Well I must admit I am still a little lost for words after what happened here last Friday and so other than a couple of bits my newsletter this week is dedicated to the Hornsea 150. What Joe Palmer and Leigh Gawley achieved was truly amazing and it was just a fantastic day at the club all round.

It was a year ago that they and Chris Wilson played 100 holes in a day and I thought that was crazy. Shortly after Joe and Leigh decided that they wanted another challenge for 2016. All sorts of ideas were talked about but in the end when they told me they were going to play "150 holes" in a day walking, I really did think they were crazy. No way could they do it. 8 rounds, all in roughly 2 hours, and then 6 more holes. Well as the months went by and a charity to support was picked I was quite surprised that they hadn't really started doing any training at all. The date was getting ever closer and with about 2 months to go at last they started to get a few rounds under their belts by teeing off late some evenings and playing 36 holes in less than 4 hours. Now that was great until you start to work out that you need to keep up that pace for 8 rounds and 6 holes!! Could it be done? Surely not…….

Joe in the week leading up to the big day had sorted caddies for each round and a timetable with an estimated start and finish time for each round. I still thought they were crazy!! Joe and Leigh both came up on Thursday evening and set everything up, banners etc. I had a quick chat with Joe and when he told me he was just going to Whiteheads for fish and chips for his tea I did wonder if this was the correct food for fuelling his body for what the two of them were about to embark on.

The day had arrived and I was at the club to meet them and caddy for the first 18 holes. It was 3.40am and still quite dark. The two intrepid golfers arrived again both looking quite unprepared for what they were about embark on and other than a couple of pairs of shoes and a cool box they really didn't have much more with them. Joe was more concerned about the fact he had forgotten his phone charger!! Well it was still quite dark as both Leigh and Joe teed off and we really had no idea where the balls had gone. Howard Palmer though who was on Joes bag was sure he had got a good line on them both. We did manage to find them both but it wasn't really until the 6th hole that it was light enough to follow the full flight of the ball. It was 5.45 when we finished the last and with Chris Wilson and Dave Hill there waiting they were straight back out. I must confess I went back to bed!!

As the day went on and with great support from all the different caddies they were managing every round in just under 2 hours. I was asked the question if every ball was holed out on each green and trust me it was as Joe and Leigh had a little side game going so each and every shot was essential. It was a busy day on the course but all that played knew to move aside and wish them well. A couple of short breaks between a couple of the rounds gave them chance to grab a quick shower but I do mean a quick shower!! Joe was struggling a little with his feet but both just soldiered on round after round. 100 holes were completed by 3.20 which in its self was amazing. It was at about this stage that I started to believe they could actually complete this impossible task. It was funny though after each round watching each caddie need to sit down for a rest as the pace really was relentless but Joe and Leigh just kept going.

At this point I must mention another star of the day. Paul Duckworth. Paul had done the 7.40 caddying job and as soon as he finished he started to set up a BBQ which he with the help of Lindsay Ward then manned until 10.30pm with a little help from a glass or two of red wine!! Caroline Barker also helped with the BBQ and the red wine! Paul you were a true star. From 4pm onwards the patio was full which was fantastic too see. It was great to see the guys passing and the masses from the patio cheering them on. It was about 8.45pm when the final 18 holes were completed leaving just 6 holes to play to complete the challenge. Just about everyone on the patio then followed for the last 6 holes and both Joe and Leigh were definitely lifted and they both seemed to just bounce round those final 6 holes with ease with the encouragement of those following. 

I must say some great golf was played, with Joe nearly making a 2 on the 2nd and Leigh birding the 16th and 17th. That was Leighs 5th birdie on the 17th during the day!!

It was a fantastic achievement and in the end up until now has raised just under £3,000 for the charity. Really well done boys, I should never have doubted you!!!!

Thanks go to all the: caddies, Howard Palmer, Chris Wilson, Dave Hill, Paul Duckworth, Charlie Duckworth, Chris Fielder, Paul Lockwood Snr, Wendy Lockwood, Nicola Salzl, Craig Gawthorpe, Caroline Barker, Paul Gibson, Steve Prout, Jayne Gawley, Dave Peasgood, Nathan Wright, Carl Horth, Steve Uzzell, Richard Fell, Donna Fell and Jaz Fell. I also need to mention Dave Blanchard Jnr who came with his drone and took some amazing footage of them going round and also of the course. Follow this link to see the drone footage that Dave did.

   

I could go on and on with the thanks but in the end it was just great to see so many people come up to the club to support the day. Sports Mail Online spent 18 holes with them and produced a video which can be watched by following this link.

It is still not too late to donate and would be great to see the amount raised go over £3,000. Please go to.. https://www.justgiving.com/Joshfellhornsea150 

Here are just a few of Joe and Leighs favourite pictures from the day. Hundreds of photos were taken and I'm sure they will be great memories for Joe and Leigh forever.

   

   

   

   

So Boys, what will next year's challenge be??

 

Don't forget this weekend is Captains Weekend. There are still times available for both days. 

On Sunday 18th July we are having a shotgun start Am Am to coincide with The Open. It is a 10am shotgun start with the idea that some might stay and watch the golf in the afternoon. It will be a normal 2 from 4 Am Am but you will also draw a Professional who is playing in the final round and his score will be added to the team score. I know this is something a little different but apparently works well at other clubs. 

Tomorrow is your last chance to enter the Jack Major, Norman Seaton and John Wood Chalices. Please give us a ring in the shop if you would like your names putting down.

 

CAPTAINS AWAY TRIP TO HOLME HALL 

We now have 48 going to Holme Hall and I shall be doing a draw shortly. Those going on the bus will be going out in the early groups as always. Can everyone please pay the next time you are down at the golf club. Please note if you can't go you must find someone to take your place as there are no reserves. There is room for more to go but you would now have to book in 4's. 

Please click here for more information. 

GENTS SUNDAY MAIL 

Last Saturday our Hornsea team progressed through to the 7th round of the Sunday Mail competition after a great 3-2 win over Sandburn Hall. Wins for Nathan Wright, Gareth Williams and Sam Middleton did the business for Hornsea. Danny Norton and Andy Fox both played very well but came up against tough opposition. Good luck in the next round boys.

 

Thursday 23rd June - Midweek Stableford 

1st £25 Adi Rosindale 42pts, 2nd £15 Dave Blanchard Jnr 41pts, 3rd £10 Jon Mitchell 39pts.

2's Comp - £3.22 per 2 for Adi Rosindale x2, Ian Pearson, Malc Train, Dave Blanchard Snr, Jon Mitchell, Jon Naylor, Stu Taylor, Jon Bickerdike.

Saturday 25th June - RAFA Cup 

1st £25 John Smallwood 43pts, 2nd £15 David Prescott 42pts, 3rd £10 Jon Naylor 40pts. 

2's Comp - £72 in the pot today. Joe Neal was not in the 2's so misses out. £24 each goes to Mick France, Tom Walker and Ashley Dexter.

Sunday 26th June - Invitation Day 

Sunday 26th June saw Hornsea hold its Gents Invitation Day. Despite emails and lots of encouragement only 31 pairs played. The weather was fantastic and all the comments about the condition of the course apart from one were very complimentary yet again. Those that ate also enjoyed a wonderful carvery. In the end two pairs came out on top with fantastic scores of 45pts. This 90% handicap rule really does improve the scoring!! In the end though, Mathew Boyes and his guest edged out Jim Jeffries and his guest on the last 9. All vouchers have been put into credit in the Pro shop. I do think a bit of a re think on the Gents Invitation Day is needed to increase participation and will be discussed in the next Golf Meeting. If you have any ideas please let us know in the shop.

1st £55 each M Boyes & M Jones 45pts 
2nd £40 each J Jeffries & S Parkinson 45pts 
3rd £30 each C Pickersgill & S Whittaker 44pts 
4th £20 each A Fell & A Hammond 44pts 
5th £10 each M Champs & R Iverson 44pts

Tuesday 28th July - Ladies Medal 

Silver Division 
1st Caroline Barker 82/13/69, 2nd Lyndis Johns 82/12/70, 3rd Sue Robinson 88/16/72.

Bronze Division 
1st Sarah Ahearne 112/36/76, 2nd Pam Mounfield 98/21/77, 3rd Margaret Moore 99/22/77.

BETTER PICTURE 

I did mention last week about Shaun Prout winning the East Riding Millennium competition at Hainsworth. 

Well I've managed to get a picture of him with his trophy which Steve his brother was not too happy about presenting him!!

 

Saturday 2nd July - Captains Medal 
Sunday 3rd July - Captains Am Am 
Tuesday 5th July - Ladies Richard Gray Cup 
Wednesday 6th July - Open Am Am 
Thursday 7th July - Mid Week Stableford

 

Paul Gibson's Blog 

This week's blog consists of the following: 150 holes with ease, what makes perfect alignment, juniors need your help, new day for group sessions.

Please click here to read.