April News...

Dear TSGers, golf is back! And whilst it was a long hard 3 months, I think it has only made many of us realise how much the game has become part of our daily lives. Many courses have reported a boom in tee time bookings in April and many have seen surprising tee times costs imposed (some shocking!), but we have no doubt the current high rates being charged by some clubs will soon lower - see TSG forum debate, especially as we see the return of other outdoor sports such as Football, Rugby and Cricket. Our warning to those clubs currently taking advantage of the current market conditions is to be cautious. Do not neglect the Nomadic golfer just yet. You may need us back in 2022. Ian & The TSG Team

#TSGISAHAPPYPLACE   #BEHAPPY 

TSG MatchPlay Championship 2021: The Race to Farleigh GC.

So, with the competition entry date past, we can confirm the 1st round ties, albeit only 8 of them. Please remember we no longer use the '1st name out of hat' chooses the venue rule, and we ask ALL matchplayers to be accommodating of distances. The following ties to be completed by end of May:

The 1st round draw is as follows...

1. David Stevens Vs Frank Yang
2. Ricky Pegram Vs Chris Myatt
3. David Wilkinson Vs Andy Coultrup
4. Jill Daws Vs Lee Benson
5. John Sharples Vs Jamie Cowell
6. Steve Slater Vs Daniel Manning
7. David Johnson Vs John Donaldson
8. Martin Kelly Vs Nigel Grant

All other entrants receive a BYE in this round

Good luck everyone!

GOLF ON TV: An Evening with Peter Allis.

As many will know, we recently lost one of the legends of the game in Peter Allis. He was not only a great player (taking part in many Ryder Cups) but also one of golf's great innovators.

The programme is a celebration of the inimitable 'voice of golf', Peter Alliss, revealing the man behind the microphone. Renowned for his charismatic and unique style of commentary, Peter was also one of the top golfers of his era and has quietly raised £millions for his wheelchair charity.

There are anecdotes from the world of golf, celebrities and family members that give an insight into this charming, witty man. Contributors include Peter's wife Jackie, Tom Watson, Gary Lineker, Sir Terry Wogan, Chris Evans, Sir Bruce Forsyth, Darren Clarke, Jimmy Tarbuck, Gary Player, Hazel Irvine and Steve Rider. The programme is narrated by Sue Johnston. 

There is also a chance to relive top moments from Peter's popular programmes such as Pro-Celebrity Golf, A Round with Alliss and A Golfer's Travels. Alliss was a familiar figure on the BBC before setting the tone for golf commentary worldwide. His voice was iconic in the world of sports commentary, but then so was this golfer, broadcaster and gentleman.

If you haven't had a chance to watch the compelling documentary on the man, currently streaming on BBC iPlayer, take the time to seek it out and enjoy some fantastic anecdotes on his life - A great watch!

TSG Site News: Japanese Golf.

Following the recent success of Hideki Matsuyama at the 2021 US Masters in Augusta, we look at the popularity of golf in Japan and at some of the country’s best-rated golf courses.

· Population = 126.3m

· No. of golf courses = Approx. 2,500

· Pro Golfers = 5K+

· Golf Participation = 9.3m golfers

· Average cost of 18 holes = £66

Golf in Japan – The History

Golf in Japan dates back as far as the early 1900’s when it is said that a group of British ex-pats established the game of golf at The Kobe Golf Club in Japan. 

Led by Arthur Hasketh Groom, the first nine-hole course was opened in May 1903, but the course was expanded to eighteen holes within 12 months.

Later, in 1913, the Tokyo Golf club at Komazawa was opened, catering to the native Japanese golfers. However, it was not until 1924 that the Japan Golf Association was born. 

As the game took hold, more and more courses were built, but this was hampered by the depression of the 1930s and the growing Anti-western feeling in the country in the 1930s and '40s.

By the time the USA declared war on Japan (following the attacks on Pearl Harbour), there were still only 23 courses established, many of which were requisitioned for military use or returned to agricultural production.

As things returned to normal in the post-war period, Japan started building courses again and by the mid-1950s there were more courses in play.

Some years later, Japan saw its first golfer make his name in the Professional game when in 1957 Torakichi Nakamura and Koichi Ono won the Canada Cup (now World Cup) in Japan, an event that is considered the starting gun for Japan falling in love with the game.

By 1964, there were said to be over 400+ courses and by the early 1970s, there were over 1,000 courses. This trend continued over the next three decades and by 2009 there were reportedly over 2,400 courses, second only to the UK and the United States.

Golf in Japan – The Players.

Matsuyama was the first Japanese player (and first Asian) to win a World Golf Championships event and right now, the game is considered to be one of the most popular sports in the country.

In addition, whilst the countries’ number of golf professionals has grown exponentially in recent years, no one golfer had won a ‘Major’ but with Matsuyama’s win, golf in Japan is expecting a golden age over the next decade.

Whilst Matsuyama may have broken through the glass ceiling, it is worth noting who the trailblazers were who should also be thanked for golf’s rise to the top over the last few years.

Other established Japanese Tour Golfers

Masashi Ozaki – 94 wins

Isao Aoki – 51 wins

T. Nakajima – 48 wins

Naomichi Ozaki – 32 wins

Shingo Katayama – 31 wins

Golf in Japan – The Courses.

With so many golf courses and golf ranges to choose from, we took a quick look at which are considered Japan’s most prestigious and best golf courses. Top 5 golf courses in Japan (List courtesy of Top100 Golf Courses)…

1. Hirono Golf Club – top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/hirono
2. Kawana Golf Resort – top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/kawana-fuji
3. Naruo Golf Club – top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/naruo
4. Tokyo Golf Club – top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/tokyo
5. Yokohama GC – top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/yokohama-west

Golf in Japan – The Future.

Matsuyama’s win at The US Masters looks set to spark a golf boom in Japan which could see more and more PGA golfers winning on both the US and European tours... READ MORE >>

TSG Partner Clubs: Pedham Place OFFER.

This offer can only be redeemed via the email address bookings@ppgc.co.uk

Alternatively, call the number below and ask for Tim Milford...

01322 867 000  

Course Review of the Month: Bearwood Lakes GC, Wokingham, Berkshire, UK.

"See if you can befriend a member..."

Bearwood Lakes is an absolutely fantastic golf course and if you ever get the opportunity to play there, grab it with both hands!

Unfortunately, the only way to get a game is as the guest of a member, so if you ever come across one, treasure them, LOL!

The club is "monied" but it has never had that feel to it. The members that I have met have always been very friendly and welcoming, and the overall feel of the course is the same.

There are plenty of stand out holes to be enjoyed, and the course is always in absolutely immaculate condition (as you would expect) with some of the best greens I have ever had the pleasure to Putt on.

There have been quite a few changes carried out over the last few years, and with a few more in the pipeline.

N.B. They have been carried out sympathetically, and add to the overall beauty of the course.

Seriously, this is one of the best, if not THE best, newish course in the Country.

Highly recommended.

Robert Smith - East Sussex (H'cap 28)