From the day's winner Phil Spencer
I thought there were eleven competitors at Three Locks but I only see ten on the result sheet so not really sure if there was a ‘ghost’ player or not!
Anyway, 10 (or 11) players pitched up in deepest North East Bucks on a fine Sunday morning, some hoping for a nice cooked breakfast before play. This being Three Locks, the term ‘alcoholic refreshment and brewery’ spring to mind and there was still no sign of a chef or cooked food at 09.45 – oh for the return of Rico, some would say, although not Peter Critchley presumably!
Off to the first tee then, via the practice green for those who take it with a modicum of seriousness.
I think most made it off the first tee ok, to a greater or lesser degree of success, it must be said.
I’ve always thought that the first at Three Locks is a particularly tough start to a round, not helped by being closely followed by the second, which only needs a clown’s face and a windmill to putt through to complete the image. Flag on the top tier and tee well forward make this a hole of some interest, club selection being particularly difficult – about half a lob wedge being required for most.
Third is quite a tight driving hole, pond awaiting the long hitters, trees for those of the slicing or hooking proclivities.
Then the long slog uphill of the fourth, fortunately Stroke Index 1 so a shot for everyone in this party.
Fifth is quite tricky with Out of Bounds all down the right for the slicers and one of the toughest greens on the course.
Sixth comes next (really?) with water or nature reserve short and a steeply sloping left to right green which is almost impossible to control a ball on when coming down from the left side. Anyone leaving the ‘Top 6’ unscathed can settle down and enjoy the rest of the round in relative peace, with only the abundant water and tricky greens to worry about – easy-peasy!
I Have to say, the course was in nice condition the greens being better than when I last played here in 2017. We had a touch of rain but nothing too bad, I only remember it briefly for a hole or two but I was ‘in the zone’ and concentrating hard (first time for everything) so could be wrong!
I certainly enjoyed the day, Dennis less so, I believe! This was my best knock around here, having been a member for five years, shame I couldn’t play it like that several years ago. In fact for anyone interested in statistics, that was my fifth round at Three Locks returned under my handicap in 107 attempts, average points score of 29.7 – think the Road to Dubai (or the Greenwood Trophy) is not under any threat from this quarter.
Onward to Kilworth Springs for those of you fit enough to manage it.
Cheers
Phil
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Congratulations to Phil Spencer on his win with an outrageous score of 39 points. Your reward is a cut of 2.5 shots to 18.1 and now playing 18!! There are no other handicap adjustments.
Full scores:
1st P. Spencer 39pts
2nd P. Maher 33
3rd Captain Fitzell 30
4th R. Pouncey 30
5th T. Brock 29
6th P. Collins 27
7th D. Crocker 27
8th J. Lauder 26
9th J. Simson 22
9th D. England 13
In The Greenwood, Peter Maher leads on 91 from Capt Paul on 83 and Neil Edwards on 82. I have included the scores after the 3 worst scores are omitted for interest. It shows Neil in front with a perfect 63 points!!
In the singles competition Patrick beat Tony by 4 & 3 and Phil Spencer beat Dennis 17 & 1. In the next round Patrick will play Paul Collins and Phil plays Rob for a place in the semi finals.
In the doubles the winners of Neil Edwards + P. Collins v T Brock + P Spencer will meet Richard and Peter Maher in the final.
Neil Edwards