May News...

Dear TSGers, Well we didn't know how long lockdown would last and we don't know if it will be back, so in the meantime, let's enjoy the end of it, for now at least. It's been a very difficult time, especially for those that have not seen loved ones. And we witnessed the site traffic 'flat-lining’ within a matter of hours of the lockdown.

But every cloud has a silver lining (they say), so I am very happy to report that not only has the site traffic bounced back, but we now have more people visiting the site than ever before and 43 new member registrations in the last week alone.  

On a separate note, with 'social distancing' rightly still in place, we have concluded that it would be very difficult for us to successfully run the TSG PAR 3 Championship event at Pedham Place Academy Course next month, so we have to cancel it.

Whilst this means we have now lost two of our three competitions, we will focus ALL our effort on protecting the BIG one - The TSG Open Championship. In addition, we will also be making a call shortly on the summer-long TSG MatchPlay Competition that has failed to start!

#KeepYourDistance... Ian & The TSG Team

For those new to the site, we are celebrating 10 years of golf in 2020 and to commemorate things, we have put together this short video.

We had a great time looking back at the photos and videos, and it's amazing to see how far we (and technology) have come in recent years.

Apologies to those that didn't make the cut this time around. Rest assured, we'll be making more of these over the next few months. :)

The HISTORY Of TSG in 120 Seconds - Watch NOW!

For those TSGers who remember back to 2010, we officially launched the site with our very own TSG Putting Game.

Sadly, despite this part of the site being viewed as a huge success at the time, history has not been kind to the game. So, during lockdown, we decided to give it a refresh.

NEXT MONTH we will be relaunching the 'Desktop' version of the game (mobile access may vary) with the intention to add more functions over time.

Ps Word of caution, it's very addictive!

 We may even introduce a new event...

The TSG ONLINE PUTTING CHAMPIONSHIP!

Today we are very pleased to say that we have partnered with a new TSG merchandise supplier!

As such, we have just received this box of goodies from our new best friend, Trudy Reynolds at Portlantis. At the moment, we are just tweaking logos and sizing but all this year's designs will be available on the site soon.

In the meantime, if you would like any shirts, sweaters, caps or bags with your own society logo OR TSG's please call 01769 550856 and ask for Trudy!

Get 10% off your first order using this code: GSNG3

NEW FEATURE: Meet The Member...

At the start of a new series in our monthly newsletters, we give you the chance to get to know your fellow members. The series starts off with long-term member, friend of TSG, award-winning Wedding Photographer and part-time TSG event ‘snapper’... Mr. Andy Coutrup (aka Andy C)...

1. What do you do and how long have you been doing it?

I have been a photographer for 12 years. I started with studio portraits, then moved to weddings & corporate commissions in 2011. Nine years on, I now own one of the busiest Wedding Photography & Video companies in Essex. I cover 85+ weddings each year and have some fantastic relationships with a growing list of high-end corporate clients. 

2. What makes you different from your competitors?

With so many fantastic photographers all using the same equipment, standing out can be hard - but one thing others can’t replicate is being “ME”. Therefore, selling myself & my personality has been a key part to our business success. I have developed my own approach to situations. Essentially, it's my job to make everyone feel very comfortable, natural and most importantly, free to enjoy themselves. Time, effort and the extra mile mean all my clients think of me as a friend, which gains trust and results in higher quality images. 

3. If you were hiring yourself what advice would you give?

When booking a wedding photographer, you should find the work of THREE people you love, and arrange to meet them. Once you have spent time with all three, face to face, you will know who is right for you! After all, it's the most personal day you will have as a couple, so having someone you feel comfortable with is key.

4. Funniest moment whilst practising your profession?

I was photographing the morning preparations of a lovely bride, when I asked if it would be ok to pop upstairs, to gather some detail photos of the wedding dress. With the nod to head up, I took the precaution to call ahead, to ensure everyone was 'decent'. With no reply, I made my way up to the master bedroom. To my surprise, I was welcomed by the bride's grandmother (aged 84) with a smile... and just a smile. She was head to toe starkers! As I made a quick U-turn with a strong shade of red across my face, she shouted many comments in my wake, but the one that sticks in my mind most was “Its been a long time since I have been naked with a young man your age”. This provided huge entertainment for the wedding party and even made the father of the bride's speech. It was at this point I was once again reunited with my red face!

5. Favourite golfing anecdote?

I'm on the 18th hole at Upchurch River Valley in Kent. I was finishing the worst known round of golf where I think I only hit one “good shot' all day. The 18th is a dog left Par 4, with the Green set many feet below the tee box. And the green is overlooked by the Clubhouse Roof Terrace Restaurant and bar, which just happened to be packed with golfers. After taking THREE off the Tee (nice one Andy!) and then another THREE to get to the top of the fairway turn, I took a huge sigh and was pleased to be coming to the end of my day. My friends, who by this point could do no more than just laugh at me, enjoyed me taking the hardest shot of the day in front of a baying gallery. I took a deep breath, chose my trusted 8 iron and made, possibly, the best connection of my life! It hit the green, took one bounce and went straight in the hole. I got the biggest round of applause that a triple bogey (and a gross score of 127 strokes) ever received! In true sportsmanship style, I took the applause and said nothing! 

Would you like you and your business to be featured in the TSG newsletter, if so, send us the answers to the five questions above to theteam@thesocialgolfer.com

For further details, email us at info@golf-escapes.com or click on the link below. Or CALL a member of the team on 01342 811 777

DONT FORGET EVERY TSG PRO MEMBER GETS A FREE £25 voucher with Golf Escapes!

(mention at time of booking to qualify!)