The Americans might disagree, but to my mind the world's greatest Golf Tournament takes place at St Andrews, on the Old Course over the next few days. I am referring to The Open , to use its correct name (I hope you approve, Peter Howden), an event whose beginnings date back to 1860, when it was first held in Prestwick on the west coast of Scotland near Troon.   St Andrews was first used as the venue in 1873, and this will be the 28th occasion the tournament has been held there. St Andrews, unlike many layouts, is a true "Links" course, in other words, the coastal strip between the sea and the farming or resident interior, Links have few, if any trees with hardy shrubs, or tall grasses as the main shelter. 

In this country, we do have some links courses, Paraparaumu the most obvious.

Different tournaments have different formats but in the case of the Open the "Cut" after the first two rounds, applies to the top 70, plus ties. And as for the victor, I hope either our Syndicate (or just myself alone) can back the 2010 winner, although I can hardly repeat last years spectacular effort when I had a smallish wager on Stewart Cink, at a mere 200/1 !

On Saturday, a moderate field competed in an H.R.V Stableford round, with these results:- 

Mens Group 1

Ash Peterson              39 pts        1^st

Jamie Brunton             37 pts        2^nd

Henry Stenchman       37 pts        3^rd

Mens Group 2

Franz Maritz                 34 pts        1^st

Bill Sangster                34 pts        2^nd

Kel Biggs                     33 pts        3^rd

Lola Ogg was best of the women, with 31 points, while nearest the pin prizes went to Innes Kennard (Alex McLeod 8th), Hira Renata (M.M.G Advisory Partners 18th) and Jocelyn Pollock (All Teed Up 8th). The annual competition for the Grandfather's trophy was captured by Grandpa Ash Peterson, who also landed the best gross of the day, a 77.

On Sunday things didn't work out quite so well for Ash because he and his partner Graeme McIsaac, went down 4/3 in the final of the Cameron Trophy, the foursomes match play event. Graeme and Ash had to give 11 shots to Ray Verhaart and Cor Van Kesteren, but, this didn't deter them at first, as they were two up after 5 holes.

However, with Ray banging out some big drives, and Cor also hitting his straps, the pair took 5 holes in a row from the 6th to the 10th. They even won the 8th, without a shot after their opponents landed in the bunker. After 13, Verhaart and Van Kesteren were 5 up with 5 to play. They lost the 14th, but the end came at the next hole with a half and the match.

Last Thursday was an awful day weather wise, and golfers could be excused for not taking part in the New World Stableford event. In the smallest turnout for many months, just six challenged the elements, and would you believe the winner with 35 points, was the inimitable Dennis Hogg - brave lad!

A lovely day greeted the 31 Vets playing in their weekly stableford last Monday.

Robin Whitehead and Isabelle Weaver took the Fagan Ford nearest the pin prizes.

On Tuesday in their Home Pennants Stableford, 30 women set off in frosty conditions, which were followed by glorious sunny conditions. I think grandparent duties might have had some influence on the size of the field, as it is the school holidays.

Lusiana Williams won the Clarke's Jewellers prize and the Silver Division on 36 points, on a count back from Jeanette McNae, while the Bronze was similar, with Jocelyn Pollock the victor on 36 again on a count back from Tinks Pottinger. Jocelyn was nearest the pin at the Graeme Jones 8th, while Jo Bird did best at the New World 18th.

Field days were held at Manor Park on Monday, with golfers really enjoying the concept of foursomes to finish the season. Mastertonians Jan Thompson and Cindy Giles did well to finish 3rd equal.

Please note that the Eunice Robieson 27 hole event will be held on 14th September. Also the Baker Four Ball entries close this Saturday.

Off The Fairway
The winner of the Open gets to hold the trophy known as the "Claret Jug" for the year. The distinctive award is just what it says - a Cup or Jug used to hold claret, a dry red wine of France. However, originally the winner received a handsome Moroccan leather championship belt but after taking the belt three times in a row, Tom Morris kept it, so it had to be replaced.