Down Memory Lane in the GM Challenge

[HomerJSimpson]

Just got htis months magazine and following on from my inclusion last month I was delighted to see Wimbledon Common featured int he latest challenge match.

For those that don't know, Wimbledon Common was my first club from a junior, through to assistant pro. It was a joy to see my old pro Jeff Jukes still going strong (although I have a feeling he might have shaved a year or two off his age and the hair has been slicked back). A great servant to the club, great employer and a superb teacher. Everytime I hear Sultans of Swing (Dire Straits) and Zoom (Fat Larry's) it takes me back to the Summer of 83 (a Finnish au pair and the women from the local stables but they are stories for another post)

I use to play regularly with Phil Hales (who christened me "the walking 1 iron") and also played cricket with him for a short time. He is equally adept at both sports. Trevor Standish who has been a quality golfer for over 30 years and every time he pegs up is amongst the favourites to win any event.

The Abbertons are a family golfing legend at Wimbledon Common with Gary the latest in a line of single figure handicappers. Fuuny thing is I remember him as a junior playing exceptional golf even then. He is as thin as he was as a gangling 10 year old.

Congratulations to Wimbledon Common for being the first side to beat the GM team and congratulations on their centenerary. If any of you get a chance to play it do so (remember your pillar box red top). The greens are very small but are some of the best for miles around (including more illustrious courses in nearby Surrey).

They are holding a family day on the 14th June which I will be attending so if you are in the area I might bump into you.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Out of interest, do you think Wimbledon Common played in the true nature of the GM challenge by fielding such a strong team. A pro, two club champions, several single figure golfers and a Surrey Golf Union winner was a pretty impressive line up but I thought it was about ordinary golfers taking the GM boys on or am I missing the point?

 

[theeaglehunter]

I don't know- if handicaps were used and the pro played off scratch at least, you can't really complain. It was clearly a team devised to win though. Not what I personally would choose to do for the challenge agreeing that it should be about the ordinary golfers that fancy a challenge, however I don't think you can really complain or criticise them for it. It would be interesting to get the opinion of GM on the matter.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I've played with half of the team and know that they are good golfers. Phil Hales in particular of 12 is very dangerous (he plays more like a 6-8). I know Jeff Jukes (pro) doesn't play much anymore (maybe 4-5 pro-ams a year) but is/was a fantastic ball striker. Gary Abbetton had the makings of being able to turn pro as a junior and Trevor Standish is a multi winner of the club championship.

When I was offered the challenge I thought about inviting my club pro and several good standard golfers but decided it was more about the fun (and Dave from here added nicely to making it feel like a forum event). Rob and his son were either going to be really good (they were) or really bad but I knew it wouldn't be life or death with them.

I'd love to get the GM take though

 

[viscount17]

there will always be those who, though they will play hard, are more up for the fun of it and those who are desperate to win. I know which I would prefer.