Hi everyone,
Chris Wood was the last man into this week's U.S Open after remaining in 60th position in the World Rankings at the end of play last Sunday evening. He had already caught a flight to Wisconsin in the hope of teeing it up this Thursday and by the time he had landed, he was officially playing in the second major of the year. The host Erin Hills, could suit Chris as many players have indicated plenty of room off the tee shots, plenty of wind and perfect putting surfaces. Apparently they closed the course last autumn to prepare the course especially for this event. I'm sure it will be a treat to play and Chris armed with a new caddy, will be invigorated and I fancy a good outside bet.
Considering the amount of strong wind we have had at the club recently, there were some brilliant scores again at the weekend in the Reid Quaiche. New member Nick Wilson, was the winner of Division one in last week's June Medal, played yet another cracking round of golf shooting a gross 81, nett 66 to win the Quaiche! Well done to Nick, who will no doubt get his handicap majorly chopped this Summer and that's before the annual handicap review!
On Saturday, 7 July at 11am, I am running a Blind Golf Session on the driving range and putting green on behalf of the Royal National Institute of Blind People. If anyone is available to volunteer to help during the session, it would be greatly appreciated. I am expecting between a handful and a dozen blind children between the age of seven and sixteen who regularly try new experiences and this weekend it's time to try golf. The session will run until 12.30 noon and the children will be with one to one careers but may just need some basic tuition and guidance.
Thank you so much for your golf club donations for the juniors and beginners, already they have come into good use and on Sunday we had a great session with the youngsters on the academy course. Cameron helped me to design the six hole layout on the practice ground behind the first hole and we used our GolfParc apparatus to distinguish bunkers, water hazards, rough and trees. The final hole was an absolute cracker, playing just 115 yards but with a large water hazard protecting the front and left hand side of the green.
Paul Reed
Many of you will remember Paul Reed who became a Bristol & Clifton Junior member in the mid nineties who managed to reduced his handicap to scratch. Paul then went to America for four years to study on a golf scholarship and during that period he managed to become the Gloucestershire County Champion. At the completion of his degree studies, he turned professional and played for ten years competing at a high level.
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Here are just a few highlights of his professional achievements:
Europro Victories - Audi Cork Irish Masters 2011 and Ulster Bank Open 2012.
Runner up at Brooks Bros Classic 2009 and Eagle Orchid Scottish Masters 2015.
Ten top four finishes on Europro tour.
Seventh on Europro Order of Merit 2011 and 2012.
Joint course record holder at Mar Menor resort, 63 (-9) in Europro Tour Champs, 2011.
Paul just wanted to message you all to thank you for the members support over the years; "I'm very proud to have represented the club for 25 years both as amateur & professional. In particular, I would like to thank Peter Mawson, Paul Mitchell & Simon Hurley, all of whom have coached me during my golfing life. Time for me now to move on, I have applied to the R&A for a return to amateur status which will be granted for me in Sept 2018. I aim to rejoin and represent the club again in 2019."
Paul is currently studying towards AAT accounting qualification along with working office temp roles to gain experience.
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Thanks Paul.
It will be great to see Paul back playing for the club in the future.
B&C lost at the Kendleshire in this Gloucester Union foursomes knockout competition by 3 1/2 to 1 1/2 on Thursday, 8 June. We were able to present a strong team for this fixture and lost narrowly, the overall result being decided by a few putts. The match was played in windy conditions from the back tees, presenting a stern challenge. Thanks to everyone who took part. Winners for our team were Joe Shackell and Martin Jennings, whilst Ian Roberts and Brendan Blair halved their match.
Brendan.
Have a great week everyone,
Paul, Caren, Nick and Andy.
