wallasey
​golf club
FRIDAY 1ST JULY 2016
FIRST TEE: 13:36PM
winner
bobby barrow
Wallasey - The Home of Stableford - and we found out exactly why. The 1st of July and yet it felt like mid February; with strong winds and heavy rain spells it was a day for waterproofs and hats....typical English summer!
On an extremely tough course, they were conditions we could have done without. However, there were a sprinkling of very good scores - that felt like exceptional scores given the circumstances. Top of the tree was Bobby Barrow, who has been knocking on the door for a while now and produced a superb round of golf to come home with 35 points. Solid tee shots leaving him [most importantly] in play and approach shots that peppered the carpet-like greens. It really was a fabulous victory. Congratulations. |
review of the day
Wallasey Golf Club was one of the venues on the season calendar that stood out as 'must play'. Known as "The Home of Stableford", given that Dr Frank Stableford gave his name to the most popular points scoring system ever to be adopted at this very course.
His unique scoring method was born out of frustration with the bogey system of scoring at that time, where the player played against the bogey (or par) for the hole. The strong winds and penal rough at Wallasey made nonsense of this system when players were unable to reach the long par-4s in regulation - and hence the system was born.
The date of play for us was 1st July and we had hoped that the famous "Wallasey Winds" would be minimal. However, as Englishmen, we know that seasons mean nothing and the weather has a mind of its own. So it was, that we found ourselves arriving at the club in glorious sunshine and as the spikes of the first group hit the opening tee box the heavens opened like a pair of legs in a Jackie Collins novel!!!
The rain came in prolonged patches and at times was peppering us sideways, with gusts of winds touching 30mph in parts and coupled with rough that was as tough and penal as you will find – it was a long old day for some people.
I think a total of 3 umbrellas were laid to rest during the 18 holes with them being battered in the elements – Steve Bradshaw’s dragging his bag along the floor a good few metres. The sight of him wrestling with it down the fairway as he tried, in vein, to fold it away. Bin located, it was dispatched with disgust.
The greens – despite the weather – were an absolute joy to put on. Quick, true and with subtle breaks, they were above anything else we have played on so far this year and we have played on some beauties.
The course itself is simple majestic with stunning views out over the coastline in parts and the definition between the rough and knitting needle width fairways being easy on the eye. The bunkers were well stocked and the tee boxes were like table tops and a pleasure to play from. Comments were made post round about not seeing a divot or pitch mark all round and that has to be a credit to members and ground staff alike.
Scoring, understandably, was much lower than our society average. Only 6 players out of 20+ players scored 30 points or more. The large sigh, puffing of cheeks and widened eyes on each player as they walked into the clubhouse told the story…..it was a battle. A common phrase used was “that was brutal that”, but in equal measure people were impressed with the course. It’s fair to say that everyone just wished we had experienced better weather.
So, 30 points or more here represents a superb round of golf and would be equivalent to 36+ on any other course. Therefore, special mentions must go to Chris Berry, who continues his recent good form and Chris Parrish who has been hitting some fine form of late. Pete Bilson continued with his impressive season netting 32 points again here and finishing just out of the prize positions.
Steve ‘Steady’ Bradshaw had another great round and was let down with a combination of bad luck [when a moderately wayward ball was lost in the overgrowth beside the green] and anger management [when he let the annoyance of said lost ball effect the very next hole] as he produced back-to-back ‘blobs’ and write of his chance of victory. That said, it was a superb round and one he should be rightly pleased of.
Stu Seddon played his power fade and with his knowledge of playing links golf in pretty dire conditions [as a member of Royal Lytham] he took advantage. Producing steady golf with shots that kept him in play and solid work around the greens, he finished with a wonderful 34 points to take the runners up spot.
But out in front with a superb score of 35 points – which must have felt like a 42+ on Wallasey – was Bobby Barrow. Pin point accuracy both from the tees and on the approach shots, Bobby plotted his way around the course delightfully and produced a really impressive knock and the admiration of his peers. Well in mate.
Special note must be made of this week’s loser – who had a solid start….on the 1st!
After an opening 1 point, he went on to endure a torrid front 9 where he did not score another point. 8 blobs on the row [a new Bunkers record] pretty much consigned Paul Davies SNR to the bog seat. A back 9 of 11 points – which deserves great credit after a confidence sapping outbound round – left Paul with 12 points and 5 behind the next placed player. Definitely a day he will want to erase from the memory banks….needless to say, he could only laugh about it in the clubhouse, especially given the ribbing he took. Fair play.
His unique scoring method was born out of frustration with the bogey system of scoring at that time, where the player played against the bogey (or par) for the hole. The strong winds and penal rough at Wallasey made nonsense of this system when players were unable to reach the long par-4s in regulation - and hence the system was born.
The date of play for us was 1st July and we had hoped that the famous "Wallasey Winds" would be minimal. However, as Englishmen, we know that seasons mean nothing and the weather has a mind of its own. So it was, that we found ourselves arriving at the club in glorious sunshine and as the spikes of the first group hit the opening tee box the heavens opened like a pair of legs in a Jackie Collins novel!!!
The rain came in prolonged patches and at times was peppering us sideways, with gusts of winds touching 30mph in parts and coupled with rough that was as tough and penal as you will find – it was a long old day for some people.
I think a total of 3 umbrellas were laid to rest during the 18 holes with them being battered in the elements – Steve Bradshaw’s dragging his bag along the floor a good few metres. The sight of him wrestling with it down the fairway as he tried, in vein, to fold it away. Bin located, it was dispatched with disgust.
The greens – despite the weather – were an absolute joy to put on. Quick, true and with subtle breaks, they were above anything else we have played on so far this year and we have played on some beauties.
The course itself is simple majestic with stunning views out over the coastline in parts and the definition between the rough and knitting needle width fairways being easy on the eye. The bunkers were well stocked and the tee boxes were like table tops and a pleasure to play from. Comments were made post round about not seeing a divot or pitch mark all round and that has to be a credit to members and ground staff alike.
Scoring, understandably, was much lower than our society average. Only 6 players out of 20+ players scored 30 points or more. The large sigh, puffing of cheeks and widened eyes on each player as they walked into the clubhouse told the story…..it was a battle. A common phrase used was “that was brutal that”, but in equal measure people were impressed with the course. It’s fair to say that everyone just wished we had experienced better weather.
So, 30 points or more here represents a superb round of golf and would be equivalent to 36+ on any other course. Therefore, special mentions must go to Chris Berry, who continues his recent good form and Chris Parrish who has been hitting some fine form of late. Pete Bilson continued with his impressive season netting 32 points again here and finishing just out of the prize positions.
Steve ‘Steady’ Bradshaw had another great round and was let down with a combination of bad luck [when a moderately wayward ball was lost in the overgrowth beside the green] and anger management [when he let the annoyance of said lost ball effect the very next hole] as he produced back-to-back ‘blobs’ and write of his chance of victory. That said, it was a superb round and one he should be rightly pleased of.
Stu Seddon played his power fade and with his knowledge of playing links golf in pretty dire conditions [as a member of Royal Lytham] he took advantage. Producing steady golf with shots that kept him in play and solid work around the greens, he finished with a wonderful 34 points to take the runners up spot.
But out in front with a superb score of 35 points – which must have felt like a 42+ on Wallasey – was Bobby Barrow. Pin point accuracy both from the tees and on the approach shots, Bobby plotted his way around the course delightfully and produced a really impressive knock and the admiration of his peers. Well in mate.
Special note must be made of this week’s loser – who had a solid start….on the 1st!
After an opening 1 point, he went on to endure a torrid front 9 where he did not score another point. 8 blobs on the row [a new Bunkers record] pretty much consigned Paul Davies SNR to the bog seat. A back 9 of 11 points – which deserves great credit after a confidence sapping outbound round – left Paul with 12 points and 5 behind the next placed player. Definitely a day he will want to erase from the memory banks….needless to say, he could only laugh about it in the clubhouse, especially given the ribbing he took. Fair play.
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event info
Format: Stableford Singles
Handicaps: Players will play off FULL handicaps. [Except new members who are 3/4 handicap]
Groups: Will be drawn on the day of play
Tee: Players will play off the yellow tees.
Mini Comps: There will be TWO nearest the pins and 1 nearest the pin in 2 shots. [Will be added below prior to play]
Prizes: Will be for 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Other information: The Captain v President, Order of Merit & Wall of Shame will be in play.
Handicaps: Players will play off FULL handicaps. [Except new members who are 3/4 handicap]
Groups: Will be drawn on the day of play
Tee: Players will play off the yellow tees.
Mini Comps: There will be TWO nearest the pins and 1 nearest the pin in 2 shots. [Will be added below prior to play]
Prizes: Will be for 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Other information: The Captain v President, Order of Merit & Wall of Shame will be in play.
club info
Club Website: www.wallaseygolfclub.com
Wallasey is currently voted as 3rd best course in Cheshire and 60th best course in the UK. It is famous as being "The Home of Stableford" - the scoring system used by all golfers that was devised here in 1932.
Wallasey is a classic links, originally designed by Tom Morris Snr., but with many later alterations influenced by such illustrious names as Hilton, Hawtree and James Braid. Recent improvements were designed by Donald Steel. Most of the course is played through sand dunes, with few flat lies on tight, running fairways. The greens are firm and fast, and constant sea breezes make clubbing difficult. Wallasey provides a stern but fair challenge, and is a superb test of golf for players of any standard.
Wallasey was a Final Qualifying course for the Open Championship when it returned to Royal Liverpool (Hoylake) in 2006 and is regarded as one of the finest courses in the area.
Wallasey is currently voted as 3rd best course in Cheshire and 60th best course in the UK. It is famous as being "The Home of Stableford" - the scoring system used by all golfers that was devised here in 1932.
Wallasey is a classic links, originally designed by Tom Morris Snr., but with many later alterations influenced by such illustrious names as Hilton, Hawtree and James Braid. Recent improvements were designed by Donald Steel. Most of the course is played through sand dunes, with few flat lies on tight, running fairways. The greens are firm and fast, and constant sea breezes make clubbing difficult. Wallasey provides a stern but fair challenge, and is a superb test of golf for players of any standard.
Wallasey was a Final Qualifying course for the Open Championship when it returned to Royal Liverpool (Hoylake) in 2006 and is regarded as one of the finest courses in the area.
course info
You can see more information on the club on the links below:
DIRECTIONS
Wallasey Golf Club
Bayswater Road, Wallasey, Wirral, CH45 8LA - Telephone: 0151 691 1024
Wallasey Golf Club is 25 minutes form Liverpool and 45 minutes from Skelmersdale and is a short distance from Junction 1 on the M53 having passed through The Kingsway Tunnel on Scotland Road. Toll charges are £1.70 each way and you can check any tunnel closures by CLICKING HERE
CLICK HERE FOR MAP
Bayswater Road, Wallasey, Wirral, CH45 8LA - Telephone: 0151 691 1024
Wallasey Golf Club is 25 minutes form Liverpool and 45 minutes from Skelmersdale and is a short distance from Junction 1 on the M53 having passed through The Kingsway Tunnel on Scotland Road. Toll charges are £1.70 each way and you can check any tunnel closures by CLICKING HERE
CLICK HERE FOR MAP