The TOGS (current)

Wednesday 28th February

Luckily for Daz the balls came down so that him and I were paired together against the might of the 'French One' and Victor.    This allowed Daz to register three birdies on the front nine and give us a comfortable victory against our bedraggled opponents.

In fairness Le Frenchman played well as did I, but Vic was way off the pace and Daz and I were able to cruise to victory.   I walked home with my pockets bulging and scones aplenty.

By the way; my  dinky copper coloured driver performed beautifully and was never far from the middle of the short grass.   If it's not broke etc.....

Monday 26th February

Le Frenchman and I were joined by Larry the rock star and we played 'chairman'.   It ended in an honourable draw and the only the 'overseas one' received any recompense thanks to a single birdie.

My next game will see a welcome return to my favourite dinky copper coloured driver.   The ball may not be long but it usually flies straight.   Famous last words I fear.

Saturday 24th February
TOGS Week 21

Duncan McCree joined Eddy at the top of the leader board with a winning score today of 37 points, courtesy of a birdie on the 18th.   Duncan is now down to 4 handicap with just 5 weeks left.

Bill Fletcher slips unnoticed into second spot, with Larry Page, on 212 points and is down to 13hcp.   Others who improved their scores today were Daz (+2), Dave Rowntree (+4), Le Frenchman (+3) and David Bavaird (+2) who is now on 200 points.

Only 5 points separate the top nine players and 2 points the top 5, the winner will surely come from this group, won't he?   Ed's lowest score is only 30 points and even though he is playing off a handicap of 3 he could yet squeeze out a couple more points.

As a matter of interest:  

Last year's average score per player was 202 points.   Currently it stands at 205.   I don't know what that tells us but it is a fact.

Friday 23rd February

Quick nine holes with Raff and Le Frenchman in the late afternoon.   Quickest pound I've ever lost.

Wednesday 21st February

Having stood around waiting for people to arrive at the appointed hour I decided to chase up the first and joined in with Gordon Smith, Brian Liddle and big Bob the Irish guy.   We threw the balls up, paired off and played for .....nothing.   Not much incentive there really and when putting it is a case of just going through the motions.

Coming down the 8th I spotted Le Frenchman on the driving range following a 10 day sojourn to his home country.   He had agreed to meet me and others (?) at the 10th so I jumped ship and played the back nine with PH.   Needless to say he relieved me of a coin of the realm.   My game was better for it though.

Monday 19th February

Joe Mole and I lost by one hole to Archie and Raff.   My big beastie is better than it was but still not working how I would like.   I shall persevere a little while longer.

I have just thought of something when typing in Joe's surname.   The band who will be playing at Gig 8 for me are led by a lifeboat man called Kevin Mole so I am now wondering if they are related.   I will find out and let you know.  

Saturday 17th February

Another excellent score from Larry Page (38) puts him just one behind Eddy Stothert who is leading the field with 213 points.  

Today's other movers were Duncan McCree (down to 7hcp) and Bob Whitehead on 35 points, who was only beaten on countback, for runner's up spot) so stays on 1 handicap.   He had left the clubhouse thinking he was now playing off scratch but Willy had a bit of lettuce stuck in his teeth when checking the scores.

Dave Rowntree added another three points to his total and Archie added four.

My playing partners today were Oor Willy, the defending champion, who despite a shaky start came back with 20 points for a creditable 31 total and his partner Archie.   The Cultured Caledonian had the dubious honour of playing with me and although he played very steadily, my miserable performance cost us game, set and match.

Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th February

But for a rusty putter I reckon Vic and I would have beaten Eddy and Raff.   Alas I missed four putts from within four feet and handed the match to our opponents.   That said Eddy only dropped one shot on the back nine.   We lost by 1 hole.

Thursday was, as they say, another day and my wand wafted beautifully as I whopped Raff 6&4 to claim the scone and pot of tea.   The 'big beastie' is gradually getting a little straighter and my new 3 wood is not bad.

Saturday 10th February
TOGS Week 19

No chance.

Monday 5th February

My first game in a week was played with my new club supplier.   I now have a wee beastie to go with my big beastie courtesy of Le Frenchman who appears to have a never ending supply of woods which he is keen to give away.

We shared the honours in a tight game but could not not share the tea nor doughnuts because catering is a no go area on Mondays at TGC.  

Saturday 3rd February
TOGS Week 18

Well done to Dave Rowntree and David Bavaird for scores of 40 and 39 respectively.   They took advantage of the beautiful weather and perfect conditions to post their best scores of the season so far.

Dave Rowntree is cut by 4 shots in what was only his sixth round of the season and the Cultured Caledonian is also cut by 4 shots in accordance with the tariff system.

Larry page added a single point to his total and Rosco edged to within 3 of the leader.

Monday 29th January

Playing with Rosco on a balmy winter afternoon was very pleasant.   My 'new' beastie worked quite well and my game was much improved from the last three or four attempts at hitting the ball onto the short green stuff.  

Al was experimenting with his game too and together we must have looked like a couple of scientists in the lab.  All that was missing was the white coats.   Fortunately we did not get carried off by similarly dressed men. 

Saturday 27th January
TOGS Week 17

Another very tough day for scoring with the course wet underfoot,  a strong wind, bobbly greens and some tough pin positions.   Only the recently returned Dave Rowntree posted a score and that by virtue of only having four on the board so far.

Steve Todd was the only player to hit the 30 points mark and deservedly won the pot with a pretty good score.   The ever consistent Duncan McCree was runner up for the second week in a row and the rest of us toiled in the conditions.

There are quite a few TOGS missing next week for various reasons, me  among them, so if DMC would be so kind as to Email me the scores I will update the site on my return on the Monday 5th.   Duncan will only have read this if he has finished decorating so will someone please ask him on Saturday?   Ta.

Incidentally I have returned the big beastie to the home for wayward drivers and replaced it with a slimmer version which I shall try out tomorrow.

Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd January

Two days of torture with my new driver which seems to have a mind of it's own.   I hadn't realised how straight, relatively speaking of course, that I hit the ball until these past two days of 'anywhere but from the short stuff' golf.

I shall persevere for a little while longer but if no improvement is in sight my dinky bronze driver will be back in the Boggy bag sooner rather than later.

Saturday 20th January
TOGS Week 16

I am not suggesting that it was too windy for golf today but we got a mention on the shipping forecast this morning.  

VIKING NORTH UTSIRE SOUTH UTSIRE FORTIES TYNEMOUTH GOLF COURSE MAINLY WESTERLY VEERING NORTHERLY 7 TO SEVERE GALE 9, OCCASIONALLY STORM 10. VERY ROUGH OR HIGH. RAIN OR SQUALLY SHOWERS. MODERATE OR POOR

Consequently the scores were very low and Archie and Duncan, that well known firm of solicitors, won the pot.

Monday 15th January

I teamed up with an in form Archie and we just pipped Jacques le Frenchman and Dave Rowntree in a very enjoyable fourball.  

The morning was rounded off by Archie producing four cheese scones from a hat that he had baked overnight at Gas Mark 4.   Being the kind sort of bloke that he is he had even buttered the said scones.   No jam though!

Shabby treats like this may not entice that nice Mr Rowntree back in midweek.  

Saturday 13th January
The TOGS Week 15

The course re-opened yesterday following a week of torrential rain and was in surprisingly good nick considering.

Doug Walker, our inaugural champion, scored 36 points in very difficult conditions and is cut 3 shots to 13.    He finished 3 clear of Dave Rowntree playing only his third game with us since his return from Florida in slightly different conditions than he was used to these past 18 months.   Both excellent scores.

Archie posted his sixth score and is now playing catch up with the field.   Meanwhile our leader Eddy Stothert quietly added another point to his total to move 2 clear of Bill Fletcher at the top.

Monday 8th January

Me and Jacques v Archie and Raff went to the last putt on the 18th which Archie holed to square the match.   The crowds will come flooding back if excitement of these proportions is maintained.

Went home thirsty and hungry because there is no catering* on Mondays and Wednesdays at TGC.  

* - 'Sandwiches' made earlier, a la Blue Peter, at the extortionate cost of £1.95 with a compulsory bag of crisps is not my idea of catering.   As for half empty cups of tea from a machine for 55p....forget it!

Saturday 6th January
TOGS Week 14

In perfect scoring conditions no less than 12 players improved their scores in a week when the average was 33 points, which is extremely high considering the much improved handicaps.  

With his best ever TOGS score and the first player to fall victim to the 3 point tariff rule Steve Todd was cut 5 shots to 14hcp as a result of a fantastic 42 points.   Eddy Stothert playing off 5 came in with a magnificent 40 points and is cut to 3hcp.

Dave Archbold with 37 is cut to 9 and Graham Marsh with 36 points is now down to 7.

The league table had a good shake up too and Eddy is now top of the heap with 212 points and a worst score of 29 to knock off.   In joint second place and just one point behind are Bill and Ben, whoops sorry, Bill Fletcher and Tony Sarginson.   Digby will be pleased.

Oor Willy remains on 210 points but now within 2 are Duncan, Rosco and Boggy.   Jacques le Frenchman, Doug Walker and Cap'n Bob all join the '200 club' and The Cultured Caledonian and PK improved their totals also.   Fourteen of the 19 players are now 200+ with Archie and Dave Rowntree yet to complete six scores.

This is building up to a fantastic climax and rumour has it that a couple of TOGS have cancelled holidays in case they miss out.

Thursday 4th January

Archie took the cream cakes by winning 2 up against Jacques Le Frenchman and me in a game of 'chairman'.   It was all very close but it has to be said that the bog man deserved his victory.

Wednesday 3rd January 2007

My first round of golf in this new year will hopefully be my worst.   Playing with Ed, Raff, Jacques and wor Kev I was last by a country mile.   I managed to score the magnificent total of 15 points in my round, 10 of which came in the last five holes.

It is to be hoped that it cannot get any worse.   Yes, I did take the head cover off my driver.

Anyway, there are a lot worse things that can happen than having a bad round of golf I can tell you.   "I was just happy to be there!"

Saturday 30th December
TOGS Week 13

Dave Archbold was cut 2 shots as a result of his victory with the relatively low score of 33 points.   The other TOGS all offered their congratulations and apologies at the presentation ceremony, some were even spotted laughing but I put this down to Christmas spirits.    Steve Todd was second with 31 points and is now down to 19.  

Very difficult scoring conditions, a strong breeze and extremely wet underfoot made the course tough today.

I played with our defending champion and current leader Oor Willy and it is not hard to see why he is sitting at the top, could be a few more points to come yet.   We just pipped Duncan and Larry in what was an enjoyable round of golf.

Wednesday 27th December

Me and Ed against Raff and Jacques le Frenchman climaxed in a 1 hole victory for our opponents.   Very enjoyable.

Ed tells me that his wife Maureen is delighted with her five foot giraffe and has christened her Guinevere.   Aaaah.

Tuesday 26th December
3 Clubs and a Putter

My chosen weapons were a 3 wood, 4 iron, 8 iron and  putter.   A fat lot of good they did me.   Seriously a gross 86 wasn't so bad really saying as my putter wasn't working properly following to many sprouts yesterday.

Saturday 23rd December
TOGS Week 12

We welcomed Dave Rowntree back into the fold following his sojourn to the sunny warm climes of Florida.   Although it was a beautiful mild day in Costa Del Tynemouth it hardly compares with the winter temperatures to be found in the 'panhandle'.   Another major difference is the complete lack of alligators to be fond in North Tyneside.   Welcome back Dave and of course Kim too.

A repeat one-two of week 1 today with Rosco winning and Graham Marsh hanging on to his shirt tails with 36 and 35 points respectively, both players are now off 8 handicap.

A special mention about our Gallic friend, Jacques Le Frenchman.   Playing off a much reduced 5 handicap he came in third with a creditable 34 points.

11 players are in the 200 club with four more closing in fast.   Willy and Billy that well known country band lead the field with 210 points.   Game on.

Wednesday 20th December

Six of us played for the Christmas sweep in two groups if three.   Daz took the money with a creditable 39 points in what may be his last game for a few weeks.   He is having an operation on his dodgy back later this week and we wish him a speedy recovery.

I played in a threeball with Le Fenchman and Ed the giraffe (see my blog for today).   Jacques le Francais took the front, back and match for a comprehensive victory and Ed is joining the RSPCA.

Monday 18th December

Le Frenchman and I were partners against the might of Archie and Rosco in the cold misty conditions.   It all came down to a putt on the 18th and mon ami holed it.   We won 1up.   Whoopee doo.

A new name springs to mind for Le Frenchman as he scripted the outcome from the 15th onwards.   What would happen, who would do what etc on the lines of a Jackanory tale. 

 I give you, Jack the Frenchman.     Jacques to his friends.

Saturday 16th December
TOGS Week 11

With the ground very heavy and a stiff breeze blowing it was always going to be a difficult scoring day and so it proved.    Duncan McCree beat me on countback with 34 points and we are cut to 8 and 9 handicap respectively.

With eight players on 200 points plus, the table is tightening up and Oor Willy and Bill are still three points clear of the rest on 210.    The league is definitely shaping up for a tight finish.

Wednesday 13th December

Away day at Matfen with Ed, Vic and Le French geezer.

Vic and I managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with apparent ease.   3 up with five to play, I had two putts for a half from nowhere and three putted the 14th (Index 1).   In fairness to Le Frenchman and Ed, they did birdie four of the last five holes to win in style on the 18th.

It was blowing a hooley and we were the only four players on the course, nevertheless, "I was just happy to be there!"

Monday 11th December

Raff and I were cruising along at 35,000 feet against Daz and Le Frenchman until the 14th, 15th and 16th when we hit some turbulence.  

Still, it was very enjoyable and we only lost ten shillings thanks to a birdie and the front nine.

Saturday 9th December
TOGS Week 10

Larry Page continued his fine form and won with  35 points, three ahead of the field.   It is Larry's first victory and is pulled 2 shots to 15hcp.   Our cultured Caledonian, David Bavaird beat Daz into  second place on countback and now has three scores in the thirties.

Who mentioned slow play?   Not me, but I could.

Wednesday 6th December

I did play but can't remember much about it.   Me, Vic and Archie I believe.

Monday 4th December
The TOGS League Table

We got there in the end and the table is as it should be.   All scores and handicaps are correct and have been verified with Togmeister Smith of Bude.   Willy has a list of amended scores if anyone would like to see them.

The scores as shown in my  weekly scores page are those that were posted on that day according to the information available at that time.   

Saturday 2nd December
TOGS Week 9

The flag was flying as I left the golf Club today in honour of the restoration of the TOGS Rules as per our AGM of 2005.  

Our winner this week was Alan Higginbottom followed by Le Frenchman and they are now playing off handicaps of 4 and 5 respectively.  Anyone looking for a full list of the weekly scores should use this link, which is also posted below the League Table.

As well as our TOGS league game there was a club fourball better ball competition being played.   I partnered Daz but we were woeful.   I am pleased to tell you that le Frenchman and Larry Page are sitting sweating in the clubhouse with a score of 41 points.   Come on ye TOGS!

Wednesday 29th November

Playing 'chairman' with Le Frenchman and Vic Hillier I got off to the perfect start with a birdie birdie start to claim the chair and go one up.   Sadly the chair did not suit my posture and I resorted to the bean bag as Le Frenchman took control and won comfortably 3 -1 - 0.

Monday 27th November

Saturday 25th November
TOGS Week 8

 I was privileged to be playing alongside Doug Walker, who will not mind me saying is 70 years old.    The par three third hole into a breeze is never easy but Doug needed only one shot today.   His shot with a utility club sailed arrow like pinwards but was obscured from our vision by a tree.   We arrived at the verdant virgin putting surface and checked the hole (as you do).   There it was, snuggled in the cup waiting for it's master.

Fantastic shot Doug.   It is Doug's third hole in one and was the first that I had witnessed.   Great stuff.  

My other playing partners were Tony Sarginson who played excellent golf to score 39 points and somehow is only chopped by 1 shot?? and Le Frenchman who is not only working on ways to perfect the perfect truffle but also his swing.   I have faith that one of them will be ready for next season.

Today's result  demonstrates the folly of making and changing rules on the hoof.   Tony Sarginson came second with a score of 39 points and is only docked 1 shot according to this new rule.  

To illustrate the idiocy of this rule, any player today who scored 37 or 38 points would have been docked  the same 1 shot as Tony who also won the 2nd place money.   Also, see Week 2.   Now tell me it is not a stupid rule.

Remember the Corn Laws or the Poll Tax as introduced by Maggie and sensible Keith Joseph or The Dangerous Dogs Act?   How about BA's no wearing of jewellery?    

Two midweek games with a win, Vic and I beat Daz and Eddy and a loss.   In a game of chairman Daz beat Le Frenchman and I by 3, which is fairly comprehensive.   Sorry for the brevity but loads of other stuff on this and other websites I look after need my tender loving care.

Saturday 18th November
TOGS Week 7

16 out of the 18 TOGS played on the day that Oor Willy resumed his lofty perch at the top of the table as he attempts to become the first person to defend the title.  

There are already five players over 200, a result of the 36 point no reduction in handicap rule, and it is only week 7 and half of the field have yet to record 6 scores.  

Top man today was Bill Fletcher with 39 points (24 points on the front nine) and he jumps into second place as a result but is chopped from 18 to 15hcp.   Paul Keenan was placed second on countback and suffers his first handicap reduction.   Meanwhile Larry posted another excellent score of 35 and remains below the radar sitting in third place.

The other remarkable fact today was that Willy, Daz and Rosco were playing together at the back of the field in what is a random draw.  A mathematician would have trouble working out the odds on this happening with such regularity.

Wednesday 15th November

Le Frenchman and I against Daz and Raff was a humdinger to the very last putt on the 18th, which I missed from four feet.    This would have given us a 1up victory.

No matter, it was a good game and both Daz and I bagged two birdies as the lead changed from 2 down to 1 up in our favour going down the last.   I hope this means I have got some sort of form returning before Saturday's medal.

Sunday 12th November

Unexpected game with Le Fench bloke and Duncan which as always was most enjoyable.   I was hopeless but the other two scrapped for a half which was good (for me).

Saturday 11th November
TOGS Week 6

Gale force winds and rain made conditions very difficult.   Bob Whitehead's 35 points and the 34 recorded by Willy, playing off 6hcp, are very commendable.  

Our two rock stars Paul Keenan and Larry Page also scored 34 points but a glance at the table shows that they are still playing off full handicaps so although very good scores they are not in the same league as our two leaders today.

Willy is making a magnificent defence of his title and already has the best scores in columns 1, 2 & 3 which is looking ominous.  

Larry has made the perfect start to the season with six scores in the 33 - 35 range without having his handicap reduced and leads the way after Week 6 with 204 points.

Game on!

Wednesday 8th November

This morning I was fortunate enough to be partnering Eddy Stothert against Le Frenchman and John Raffle.   I say fortunate because 'steady Eddy' was magnificent.   He notched four birdies and hardly dropped a shot and if he did I scrambled a half.     We won the front, the back, the match and the teacakes.

We would have won the teacakes but it is now classed as winter and therefore there is no catering available at Tynemouth Golf Club on a Wednesday.   Ridiculous or what?    I daresay Bettie Turpin is still making her hot pots at The Rovers Return (is she still in it I wonder?)

Saturday 4th November
TOGS Week 5

Well done Daz, Bill Fletcher and Tony Sarginson.

Wednesday 1st November

It's nice to start the month with a victory, which is exactly what I did against Vic, Le Frenchman, Eddy and Raff this bitterly cold November morn.   I could only muster 16 points on the front but once the blood started circulating came back in 21 to win with 37 points.

We teed off at 10am and were sipping tea in the clubhouse at 1.10pm.   This being the major reason for us starting at this time as opposed to noon(ish) during the winter.    Unfortunately it means the end of the WAGS, but there are plenty of other claimants to this acronym just now.   Wives and Girlfriends of any team in the news seems to be the order of the day.

We should call ourselves the 'Tags' =  10am Golf Squad.  

Golf in October '06