***IMPORTANT - Race to Hillisde Final 21st May 2015***

[pokerjoke]

Good suggestion :thup:

As I said earlier the only reason I couldn't enter is because I couldn't play on the date - if it's on the H4H then I could have entered the comp though

Mate there were other reasons you didn't enter[go away].

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Having sat back for a bit and thought, I can see how Hobbit may have a point and it may dilute the focus of the H4H day and it's not really what that particular day is about. A different venue and date would be my preferred option and I'd just need to see if I can get the time off

 

[Val]

Any suggestion is welcome buddy. That said, I'd rather not take away some of the attention and focus from the H4H day.

Maybe somewhere more central like The Belfry or Little Aston might attract better numbers...

Bri, I had Little Aston earmarked as a potential venue for next years and I've a few ideas I wanted to post after this years was done. Ultimately where the final is played is the finalists call now but maybe organising a full forum meet to support a final is an idea?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Out of interest where does Little Aston rate in the top 100 (compared to Hillside). Not a fan of the Belfry (again personal preference) but happy to go with the flow and consensus and that neck of the woods works better for me

 

[pbrown7582]

Little Aston is around 41 top ranked parkland course in GW recent rankings

 

[huds1475]

Martin, I couldn't support this as weekdays are no good for me. I have one weekday put aside in case Birkdale comes off and can't afford any more after family holidays.

Reading through this is looks like time off work is a common denominator for at least 50% of those involved.

If you could find a venue at a weekend it might get better support.? I for one would happily throw my hat in to help / attend as seems only right that the finalists should have their day.

Will return to the shadows of the NW now....

 

[Val]

Out of interest where does Little Aston rate in the top 100 (compared to Hillside). Not a fan of the Belfry (again personal preference) but happy to go with the flow and consensus and that neck of the woods works better for me

It's not in the GM top 100 but it's head and shoulders above the Belfry IMO, I played both last summer on consecutive days

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It's not in the GM top 100 but it's head and shoulders above the Belfry IMO, I played both last summer on consecutive days

Having played places like Forest of Arden (another parkland) where does that rate as a comparison. It would seem to be a goer if you can find a date to suit

 

[Hobbit]

Not wishing to push Little Aston/Belfry too much but it would mean Fish wouldn't have to fork out for another hotel. PJ, RickG & Homer wouldn't have as far to travel... They can sub my extra fuel.

 

[Val]

Having played places like Forest of Arden (another parkland) where does that rate as a comparison. It would seem to be a goer if you can find a date to suit

I haven't played Forest of Arden but I'm told Little Aston is better. I've heard it mooted as the best in the Midlands. I'm jot qualified to give that opinion though as I've only played 2 courses in the midlands

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I haven't played Forest of Arden but I'm told Little Aston is better. I've heard it mooted as the best in the Midlands. I'm jot qualified to give that opinion though as I've only played 2 courses in the midlands

The Arden is an ok course - nothing special at all - couple of decent holes on the second 9

 

[Deleted member 1740]

I guess that's were the subjectivity comes into any choice. I've played Formby and, although I enjoyed it, I wouldn't rush back.

Well some lunatics on here say it's better than Hillside!!

I agree with you though:thup:

 

[peterlav]

Sad if Finals Day can't go ahead, given Vals hard work, and the fact I love Hillside!!
I'm easy with regards to date/venue/time. I just need 4 weeks notice to ensure booking time off work

 

[Crow]

Another with no stake in the event so apologies for butting in but,

Val, before discounting Hillside why not speak to them, explain the situation in full to them and ask if they'll still accept the number of players you have confirmed and what is the best rate that they can offer for that number?

It might not be too much of a stretch for the qualifiers and I know I wouldn't begrudge a few extra pounds to play there, had I managed to qualify .

 

[Fish]

Robin, I hear you buddy and appreciate exactly where your coming from, I can only apologise for what has/is happening.

As has been said, no need to apologise Martin, its a bigger task than people give credit for putting these meets together at times.

Not your fault just ring and cancel or your weeks holiday will be spoilt worrying.

What he said

Forgive me butting in, but if it does get cancelled. Why dont you play the final at H4H, as I think all or most of you are going to that. You 7/8 can just go out together.

Use the funds to pay for that day out, and you still get a forum winner.

Apologies, if input not required.

As others have said after this post, I wouldn't want or think its good practice to share or deflect away from the H4H day, its a special day of its own.

Out of interest where does Little Aston rate in the top 100 (compared to Hillside). Not a fan of the Belfry (again personal preference) but happy to go with the flow and consensus and that neck of the woods works better for me

Little Aston is the mutts nuts, its certainly the best not only in the Midlands but further afield also IMO, well ahead of the Belfry (any of the 3 courses) and FOA, as a parkland course I don't think you'd find better, it pushes some excellent heathland courses for honours.

I haven't played Forest of Arden but I'm told Little Aston is better. I've heard it mooted as the best in the Midlands. I'm jot qualified to give that opinion though as I've only played 2 courses in the midlands

Much better than FOA, it is manicured to the highest standard I've ever seen on a course.

 

[Hobbit]

My preferences;

1) Keep the same date - all the qualifiers have entered/booked based on that date.

2) Hillside, if they'll have us and if the cost difference isn't prohibitive - this might also suit those who've already booked hotels.

3) Another decent course local to Hillside - so that those that have already paid out for hotels don't lose out.

4) Somewhere in central England that limits the travel for everyone, and could be opened for one week to see if there's any other takers.

5) A decision quickly.

 

[Val]

Im on this today, and hopefully will have some options by this afternoon or evening.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My preferences;

1) Keep the same date - all the qualifiers have entered/booked based on that date.

2) Hillside, if they'll have us and if the cost difference isn't prohibitive - this might also suit those who've already booked hotels.

3) Another decent course local to Hillside - so that those that have already paid out for hotels don't lose out.

4) Somewhere in central England that limits the travel for everyone, and could be opened for one week to see if there's any other takers.

5) A decision quickly.

This

I'm more than happy to shell out another few quid so even if Hillside want £100 per person I'm happy to make up any difference epsecially as I've a hotel already booked.

Not overly happy to play another course other than Hillside but if others are and its the consensus then of course I'll turn up and play.

Happy to play centrally and to be honest would be better for me but again I am aware others won't be so happy so if we can find somewhere we all agree on then I'll need dates and see. Ideally the week commencing 15th June works best for me or the week after the last bank holiday in August (Tuesday 1st September onwards).

I'll need a decision soon to ensure I can get a refund for my hotel booking but appreciate a lot of work needs to be done first and so can wait a while longer until we get something sorted.

 

[rickg]

Sorry, just picking up this thread as been off the forum a few days.
Would prefer to play Hillside on the day if preferable. Would pay more if required.

Would be happy to play day before HFH .....Blackmoor?

Fairly flexible and happy to go with the majority.

Will support Val on whatever decision is made. He's worked so hard on this and I trust him to make the right decision.

 

[Fish]

Due to this post my opinion doesn't matter any more

But, if it ends up being more local on the same date I'll caddy for someone, I'll put myself up to the highest bidder with the amount pledged going to H4H's, if that's OK.

If it ends up being the day before H4H's I might be fit and back playing.