This was our first visit to Coxmoor and most of those that took part had never played it before. They definitely want to play it again!!
Only a driver and a three wood from Hollinwell (well maybe 2 drivers for some) this wonderful bit of Nottinghamshire sits on the same sandstone base as its famous neighbour. to compliment the soil structure, the gently rolling topography invites the design of a great course, which has been achieved.
Enormous improvements over the last five years have been of major benefit:
Seven thousand trees have been taken out to progress the return of this wonderful heathland to a more natural state. Not only has this aided the drainage on the greens, but is presents the opportunity to re-introduce heather, which you can't grow under trees.
A splendid new, modern clubhouse, which has been clad in timber, now weathered and blending in perfectly, has a very convivial downstairs spike bar, to compliment the first-floor lounge with it wrap-round balcony affording a view of seven greens.
The new practice facilities finish off what has been a most worthy restoration project that will serve the club well for the future.
Although some holes look nothing on the score card when it comes to length from the yellow pots, the shorter par 4's are thinking players' holes. Strategic position is required to comply with the risk-and-reward design.
The greens were running very true and this was a delight to those with their putting boots on leading to some big scores.
It was great to see the return of Uttoxeter's great golf organiser, Alan McPeake. Alan has been off games with injury for some months, which is understandable because it take a bit of time to recover from alcohol poisoning.
You may remember Alan Hope picking up the "chump of the day" award following a disaster with his golf trolley in the stream at Edgbaston last year. He has been completely upstaged by Dave Roddis who sent me a video from our April event at Coventry - his electric trolley crossed two fairways, two sets of rough and proceeded lemming-like into the river - He really shouldn't be out with the general public!
When my old friends from Sicklehome golf club handed in their card yesterday with 100 points on I said "If anyone else tops that, I will be asking for a urine sample". What I hadn't allowed for was Mashall Black's team secret weapon - Richard Howard. The five handicapper had only the third Teetours hole-in one, to card 4 points on the second hole, giving the team that one extra to take top slot. Well done Richard!!
