Summer News

Dear TSGers, the top TSG headlines since the TSG Spring update are that we have two new TSG Major Champions to congratulate. Results and images from the TSG Masters and a 4 min highlight reel from the TSG Par 3 Championship are shown below.

In addition, we have made some upgrades to the site, including new blog pages and a new site menu.  Furthermore, we are pleased to announce we have partnered with the Afriyea Golf Academy as our chosen charity for 2023 - see below.

Finally, our next event is the 2023 TSG OPEN Championship and we hope it's our biggest and best ever! This event is now a proper 'OPEN' competition (as well as an individual competition for TSG PRO members). This year we invite EVERY TSGer (FREE, HANDICAP, or PRO) to join us, and bring a guest (or two!). In fact, why not enter a team of four?

There will be a live link to Uganda, an African BBQ, a Live DJ, and an Auction & Raffle with over £3K worth of 4-ball vouchers to be won. Read more below and help us get 1000 golf clubs to 1000 under-privileged kids in Uganda!

Ian & The TSG Team

#TSGISAHAPPYPLACE  #BEHAPPY 

SITE NEWS: Handicap Index Display, New Menu & New Blog

Handicap Index Display Issue

As you know, we are constantly looking at how we can improve the website and despite the new WHS Handicapping system's successful implementation back in Nov 2022, we are aware that there are still a few members experiencing a slight 'lag' between entering scorecards and the Handicap Index changing on your TSG profile page.

Firstly, it is not happening on all accounts, and rest assured, the calculator system is working fine - but you may occasionally need to refresh the page a few times before your index is renewed at the top of the site page. 

TSG Developer Adam is currently working on a number of tests to overcome having to refresh the page (he's having to modify Microsoft code?!) and we'll update you again once we (he!) have cracked it.

Many thanks to TSGer Rob Webb for first bringing this to our attention and for his assistance and patience in helping us address this matter.

New TSG Blog Pages

We also updated the TSG blog in May, after deciding the previous technology had had its day. Now we plan to add more useful articles on Rules, Handicaps, TSG Charity News and detailed Course Reviews.

We also invite members to submit their own articles for consideration or tell us what they want to read about!

Please feedback and comment (on any or both of these improvements!) to theteam@thesocialgolfer.com

TSG OPEN: Swing For Africa!

Golf | African BBQ | Live DJ | Auction | Raffle | Trophies

The Social Golfer has selected the Afriyea Golf Academy in Uganda as its chosen charity at this The Social Golfer OPEN 2023.

As part of our support, we have five core ambitions;

1. Raise £5K to support coaching in local schools in Uganda

2. Club Amnesty – Collect 1000 golf clubs for 1000 kids

3. Collect old Mobile Phones & iPads for kids to play virtual golf when they cannot access the golf club

4. Provide Golf Clothing and Water Bottles

5. Support the Academy via our WHS Handicapping

In addition, the partnership will help Afriyea Golf Academy raise vital funds to continue with its golf programmes to teach underprivileged youths and children with special needs to prosper in life via the game of golf.

TSG OPEN: Key facts about The Afriyea Golf Academy

• Afriyea Golf Academy students walk 20km a day to earn just £2 for their education
• Their community supports 1000+ kids in 21 schools with coaching and equipment
• The Academy also promotes Sustainability, Conservation, Diversity and Equality via the game of golf.
• It costs just £50 per annum to provide ONE child a year’s education & golf

JOIN US FOR AN AFRICAN GOLF DAY YOU'LL NEVER FORGET!

Can't make it on this day? 

You will be missed BUT you are welcome to show your support for this unique and much-valued resource by making a DONATION of £10, £20, £50 or more using the link below.

N.B. EVERY penny raised will go directly to the kids!

TSG PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP: The Movie!

June saw the 8th annual TSG Par 3 Championship at Pedham Place Golf Centre's Academy Course. We were lucky with the weather, with sunshine all day long and the day saw some new faces and some old ones(!). There was a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in the clubhouse, followed by a great fun day of golf and a nail-biting finish.

The shoot-out on the 18th green added some drama (and nerves) to the day, with the winner emerging victorious after only three of the six finalists hit the green with their two shots. John Barber finally won through along with defending Champion Marky Mark Crane to compete in the Grand Final.

Alas, in the Grand Final, Mark's tee shot fell short and right of the green, with Barber's 'just on' at the back. But when Crane's chip died on him, it was left to Barber to hole out for par. 

Therefore, our warm congratulations go to Mr John Barber.....our NEW TSG Par 3 Champion! (now three times TSG Major winner!)

The Golf News – Guest Trophy was won by Kent-based golfer, Dale Wilson. 

TSG MASTERS Winner - Chris Potten

TSG PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP: Potten is Social Golfer Master!

Golfers from all over the southeast of England congregated at the newly named Heron Golf & Country Club (formerly South Essex) in Brentwood on 30^th April 2023 for the 7th The Social Golfer Masters.

With only six players scoring more than 30 points, it was the greens at The Heron GC that proved the real test. After 18 holes, it was a Broxbourne based golfer who triumphed by scoring a respectable 38 pts (just one shot ahead of the field) to become the new TSG Champion...congratulations, Mr Chris Potten. 

Second Place went to Daniel Walker (Essex) with 37 Pts and third place to Jonathan Knowles (Surrey) with 36 Pts. 

The Golf News – Guest Trophy was won by Essex golfer, Michael Tricker. 

The Heron GC

TSG MASTERS - Trophy Table

TSG MASTERS Runner- Up - Daniel Walker

TSG MASTERS 3rd Place - Jonathan Knowles

Golf News Guest Trophy Winner - Michael Tricker

TSG LEADERBOARD: Sponsored by Gogogo SPORT Rangefinders

April Winner

Martin Brown at Brentwood GC with 42 pts.  

May Winner

ED McLatchie at Stapleford Abbotts GC with 45 pts.  

June Winner

Maulik Patel at Haste Hill GC with 49 pts.

The TSG GREEN towels are on their way to you!

TSG MEMBERSHIP TIERS: Free vs Handicap v Pro

So, you’ve registered with The Social Golfer as a FREE member (or you wouldn't be receiving this newsletter) but want to know the advantages of upgrading to our HANDICAP or PRO account? Good question!

The Social Golfer is a unique internet golf community that allows you to meet other golfers, near or far, track your handicap using our new Handicap Index Calculator, join local golf events in your area, and/or play in our TSG major events.

TSG TRAVEL PARTNERS: July Offers

Golf Escape's impartial advice is second to none, and with more years of experience in the team than they would like to admit, they will find the perfect escape for you and your group. For great advice, give the team a call to find out more on 01342 811 777.  

Don't forget to mention THE SOCIAL GOLFER and get £25 off your booking!

BEST COURSE REVIEW: Three Locks Golf Club, Milton Keynes, UK

Great value and great views!

There was a good sized car park situated directly next to the clubhouse and the staff were very friendly and helpful. However, I didn't venture too much inside, so didn't see the changing rooms but the bar and restaurant looked nice. There's no pro shop really to speak of, only a few key items by the reception. Trolleys and carts are available to hire.

The downside, there are nearly no practice facilities, just one small, very undulated putting green just below the 1st tee.

The course itself is quite pleasant offering a bit of variety. The first 6 holes are very up and down (with great views!) and somewhat challenging, with the following 12 being flat and open with water winding through, although not too much of a concern if played tactfully.

The greens were okay but varied in speed due to differing grass length and patchiness. Also, the old hole and cup were left in place rather than filled in with the plug after the hole was moved, which was odd.

Overall, great value-for-money course to visit, offering a challenge to most golfers

Maria Bengtsson (H'cap Index 3)