Results from the 3 club challenge competition 2012
On a glorious, late August evening, 25 FROGS gathered for the 3-club challenge. Among the 25 there were 4 guests – Mark Phillips, John Trinder, Karsten Kristensen and Andrew King.
Praise was given for the excellent condition of the course but dissenting voices were not impressed by the trueness and quality of the greens. Loyal members of the GD replied that the dissenters simply could not putt to save their lives.
As many would argue, the 3-club challenge reveals who the real golfers are and this year was no different with high scores being delivered by many (the SSR was 15) and only two managing less than 10 points.
The winner on 18 points, after a count back, was Richard Neale, the first time for Richard to reach the lofty heights of a FROGS podium. Second was Stuart Rowlands on 18 points after a very close count back. And third was Peter Baxter with 17. With a wisely chosen 5 wood, Ian Doherty claimed the Longest Drive. Karsten Kristensen, won Nearest to the Pin. John Trindner won the best guest with 17 points.
The battle for the pink ball was vicious with everything coming down to the final hole. With a 2 point advantage, Johnny Hill was confident that he would be walking away empty-handed but Andreoni Pantaleoni had other ideas. Two carefully struck 4 irons left him just off the green and he sealed his par with two fine putts (who said he could not putt to save his life!). Despite his commendable bogey, Johnny Hill was the happy winner of the pink delight! His dilemma now is: does he have to play with it in the final round of the CITCO Grand Prix as some kind members have suggested. You could equally ask what is he doing at the top of the leader board after his performance in the 3-club challenge. No, it is all fully deserved and we wish him well with whatever ball he decides to use!
Many thanks to Ayzo for carrying out the starter duties with calm authority, which included telling everyone that Nearest to the pin was on the 8th – a par four – nobody managed to hit the green in one. By the way, he has happily and generously agreed to invite us all to his Stag Party and, if we behave appropriately, we may even be invited to the wedding! Dates of both will be communicated shortly.
Don’t forget two important dates, which should already be in your diaries: the final round of the CITCO Grand Prix is on Thursday 30th August at GD with Mark Gillies as our starter followed by the event we all eagerly await each year, the Ryder Cup on Saturday 1st September at Kikuoka. After years of miserable failure, we are looking for the miracle. If you can play and haven’t already contacted Johnny Hill, then please do so rapidly.
