June/July News...

Dear TSGers, this edition of the newsletter comes with the sad news that we said goodbye to two long-time members of TSG this month. Daryl Fenton (Essex) and Robin Butler (South London) both tragically passed away in their early 50s, with both having struggled with long-term ill-health. Both were loyal and ardent supporters of the site and between them played more than 400 games through the site. Obviously, our thoughts are with their families but both will be sadly missed.

Meanwhile, May saw more than 140 new members register on the site, and more than 60 events posted on the games calendar alone. So more games than ever to join in London and the South East! Ian - Editor

#TSGISAHAPPYPLACE  #BEHAPPY 

Marky 'Mark' Crane - TSG Par 3 Champion

TSG MASTERS: Pedham Place GC, Swanley, Kent.

June saw the 7th annual TSG Par 3 Championship at Pedham Place - Academy Course. Not only did we have glorious weather but the course was in as good condition as ever before!

From the moment the TSGers arrived, there was a lovely, 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 pressure) to the day, with the winner emerging victorious after our six finalists took FOUR attempts to hit the green. However, John Moody finally won through along with Marky Mark to compete in the Grand Final.

Alas, in the Grand Final, John's tee shot found the rough. After an excellent pressure shot to be on the green in two, alas it wasn't enough and Mark was left with a two-foot putt for victory.

Our warm congratulations go to TSG's very own Mr. Mark Crane who, as the creator of the event.....is our NEW, TSG Par 3 Champion! 

Here is the full list of winners...

Winner - Mark Crane (Kent)
Runner-Up - John Moody (Bucks)

Shoot-Out finalists (all received medals):

1. Martin Kelly (Essex)
2. John Cross (London)
3. Judy Lilley (Kent)
4. Lee Kyprian (London)

Golf News Magazine - Guest Trophy - Jon Clark
A 'Trevor' (Chip-in-Birdie ) - Ruth Brand & John Cross
Quiz Winner - Steve Hunt (after tie-breaker!)

NP1 - Bob Alpin (Kent)
NP2 - Chris Bradford (Essex)
NP3 - Martin Kelly (Essex)
NP4 - John Moody (Bucks)

Wooden Spoon - Chris Knight

Six Shoot-Out finalists (above)

Grand-Finalists (above)

Finally, I would like to give a special thank you to everyone who supported the day. These events are a pleasure to host and are a great chance for the team and for you, the members, to meet some of your fellow TSGers!

Next TSG Major - The TSG OPEN Championship 2022 >>

TSG MATCHPLAY DRAW: Round 3 

So, as we approach the business end of this year's tournament, we can now confirm the draw for the Quarter-finals! All ties are to be played by end of July!

1. John Donaldson V Wayne Bell
2. Brigitte Lockwood V David Wilkinson
3. Tony Moss V John Barber or Roger Dickson
4. Jonathan Knowles V Martin Kelly

#HappyGolfing!

TSG BLOG: How to Lower Your Scores – Golf Course Management

Good Golf Course Management is the key to lowering your golf scores but how do you change your mindset?

Golf is a game that really frustrates almost every golfer! Why? Because we are always looking for that perfect round. Whether off the tee, fairways shots, approach shots to the green or putting, occasionally we get it right and we think we are the next Tiger Woods!

However, in reality, we have often left with the same thought in the bar afterwards, “If only I’d have done …, my score would have been better”. Well maybe the score would have been better had we had a little more ‘thought process’ before we took a shot.

You’ve got to ask yourself what’s important – getting better scores or hitting it as hard and as far as possible. Do you have to take on every pin? If it’s the latter, then continue to play the way you do and enjoy your game but accept that things probably won’t change.

Of course, every now and again you will, by the law of averages, have that miracle round and the occasional amazing shot which brings us back, time and time again. But is your thought process consistent?

If your aim is to shoot lower scores consistently, this can be achieved by good course management and plotting your way around the course. 

After all, with the help of their caddie, that’s what the golf professionals do.

A smart caddie will save a pro golfer several shots a round by simply having good golf course management. 

Here are some top tips from Tee to Green and how to approach the psychology of golf when on the course.

Off the Tee.

Take something off the tee that won’t get you in trouble e.g. 3 wood, 5 wood or long iron. Look for water, bunkers and trees and ask yourself what distance you need to lay up to clear the hazards. If in any doubt, take the safe option. 

Hitting the driver is usually the choice on Par 4’s and 5’s but ask yourself, how many times the tee shot has resulted in playing the second as a recovery from trees or hazards. Or worse still, having to play 3 off the tee for going out of bounds. 

Playing a club that you hit straighter will save you shots as fewer mistakes will be made over 18 holes. OK, so you may not be hitting greens in regulation, but we will come to that later.

On Par 3’s, most of the hazards are at the front or to the side so make sure you play enough club. We are all guilty of eyeing up the pin in the hope of getting that hole in one. But to reduce your scores, you MUST reduce your risk.

Look at playing to the heart of the green (you won’t ever see a bunker in the middle of a green!). From here, we have the chance of 2 putts or better. 

Too many players drop short on Par 3 holes, leaving themselves with hazards to negotiate so remember to take an extra club to be safe.

From the Fairway.

Once on the fairway, you might be 50 plus yards shorter than if you’d used your driver, but that’s only if you’d hit your Sunday best. At least now you’re on the fairway. 

From here, we must decide if hitting the green is possible or will a lay-up be better. Nothing wrong with a lay-up, even on a Par 4, if we avoid leaving a hazard between the next shot and the flag.

Or leaving a distance that you feel comfortable with like 9 iron, PW, GW or Sand wedge is always an option. Most golfers have a preferential club for distances between 80 to 120 yds.

As we said before, it's always about reducing the risks... READ MORE > 

N.B. As things continue to improve and travel becomes a real possibility, when you are ready to discuss the latest options and travel advice, give the team a call to find out more on 01342 811 777.  

Their impartial advice is second to none, and with more years of experience in the team than we would like to admit, we will find the perfect escape for you and your group.

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

TSG LEADERBOARD: (sponsored by 2fore1.co.uk)

Claire Sills at singing hills with an EXCEPTIONAL = 45 pts. 

Well done to Claire who takes the baton from her other half Mr Maggs.

This is Claire's first win on the TSG leaderboard since joining the site in March 2021. Clearly, she has an excellent coach!

Welcome to the 2023 TSG Masters, Ms Sills.

The TSG GREEN towel is on its way to you.

H'cap change:  31.5 to 25.2   

REVIEW OF THE MONTH: Calcot Park GC Reading, Berkshire, UK.

"You know it's a quality golf course when ..."

...when the starter on the first tee has a green 'Starters' Jacket!

This is a very mature, tree-lined parkland course with an easy walk, undulating fairways, dogleg holes, fairway bunkers, lateral ditches & water hazards, so as you can assume (see above) good course management comes into play.

With fast and true undulating greens, fairways & bunkers all in good condition, this is a great golf course. However, off the yellow tees, it's only 5834 yards in length, so while it's not overly long, it should suit all handicaps.

It’s just the greens are so fast!

There are decent Driving nets, a large practice, putting and chipping green for your use. The great Clubhouse has very friendly staff too.

Overall a very excellent course will definitely play it again and worth a visit.

N.B. I went on a corporate day, otherwise, it's a bit pricey @ £70 on a weekday

Ed McLatchie (19 H'cap)