Challenging greens kept anyone from playing to their handicap at Rotherham Golf Club
Event Series #2: Rotherham Golf Club
The sun was shining as we pulled up to Rotherham Golf Club. As the gates pulled back the long driveway created a real sense of drama and excitement for our members as they drove through to catch their first glimpse of the course, and up to the magnificent stately clubhouse.
We always receive a warm welcome at Rotherham, this and the fantastic bacon butties helped to create a real buzz as everyone chatted over their coffees and looked around at all of the Danny Willet memorabilia. Everyone was looking forward to their round.
Fast greens and a beautifully manicured course awaited and the field responded with another incredibly tight competition. As the round progressed there were a number of real contenders and it was going to be difficult to call.
The first nearest the pin came early in the round at the 3rd hole and Joe Ingham put in an excellent marker that was going to be tough to beat. Despite this, Andrew Middleton stepped up to the challenge and produced a fantastic tee shot to take the prize.
At the halfway stage, the field remained tight and it was clear that the quick, undulating greens were making life difficult. Rotherham has a real feel of Augusta about it and it was providing all the thrills of a final day at The Masters.
The second nearest the pin was on the 16th hole and Andrew Middleton took the honours yet again, finding a great shot into a really tricky green.
Unfortunately, Andrew couldn’t quite back up his inspired par 3 form to challenge the leaders for the overall prize.
As the scores began to come in, just 2 points covered the top 5. As we finalised the round, there were three players level on 35 points. The back nine count back meant that Tobias Duczenko was third, Phil Parkinson finished second and debutant, Martin Fountain, took the honours.
Another great event, providing plenty of drama and excitement, in a magnificent setting.
A win for a first timer: Rotherham Golf Club
Clubhouse Leaders
Event Series #4: Rotherham Golf Club
Sunshine and a friendly welcome greeted us as we entered the magnificent clubhouse at Rotherham Golf Club. The memorabilia around the bar, celebrating Danny Willet’s 2016 Masters victory, inspired our members as they prepared for the golfing test ahead.
The course was beautifully manicured and the superb greens were true and quick. Another close contest developed with all competitors in with a shout of leaderboard points throughout the round.
The third hole provided the backdrop to our first nearest the pin contest. A tough 170 yard par 3 meant that with the last group to come through, the marker was still a long way from the pin. Seeing an opportunity to get an early prize, Allan Underwood was up to the task and got his name on the board.
As the wind got up, the course began to show its teeth but gave some good birdie opportunities for those holes downwind. The lead was constantly changing as we got into the latter stages of the round.
The second nearest the pin prize was on the tight fourteenth. Once again, it was left to the final group to take the prize. A well struck iron from Michael Goodare got a little bit of help from the slope to leave him only one foot from the pin.
With a tight finish on the cards, the early starters gathered with their drinks on the patio overlooking the 18 th to see the drama develop. As we all gathered there was a four way tie at the top of the leaderboard. On a back nine count back debutant, Lee Hayes, secured top spot with Hugh Spillane taking the runners up spot.
