2015 Major 2 Chart Hills GC
“The Original Dan Dada" Mike Woodstock!
As we entered into the month of May, - the time finally arrived for the ACGA's season proper to take place... none of this (open to all and sundry, if you've won a major in the last 84 years) Champion of Champions malarkey.... none of this (oh yes, the easy peasy, playing one round a day lightweight major), weekender type... this is the type of event that sorts out the wood, oops, weed from the Chaff.... this is the Friday special, that the ACGA is renowned for, 36 holes requiring strength, fortitude, deep concentration, focus... and of course... a proper “PROPER” golf game... Who would prevail - no one could have foretold, prior to us going down to deepest darkest Kent....
Chart Hills, down in the depths of rural Kent, beyond the historical Leeds Castle, in the Town of Biddenden, near Ashford, is a relatively new course, barely over 20 years old and one of the icons for Nick Faldo's course design prowess... and his first in Europe... and clearly, he LOVED a bunker or two (thousand)... in fact, on reflection, keeping a charity tab on number of bunkers entered may have increased the monies for the Captains Charity - but never fear, ACGA'ites would surely assist this on the 2nd eighteen holes.
One could tell that it was a typical Friday Major, during the week preceding the actual major - various ACGA reconnaissance parties made several sojourns to view the 18 holes of bunkers and waters that surround this England Top 100 hundred course, that would be their challenge... indeed the Starters and Pro Shop were more than happy to inform others that their colleagues/competition had been frequenting the course numerous times prior to the Major day, with some making more than one visit... it is indeed, the 2nd major, but 1st major proper..... Normal ACGA service has resumed.
The Committee had prepared everyone in advance, with warning about journey times (for some 90 mins from M25), the expectations of increased standards, and particularly the introduction of scoring and time marshal’s - with groups designed to encourage pace of play, whilst not detrimenting from individual's golf games... However, what should be said that at this stage, was that there was a significant adherence to the Committees desire to improve the timing and impact of slow play, and that most if not all groups improved the typical time that had been associated with the ACGA - this was a giant step for (ACGA) mankind, and long may this continue.... With the reputation of the ACGA being enhanced with this good and positive management of time.... An urban myth had been addressed and hopefully conquered.... So well done to all!
So... Onto the matter in hand.... And with some 24 golfers winding their way through the kent country side, with many previously basking in the lovely May seasonal weather, there was a shock In hand as they got to Chart hills itself. The temperature had dropped by some ten degrees from the week before, the wind increased to what appeared like tsunami proportions at times, and many a woolly hat re-emerged from the bottom if those ACGA cart bags, and were most needed.
The course was in good condition with sand and water aplenty.... From standing on the first hole, the sand came Into play for virtually every group.... All that was missing was flip flops and the sea.... However, the groups prevailed and some tidy golf was played in the opening nine holes... But the difficulty had to be noted as only four individuals managed to get scores in the 30s.. (Raf Roberts, Steve Garner, Skipper Keith Murray and our half way leader Mike Woody Woodstock). With the average score being around 25 points, those in the 30 were In Good stead.
Master scoreboard was in effect, as was a very quick turnaround for the ploughman's luncheon, meaning that both leaders and trailers were spared the traditional mid-way ignominy and glory of others knowing their scores.... This will have been idyllic for some as their embarrassment was put on hold, but also enabled some to "keep their powder dry" and their game on point..... One to be reviewed, I'm sure..... (When one gets 23 points after 18 holes, it's great and enlightening to know that you are no way near bottom of the pack #justsaying - Ed)
The back nine started quickly but with a little more course knowledge and adaptation to conditions, in the main scores increased, with some putting in string scores to jump back in the running...... although others dropped right back.... Deciding that ending the 2nd round as teenagers and reducing the average score would be a sporting and team orientated thing to do (whilst tempted to name names.... Having been there umpteen times last year... I'm going to "hold it down") :-)
And so to the business end of our first Friday major..... To be in the running at all.... Clearly that 30 point barrier was going to be necessary and there was some stirring golf and resplendent efforts, particularly by our top 5..... the only ones to get across the 60 point barrier.
In 5th place, with a collective score of 60 points, was Roger Goddard, with a strong 35 points on the 2nd 18 holes. In 4th place, with scores of 34/29 was Raf Roberts, who missed on 3rd by a point to Steve Grner (34/30)..... However Steve's consistent two scores in the 30s were pipped for 2nd place, by the strong powerful surge of one of the returning prodigal sons. Phil Nugent's strong second 18 score of a fantastic 37 points, to go with his morning score of 27 meant that his 2nd place, and first placing in years, was secured on count back!
This left the path clear for our current secretary ACGA organiser and now, after some years in the wilderness.... A major winner again.... Mike Woodstock's morning round of 37 points was strong and solid. And was backed up with what must have been a self-induced pressurised 29, to claim major glory with 66 points, but a strong a great efforts on the day. To give some context, on the second 18 holes, the average number of blobs was nearly 4 per person, which augers well for our captains charity.
Chart Hills was a classic course with some real, challenging holes, but not overly penal if you kept it straight. The club house, service and welcome was wholly positive and it was good to see the ACGA standards in a good place before many swanned off onto sunnier climes.
And in their wake.... They will take hats odd to our major winner, acknowledging Woody pecker-ing up indeed.... well done Mister Secretary.
A deserved victory!!