GM forum/reader event @ The Belfry this summer

[MikeH]

afternoon all

as I mentioned a few weeks ago we have been negotiating with the Belfry to set up a GM forum/reader event this summer

The idea is for there to be two options. Option 1 for those who want to play 36 and stay overnight and Option 2 for those who want to just do it there and back in a day and play 18 holes

The prices and dates we have been offered are as follows...

Option 1: 18 holes on the PGA National on afternoon of day 1, B&B at hotel, 18 holes on The Brabazon on morning of day 2 = £195.

Option 2: 18 holes on the Brabazon on morning of day 2 = £95

The two options we have for dates are....
Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd July
Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th August

I'm sure you'll agree those prices represent a very good deal and in discount terms option 1 is a c25% saving on what they'd normally charge and Option 2 (a round on the Brabazon in the height of summer) is a c30% discount on the usual green fee

Can I put it out to the forum for comments, preferred dates, idea of how many would be in for option 1 and how many for option 2

thanks

 

[GB72]

Option 1 in July or August would suit me. I live within commuting distance but would rather have the chance of a night of the bevvies with other forumers.

 

[Wildrover]

I'd prefer option 1 in Aug but would be up for whatever the majority want. Count me in.

 

[tincup]

Option 1, either date would be fine for me

 

[HTL]

21st - 22nd July good for me, Well up for a stay over and beers after, just not at the Belfry, unless I win the lotto this weekend.


will be on my summer holidays so might make a proper go of it and go on to TonyN's gaff after.

 

[KeefG]

Option 1 for me too, i'll be there like a shot!

 

[theeaglehunter]

Option 2 in August would best suit me if I were to attend, which I would very much like to.

 

[KeefG]

Mike - have you asked them about handicaps?

We played the PGA & Brabazon a couple of weeks ago and they dont enforce the handicap rule so much over winter, however i believe they are a lot stricter during summer months and players need a handicap of 24 or less to play.

I play off 21 ish but i'm not a member of any club so dont have an official handicap as i'm sure a lot of others are the same.

 

[MikeH]

Hi Keef
I don't see that as problem because it's a 'GM event' that they're looking to make as big a success as possible.

 

[medwayjon]

Option 1/2 for me, not fussed on dates, not fussed on option.

Cheers

 

[brendy]

Very very slim chance I could make either of them, flights are dirt cheap but having three kiddie winkles is severely hampering my time away!
Out of interest what time would the second day be finished up for, just looking at flight options.

 

[KeefG]

Hi Keef
I don't see that as problem because it's a 'GM event' that they're looking to make as big a success as possible.

Excellent....i'll start packing now then shall i?

 

[MikeH]

brendy - i reckon d we'd be all done and dusted by 3pm at the latest. I'm not sure if it's a shotgun start, 2 tee or regular all off the 1st in which case we could get you out first so if needs be you could be away asap

 

[Twire]

I'd be interested, my prefrence would be option 1 but would have to clear it with HID and if that was a problem, I would definately go for option 2 as long as I could have a tee time after 10am. Either dates would be fine.

 

[viscount17]

Option 1 or 2 in August for preference, but July might be possible

 

[TonyN]

Option 1 in Aug would be my Choice.

Belfry is a great place, I think this has the potential to be an absolute corker of an event!

I do hope many members make this one! Mike what numbers you think you will have from GM?

 

[birdieman]

I would like to try and do this, Option 1 (36 holes), prefer August as July is very difficult.

Might drive if Mrs wants a break but BMI can do Aberdeen/Birmingham for £77 rtn, same price for both dates.

Could anyone pick me and clubs up and drop off at Birmingham airport?
Would be about 8.45am on the Tuesday for pick up but could easy kill an hour or two at airport, drop off on the Wednesday by 3pm at airport or 7pm for a later flight if 3pm is too early?

Airport is just off M42 if anyone is coming up that road, south of Belfry but only about 10 miles away by the look of it on google maps I think.

If not anyone guess what a taxi would cost for that route?

Would happily contribute £20 or a bottle of scotch for the lifts!

 

[GB72]

If i have not sold my current house then drive pretty near to East Midlands on the way in and would certainly help with clubs etc.

If not, I will be living pretty near to the Belfry and may be able to put up a couple of people.

 

[HogansAlley]

Option two is a strong possiblity for me. I can do either date, would prefer August.

 

[MikeH]

OK, August looking the majority favourite so far
In terms of numbers I'm working towards a field of 72 for the Brabazon round (of which maybe 5 would be GM staff) and my guesstimate would be that 50% would be in for the option 1 of golf the day before and an overnighter
at present we have the two dates on option and the price confirmed
Forumers will certainly have first refusal on this because we're on deadline now for the may issue (On sale in April) so regular readers might not even get to hear about this until the start of May