October News...

Dear TSGers, well it's been a funny old year hasn't it! However, what better way to end the golfing season than to finally hold a TSG Major, and see a new champion crowned - see TSG MatchPlay movie link below. We'd like to thank Farleigh Golf Club for their hospitality on the day. The course was a great test for our finalists. Meanwhile, back at TSG HQ, we're already working on the new World Handicap System upgrade. However, we have postponed the launch of this until March 2021, as there are approx. 500 UK course still to be measured. As such, we'll be testing the new TSG system over the winter months, more updates in next month's newsletter!

#KeepYourDistance... Ian & The TSG Team

TSG EVENT: The Social Golfer MatchPlay Championship 2020...

Another great day enjoyed by all at Farleigh GC and some superb golf by both finalists, Andy King and Tony Moss...

The Match was played in true gentlemanly fashion and we saw some of the best golf we have seen in any TSG Final to date. Despite a gallant effort by King, Moss claimed victory on the 16th hole, winning 3 & 2.

Moss came out as our new winner but there was no shame in Andy's defence - he did very little wrong. He just couldn't beat the consistency shown by Tony.

Other winners on the day included:

3rd Place - Roger Dickson

4th Place - Peter Hammond

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Nearest Pin on 7th - Chrissy Peacham

Nearest Pin on 12th - Ron Jackman

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Chip-in-birdies (Both win a 'Trevor' medal!)

Chrissy Peacham & Roger Dickson (on the same hole!)

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We'd like to thank everyone that took part in this year's tournament. We'll be back in the spring, when it all starts again!

Our winners comments on the course...

"Great track - the course was in very good condition and the greens were running fast and true. Only played red/yellow but these were interesting loops of 9. Good protection around the greens and undulating fairways make this a challenge, especially in the wind, which I suspect is common as it is very open. That said, the wide fairways make this a reasonably forgiving course for the higher handicap as well. Good clubhouse and practice facilities complete the package so if you haven’t tried it I would recommend that you go have a game!"

Golf Is Good For You - Official!

Having just seen the anniversary of World Mental Health Day (Oct 10), a snapshot survey of 250 golfers in the United States, Canada and the UK has indicated that more than half (55%) of those who had joined a club in the past six months cited ‘mental wellbeing’ as their primary reason for joining.

Sporting challenge (50%), physical wellbeing (38%) and social wellbeing (31%) also proved important, while 12% indicated they joined to participate in club competitions.

The social media poll, conducted by Syngenta Golf, follows the publication of a multimedia article 'The new value of golf green spaces', highlighting the stress-relieving benefits of golf and golf courses.

In the article, environmental psychologist Professor Jenny Roe of the University of Virginia, explained: “Contact with nature slows down our stress response and induces calm. It is promoting stress resilience, it is improving our mood, it’s decreasing our risk of depression and increasing our social wellbeing, particularly on a golf course where you are interacting with other members of that community.”

Scientific research published in 2019 has also indicated spending at least two hours per week in nature is good for health and wellbeing.

“This is a simple, snapshot survey with a small sample, but it gives an indication of some of the reasons people have joined golf clubs in recent months and suggests further research into golf and mental wellbeing would be worthwhile." Said Mark Birchmore, Syngenta’s Global Head of Marketing, Turf and Landscape. 

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted issues of stress in day-to-day life, the reality is that the experience of spending time in nature on a golf course has always been one of the sport’s key benefits – it’s just rarely communicated as a marketing message. But it is something clubs might consider as it could be an important factor in the value proposition for golf and club membership.” 

CLUB NEWS: Rusper closes after only 28 years of operation...

The Surrey golf club that was opened in 1992 by winning Ryder Cup captain Tony Jacklin, has closed. Rusper Golf Club in Dorking, near the border with Sussex, announced in late July that the venue would be returning to farmland in early autumn. It is thought this is due to financial difficulties. However, this was confirmed on September 13 when the club posted on Facebook: ‘We have one week to go and it is all getting very real"

By Alistair Dunsmuir October 1, 2020, Story courtesy of The Golf Business Magazine

TSG VIEW: Once again we see another golf club close and whilst clubs had a very busy summer with full tee time schedules, they must be careful they don't fall into old habits and start treating the golfing nomads like interlopers.

After all, we will still be here when there are 4m unemployed! Will all those new members renew their membership next year, when they are no longer being paid to sit at home?

#DISCUSS

TSG Player of the Month: (sponsored by www.2fore1.co.uk)

Johnathan Knowles at Poult Wood GC with an EXCEPTIONAL score = 45 pts. 

Well done to Johnathan, his first win since joining the site in July 2019. 

Welcome to the 2021 TSG Masters Mr.Knowles!

Congratulations! The TSG GREEN towel is on its way to you!

H'cap change: 7.1 to 4.9! (Ouchie!)   

BUY YOUR OWN NAVY TSG TOWEL

If you are looking to escape from it all as the winter months descend upon us, then let us recommend Quinta Casa Velha do Palheiro. A beautiful 5-star golf resort with 38 luxurious rooms and a full Spa.

This luxury Madeira Island hotel lies next to the famous Palheiro Gardens, originally created over 200 years ago by the 1st Count of Carvalhal. And, what's more, Madeira remains on the Quarantine Free list for UK travellers!

READ MORE ABOUT CASA VEHLA DO PALHEIRO >>

Course Review of the Month: Southerndown GC, Bridgend, Wales

"Worth the drive..."

"This course is just a short three and a half-hour drive from home.....and was well worth the visit. The views are stunning from the off. Just remember you are sharing the golf course with a lot of sheep, who are probably there for the views too! Up and down with plenty of gorse and bracken to lose balls in, but as long as you stay on the short stuff your game will be fine (pick and place on fairways even in September - sheep poo!) What was not to like. Other than a quick squall, the weather was great, not like the expected Welsh rain. All told, with social distancing, the bar was welcoming and the bacon baguette was superb. If you are in the area and have time, book yourself a game - you'll not be upset!"

John Barber - Hertfordshire (H'cap 15)