Sunday 28th June 2008

Saturday is traditionally ‘arrivals’ day on Tour with most players travelling up for the extra night and, with a bit of luck, getting in 18 holes of practice on the way weather permitting. The hardy 12 who turned up at Flamborough Head for a 2pm tee time on Saturday afternoon were met with wonderful sunny weather but with a 50 mph wind blowing across a course where the number of trees was less than the points gained by Derby County during their (lone) Premier League campaign. Everyone eventually joined up at The Esplanade Hotel in Scarborough which was billed as combining “modern comfort with traditional elegance” ( albeit in need of a lick of paint here and there, but we musn’t be too ‘picky’ ). Those who had arrived early went off in search of the town’s hot spots ( or in John Mansell’s case, ‘flesh’ pots ) but with the hotel built on a steep hill just outside the town centre it proved to be a bit of a mountaineering exercise, especially on the way back ( maybe being alcohol ‘fuelled’ had something to do with it ! ). One member of the Society made the comment that he thought Blackpool was bad enough but Scarborough had taken it to a new level ! Back at the Hotel we discovered the slowest barman in history but, with the Hotel’s bar open until well into the early hours bets were eventually being staked on the outcome of the Euro 2008 final being played the following day. Alan Tolley, the Society’s ‘honorary’ germanophile, clearly under the influence of alcohol, and in the company of one or two hard nosed gamblers such as Marcho and the Weston ‘gang’, rather rashly staked £25 on the Germans toppling the Spanish side who had become firm favourites for the title after playing the best football of the tournament. It proved to be a costly error of judgement in Herr Tolley’s case as you will discover by reading on …

Sunday 29th June 2008 - morning
Filey Golf Club
8 x greensomes matches (over 13 holes)
1 x singles match (over 13 holes)

After glorious sunshine yesterday we woke to find heavy clouds overhead and the distinct prospect of rain at some stage during the day ( for once, the forecasters were proved right as you will see ). It was also at least 10 degrees cooler than the previous day so waterproofs and even woolly hats were the order of the day for some although Secretary Steve Lloyd and the ‘experienced’ ( well, geriatric isn’t really a nice word is it ) Bill Hancock insisting on wearing shorts – unbelieveable !

Captain’s Green team 4           Challenger’s Blue team 5

Sunday 29th June 2008 - afternoon
Filey Golf Club
9 x fourball-betterball matches (over 18 holes)

Captain’s Green team 7.5           Challenger’s Blue team 10.5

A good first day for the Challengers ! The morning session played in dull, overcast conditions but the afternoon saw the heavens open as predicted and for a good hour and a half everyone got soaked, so plenty of drying out to do in more ways than one when we got back to the Hotel. Over dinner at night in the Hotel we had the pleasure of witnessing one of the ugliest, most unhelpful waitresses ever ( although John Mansell wouldn’t have said ‘no’ to a night of passion ). It was also a bit of a shock to see Tim Thacker dipping into Adam Thompson’s pot a face cream, allegedly to ‘relieve’ his wind-dried face – especially after the years of abuse handed out by Tim to Adam ( the Society’s version of the ‘Avon’ lady ! ).At least 3 members of the Society had a more than passing interest in the outcome of the Spain v Germany match later on in the evening and one member in particular had to cough up a sizeable chunk of Euros the following day. Meanwhile, true to form John Mansell was last seen on the South Beach sands in a rather uncompromising position with what appeared to be a member of the opposite sex – but you never know with John as he tends not to be too fussy about such things.

Gordon on the pull(again)	A superb evening after all the rain	View of The Grand Hotel	The Esplanade had seen better days though	The beautiful view from the hotel bar terrace
Although Marcho's feet spoiled the landscape somewhat	Caption competition: 1) How short was that putt you missed? 2) Just seen Martyn in the Shower?	One for the ladies	Andy was advertising his services - even Mansell declined!

Captain’s Green team 10           Challenger’s Blue team 17

Monday 30th June 2008 - afternoon
Ganton Golf Club
9 x fourball-betterball matches (over 18 holes)

Jeff Thacker & Gordon Galloway	beat	Adam Thompson & Dave Grubb	3/2
With Jeff last out in the morning it was a bit of a surprise to see him named in the first match for the afternoon which clearly meant a rushed lunch and when he failed to make it to the tee for the 2pm time slot the blue pair would have been within their rights to claim the match and, in hindsight they probably regret not doing so as the Captain’s team raced into a 3 up lead at the turn and with Jeff draining a monster putt at the 13th to win the hole it proved to be decisive. When Grubby managed to find the beach off the tee on 16 for the second time in the day, Adam promptly lost his ball in the trees and it was all over.
Bobby Ho & Brian Hornby	beat	Les Poultney & Tom Harris	1up
Les continued his 100% (losing) record on this year’s tour. The green pair were 4 down after 4 and were always up against it. Good play from Les at least kept them in with a chance and although Tom managed to win the nearest the pin prize at the 10th he admits he didn’t contribute anything else and expressed the view that Ganton has some of the most spectacular rough he’d ever seen and which he hopes never to see again ! The Captain’s team reduced the deficit to one by the 15th but some fine play from Brian at the last sealed the match.
Andy Smith & Ian Talboys	beat	Karl Hughes & Nick Harris	2/1
The length of Andy and Ian eventually ground down Karl ( even if he does only hit it as far as a girl )and with Nick struggling to keep his ball on the fairway for most of the round it proved to be a comfortable win despite the close scoreline.
John Shaw & Jamie Moore	beat	Mike Fox & Tim Thacker	2/1
This was a bit of a grudge match after John had already beaten both of his opponents already on this year’s tour. There was never more than one shot in it for much of the time and the match was still all square by the 12th. The blue pair then found themselves I down after both losing a ball at the 13th and at the next Jamie hit his tee shot into the gorse with the green pair having hit the fairway. John gambled and managed to drive the green, two putting for a winning birdie. Jamie followed that by sinking a long putt from the front of the 15th to put the Challengers 1 up and another fine putt from Jamie at the 17th was enough to win the match.
Howard Holliday & David Jones	beat	Darren Weston & Paul Weston	5/4
Howard was in great form and won this game virtually on his own. David says it was a pleasure to play with Howard on that form – he even handed out a few tips on the way - the ‘winning’ putt came from DJ himself at the 14th.
Steve Lloyd & Neil Smith	beat	Graham Bilsland & Adrian Marchant	4/3
After Adrian had found the gorse and Graham had yet again found “Bilsland’s Bunker’ from the tee the blue pair found themselves 1 up after the first. They advanced to 3 up after 4 but at the short 5th with Neil short left and Steve in a greenside bunker the green pair must have fancies their chances when Graham’s tee shot landed 20 feet away. Neil then rolled in a superb 50 footer from off the green for a birdie 2 and the Challengers were 4 up and by the 8th the Captain’s side were 5 down. Marcho then played the next 3 holes in 1 under par to win all 2 and reduce the deficit to 2 down. At this point Neil wished he had brought his brown trousers because he and Steve had earlier thrown away a 4 up lead at Filey in the opening greensomes matches. He needn’t have worried though as 3 straight pars from Steve were good enough to win 3 in a row and at ‘dormie’ 5 the match was all but secured in the Challengers favour.
Shaun Mullaney & Martyn Dodwell	beat	James Shipman & John Mansell	4/3
No report received for this match
John Bayliss & Barry Whitmore	beat	Alan Tolley & Paul Herrmann	2up
One of those which got away as far as the green pair were concerned. After a steady start Alan and Paul took the lead at the short 5th and found themselves 3 up with 6 to play but after an altercation with the match in front over slow play issues the green pair started to wilt as Barry suddenly found a bit of form and the Challengers were only 1 down with 2 to go. John Bayliss then hit the shot of his life at the 239 yard par 3 17th to 15 feet and sunk the putt for a birdie 2 to bring the match back to all square. With all 4 players having trouble from the tee at the last the end turned out to be a scrappy one but it was Barry who kept his nerve to win the hole with a 6 and another point for the Challengers.
Brian Keates & Graeme Black	beat	Bill Hancock & Gordon Sullivan	3/2
No report received for this match

Captain’s Green team 15           Challenger’s Blue team 21

The Challengers increased their lead on a tough day ; everyone finding Ganton an extremely demanding golf course but one we would love to return to at some stage. The only downside was the time it took for everyone to get round, despite the advice given beforehand about being aware of slow play and the demands of the course itself. An issue the Society will address before next year’s Tour no doubt. In the evening back at the Hotel the drinks flowed freely especially for Marcho and Darren Weston who both found themselves richer thanks to an over confident german in the camp ! Oh, and John Mansell was seen chatting up a 90- year old waitress over dinner ( she turned him down ). That said, is there no end to this man’s appetite for anything in a skirt ?

Arriving at the superb Ganton Golf Club	The Caddiemaster explaining where not to go	Grubby ignored his advice though	It didn't get much better for Dave	More views of Ganron
More views of Ganton	More views of Ganton	Neil was having trouble with some of the bunkers	So was James	View from the 4th tee
Another view from the 4th tee	Foxy in hot pursuit of a hedgehog	With shoes like that, we're surprised Thommo didn't utilise Smithy's services last night	CLICK TO VIEW THIS VIDEO Mansell show's his deft touch from one of Ganton's Many traps	Most people nick a towel but Jamie and Marcho were far more ambitious and had an 'L' of a time

Tuesday 1st July 2008
Fulford Golf Club
18 x singles matches (over 18 holes)

Plenty of work to do for the captain’s team if they are to turn round a 6 shot deficit but, with 18 matches to be played anything was possible. Another gloriously sunny day and yet another top quality championship course which has hosted several European Tour events in the past, including the Benson and Hedges International tournament noted for Peter Baker’s eagle-eagle finish for his first tour win and also for Bernhard Langer’s famous ‘tree’ shot at the 17^th. The course was in immaculate condition and everything set for a thrilling and, hopefully, close contest between the two teams.

Mike Fox	beat	Bobby Ho	2/1
The 2 Captains were paired together in the opening singles match and with a huge deficit to overturn Foxy got the ‘greens’ off to the best possible start beating close rival Bobby at the 17th.
Howard Holliday	beat	Steve Lloyd	3/2
With no shots for either side it promised to be a tight encounter but it didn’t work out that way. Early on Steve was a little wayward off the tee and against a player of Howard’s quality that’s the last thing he wanted. Howard found himself 3 up after 5 with Steve fearing a thrashing but par golf from the Society secretary reduced the deficit to 1. It stayed that way until the short par 4 12th with Steve safely on the green in two and Howard, after a wayward tee shot still short in 2. Howard then hit a superb chip and duly holed the putt for a half. With Steve’s mind ‘scrambled’ after failing to keep hold of the match score at the previous hole he then topped his tee shot into the gorse at the 13th and Howard took control to win 2 of the next 3 holes to gain a hard earned point for his side.
John Bayliss	beat	Gordon Galloway	2/1
Gordon had the better of the front 9 despite being ‘knackered’ looking for Tally and Mansell’s balls. John fought back after the turn however, and managed to close out the match with a par 4 at the tricky 17th.
John Mansell	beat	Ian Talboys	4/3
No report received for this match
Tim Thacker	half	Adam Thompson	A/S
This must have been like a Sunday morning at Uttoxeter for Tim and Adam apart from Tim getting his usual number of shots ! Neither played particularly well though and the front nine was a tight affair with only one hole in it. On the back 9 Tim put a good run together helped by the return of Adam’s 3-wood slice and he went dormie 3 up. Determined not to give Tim bragging rights Adam somehow managed to win the last 3 holes and square the match. Overall, probably a fair result.
Neil Smith	beat	Les Poultney	2/1
A match which swung one way then the other, with Les pushing Neil all the way but in the end a 100% (losing) record on this year’s tour isn’t something Les is going to be particularly proud about.
James Shipman	beat	Brian Keates	3/1
No report received for this match
Martyn Dodwell	beat	Darren Weston	2/1
No report received for this match
Paul Weston	beat	Alan Tolley	2/1
Yet another meeting between these two, who must have been sick of the sight of each other. Apart from a thrashing for Alan at Minehead on the 2004 Tour, games between Paul and Alan have been generally close and this one was no exception. Paul got off to a great start winning the first but Alan scrambled a half at the 2nd before drawing level at the 3rd. Alan then won the 4th and 5th to go 2 up and should have at least halved the 6th but forgot that he had an extra shot, it being a par 5, and picked up his ball when he had a 5 footer for the half. Paul won the 7th and 9th to go 1 up at the turn and, after Alan unluckily found an impossible lie in a greenside bunker at the 13th Paul took full advantage to go 2 up. Alan reduced the deficit at the 16th with a fighting par 4 but threw away a chance of a comeback by duffing his 2nd at the 17th into the ditch fronting the green and Paul could breathe a sigh of relief at not having to play the 18th to ensure the win.
Graham Bilsland	half	Bill Hancock	A/S
This proved to be a tale of two halves for Graham. Over the first 9 he certainly wasn’t at his best and found himself 2 down at the turn. Over the back 9 though he played level par golf and was all set to win going dormie 2 at the 16th but Bill birdied the 17th and Graham uncharacteristically fluffed a chip from just off the green into a bunker at the last to hand Bill a half point.
Karl Hughes	beat	Tom Harris	5/4
Tom hit his tee shot at the 1st at least 100 yds out of bounds and, in his own words, “it was all downhill from there !”.
Nick Harris	beat	Andy Smith	7/5
Having played against each other the previous day this was a complete reversal in fortunes with Andy largely failing to keep his ball in play and Nick managing his way around the course with some intelligent play, hitting irons off the tee for most of the round. Andy did manage to win the 1st but Nick then won 7 of the next 11 holes for a very easy victory. Another tour and yet another failure by Andy to perform on the last day – if only he could swap roles with the singles ‘king’, Gordon Sullivan ?
Jamie Moore	beat	Paul Herrmann	7/6
Paul’s record now reads 15 games played, lost 13 ! No wonder he reckons he should have stayed in Scarborough and enjoyed the sunshine! His game deserted him completely over the first 12 holes and Jamie found himself in an unassailable position with 6 holes still to go. With the pressure off, Paul’s game magically returned and he managed to make a few pars on the way in. Paul, you will win in 2009, you will trust me !!!
Barry Whitmore	beat	Shaun Mullaney	5/4
No report received for this match
Gordon Sullivan	beat	Graeme Black	4/3
No report received for this match
Brian Hornby	beat	David Jones	2up
A match between two tour ‘virgins’ with Brian starting poorly and David finding himself 3 up after 10. The match was back to all square with 4 holes left to play and both players then did their best to hand the match to their opponent over the closing holes. In the end it was Brian who came out on top to secure a 100% winning record on his very first tour.
Dave Grubb	beat	Adrian Marchant	3/1
No report received for this match
Jeff Thacker	beat	John Shaw	3/2
This was ‘Thacker’s revenge!’. Jeff played well, kept his ball in play and cleverly used his shots when needed leaving little scope for John to get gain much of an advantage. Jeff did go 1 down after 3 but with John 3 putting 3 of the next 4 holes he found himself 4 down at the turn. A nearest the pin at the 10th reduced the arrears temporarily but Jeff continued to play steadily and eventually closed out the match on the 16th for a fine win.

Captain’s Green team 20           Challenger’s Blue team 34

Last year Mike Fox captained the Challengers side which lost heavily 19pts to 32pts in what was a real ‘drubbing’. This year, with Foxy at the helm of the Captain’s side and with a further year’s experience under his belt it has to be said this was a drubbing of monumental proportions for the Captain’s side losing  7 of the last 8 singles matches to hand the overall victory to Bobby Ho and his mighty Challengers team. Just as he did last year, Foxy took it all in good spirits and, although he must have been disappointed to have lost twice in succession he remained upbeat and really  enjoyed the competition.

Thanks to everyone who took part, including Tour ‘virgins’ Brian Hornby, Shaun Mullaney and David Jones. A special thanks to Steve Lloyd for putting the whole thing together and without whom we wouldn’t have been on Tour in the first place. Congratulations to the winning Captain Bobby Ho who was ably assisted by Paul Weston ( even though he must have been sick of the sight of Alan Tolley at the end ). Well done to Foxy and his assistant, Ian Talboys for keeping it all together ( rare for Tally, you must admit ) as the Green Team were on the end of a right old thrashing. We all look forward now to 2009 and South Wales for the next Tour.

Oh, and we hear that Tim has actually gone out since and purchased his very own pot of Nivea!

Strict rules at Fulford, pity they aren't as meticulous with their punctuation	A beautiful sunny day at Fulford	Neil looks over the moon to be playing such a great golf course	Go on ladies - you've got to choose one	You thought the previous choice was a difficult one!
Langer's tree at the 17th	The 17th green at Fulford	Foxy's doing something that catches Wezzy's attention	CLICK TO VIEW THIS VIDEO What has Foxy been doing during the three nights away from his wife to have his wrist stiffen up so much?	Gordon explaining the rules again
Perhaps he should explain that haircut!	The final meal of a great tour	The final meal of a great tour	The challenger triumphs	I did it my way!

This report was put together by Alan Tolley with the assistance of contributions from John Shaw, Adam Thompson, Steve Lloyd, Tom Harris, Paul Herrman, Gordon Galloway, David Jones, Les Poultney, Andy Smith, Bill Hancock and Mike Fox. Thanks also to Gordon Galloway and James Shipman for providing the photos.