Whose is this year’s Grand Prix?
With the course resembling the Circuit de Catalonia 32 players made it down to trackside on Monday for the start of this year’s Individual Match play Championship. After today’s time checks only 16 would be left on Wednesday’s starting grid. In pole position Lyndsay Forbes was overtaken on the final lap by rookie George Hogg whilst I hit an oil slick and went out to Pat Cassidy 5&3.
Mark Western finally saw off Joyce McClusky on their 20th hole. Team Murray (Graham and Petina) both made it through their respective matches and will face each other in the next qualifier. Alas Team Robertson (Ken and Liz) were not the ‘Flying Scots’ on the day and both spun off the course.
Yvonne Phipps encountered engine trouble (literally) as she went out to Nigel Price 4&3 whilst Benedicte Kruse was caught in John Shervell’s slip stream and also crashed out 4&3. Paul Brown’s handling of this year’s hot tip Andy Martin on the final hole brought the crowed to their feet.
With the chequered flag getting ever closer John Drakesmith turned on the turbo charger to see off Ron Phipps 6&5 on Wednesday. Not to be out maneuvered Mike Brentnall also won 6&5, this time over Nigel Price.
Mark Western will be hoping to stand on top of the winner’s podium for the second year in a row having beaten George Hogg 4&2. It took Paul Brown 20 laps before saying goodbye to Nora Betts and Graham Murray took the bold (if not unwise) decision to pass wife Petina on the last.
Those no longer racing in the Singles played a Stableford and a special mention goes to Andy Martin. Playing off a handicap of 4 he racked up 42 points! (That’s 2 under par, gross).
Mark Western had obviously been on the Red Bull on Friday as he kept Graham Murray in the rear view mirror and won 6&5. John Dobson lost to John Drakesmith on the 20th lap whilst Paul Brown continued his winning streak over Team Martin this time beating Andrea 4&3.
Mike Brentnall un- expectantly hit the crash barriers after Ellen Drakesmith knocked him out 3&2.
Pues hasta la semana que viene
Peter Reffell
