Tomorrow is the launch of the fantastic new Titleist 917 Driver and fairway wood. Click here if you are interested in trying out the latest technology in the West Hill Swing Studio using Flightscope radar ball tracking technology.




On Friday I played in David Regan's Retirement Celebration Pro/Am at West Byfleet GC as he has been their club pro for 33 years. I finished joint fourth with Cliff Gough shooting 72 but the winner was Dame Laura Davies who, playing from the men's tournament tees, shot her lowest ever round at West Byfleet, a gross 69! 




A couple of weeks ago Fergus Gilmore came in of a fitting on a new set of Mizuno irons. 

Having checked the numbers from his current set we started to look at which shaft and head performed best for him. Having tried a combination of shafts with the MP5 and the new JPX900 the most consistent was the MP5 with the KBS Tour 90 shaft. 

This shaft is a little bit lighter than the original KBS in his old set but the results were much better. With a better spin rate and a much better flight we were able to gain another 6 yards on average. 

If you would like to compare any of the latest clubs with your current set click here to arrange a session or call the shop on 01483 473172 and don't forget to look out for the new Titleist 917D and 917F which should be in this weekend.




Here is some news from Ashley. 

"I've now been at West Hill as an Assistant Professional for over a year and it's been a privilege to be part of such a fantastic golf club. I'm now in my second year of PGA training. In my first year I enjoyed developing my playing ability, coaching knowledge and custom fitting technique. 

This year I've competed on the PGA South Region and finished my season with three top 12 finishes and a number of top 3 Trainee finishes on the circuit, as well as missing out on the Galvin Green Assistants championship by one shot. Next year I'll be playing much more competitive golf, working hard on my own game with a main goal of winning a PGA tournament! This winter I'll be playing in the Titleist and FootJoy Winter Series which anyone can follow results for on 'BlueGolf' and I'll be sure to post results in the weekly newsletter." 




Huge congratulations to Daryl Ware and his Surrey 5's team! Here is a report from Daryl 

"On Saturday 15th October West Hill took on Dorking at Farnham Sands in the west divisional final of this year's Surrey 5's. 

Peter Oakes out first secured the first point with an eagle putt on the par 5 14th The second point came courtesy of Richard Bolton whose excellent form continues Alex and Daryl were beaten this time so all rested on KP who didn't let us down So a 3 & 2 win takes us to the grand final on October 29th at Royal mid Surrey against Roehampton. First Tee time is 10:30. 

A special thank you to Neil Blick, Rob Guilfoyle, Paul Champion and Tim Christopher for their support around the course on the day." 


 

Last Wednesday we had the final Captain/Pro challenge against Mike Coulson and Mark Davies. They played really well and were looking like heading for the play off for The Race to Saunton until the Pro had a hole in one on the 15th! 

A 5 iron from 202 yards which pitched 15 feet short of the hole and ran gently down the left hand tier to a back left pin, apparently dropping in like a putt according to the Captain who was madly jumping up and down by the green!!! 

The last time my name was on the plinth of the Hole in One whisky decanter was 2 April 1989 when I had an ace on the 13th hole in the first round of the Father & Son Tournament - and we lost 5&4 as the hole in one kept us in the match!

This meant Mike and Mark beat us 2 up so the winners of The Race to Saunton tied at 3 up were Peter Oakes & Jimmy Sweetzer and Julien Payne & Gavin Cookman. They contested a two hole sudden death playoff on Sunday in front of a gallery of onlookers.

After playing holes 1 & 18 they were tied so we buggied them back to the 18th tee again. 

After both approaches went into the bushes left and required penalty drops, Jimmy was left with this six foot putt for a half in 6 to keep the match alive! 

  

So the match finally went to 5 playoff holes when Peter Oakes holed a four footer down the hill for par to secure the win. So as you read this Mssrs Oakes and Sweetzer are currently playing a challenge match against the Captain & Pro on the East Course at Saunton following a Wednesday game on the West course at Saunton and a night at The Thatch in Croyde. Reports to follow!!!

Well done to Toddy and Brian Morris who won the Denning Final against Peter David and David Mills on Friday and were celebrating in the bar with the Captain and Pro match after the game.

  

Congratulations also to Elaine and Mike Watts who defeated Mark Turner and Marjory Horsman on the 20th hole in a fantastic Spencer Cup final on Sunday. 

Well done to Gerry Kennedy who won the weekday Stableford on Friday with 36 points and was cut to 1.5 (just 0.1 more to go Gerry!) Second was Lawrence Courtney with 33 points beating Alastair Somerville on countback. The winner of Division 2 was Rob Andrews with 33 points, with Andrew Smith second and Alan Thorniley third.




Congratulations to Janet James and Ruth Mackay who won the Centenary Tray Greensomes with 35 points, pipping Sonja O'Sullivan and Heather Thwaites on countback. Third were Karen Duncan & Marjory Horsman with 34 points. 




Saturday 22 October - Club Stableford 
Wednesday 26 October - Captain's Roll Up and Lunch 
Saturday 29 October - Ladies' AGM 
Sunday 30 October - Buchanan Trophy - AGM 
Friday 18 November - Weekday Stableford 
Wednesday 23 November - Captain's Roll Up & Lunch 
Saturday 26 November - Club Stableford 
Tuesday 6 December - Members Day Out to Royal St Georges