May News...

Dear TSGers, So the new golfing season started well, with us announcing a new Masters Champion, step-forward Kim Brand - see below. Kim's first-ever TSG event was also attended by his wife and former TSG Masters Champion herself, Ruth Brand. Kim led the field on a beautiful spring day at Stapleford Abbotts GC with an impressive 43 Pts.

We've also had a hugely successful inaugural Cairns Cup 2022 - for Team USA anyway. Unfortunately, the European team were outplayed by a very prepared, Team USA, 3-20. We (the Europeans) are hurting right now, big time! However, we are happy to announce that TSG plans to be part of this unique disability golf event going forward. As such, we can officially announce that The Cairns Cup will be the official TSG charity for 2022. All proceeds from this year's TSG OPEN Championship charity table will go toward getting our guys and gals to Michigan in 2024! Ian - Editor

#TSGISAHAPPYPLACE  #BEHAPPY 

TSG MASTERS: Stapleford Abbots Golf Club, Havering, Essex

After a very well earned 43 pts at a relaxed, friendly, fun day, step forward our new TSG Masters Champion, Mr. Kim Brand!

Second Place - Martin Kelly with 37 Pts

Third Place - Damian Benstead with 34 Pts (On Count-back) 

Nearest Pin 2nd = Kim Brand 

Nearest Pin 13th  = Lee Kyprian

Nearest Pin in Two = Bob Alpin

Straightest Drive = Paul Houghton

Lowest Gross Score = Martin Kelly, 83

Golf News Magazine - Guest Trophy = David Minshull

Team Event = Martin Kelly, Gary Wilson, Dale Wilson, Lee Kyprian

Wooden Spoon = Bob Aplin

Trevors' (Chip-in-Birdies) = None

Thank you to all those that attended. We are very grateful to you for supporting these events. Finally, a big thank you to Marky Mark (TSG Event Director) who got up very early to be at the club to greet us all and check the scores, put up flags, and kept us all in line.

In addition, special thanks to the Stapleford Abbotts GC team, especially Lisa, Gemma, Mickey (on the day) and Beth who couldn't have been more helpful in the run-up to the event!

Next TSG Major - Par 3 Championship 2022 >>

THE CAIRNS CUP 2022: Golf's Premier Disability Match Play Event

As most of you know, we were one of the official sponsors of this superb launch event, where TEAM USA and TEAM Europe battled it out over three days. Congratulations to TEAM USA who became the first Champions winning 3-20!

Alas, the final score does not do justice to the European team, who fought hard, taking all day-two matches to the 18th green. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough and after three days great golf, TEAM USA were victors.

However, on a more positive note, TSGers attended the Pro- Am charity golf day and dinner, helping us raise money for this worthy cause.

Here are some of the photos AND a superb video of Mark Crane (former TSG Match Play Champion) trying his luck in a Para-Golfer.

As you will see, it's not as easy as it looks...

MARKY MARK & PARA-GOLFER - PLAY >>

TSG MATCHPLAY DRAW: Round 2

While we still have a number of ties from Rd 1 still to be settled, we thought we would get ahead of the game this month and do the draw early for Rd 2. All ties to be completed by end of June.

1. Alex Ballard or Tony Moss V Marky Mark or Chris Els
2. Jonathan Knowles V Steve Slater
3. Roger Dickson V John Barber
4. James Blair or Wayne Bell V Chrissy Peacham
5. Chris Myatt or Brigitte Lockwood V Steve Goss
6. Martin Kelly or John Cross V Peter O'Hearn or Jordan Ryan
7. David Wilkinson Vs Alan Y
8. Steve Maggs Vs John Donaldson

#HappyGolfing!

TSG BLOG: 10 things to consider when starting a golf society

Setting up a Golf Society

Many golfers get into the game through a golf society. It’s where enthusiasts get together as a group, to visit golf clubs – often at an agreed or negotiated ‘visitor rate’ that includes golf & food. A society can be as few as eight people taking up two tees times (at a chosen club), or sometimes over 100 golfers, all enjoying some relaxed but friendly, competitive golf.  It’s also an opportunity for the ‘occasional golfer’ and golfing nomads, to win a few prizes.

But, there are a few things you’ll need to know if you want to start a golf society, that can helps things run smoothly.

1 – Make sure you have enough support to form a Society. Draw up regulations and rules under a range of headings for members to abide by:

• Name of the Society
• Objectives of Members
• How to join and leave
• Costs Involved
• Organisation structure
• Handicap procedures
• Date and times of events
• List competitions rules

2 – Have a meeting of members in advance of the golf year to approve the rules listed above and discuss the location and number of events to hold

3 – Elect Officers e.g., Treasurer, Secretary, Captain, Vice-Captain, and other officials

4 – Keep collected Monies in open bank accounts with more than one signatory and have an appointed auditor.

5 – Run the Society to the rules of golf and rules that cover amateur status (Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews)

6 – Lay down the rules of how handicaps will be allocated and adjusted in accordance with society’s rules – Appoint a Handicap Secretary

7 – Always collect monies in advance of an event. That way, if anyone fails to turn up, this way the society won’t be out of pocket.

8 – Select courses that are competitive but not too hard, ensuring that all players will enjoy their day.

9 – For speed of play, ALWAYS use the Stableford method of scoring.

10 – Make sure you have Nearest Pins, Nearest Pin in Two (shots), Longest Drive and Straightest Drive prizes to make the day as enjoyable as possible.

TSG PARTNER OFFER: Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris, Paphos

This 4* all-inclusive hotel offers the perfect base for your next golf holiday to Cyprus. Sat on the beach, with bars, restaurants, a spa, and other facilities, plus access to the four finest golf courses on the island - what more could you ask for? 

• 5 nights (Twin room)
• All-inclusive
• 3 rounds (Aphrodite Hills/Minthis/Elea/Secret Valley)
• Free room upgrade
• Buggies at Aphrodite
• Airport & golf course transfers 

All for just £619!

For more info go to  www.golf-escapes.com/leonardo-plaza-cypria-maris 

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)

Steve Maggs at Pedham Place GC with an EXCEPTIONAL = 42 pts. 

Well done to Steve on only his second win on the TSG leaderboard, the last coming back in July 2013! 

Welcome to the 2023 TSG Masters, Mr Maggs.

The TSG GREEN towel is on its way to you.

H'cap change: 5.9 to 4.7   

REVIEW OF THE MONTH: Walmer & Kingsdown, Deal, Kent, UK.

"Very average......" 

Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club is another one that had been on my bucket list for some time but this one turned out to be a disappointment.

I'll start with the good points. There are some nice holes here and it is always nice to play by the sea - there are parts of the course that are very picturesque. BUT, I just found the course to be a little scruffy in places. The greens were fluffy and the signage around the course is truly dreadful - I never understand why, for the cost of a few pennies, courses never focus on the visitor experience.

Despite a very nice atmosphere created by the organiser (Martha Trust Disability Charity), the talk at the dinner table was about how poor the Pro Shop was. They don't return Buggy request calls. In fact, it would seem they don't return anyone's calls! So, although my playing partners had asked for a buggy 10 days prior to the event, they were forced to walk on the day, with bad backs and dodgy knees - we walked all 18 holes with clubs on our back.

Such a shame when the bar staff couldn't be more friendly and helpful and the food was more than satisfactory. Sadly, having driven 1 hr 40 mins to get there (and the same back), I will not be returning any time soon, for no other reason than if I am expected to pay a premium price (normally £45 just for golf only, midweek), I expect a premium service...and some signage!

Ian Mullins (16 H'cap)