The Open Golf Championship
The greatest Golf Championship in the world starts next week and will always bring back great memories for me personally having competed in 2 of them.
I also like to look out for local golfers and anyone I know who manages to get through qualifying as it adds an extra bit of interest.
Paul Howard who worked behind the bar here for a long time playing off a plus 5 handicap listening to your tales of woe from the golf course, without mentioning the fact that he was one of the best amateurs in the world... Has Qualified to play at Troon getting through Final Qualifying at Hillside, and I am sure you will all wish him well.
Paul has already won as a Professional, and recently finished 2nd in a Challenge Tour event so is in good form and definitely has the game to play in the big time.
My own experiences of playing in the Open were at Turnberry in 1986 after finishing 2nd in the final qualifying at Glasgow Gailes.
I had my wife Donna caddying for me, and with rounds of 83 and 71 only missed the cut by 2 shots, with the eventual winner being Greg Norman.
My next Open was at Royal Birkdale in 1991 where I qualified from West Lancs with my great friend Jimmy Fisher on the Bag. After rounds of 70 and 71, I was only 3 shots off the lead and played alongside the eventual winner Ian Baker Finch in the 3rd round. Unfortunately I let him sneak past me, although a good front 9 of 34 shots kept me in the hunt.
Fantastic memories that will last a life time.
I have my 2 players badges which are prized possessions at home mounted on Prints of Turnberry and Royal Birkdale.
Don't forget to have a go in our Open Championship Sweepstake, only £2 to enter and add to the excitement.
Club Championship 2016
I was away in Spain last week and missed the Club Championships, but whilst I was sunning myself our best players were battling the wind and rain here at Ashton.
In extremely difficult conditions, Garry Lacy won with scores of 72 and 74 with Andy Addison 4 shots behind in 2nd, and recently back in action Matthew Brooks in 3rd a further shot adrift.
Congratulations to all who braved the elements and of course huge thanks to Rich for his organisation and to all the helpers who made the day special.
Ladies Short Game Masterclass
9 of our Ladies enjoyed my Short Game Masterclass on Thursday, learning the basic pitching technique.
I am hoping to run more of these masterclasses over the coming months, so make sure you watch this space.
If you have any more specific needs, why not book in for a lesson... If you are interested, click here to get in touch.
Is it the 'Big Three' or the 'Big Four'?
Just when you thought Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy were all set to divvy up golf's biggest prizes, along comes big-hitting Dustin Johnson. The US champion is now number two in the world and looks to be finally fulfilling his potential after another fine win at the weekend - and a big one too at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. For years Johnson seemed destined to be the bridesmaid, now he's one of the favourites to go back-to-back in Majors and take the Claret Jug back across the Atlantic.
Next week's Open at Royal Troon could be a classic
Which leads us on to a new section of our website - our regular poll, and we want your votes. Tell us who you think will win the Open Championship next week; will it be Day, Johnson, Spieth, McIlroy or A.N. Other?
Have your say by clicking through to our homepage here...
Odyssey Demo Putters
We have a fantastic assortment of Odyssey Demo putters for you to try here in the pro shop, they will only be available for another 2 days (end of play Sunday), so don't miss out on the opportunity to find the right one!
Call in and ask to try some out, or click here to find out more.