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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 1: Phew, what a scorcher
Now up and running and who could have asked for better weather.  An extremely unhealthy but delicious breakfast at Nell's Diner ("where the rich and famous eat" according to the sign), then on to the golf.
The Mid-Kent course was looking great, especially around the greens and the pro-shop had a big welcome notice for us on the board outside. Ian (TSG boss), John and Chris made up the fourball. After numerous impressive poses on the first tee ("your swing isn't normally that good, is it, Trevor?"), we got to hit some balls.
Hit the first green in reg and then 3-putted; missed a gimme on the next; oh dear, I have got a month of this ahead.....a couple of birdies later, everything in the garden of England was lovely and we were just out doing what we do best (playing exciting and inconsistent golf) .
In August 2003, Gravesend broke all records, coming in above 38*C. Today it was a good 10* less and there was a decent breeze. Enjoyed the course (see reviews) but could have played it a lot better.
High point was my 310-yard drive on the last  ; low point taking 5 more shots to finish  .
In the clubhouse people chipped in a few quid into the "sweetie-jar" and including the golf we came away with £130 in total for Cancer Research. By the way I shot 92 (10 over my handicap), lost 1 ball and walked 5.6 miles. Multiply that by 31 for your entry to the sweepstake.
Back home after a bath and a glass of wine I have nearly cooled down enough to feel normal, wash out the team shirts, update the stats and get ready for tomorrow.
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Fourballs most of the week but still some spaces on Thursday and Friday. This heat can't last, surely, so come out and enjoy it!
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Ian Mullins
Handicap: 20
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 378
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Great day Trevor!
Nice course, nice people, nice weather.......looking forward to hearing about tomorrow.
Good luck!
Ian
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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 Terrific pics, Ian. What am I going to do tomorrow without my resident photographer?
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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What a good day to start the month! Long may this continue, Trevor & what were you saying about next year?!!
Great photos, Ian - next time I'll take some more of you if you like!
John.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Someone's dropped out at Birchwood now if you fancy another day off work!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 2: Hey, what a contrast
Bit late with today's report as my electric trolley failed to function today. Had to borrow a pull-trolley and get the spanner out when I got home. It was the battery connector: you do rely on these things...
Anyway, despite the weather being almost identical, today couldn't have been more different from yesterday. At Mid-Kent, we followed the Vets Medal. average age 75. At Birchwood it was more like 17. Welcome to the world of Pay and Play. Also it was like playing in the desert compared to the lush green turf manicured to delight the members than we trod on yesterday.
Kamal took the money today and my mate Arthur got annoyed when the teenagers drove up before he'd played his second. Otherwise the course was pretty good (if completely arid) and I shot one-under. 92 yesterday, 82 today. 72 tomorrow? - at the London Club? I don't think so.
The food was good in the bar but the punters were mean - only £7.43 in the sweetie-jar after £40 yesterday. Perhaps those 75 year-olds have got something over the teenagers after all...
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 3: Penal rough awaits the rich and famous
Mervyn, my driver for the day, had tried to pop into the London Club before, just to look around, and was politely but firmly refused. Today, the security guard recognised me and welcomed me by name. The 5* treatment continued as you dropped off your clubs and found them all set up for you and waiting when you were ready to go. Bad news is the International course is closed for maintenance; good news is we get to play The Heritage, reserved for members and tour events. What a treat!
Into the bar and there was Steve Backley OBE, local lad, former Olympiam and javelin world record holder. Just happens to be President of the club. It's noon and he's already back in after a round. A bit of banter later he says 95 would be a good score here, the rough's really penal. I'm getting nervous already.
In comes John Warnett, early morning presenter on Radio Kent and a keen golfer. We chat with Steve and Mervyn (our fourball), the other Steve (Backley, now we are mates obviously), we do a quick interview (goes out Friday morning sometime between 7 and 9 on 95.5 FM) and head out for the golf where the Cancer Research and Social Golfer banners await us on the first tee and the marshall reminds us about the penal rough.
Needless to say we all find it off the first, but after a few holes the fear factor has faded and we start to play golf. It's a wonderful course but it's a brute. No green is easy to find and did I mention the penal rough? It's harder than Royal St George's. I make 3 pars and score 21 on the 4 par-3s alone. I find the water on the last for a 97.
Two drinks on the terrace later and two guys roll up to the 18th in a buggy. Backley and his mate finish their third round of the day. I tell him I made 97; he smiles. I've had a terrific day. He gets to come here every day - all day! Playing off 6, though, I doubt he knows the rough as well as we do.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 4: Swingin' in the rain
After 3 days of 30 degree heat, it was rain all day. The club kindly offered me a buggy (worth £25) though the guy in the pro-shop took £3.50 for the course planner. I put the change in the charity jar. Good job I did as there was hardly anyone there all day. Lots of no-shows and who'd blame them? If it hadn't been for Golf Against Cancer, I'd have stayed in bed too.
We had a film crew in tow down the first. Well a local film buff and his other half anyway. They do newsreels of "interesting events in Orpington" apparently, as well as comedy and drama. I could certainly have offered the latter. Look out for my appearance in Orpington Film Festival next spring; thank goodness I canned the 10 foot putt in one take!
Splashing our way onwards through casual water to flooded greens where we couldn't putt, Chris took the sensible option of an early bath after 9 holes but with the full weight of Golf Against Cancer pressing on my shoulders, I carried on, dobbing a rescue club off the tee so I wouldn't lose sight of the ball. On the 16th, the ball went 230 yards, the club went 40.
It looked a nice course. I couldn't really tell; was too busy wiping my glasses to see much. Speeded home early and just for fun the sun came out!
Maybe it'll still be shining tomorrow.......
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Ian Mullins
Handicap: 20
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 378
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Blimey Trevor, sounds and looks like you were hit by a Monsoon! However, clearly it makes for good reading though. Hope today was better for you.
Keep your chin up.....only another 26 days to go!
Ian
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 5: Small change all adds up in Sevenoaks
Weather back to fine today, thank goodness but got stuck in the private roads surrounding Wildernesse amongst enormous mansions. The Lexus count in the car park was high but the clubhouse, though nearly empty on a Friday lunchtime, was large and welcoming.
Though the course was quiet all afternoon, we found £49 in the sweetie jar by evening: loose change in Sevenoaks, like the Lexus, doesn't rattle!
As a fourball we started off the 10th, which turned out to be about a half-mile walk away! Sadly the greens had just been scarified so putting was a bit tricky. Apart from that, the course was great and Paul and I beat Jed and Gary 6&5 (ouch!)
Now playing off 13 - missed a hole in one at the 130 yd 13th by 13 cm! Unlucky for some. 
Last day in Kent today: am going to have to tackle the M25 proper tomorrow!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 6: Wise men come from the East (bringing clubs).
Overnight reports said "M25 closed in both directions between J7 M23 and J8, A217 (Reigate), because of a shed load, an accident involving a lorry and a car earlier on, an oil spillage AND barrier repairs - Diversion in operation - " Worried wives report radio advice to "avoid the area at all costs".
Well, this is Golf Against Cancer and we don't give up that easily. Andy my golf partner and driver today is former director of M25 maintenance, so he'll know what to do. Coming from Kent, we sail up to Jn6 and are there in no time, but I fear the beast is rearing its ugly head.......
The club couldn't be more accommodating and set us up to get going as soon as poss. Unfortunately TSGer David who is joining us comes from Jn 10 and is having a nightmare on the side-roads. He calls in and says start without me and eventually makes it on the 5th green.
The course is generally short and sweet with a lot of "rescue + lob wedge" par-4s. I could have had a go at most of them but I've a month of this to do and don't want to lose all my balls on one day. As it was I had an aberration at the 2 quirky holes around the turn and lost 4 in a row, but the rescue/lob combination saw me home in 87 to a friendly clubhouse where they weren't happy with the £18 in the sweetie-jar and asked if they could hang onto it tomorrow when it'd be a lot busier. Fine by me.
Wise men from the east normally bring gold, but I'm quite happy to take it away...roll on Junction 7!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 7: Two top men beat cancer
Too late and tired last night to tell you the story of my day, perhaps it's catching up with me already and the oak panelled Renshaw Room at Walton Heath is a bit more conducive than the Premier Inn!
Anyway, was lucky with both the weather and the M25 yesterday though we did have a howling gale. Surrey Downs, nominally a Peter Alliss design, had rather too many blind drives for me and misreading the 7th proved a card-wrecker. The greens, however, were superb - fast and sloping, so quite a challenge.
Alongside TSGer Mark and myself was George Rothman who, at 75, plays off 7 (despite a broken shoulder) and has written a book "New Angles on Golf" whilst recovering from Cancer! How's that for a humbling C.V.?
Guiding us round was Peter Townson, General Manager of the club and also a Cancer survivor. He couldn't have been more helpful, with lunch, drinks etc all laid on and £80 raised already before I arrived from the Saturday swindle. Top man, Peter......even his wife turned up in a buggy to cheer us in!
Golf a bit up and down and most of the lost balls were provisionals - maybe today it'll all come together; at Walton Heath it'll need to. I'll study the putting chapter in George's book.
Did you know there were 5 types of putt? You can buy a copy off me for £10 while on the tour (50% to CRUK).
The putting green here is like the back garden of some country house. I can't look at it any longer - I need to get out there and practice..........
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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Hi Trevor,
Really enjoying your reading your blog.... a very entertaining read.
A fantastic cause and a huge amount of respect to you.
Hope it all continues to go well... looking forward to joining you on 21st August at Aldenham!
Best wishes
Chris
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 8: Ryder Cup lost amidst the heather
This morning we took tea in the Braid Room, under the board displaying presidents of the club including HRH the Prince of Wales. That gives you some idea of the class of this venue, the first in England to host a European Ryder Cup team in 1981. Unfortunately the Americans won 181/2-91/2.
Today fellow Northern Irishman John and I took on Andy and Bob (my Club champion (net) and Captain respectively) in an Ireland v England derby. Unfortunately we lost too, but mainly because of my drive on the 18th (clubhead speed 300mph+!).
The Old course comes in at No 28 in the GM Top 100 in Britain and deservedly so. The fairways are wide but everywhere else is heather. You can play out of it - trust me, I had plenty of practice. Fortunately John donked a little driver 200 yards down the middle of every fairway and used his 11 shots to good effect.
I had some spectacular errors, not least leaving behind a folder with all my stats, spreadsheets and sweepstake entries. Oh well, I can always pick it up when I'm passing in the morning.......
PS they found the folder for me - if not my errant drive on the 18th!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 9. No concessions for ladies at some clubs
It's my daughter's 19th birthday today so I have been thinking about the day from a female's perspective....
Calling in at Walton Heath to collect my mislaid folder, I noticed the sign showing the "Ladies entrance". Some clubs these days go a long way to encourage female membership but giving them their own entrance? Could that be going too far? (Discuss)
Today alongside my pairs partner Andy were John and Diana, the first and (so far) only lady TSGer to have signed up for the month of golf. Playing off 34, she was doing fine until we noticed that nearly all the red tees were on the same tee-boxes as the yellows, just a few yards forward. Even the uphill 12th which I just reached in 3 was a 490-yard par 5 for the ladies. They probably do have female members here but they must all be Olympic athletes.
Anyway, finished after an up and down round (well, it is very hilly at Tyrrell's Wood, with quite dramatic elevated tee-offs to begin each 9) to find two attractive young ladies waiting for me on the terrace. No guys, it's not what you think.....
My daughter's having a load of her Uni friends for a party tonight and I've offered the Surrey contingent a lift back. So regrettably we speed off so they can have their "pre-lash" chez moi. Otherwise I'd still be lingering on the terrace of that beautiful clubhouse sipping my gin and tonic as the sun goes down.
Do they serve white wine spritzers here often, I wonder?
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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Well done Trevor for another great day of golf around the M25.
For those of you who are following Trevor's blog, you won't be surprised to know that aswell as doing a fantastic job in the month of madness on the M25, he (and his family) have given amazing support to me. I have had (and beaten) pancreatic cancer, following a major operation last October, with a subsequent 6 months of chemotherapy.
I was away from my golf passion for far too long but Trevor has been a key part in getting me back in the swing of things. I am now playing better than I have for a long time, with my swing slowing down to a blur!
So for all you TSG members that have taken part so far, or plan to attend later in August, you are supporting some fantastic people dedicated to their work in beating cancer. The staff who cared for me at Kings College Hospital, Camberwell were also absolutely brilliant, so all money raised will definitely make a difference.
I have played 3 rounds in the month of golf (North Downs, Walton Heath and Tyrells Wood). I have 2 more to go at Foxhills and The Grove.
Trevor and I were caught in the usual queue between J5 and J7 this morning, on our way to Tyrells Wood. Having had responsibility for maintaining the M25 between 2001 and 2009, I took the opportunity to let Trevor know some fascinating facts on the technical aspects of the M25 road contruction et al..... When Trevor eventually woke up, he promised to ensure a chapter in his forthcoming book about the month of madness to cover "interesting facts about the M25".
It could well be the shortest ( and most uninteresting) chapter in the whole book after today's discussion!!
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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Andy, this is a truly inspirational story which can surely give hope to other cancer sufferers. Well done in getting back into golf and thanks for sharing this with us.
Trevor's 'Month of Madness' will be a great achievement and it's good that he's got friends along with him. Good luck at Foxhills and The Grove.
I'll hope to meet you at Tudor Park!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 10: Month of golf starting to show its strain.
Andy your comments above are far too generous; you know I am always happy to find an excuse to play golf!
Of course, playing every day for a month poses its own problems. E.g. Richard, who kindly drove me to Burhill and back today asked me if I'd done any special preparation or anything. In the end I haven't done a lot, just the Pilates for core strength and stretching. I wake up with a sore back every morning and today I gave in and took Ibuprofen. However, it's mainly the hands and feet you have to worry about.....
On day 3, I played with leftie John Warnett who lent me a spare glove when I was struggling with holding my grip in the heat. Since then, it's been 2 gloves every day and that seems to be helping me hold the club, if not find the fairway. On the foot front I am beginning to feel the strain and the blister pack is close at hand; however two pairs of socks seems to have helped. By the end of the month I'll be covered in layers of clothing!
Actually the fairways of the New Course at Burhill were so good it was like walking on carpet anyway, Why has no one I know ever played there? It has two great courses, equally challenging but different and a fabulous clubhouse, but there was hardly anyone there. Where were the burghers of Walton-on-Thames? Probably on the 7.14 to Waterloo working.
I guess there are so many great golfing venues nearby that this is just another one to some, but for Richard, Graham, Kamal and myself it was a treat. If only my golf had risen to meet the challenge........
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David Allchorne
Handicap: 16
HERTS
Pro Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 57
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Keep going Trevor you are doing a fantastic job and Im really enjoying reading about it Interesting points about the prep required to undergo this sort of task,, When the idea was first mooted I thought what a lucky bloke playing all that golf but if your physical and mental strength are not a hundred per cent it must be very tough It is all too easy to forget the blisters and aches and pains, and even the self inflicted pain when your game suddenly takes a downward lurch Anyway enjoy the experience and I will look forward to meeting you at Hadley Wood
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Ian Mullins
Handicap: 20
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 378
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Hi Trevor,
Reallying enjoying the blog and nice piece from Andy too!
By my reckoning your 198 holes down with 360 holes to go......maybe we should consider renting you a buggies for Aldenham!
Anyone got any predictions for Trevor's gross score over the 31 days?
I'll start the ball rolling with 2790......
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Greg Butler
Handicap: 18
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 77
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I'll try 2,730..........but i hope it's less, also enjoying reading the blog, keep it up Trevor looking forward to meeting you on the 28th.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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What about Day 11?
It's coming, folks. Just don't ask me why nowhere in west London has wi-fi. The only place I managed to get online was Walton-on-Thames conservative club. What was I doing there, you might well ask?
No, it's too long a story....
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 11: Bad golfer gets Star treatment.
I’m getting used to pulling up through iron gates onto the long drive through the trees towards the impressive country mansion, so today was no different. Only thing was, I’d rushed out without my battery – and my wallet! No trouble, sir, we’ll lend you a motocaddy. You’ve got some banners to put up? I’ll get the green staff onto it – where would you like them? Thank you, Sean, what a welcome!
On the course for the return Ireland/England match, my 290-yd drive on the 2nd was followed by the first s***k my mate Andy had ever witnessed me do. John remarked on about the 16th it was the first hole we hadn’t had to look for my ball. Maybe the golf is getting to me – or could it be the celebrity status? At an early par 3, the photographer arrived to take a few shots for their monthly magazine. I’d already taken 3 to reach the green, so they had to make do with putting.
Still, it wasn’t only me who was playing bad golf. We were stocking up at the halfway hut behind the 9th green when suddenly a ball shot in through the open door and clattered all over the room, luckily causing no damage. So someone else thins their lob wedges too.
Andy’s wife, Heather walked the front nine with us before going in for her spa treatment and having spoken to the staff about the lunatic golfer going round the M25 that she was with, they offered me a complimentary back massage after the round, so it was into the robe, pop on the little slippers, lie back, think of England (they did win again, I’m afraid) and come out smelling of roses. What a finish to the day.
One third of the way round now. The golf can only improve but the star treatment can hardly get better.......
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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Trevor, despite all the aches & pains it sounds as though you're enjoying the month so far!
Rory McIlroy had treatment during his round at the USPGA, so it's only right that you should accept what's on offer in terms of massage, etc. After 12 days golf, you deserve it! Maybe someone out there could offer services as a caddie for a day - possibly even 'Oddjob' at Stoke Park, or Tiger's new guy who's now got the weekend off!
Like others, I've been enjoying reading the daily blog - keep up the good work & I'm looking forward to another game with you next week.
The number that's most important will be the amount raised for Cancer Research UK & I'm sure this will smash the target of £5000. But gross shots - put me down for 2882 - some tough courses to come!
John.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 12: Longest drive at Ashford?
I have a bad feeling today as the iron gates swing open from what seems an ordinary suburban street. I'm there far too early, I have to remind them who I am and what I'm doing, they're not keen on putting up banners and they don't have wi-fi. I chase around the local library/Costa coffee and nobody has wifi here it seems. I won't say how the guy in the computer shop describes his place of birth, or its local golf club.
Anyway it's now 10.30 and John, Baz and Ben haven't arrived - must be stuck on the motorway so I give them a ring......Where are you, John? We're in Ashford. Oh, well you're two minutes away then. Er, no mate, we're in - you've guessed it - Ashford, Kent! Now tell me John, when we said a Month of Madness on the M25, was there not a clue there somewhere? Yes, I did wonder about that; I thought you must have wanted one nearer home for a shorter drive....honestly, you couldn't make this up!
Well John definitely wins the longest drive competition today because 2 hours later we were on the tee and away. Gave me a chance to promote the tour to members in between though.
On course the golf was good on a nice course (though I still didn't hit any fairways) and people kept coming over and asking "how's your geography?" and telling us their "wrong Ashford" stories. They asked if they could keep the collecting jar overnight so maybe I'll get more cash out of sympathy?
Back home in the pub later, someone recognises me from the local paper and asks about the tour. Ah, celebrity status has returned. Maybe not such a bad day after all!
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Alan Haywood
Handicap: 21
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 132
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Great stuff Roger. Hope the wear and tear is not too severe. If you were not fit to begin with, you will be by the time it finishes. Looking forward to playing with you at Chigwell. Love the blog.
Very best wishes
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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It's Trevor, Alan.
Roger.
Over and out.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 13: Slice of life on both sides of the river...
No entry-code needed for today's venue but you do have to make your way through a caravan park - a far cry from the private estates of Surrey. We are now firmly in West London. You can hear the screams from Thorpe Park across the road and see the planes going off from Heathrow!
Though one of the cheapest venues on the tour, I'd only managed to negotiate the members' guest rate when the itinerary was agreed, but John in the pro-shop would have none of it. His Mum died of cancer and of course we'd have a concession....
On course, in an all-TSG match, John and I lost to Dougie "too good" and Dave "nice draw". We played animals and won one apiece. I added a pig to the gorilla with a thin onto the terrace at the last, just missing the photographer at the wedding - no he didn't get the shot, unfortunately.
Back in the bar, my press article had been nicked and the barman had had to hide the sweetie-jar, for fear it would be raided. He offered to host it for another day but I thought I'd better move it on. Fortunately, with the concessions, animals, sweepstake and everything we made it over the 100 quid mark, so another OK day for CRUK.
Popped over the river to Ashford Manor on the way home to collect my other charity jar and found it half-full and heavy to lift. Nearly £270(!!) from members when I got home and counted it! Thats a record.
Seemed a stuffy old place yesterday but now I won't have anything bad said against them, even if you can't wear cargo shorts and trainer socks.
Tomorrow - Its Junction 14, nearly at the half way point.....
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 14: Golf is not subject to the laws of physics.
Short report today as I played a nine-holer. Well, played it twice, actually. Was doing well on the front nine until on the 8th Tony and I discovered we'd both read physics at the same university. At that point Heisenberg's uncertainty principle took over and I was no longer able to determine the position or momentum of the ball. However after a random walk on the 8th, it was 'chaos' on the 9th when I chipped in for a birdie. 2 over gross on the front nine - not bad.
Playing again from different tees, you'd think I'd have learned from the first attempt but no!
Quantum fluctuations ensured that holes which previously yielded pars and birdies offered up 7s and 9s. My Srixon AD333 is clearly subject to wave-particle duality and is diffracting through the gaps in the trees. Even the putting is tricky as there is interference on the fringes.
I walk off with a score in the mid eighties. Why did we ever start talking physics; we should have stuck to the golf....
More photos coming soon but alas technology has got the better of me for now!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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PS just had a drop-out for 11am today at Thorney Park (Jn 15) if there's anybody awake and idle in west London..txt me on 07717276502 if so.
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Alan Haywood
Handicap: 21
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 132
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Trevor Sandford wrote:It's Trevor, Alan.
Roger.
Over and out.
Thanks Dave, I'll try to remember
Trigger.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 15: Millionaires' golf on a Monday
There's something about golf on a Monday. Everybody's back in the office and there you are, out on the course - better than working!
Mike (from my tennis club) was gutted that due to a mix-up in dates by a mutual friend, he couldn't join us at Stoke Park tomorrow. But not wanting to let the side down, he persuaded occasional golfer Peter to come with him to Thorney Park today....
We saw hardly anyone on the course, which won't help the charity jar in the bar. However, though close to the sounds of road, rail and air transport, we had time to stop and stare at ponds and streams and spot woodpeckers in the trees. Snakes, camels and frogs were frequently encountered and two gorrillas suddenly appeared on the 18th! Peter, nervous in front of an audience when a couple did catch us up, produced a number of contenders for pig, though his joy was unallayed when, by the 15th, he made his first par.
After the round, Mike gave me a cheque for what we would have paid at Stoke Park. He'd had a great day - relaxed, fun and unhurried - and had coaxed Peter into a game that might get him out more often.Next time we meet it'll be for tennis, but it's the golf we'll talk about.
Millionaires' golf on a Monday - much better than working!
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Alan Haywood
Handicap: 21
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 132
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Hi Dave, I do hope you are entering your cards for handicap purposes...with all this practice you should be down to single figures by now..... :-) Do keep up the good work.
Trig.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Alan
Thanks for your concern, but you'll see from my scores that my handicap has now risen to 14. I don't think this type of activity is designed to improve your golf! Plus i will have to play off 12 again when i get back to Tudor Park in September. But, hey, I'm not looking for sympathy; I'm writing this in the elegant lounge of Stoke Park and I've gotta go now 'cos they have put a nice little pile of balls for me on the range, so maybe today I actually will do some practice!
Trevor
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Alan Haywood
Handicap: 21
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 132
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[quote=Ian Mullins]Hi Trevor,
Reallying enjoying the blog and nice piece from Andy too!
By my reckoning your 198 holes down with 360 holes to go......maybe we should consider renting you a buggies for Aldenham!
Anyone got any predictions for Trevor's gross score over the 31 days?
I'll start the ball rolling with 2790......
[/quote
Good number Ian...bogey golf eh! I'll go a bit higher as the effects really begin to kick in, at the latter stages.
I'll say 2825.
Trevor is doing an amazing job, and I don't think we really appreciate just how difficult it is, not only walking about 5 miles a day up hill down dale, but having to negotiate the dreaded M25, twice a day.
To use the modern vernacular - respect!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 16: Film-star service does not do ready-meals.
The biggest B&B breakfast I’ve ever had, I thought, should save me having to remortgage for lunch at exclusive Stoke Park, but I did enjoy a coffee in the elegant Orangerie having surveyed the film memorabilia in the locker room. Scene of James Bond’s famous 18th hole victory over Goldfinger, it has provided a backdrop to numerous movies, adverts and promotions and no wonder why – it’s a very classy venue. Today we donned our trilbys and followed in 007’s footsteps....
This time there was no gamesmanship, crushed balls or flying bowlers and I managed to close out with pars on 16 and 17. The guys in front, knowing we were playing for charity, gave us their winnings to add to the kitty. When I got to the bar, the sweetie jar was nowhere to be seen. Maybe it just wasn’t classy enough, but the waiter dug it out from under the bar to reveal the measly fiver I’d started it with this morning! On reflection, my disappointment was tempered as I realised that no-one actually goes to the bar here except the waiters, as you never have to get up out of your seat to get anything.
En route to my temporary abode later, I dropped into Tesco for a microwave meal, realising that breakfast was now half a day ago. I wondered if Bond had a decent lunch in the Orangerie after his match. Funny, they never seem to eat ready-meals in the movies.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 17: Sign of the times
Mindlessly following the Sat Nav, as you do, I suddenly came upon Northwood Golf Club. It seemed to be right on the A404, no drive or anything. I parked on the road, just under a sign saying Empty your car when you park it, or a thief might. And I thought this was a safe area. Sign of the times, I guess. Having eventually found the car park and got inside, I was warmly welcomed in the safe haven of golfers which proved to be surprisingly rural within this suburban setting.
On course the signage continued. Caution, unstable bank announced the 9th tee – so Lehman Brothers held their golf days here, did they? Later, at the 15th I nearly had to cut short the round when confronted by No golfers beyond this point. But then since my scores have already proved I am not a golfer - I carried on.
Actually, I’m more of a billiard player than a golfer today. I was about to chip onto the 9th (from the 10th tee!) when Graham said “Shall I mark my ball?” I said “No” and went for it, my lobbed wedge hitting Graham’s 4-footer on the second bounce and cannoning into the hole for birdie. Quite the most spectacular chip-in-off birdie I expect I shall ever have. Graham was not amused. He drives all the way round from Kent to stop me playing solo and this is the thanks he gets. Well, he did have the last laugh as I lost 4&3 on the 15th, despite my rising handicap!
Chatting to members later, they say it’s a nice club but they are struggling to attract new members. Now there’s another sign of the times I guess.....
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Click here to Join Games....
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Ian Mullins
Handicap: 20
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 378
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Hi Trevor,
Loving the new photos, looks like your having a ball!!
Looking forward to catching up with at Aldenham on Sunday, keep up the good work - were all supporting you!
Regards
Ian
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Lyndon Samuel
Handicap: 29
Suffolk
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Looks like I may struggle to join you now but really enjoying the blog and think what your doing is great!
Lyndon
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 18: High point of the tour on the High Course
The forecast was for heavy rain, so I put my wetsuit on before getting in the car. At the club we found a big sign saying ¾-balls on the West Course today, 2-balls only on the High Course, so we split up and headed off, deciding we’d play betterball matchplay even though we weren’t actually playing together.
I’m not sure whether we played faster just because of the two-ball. It may have been that the first cut was quite generous so I could actually find my ball or even that I am actually turning that wayward slice into a “power fade”. Well, I’ve had enough practice!
Today’s chip-in birdie was from Steve on the 7th and I managed to play the par-5s in level par, which is always a good sign. 36 points off the whites (SSS73) and I see I’ve actually been cut by the TSG computer. Have I finally arrested the downward trend? You’ll have to wait and see.
The rain started on the 17th and by the time we got into the clubhouse it was bucketing. The food was excellent and surprisingly good value and when we went through the cards we ended all square.
You just cannot believe the interior of this 17th century mansion: it makes Stoke Park look bland. Go and have lunch there one day, just for a look. Of course there was nobody there with all the rain so the kitty was bare again today. We’d have done better passing it round the guests at the Sikh wedding thronging the main hall in all their finery. A high point for them today obviously, but a high point for us too – don’t you agree Steve?
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 19: This place has the X-factor....
From the moment you pull in at the bag drop at The Grove, everything is taken care of. This exclusive venue (with no members) plays host to the England football team before home games and its proximity to London makes it ideal as a celebrity getaway. You have a coffee and return to find your car parked up and your clubs ready on the buggy. The pyramid of balls awaits on the practice range.....
On the first tee, the starter talks you through the buggy (it won't go in the rough and tells you how to play each hole) and if GPS is not for you, you help yourself to a strokesaver, tees, pitch repairer, whatever. All included in the price. It's Pay and Play Jim, but not as we know it.
The course is immaculate - "one of the best kept in Europe", says Monty. I can play any club off the fairways and my GIR stats reflect this. It's like a US tour track. The greens are perfect according to Tiger, but I took a while to find the pace (10.5 it said on the tee-box, just so you know). You pull up by each tee and say "what do we have here?" and the nice man in the buggy gives you a flyby with pro's tip. The weather is perfect, so you've no excuse not to play well. And I did - except Ireland lost to England yet again. (Too near Wembley obviously); we'll get them at the rugby next weekend!
Another bad day for the charity jar I'm afraid, but then nobody goes to the bar and everyone pays by credit card - they are surprised when you offer cash! I'm done now but don't want to leave: I take a final wander around the gardens, taking photos of the many amazing sculptures (you can buy a horse for £46k), chat to some of the girls at the Hindu wedding in their fantastic dresses, ask a photographer to take my photo and stumble upon a film crew interviewing Gary Barlow (Take That fame!) on the terrace.....
It's the X Factor crew. They had boot camp at Wembley arena all week and are here to find out who their mentor will be for the series. Twenty or thirty young wannabees wander by, posing, pouting and trying to relax, hoping that this could be their stairway to stardom. Louis will be having a drink inside; Kelly and Tulisa may be in the jacuzzi. I'd nip in myself, but it's £205 for a day pass. They know how to keep you out, but they know how to treat you when you're in - This place really does have the X-factor!
PS Today's chip-in birdie was on 15 - easier than putting on those greens!!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 20: No driver needed at Berkhamsted....
Didn't need a driver today - the course was only a couple of miles away as I was staying locally. Good job too as I forgot my wallet again and had to go back for it. This was, in fact, the first course where I've had to pay for the tee-time. It was difficult to get on anywhere on a Saturday and the offer of 4for1 seemed good enough at the time.
Dating from 1890, the course runs through attractive heathland but nearly all the par-4s run out of fairway at about 240 yds from the daily tees - another reason you don't need a driver. You don't need a sand wedge either as there are no bunkers. A good day for the rescue club, perhaps?
I teamed up with Steve against "driver" Jeff and "5-iron" John, a real risk/reward partnership. 2 up at the turn, we'd let a couple of 2-balls through already when I suddenly got pain in my thumb: I couldn't do a backswing. This is it, I thought; the month of golf ends here. Whilst we deliberated and I stuffed in the Ibuprofen, a two ball rushed up to the 10th and we let them through, only to find their other halves had also played from the hidden ladies tee and they weren't members so didn't know their way about. A five-hour round loomed with me walking in.
Well, somehow or other, playing half swings with a rubber band round my thumb I finished the back nine in the same score as the front, though we played them out of order to avoid getting stuck behind our friends. That will blow the "miles walked" stats. We couldn't persuade Jeff off the driver but John's 5-iron was a thing of beauty. Despite that, Steve carried us to a 3&2 win. Back on the clubhouse board we saw the winners of the Berkhamsted Trophy, including one L Donald from Beaconsfield, back in his amateur days. The world No 1 may have a driver wherever he wants to go these days, but I bet he didn't need one here either.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 21: Homeward bound....
At Aldenham today, Mr.Mullins and I saw off the opposition despite the dicky thumb. Walking off the 12th after he'd won it with a par I said "that's 2/3 of the tour done now"; he said "well you've got a 600 yard par-5 next!" Has the man no sympathy...? So we are coming "down the stretch" now, as golfers peculiarly put it.
Back in 'Berko' at my mate Pete's house whilst he is away on holiday, his neighbour turns up with bandages, tape and an ominous-looking rubber glove. I go with the tape. Trevor's dicky thumb is now a cause of national concern - Rory had an MRI scan for his latest injury - I suddenly wonder if my health insurance covers golf?
After a hot bath and a glass of wine, things aren't looking so bad and I pick up the old guitar that Pete and I used to play in a band together. Paul Simon's "Homeward bound" comes to me with slightly amended lyrics.
For a small fee I'll do a full karaoke version at Tudor Park in September but , for now, here's verse 1:
I'm sitting at a service station; I'm a long way from my destination, going home......
On a tour of one-day stands, my golf clubs and guitar in hand
Where every stop is neatly planned for a poet and a golfing mad man..
Homeward bound (I wish I was) homeward bound etc..........
21 down, 10 to go.....
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 22: Jewish Club set for Christmas treat...
You won't get a bacon butty at Dyrham Park: it's a Jewish club, opened in the 30s apparently when, shockingly now, Jews were unable to join other local clubs. This very attractive country club in magnificent parkland does not take casual visitors but societies are welcome.
Monday again and with everyone back in the office, my friend Kevin starts his annual leave by joining me here. We had the most enjoyable round ever! The fun really began on the 13th tee when somehow Kevin managed to get so much backspin with his driver that the ball ended up 4 feet behind the tee. "Still you, Kev..." I wish I'd got it on video.
Then at the 16th, having hooked 2 off the tee, I found my provisional sitting on top of the hazard line. Unsure of the rules, I played it as it lay and then Kevin spotted the drop zone. Having agreed that my first was in the hazard, I dropped, lobbed up the 45 yards and - into the hole! Two shots and a penalty drop for today's chip-in birdie. Honestly, I am not making this up!!
We'd had such a great time, we decided to come back in the autumn with the gang. Ismat in the office tells us that their best deal is the Christmas special. Fair play, I thought, a Jewish club for our Christmas treat. Very good, even without the bacon butty - See you in December........
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 23: In memory of Seve Ballesteros....
It's pouring at 10 o'clock and no sane person would want to play golf, but this is the Month of Madness and The Shire, London, Seve's only UK design, opened in 2007, is a must-play for me...
My kids didn't understand why I drove for an hour and a half in Tenerife just to play Buenavista when there were several golf courses nearby. There was just something special about the man and he has managed to transfer some of his DNA into his courses: they are demanding risk/reward tracks and great fun to play, even in the wet.
Tony, the boss, waives the discount rate and offers us a free breakfast as we are supporting Cancer Research UK, the charity of The Seve Foundation. It's still raining but we hit the tee with enthusiasm and then the fun begins. I've been playing Seve-style golf for much of this tour - wild off the tee and with ridiculous scrambling, so I wonder if it will work here. The answer comes at the first where you have to know your yardage exactly to hit the green. Luckily I do - I have had a bit of practice!
A combination of 6 par 3s, 4s and 5s requires thought all the way round and I play the stretch from 12 to 17 in level par. Standing mid-fairway on the 18th with 192 yards uphill to the pin over an S-shaped lake, a couple of wedges and a putt would give me par but what would Seve do? I reach for the rescue club, find the water and make a 7. Oh well, he'd have been proud of me for trying: nobody sits in the clubhouse boasting about their great lay-up on the last.
Over a drink I look at the gallery of photos all round the bar: icons of golf in my lifetime. I leave a note in the book of remembrance in the foyer. Seve: I tried my best but you got me on the last.
Always a battler, always an inspiration, my golfing hero. Thanks for the memories!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 24: Why am I doing this?
Left the banners at The Shire so had to call back today....
Ceri finds them and presents me with a £100 cheque from the club for CRUK. It's the charity of the Seve Foundation. We get chatting about his 60 course designs around the world and I feel two months of golf coming on. Ceri is up for it - he'll be in touch!
On through the stockbroker belt to Hadley Wood under lightening skies. I messed up the booking here and we have 9 people but they are fine with three 3-balls so we play a team game. Kent beats Essex and the TSG "hybrids". John says it's better than Ireland v England: at least he has won something, even if it's only a bottle of beer. (He's a cider man...)
It's the other John's first day of his " wild week" alongside the golfing madman and he brings two friends....
Rod asks why I am doing this; I do begin to wonder. Is it for a friend, a former colleague, a family member?
Today it's for Melanie, who's in chemotherapy; tomorrow it will be for someone else. It's for the 1 in 3 of us who may battle at some time. Unlike today, though, let's hope that more than 1 in 3 of us can win!
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Ian Mullins
Handicap: 20
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 378
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Hi Trevor,
Apologies for the delayed response.....
Just wanted to say great day at Aldenham on Sunday! Thanks to Chris Holdom and Dave Allchorne for joining us as well, OK they didnt win the day but there certainly joined in the spirit of the Tour!
Hope this weeks weather isnt getting to you, just think only 6 left after todays round.....are you going to miss it when you wake up on the 2nd Sept and have no where to go?
See you next week at Orsett!
Ian
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 25: Have I got enough balls?
I wrote to both Titleist and Srixon before the tour to ask for ball sponsorship. I reckoned I could lose 100 balls in 31 days. Unfortunately neither felt able to help. Perhaps I should have tried Calloway, Nike, Bridgestone, whoever. Anyway I bought 8 dozen on special offer from Direct Golf; that should be enough, I thought. Some days I thought I'd need to restock; then at The Grove I didn't lose any. I'm not really improving my golf; I'm just learning to be conservative (some of the time).
Today at The Hertfordshire I was joined by my friend Ed Moore who'd organised his company golf day to support GAC so we had a dozen people in all. Everyone must go away with the traditional commemorative GAC ball, but do I have enough? Stocks are looking good so they all get one. I didn't even lose one today. In fact, I had the best round of the tour so far - a 78! Now that's thrown those who went for big scores in the sweepstake - well, you can always have another go!
Elaine at the club was fantastic and organised everything, turning up on the 11th with a photographer from the Mercury. "Too late", I cried, "you've just missed today's chip-in birdie." Fortunately they didn't ask me to re-enact it or we'd still be there, making do with a putt instead. By this time the rain had ceased, the sky was blue and Kent beat Essex again 7&5 (ouch!)
Of course I won't play like that again. Or will I? I won't put up my scores for the final week so I'll leave you guessing. And as for balls lost, that's it now; I'm hanging on to the remainder. Btw, the thumb seems to be OK, though the strapping does elicit appropriate sympathy. It's the feet I'm worried about now. But have I got enough balls? I'll leave you to answer that question....
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Steve Cross
Handicap: 19
Berkshire
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Trevor, re day 18, an amazing club house without a doubt and reminded me of Rome with similar style high ceilings and walls magnificently painted. The golf (almost) lived upto the magnificence of the club house with your birdie par 5 a treat to watch and it would of course be rude of me not to agree with your comments on my birdie chip in on the 7th!
Keep up the good work and note that your theory about all Thursdays being wet was proven again today so will pack my wet gear for the 1st at Tudor next week. Steve
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 26: Hips and shoulders, knees and toes....
Pain management now stable on the thumb and the knee twinge that appeared at The Grove has not returned, so we can now turn attention to other body parts. Two pairs of socks seems to be working with the feet and two gloves with the hands and the back is not giving much gyp these days. Actually, playing more golf seems to be helping - it is exercise after all.
My thoughts are shared by my playing partners today. Alan looks for a slope to run up and down to test out his new hip and Ian insists on hitting a 6-iron despite having done his shoulder in a recent motor-bike accident. He says it's not doing any damage and actually making it stronger. All the same, though, we share Ibuprofen doses like serial drug users.
Now for today's chip-in birdie. I'm afraid John's "putt-in" on the 5th and near-miss on the 15th, however worthy, don't count. I'm in the bunker at the 7th and ask the others not to mark their balls, so I have plenty of targets for an in-off birdie. They rush for their markers and say you'll just have to do a sandy chip-in birdie.................so I do! I will be running a workshop on "the role of luck in golf" at Tudor Park in September. That is, assuming the knees and toes are still up to it.
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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The first day of my 7/7 wild week arrives with much anticipation.....
Day 24: Hadley Wood
I've got two friends, Jack & Rod with me in support - they already know I'm mad! Rod has a special reason for playing as his wife, Melanie is battling cancer, so today is for her.
The round starts well for him with a fantastic birdie at the par 5 first. We all agree it's a great course in a lovely location and the sun starts to shine. We all struggle a bit with our game, but have a memorable day.
In the excellent clubhouse Trevor, the perfect host, takes time to speak with us all which was appreciated by my guests.
Day 25: The Hertfordshire
Today it's raining hard and the forecast isn't good. We're well looked after by staff at the club, with coffee & bacon rolls provided. John, my guest today & I try to delay our start in the hope of better weather, but Trevor's having none of it. "This is the Golf Against Cancer Tour"!
A Kent v Essex match is fixed up, but sadly we're made to look like serious hackers by Trevor, who has his best round of the month and his mate Kevin who's on fire with 23 pts on the front 9. Sorry Essex, but we didn't stand a chance! With golf, there's always another day.
Day 26: West Essex
I awoke at 4am, to the sound of heavy rain, thinking 'what the hell am I doing?' Looking on my computer, I see that the total raised has now exceeded the £5000 target, so this is my answer.
Ian's with me today, but with an injured shoulder from a recent motorbike accident, so I'm impressed that he's turned up - especially as it's wet, wet , wet!
I've been reading about the 'chip-in' birdies and reckon that in 7 games, I've a chance of joining the club. Of course, if you hit too many greens in regulation, your chip-in chances are reduced, so at the par 3 5th, I hit my tee shot to the left fringe of the green. I get the birdie but - big mistake - with my putter. Doesn't count, I'm told - I'll use the 8 iron next time!
The par 3 7th deserves further mention. Ian 'lays up' to 70 yds but hits a perfect wedge to 6 feet. Alan is at the back of the green and Trevor and I are in separate bunkers short of the green. I manage what I feel is a good shot to 5 feet past the hole. We're then talking birdies again and suggest to Trevor that one from the sand would be a bit special.
What happened next could not have been written. Trevor plays the perfect shot from (wet) sand to hole out!!! Unbelievable but brilliant and couldn't happen to a nicer person. The rest of us all get our pars, which pale into insignificance after Trevor's shot of the month.
The rain continues but we're all in good spirit. I have another chip-in attempt at the 15th, only missing out by a few centimetres, but fear that now the stakes are raised, an eagle is going to be needed....now that would be a good story!
Ian is delighted to be presented with Trevor's 'bravery' award and we've all had a great day. I leave thinking that I didn't know you could have so much fun in the rain.
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Alan Haywood
Handicap: 21
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 132
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A great day with John, Ian and of course the redoubtable Trevor, who clatters the ball a country mile, despite a dodgy thumb. Fortunately the rain did not have too much of an effect - I would have played that badly anyway -left my golf brain at home.
John putted like a demon - missed nothing, Ian, loaded with ibroprufin (he would have failed a drug test) hits a six iron off the tee further than I manage a 5 wood. I had ONE good hole, a 185 par three where my pit mark was 10 inches from the pin (gets shorter the more I relate it) sadly the ball rolled on to about 6 ft., and you know what happened next...John rolled one in from nowhere for par, and of course I missed the birdie putt. I think he is still smiling...grrrr.
Nevertheless, Trevor and I managed to beat Ian and John 1 up...but it was touch and go on the last. The victory beer tasted so good, thanks John.
Thanks lads for a very enjoyable and memorable experience. Looking forward to Tudor Park next week, and congrats on reaching your target Trevor. As I write this, I am listening to Trevors excellent interview on Radio Essex, where TSG got an honorable mention!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 27: Eat up those greens....
Why is the bacon roll synonymous with the golf day? When else do you eat ham, egg and chips than after golf? How will I survive on this diet for a month, I thought? I'm going to need triple statins, if not a triple by-pass.
Week 1 was OK as I returned home in the evening to my daughter's cooking - practice for survival at Uni.- but sharing a house with an 18 year old whose diet consisted of pizza and Chinese was clearly a bad influence. My wife was shocked when I said I hadn't seen a vegetable for 2 weeks. So last night the conquering hero returns home to a three-course dinner, complete with carrots and broccoli! You know what they say about the way to a man's heart.
Of course planning the games over mid-day means missing lunch and I lost weight for the first week, but now I have the world's supply of pasties, pork pies and flapjacks there is always food to hand on the golf-course. Talking of which, shot of the week must surely have been John's amazing chip-in straight to the bottom of the cup on the second today, nearly knocking out the pin in the process. It's a pity he'd just had to take a drop from the greenside pond. A chip-in for....par: so near and yet so far!
For the next 4 days we are all going to be laying up short, missing the green deliberately, just to get that oh-so-special chip-in birdie. At home I'll be tucking into the broccoli, but on the course it's the lob wedge that'll be eating up the greens!
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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Day 27: Abridge
Golf Against Cancer shot of the week - thanks Trevor, I'm truly honoured!! I reckon it was my shot of the year though, followed by momentary stunned silence and complete disbelief.
Problem for me though was that it went to my head and I started trying to play like Seve, in looking for the 'glory' shot through the narrowest gap, or around the trees. I should remember that course management is so important, so need to think 'Luke Donald' more often. But then.......this is Golf Against Cancer and we're all looking for that headline shot!
Yet another memorable game and today the rain stayed away from us just until our last putts had been sunk - or missed, in my case!
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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Day 28: Stapleford Abbotts
As you can probably tell, I've been thoroughly enjoying all this golf, but it's given me a real 'high', so I've been waking up far too early each day. Today I'm tired and my back's a bit sore, so I join the Ibuprofen club. I don't know how Trevor is managing to stay playing for so long - it's quite remarkable!
We're at Alan's 'Proper Golf Course' today, but are told that the greens have just been hollow tined and heavy showers are on the way. Great, just what I need today - a nice easy game.... and then it's decided we're playing off whites!
I'm not alone in feeling this way, as Trevor also get's off to, what I'll say, an 'indifferent' start. When the very heavy rain starts on the 12th, he suggests that we have a break & wait until the rain eases - "Are you really sure, Trevor?"
Despite the weather, we do eventually finish and, Alan - I'll look forward to playing here with you sometime, but on a better day! It was a pleasure to meet fellow TSG member Greg, who played so well and Trevor's friend Murray, who just couldn't miss a putt and even joined the chip-in birdie brigade!
It all adds up to a 5 hour+ round & I'm needing food, a bath and a very good sleep. Let's do it all again tomorrow!!
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 28: Month of Golf suspended due to Disqualification....
The rules of golf can be cruel - ask Padraig Harrington. At The Grove, they have a local rule where they treat the rough like a hazard, allowing a drop for a one-shot penalty if you can't find your ball. This is really designed so that the celebs don't get their trousers dirty and also the buggies stop working when you go near the rough (they do, really!) Seems a good rule for amateurs playing on a course set up for the pros - would have been useful at The London Club.
The photo gallery shows my own dilemma on day 22. when playing from a hazard. John kindly brought to my attention page 28 of this month's Golf International for a ruling which vindicated my decision. Unfortunately there was also a ruling on Out of Bounds which means that, on further consideration, my second shot on the 8th at The Hertfordshire may have been illegal. To make matters worse, my playing partner pointed out a local rule at Abridge that no free drop can be taken from any staked tree! It was on the back of the card, apparently. Who ever reads all that stuff, I ask myself?
This means disqualification for signing for the wrong score (a 78!), subsequently playing off the wrong handicap and throwing the sweepstake on shots taken into complete disarray. The Month of Madness has ended in disaster, disgrace and expensive law suits. All play is suspended pending a stewards' inquiry.
Actually, hold on, this is Golf Against Cancer, not the PGA tour. Maybe we can have a bit of forgiveness here. Tell you what. I've posted a picture of the position in question. If you say it's definitely OB, I'll call a halt, put my feet up, watch the athletics and have a week off. (He's looking for an excuse here, you know). If you can't tell, I'll play on....
Let me know soon - we're due at Romford at 3pm!
Click here for Photos...
Click here to Join Games....
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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Well, Trevor - I was there & reckon you've taken that photo from completely the wrong angle....what were you thinking?
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Murray Pennells
Handicap: 19
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Despite a shaky start.. [it was not only Trevor who had an indifferent front nine], I really enjoyed my day at Stapleford Abbots. Greg and John stirred me on to a better back nine, but the Kent boys still lost 3 and 2. My only consolation was joining the "Golf Against Cancer" CIB club on the Par 5 7th.
I hope Trevor can hold it together for the last few days – he deserves all his success.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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was another great Chip-in-Birdie, Murray and thanks for carrying me round. I won't post my score yet for fear of ridicule. Anyone coming to Tudor Park on Thursday? There'll be a special "Chip-in-birdie" prize. You know it's going to happen!
Oh, by the way, turns out Greg was actually born in Kent so it's really Kent 11/2, Essex 1/2. Sorry, John....
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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Funny that I've not posted my score yet...for the same reason!
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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Ok, so it's 105....but I'm trying to remain positive.... I only lost one ball with my first shot of the day. And did I mention the rain? There's no way that Alan will want to play with me now!
Day 29: Romford
After yesterday, I'm looking for some inspiration......
I can see clearly now the rain has gone....
I can see all obstacles in my way....
You know - from the film 'Cool Runnings' - is playing on my car radio. The sky looks better and the forecast good and I'm thinking time for course management - avoid all water, trees, bushes, sand, etc.
I've got my friend Ian playing with us again today, stepping in at short notice to fill a late cancellation. Ron, my dad, is also here to offer moral support and 'crowd control'. Making up the fourball with Trevor is TSG member Paul. On the first tee, a photographer from The Romford Recorder arrives for a photoshoot - so make sure to buy a copy on Friday.
When playing golf, there always seems to be a lot of dis-jointed conversation - walking & stopping to play shots. Trevor started something about changing grip and his trigger finger on his shaft, but once Paul became involved the tone was lowered!
Good news for Trevor & myself is that we can still play a bit, but Paul was the star of the afternoon with 3 birdies, including one of the famous 'chip-in' variety from about 70 yds - high fives all round - a fantastic shot. It was a hard fought contest, but after clawing back from 4 down, Trevor & Paul were beaten by The Theydon Boys 1 up. Victory is sweet, Trevor and don't even think of asking Ian where he was born!
In the bar we were greeted by Laurie, the club captain who insisted on buying us all a drink. He was hosting a presentation evening and made a short speech to members about Golf against Cancer. The collection jar was passed around tables and returned to us looking quite full, so a big thanks to Laurie and all at Romford GC for your generosity and hospitality.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Now that John is doing the match reports, I can concentrate on the "wider issues", so today it's....
Day 29: Getting up and down.
We all like to get up and down from a bunker - preferably in one shot! But there have been lots of other ups and downs in the past month. My weight, for instance. Started about 75kg (sorry, you'll have to convert into old money), then dropped to 73 after a week. Can't have been my daughter's cooking; must have been lack of pasties. Now it's crept back up again; this time it is the home cooking - plus the pasties.
Then there's the handicap. I'm playing now off what I played off in June. I just had a good couple of rounds before the tour, got down to 12, have crept up to 14, and now back to unlucky 13 again. Mostly, though, I've been playing to about 18. If only I'd been able to go round again, I'm sure I'd play so much better. Now, there's an idea!
So everything goes up and down and everything ends up more or less the same. Except you know yourself better. You know the yardage for every club; you know what you should play off every tee. Whether the execution follows is another matter, as my round on Sunday proves. Oh, on that point, I will post my scores now, but, given so much info is now publicly available, sweepstake entries are now doubled in price. Stay tuned for the results on Thursday evening, if I am still sober. You know Darren Clarke took about a week to get up and down after the Open, so I'll need at least a day to do the same.
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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Today is my 7th day on the 'Tour' so the end of my 'wild week'.....
I've observed Trevor and witnessed how hard he's been working. Always at the course at least 90 minutes before tee off to make preparations and put the Cancer Research UK & Social Golfer banners in place. There's often a reporter to speak to and club staff have to be asked where the collection jars can be placed. And then he plays golf, has a drink with the day's team, gets the sweepstake entries, clears away & drives home. Then does it all again the next day. it's not just about playing golf, so no wonder he's getting tired.
Day 30: Thorndon Park
I'm awake early again, but this time for a drive to Stansted Airport. My wife and son are fleeing the country ....... Golf Against Cancer has taken it's toll - I'm driving them crazy, so they need to get away for a few days!
It's a handsome looking venue today - Jack's 'Wentworth of Essex'. We're offered a choice of breakfast and even given £20 by Lewis, the caterer, for the collection jar.
This course needs to be thought out, but today is busy so we have to keep allowing 2 & 3 balls to play through - never easy, but we felt under pressure when one group decided to tee off before we'd cleared the fairway. We thought it spoilt the end of a good day on a great golf course.
Kent managed another victory on Essex soil, 1up. Kevin is now P2 W2 & looking good for an each way bet at his home course, Tudor Park, perhaps? I'm not sure about Trevor, though, it's all becoming a blur!
So that's it - 7 days - 126 holes of golf - 661 shots - no cib's :-( - 44.5 miles walked - 7 lost balls.
Contact Trevor Sandford with any last sweepstake entries on his numbers!!
It's been a great week and a real pleasure and priviledge to play with Trevor each day. A week that I'm sad is over, but one that I shall remember forever.
Anyone up for a game tomorrow??
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 30: Where do we go from here?
So where are you next, they always ask. It's Orsett tomorrow, or whatever, I say. But what will I say tomorrow? Actually, I had thought of just carrying on. I wouldn't mind another go at most of the courses I've played and why break the routine when you've just got it cracked? There are only 30 days in September, after all, so it's got to be easier!
I have had a few ideas. I've done Lands End to John o' Groats on a bike, so why not with a golf club? Oh, that's been done, has it? Well how about a round in every county in Ireland (there are 32!), all the Seve courses in Europe (60, was it?). Hmm, could be an expensive trip. And I'd have to leave behind my best friend over the past month, my constant companion throughout August.
Sorry, dear, I'm talking about the M25! I will miss her as I pay my last toll at the Dartford crossing, but there'll be a tribute chapter in the forthcoming book, i promise. There, now - that's the next project, and maybe I'll get it done in time for Christmas, but it won't be half as much fun as playing golf on the GAC tour.
Talking of which, today's award for battling against injury must go to Jack who played at Thorndon Park despite losing half a finger in an industrial accident only a few weeks ago. He hasn't lost his sense of humour, however. Coming off the 17th, I signalled over for his score for the card and he raised his fingers, as you do, then hesitated a moment and said "Put me down for a 41/2"
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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HOT OFF THE PRESS.........GOLF AGAINST CANCER TOUR CALLED TO A HALT......TREVOR SANDFORD FORCED TO CONSIDER GIVING UP ON HOLE 14 AT THORNDON PARK.......WILL HE FALL SHORT BY ONLY 23 HOLES?
Click Here...
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Day 31: Turned out fine in the end...
On the final day at Orsett, Mullins and Amos represent their county and I get the chance to play Kent vs Essex with my best friend and regular pairs partner, Andy. What better way to finish the tour.
The club is terrific, really welcoming and Steve, the Captain comes to see us off on the 1st tee. Bang it goes on the fairway. In fact they nearly all go on the fairway today; somehow it's all coming back together again. Kent stay 1 up for hole after hole as I play bogey golf and watch everyone else get pars. Eventually I join them, though no-one chips in today, despite numerous near misses.
On the 16th, Steve comes to meet us in a buggy and follow us in. All square at the last, I hit a cracker on the fairway - and then find the greenside bunker. When we get up to the green, a crowd of women in GAC shirts run up with balloons and stuff - the WAGs have arrived! A quick up and down (in 2), the terrace breaks into applause and we're all sipping champagne. Just like Darren at Sandwich. Miles in the kitchen gives us a free lunch, the sweetie jar fills up and everyone goes away happy.
Month of golf? Done, finished, surrounded by great people who've provided terrific support, as have so many others along the way, at clubs, through TSG, family and friends. I couldn't have dome any of this without your help: a BIG, BIG thank you from me. It's a dream come true and we've raised how much for Cancer Research? I'll let you know tomorrow, when all the stats will be revealed.
Meanwhile I forget that Andy's finishing par for 80 actually won the game, so we'll have to have a rematch at Tudor Park tomorrow. Yes, I've finished the month of madness and what am I going to do tomorrow? - play golf. Then I'm taking the family on holiday for a week - and no golf! It's been a fantastic month, exhausting but exciting, draining but dramatic. The weather hasn't been wonderful....but it's turned out fine in the end.
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Alan Haywood
Handicap: 21
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 132
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Many congratulations on the completeion of this epic event Trevor...and I look forward to the next one, of a similar nature. Hope the RSI heals quickly.
Very best wishes
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John Amos
Handicap: 36
Essex
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 66
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Day 31: Orsett
Great to be invited along for the final game at another course I'd never played before - and what a course!
Trevor and Andy v Ian and myself in the M25 finale. We all played well today and were all looking for the headline shot - an eagle perhaps? Never before have I stood over a wedge from 100 yards thinking 'this has to go in'. We peppered the pin all day and all had birdies, but there have been no eagles in the Month of Golf - only happen in Summer, says Trevor.
It's a tight match, set for a good finish when the club captain comes out in a buggy to see us in. We put on a great show for him, all feeling the pressure to perform, but Andy had the edge today so the Kent boys win 1up. The crowd are released from the ropes, surging forward to greet the winners with champagne - just like we see on a Sunday afternoon on Sky!
Emotions are running high at the end of a great month, which I feel proud to have been a part of.
I've played 180 holes with you and now I'm tired, but you've done 558! Amazing! At times our golf has been awful and occasionally brilliant. The weather hasn't always been kind but it doesn't matter. I've enjoyed meeting your friends (there are some good golfers at Tudor Park!) and other TSG members who have joined in. I'm pleased that some of my own friends were able to come along - they all enjoyed their days. We've had some memorable times and plenty of laughs along the way.
Congratulations on reaching the end of your marathon, Trevor - you're a star.
It's been a real blast - let's do it all again next year!
John.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,955
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What have you done Trevor?
Well done mate for an absolutely fantastic achievement in raising loads of cash for a great cause that you know is very close to my heart ( well, my pancreas really!)
I was thinking last night what have you actually done here, so thought I had better put pen to paper before I forgot.
- You must have had at least 9000 practice swings, as your pre-shot routine hasn't changed a bit, despite all the golf you have played
- You have lost that infamous draw with your driver and developed a fade which will make Tudor Park a lot more challenging
- You have discovered that Essex is a very dangerous place, as you now hold the world record for the most insect bites I have ever seen below the knee
- You have fallen in love with the M25, you now know so much much about it and understand why I always had it in my thoughts for the 8 years I looked after it.
- You will now get loads of free invites to play golf at clubs around the M25, as you have certainly left an impression on so many members and staff
I am sure that once you have collated all the info on each of the 31 rounds you will be known as the new 'Statto' .
Most of all Trevor, you have earned the respect of so many people, made lots of new friends and you will have to go a long way to beat it. So roll on next year, when you will be playing your driver off the highest peak in each continent (make sure you have a firm stance though).
All the best
Andy
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John O'Callagh...
Handicap: 23
Kent
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I also offer my congratulations to Trevor on a hell of an effort.
I had the pleasure of playing in 4 matches and with Trevor on 3 occasions. We are the Nortern Irish team who are 3-0 down to the bloody English who insisted on playing better than us.
I did notice a strange thing in that the more Trevor played the more energetic he seemed to get. Adversity suits him and I was thinking of what great historical figure he reminds me of and it came to me.... Tigger of course from Winnie the Pooh!
I think you'll agree when you see this (if it works) http://youtu.be/dJFyz73MRcg
John O'Callaghan
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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PS: And the winner is.......
Great day back at Tudor Park, my home club, with 20 lads from the GAC tour for a celebratory golf day under clear blue skies - well, it's September now! The boys from The Ridge won the money (I must have a word with the handicap secretary there), Kevin Wellings pipped John Amos to Nearest the Pin and modesty forbids me revealing the winner of the 295 yard Longest Drive - in the middle of the fairway. Maybe "normal" golf has returned at last? Kent beat Essex (again!) courtesy of Andy's birdie on the last. I can't remember my score but had a terrific day whizzing round on a trike. Everybody liked the course and, coming back to it after a month away, I can see why. Absence makes the heart grow finder, as they say.
Anyway, now for the stats. All scores now posted, I can reveal that in 31 days over 558 holes there were 2789 shots taken. Malcolm Jackson from Harrow got it right and wins a microlight flight. Several people guessed 2790, including my pairs partner Andy, who knows my game better than I do, and a certain Ian Mullins, who has clearly been looking at the TSG site. If only I'd 3-putted the last at Orsett....However, closest to the tie-breaking 211 miles walked and 57 balls lost were Dave Allchorne from Brookmans Park who wins a golf day for 4 at South Essex and Barry Frampton from Maidstone who gets another go at Tudor Park with a fourball.
There are lots more stats, of course - miles driven (over 1500), pasties eaten (lost count), chip-in-birdies (5) etc. All will be revealed at the London Golf Show and in the forthcoming book. But the big winner of the tour is Cancer Research UK, where the money raised stands today at £7,725 (154% of target). That's many contributions from TSG members (including a staggering £1000 from John Amos and his supporters alone), golf clubs, friends, family and general passers by.
The site remains open at www.justgiving.com/monthofgolf2011 but it's now goodbye from me as I'm off to tackle the list of jobs my wife has kindly amassed for me over the month - but maybe they can wait until after the holiday!
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Alan Haywood
Handicap: 21
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 132
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Go enjoy your holiday Dave, the Dartford Crossing will be a little less busy, and they can survive without your 3 quid a day. I can see you now, plotting your next venture whilst sitting on a beach somewhere, or will it be in some clubhouse?
Looking forward to playing with you again some time in the future, perhaps on a 'proper' course.
Thanks for the memories, and very best wishes.
Trig.
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David Allchorne
Handicap: 16
HERTS
Pro Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 57
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Hear I missed a great day Trevor, is that fourball the same one that we won recently at that strange organizers day. Either way feel free t o use it to raise more funds for your charity.
Once again brilliant job and look forward to playing with you again soon.
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Trevor Sandford
Handicap: 36
Kent
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
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Dave: The very same. You can take the Golf Club voucher out of Essex, but you can't take the Essex out of the Golf Club voucher! I was going to send it to you if you give me an address, otherwise I'll buy it off you and bring some of the Kent boys over to Heron's Gate for a reunion match...
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Steve Cross
Handicap: 19
Berkshire
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I'd like to add my congrats also to Trevor for an incredible performance in raising funds for research into a condition that has no respect for age or gender and has almost certainly brushed all of us personally or via close family &/or friends. As Ian said at the Tudor - Trevor doesn't just talk, he does.
It was a pleasure and priveledge to be able to join with others at the Tudor, play in great company, and see - yet again - the local bandit known as JOC record 43 points only to be beaten by a even bigger bandit - both from the same club!
Also - for John, JOC and for the benefit of others north of the Thames - I checked out the cricket results this week in case they were missed, lets see ... England beat Ireland and Kent beat Essex. Different game, same results!
Well done Trevor and to all who assisted and look forward to hearing about whatever idea he's allowed to do next year....
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TheSocialGolfer
Handicap: 36
Essex
Pro Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 782
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Dear Trevor (et al),
Its been a few days now since the end of the Golf Against Cancer tour but as Trevor has headed off to put his feet up, I thought I would just say thank you to him on behalf of ALL TSG members!!
I am sure once he is back he will give us all an update on what life after the tour is like but until then lets give big cheer to him - he has after all, with your help raised over £8k for Cancer Research UK!!
Here are just some of the photo highlights - Click here...
Lets here it for Trevor, for he's a jolly good fellow........
The TSG Team
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