championship, and give them something to work on for next year.

However at the top of the leaderboard something quite remarkable was happening. As the holes were ticked off, both Paul Fordham and Rob Ross were gradually clawing back on Tom Lacey's lead. The standard of golf was fantastic as each player seemed to raise each others games. It was real cat and mouse, and at the half way point Rob and Tom were actually level, with Paul just 3 behind. Three holes later there were only 2 shots between the three of them. This was proving to be the most dramatic TGC in its history! Rob Ross appeared to have made a killer blow on the 15th with a stunning birdie sandwiched between two pars earning himself a 3 shot lead with only 2 holes left. Tom Lacey was not going to buckle though, and fought on. His bravery was rewarded by seeing Rob Ross a short putt on the 17th. The lead was now just 1! 

Tom Lacey hit his driver, and looked on shaking his head in disdain as Rob Ross chose to take an iron off the tee. It was a decision that nearly back-fired as Rob had tree problems and could only score a 6. This left Tom Lacey with a 12 foot putt to win the title!  The crowd held their breath as Tom sent the ball towards the hole, it so looked like it was going to drop but was teasingly close. TGC had its first ever play-off hole!

Both contenders hit fantastic drives off the tee. It was Rob Ross to hit his second shot first and sent his 9 iron high towards the green, it was heart in the mouth time as it skirted with a tree that had partially blocked his path, but he breathed a sigh of relief as he watched it sail through to the front edge of the green, was luck on his side?  It was Tom Lacey's turn, and he slightly pushed it into the light rough to the right of the green. His recovery shot left him with plenty to do, especially when Rob Ross sent his putt to a few inches of the hole. It was now do or die for Tom Lacey. A brave putt was sent towards the hole and bounced up as it hit the cup and landed next to it. It was an agonising moment for the youngster. Rob Ross putted out and he was the Champion once more! A warm embrace followed, surely it is just a matter of time for Tom Lacey to be crowned! 

It concluded a fantastic 2 days of golf, and I'm sure really whetted the appetite for many to come back next year stronger and challenge for that Gold Jacket!

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