Rookie - Hello and thank you.

MashieNiblick

MashieNiblick

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Sep 26, 2010
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Hi

I have just joined after being a "spectator" for the last few months.

I have been playing golf since I was a kid about 40 years ago and am an enthusiast for all things to do with the game. I play off 11 at a traditional old park land course in Berkshire where I've been a member for about 20 years.

I am currently taking an enforced break from playing due to illness and have become an avid viewer of the forum during this time. Hence the thank you to all you forum members whose posts have kept me entertained and informed while I've been laid up.

I thought it was about time I joined in formally, especially as autumn begins to set in and I can see long dark evenings ahead, and I gather an intro is in order before contributing.

Looking forward to joining in the banter.
 
Thanks for the welcome guys. Already posted on a couple of threads and it's nice to get involved.

I play at Sonning. Harry Colt and J H Taylor were involved in the layout and Abe Mitchell (whose image to this day stands atop the Ryder Cup) was the first pro back in 1914. Max Faulkner (Open champ in 1951) was also an assistant there in the 1930's. (Sorry I'm whittering on).

It's a great track and undergoing some interesting changes at the moment. I'm really keen to get back out there again.
 
Welcome along. You're just down the road from me at Royal Ascot so if you ever fancy a game let me know. I've played Sonning a few times (never managed to play well there). What changes are they making?
 
Hi Homer

That's a kind offer, especially as I'm a newbie, and when I'm back playing properly I'll take you up. I have a holding membership at present and just trying to knock it round a few holes now and again to keep my hand in while I get my fitness back. I'm also getting in a few trips to Bird Hills, which you may know, to hit some balls.

As for changes at Sonning, they have cleared out a lot of old trees and bushes and planted loads of new ones and added some fairway bunkers and mounding to give some of the holes more definition (1st, 2nd and 10th in particular). They have also taken some bunkers out (including big one on short 4th - so often my nemesis!). Also enlarging some of the greens and putting in new tees to lengthen some holes. They are planning to switch the course round so the 8th will be the 1st and the 7th will become the 18th. Finally, plan is to re-route the 7th (new 18th) so it finishes in front of the club house. Going to be some holes closed while work is done this winter, so I understand.

Funny what you say about never playing well there. Could start a thread on "Courses that look inviting but which I can't seem to make a score on". Mine include a couple you may know; Calcot (can't fathom the sloping greens and changes in elevation) and Downshire (always seem to make a mess of the short par 4s).

As you're from Ascot way, any thoughts on Lavender Park? I have used the range (which I think is good, nice bays and I like having a green to aim at) but never tried the little course. It looks quite nice and I thought it might be a good place for some fun golf while I'm waiting to venture out for a full round again.

Thanks again to all for warm and friendly welcome to the forum.
 
I know Calcot very well. Played a 36 holer open in my younger days and was +3 gross after the first round and handily placed until I came to the par 3 7th over the lake. Hit the first one fat into the water. Hit the second (3 off the tee) ok and it got to the edge of the green and slowly trundled back down (they had shaved the grass). Played 5 off the tee and finally made 7.

I love the Downshire. Given how much traffic it has it's usually in good condition although it can be very slow. I've had some good rounds and some shockers and it's all about the driving there. I haven't played Bird Hills for a while but I do use the range a lot especially if AG have some shiny new clubs I want to try out.

I don't like Lavender Park as a range. I don't know why but I never really feel comfy there. Although it's a 20 minute drive I go to the Maidenhead Golf Centre on the Braywick Road. Decent mats, good quality Srixon range balls and because it's tucked away there isn't any idiots there mucking about.

Any time you fancy a game let me know. Have you ever played Sand Martins in Wokingham. The wife works there and I have might be able to get us on at guest rates.
 
Wow 3 over round Calcot, that's brilliant. Pity about the par 3 7th. As you know from my other post I do feel the short holes can be real card wreckers.

I have played Sand Martins a few times and quite like the layout. A round there would definately be a goer next spring. You are a lucky man to have a wife working in the golf business.

Thanks for the info on LP and Maidenhead. Funny, I know what you mean about not feeling comfortable at LP as when I was there I felt the need to use one of the bays at the far end for some reason. Still thought the set up was good though. Have only been to the Maidenhead centre once, ages ago. I saw recently it is now Srixon's fitting centre so wondered if it was still open for public use. Seems like it is. Must make another visit.

I agree with you re Downshire. I played it the first day it opened and many times since. It's matured really nicely. Must be one of the best muni's around.

Although I've never played the course I also use the range at Bird Hills a lot as its only 10 mins away. I bet we have seen each other. I tend to go on Saturday mornings. Maybe we could meet up there for a coffee? (Although I will be avidly watching the RC this Saturday). They have rearranged the shop recently so the shiny stuff is right by the door, tempting the unwary in!
 
I was in there yesterday. They've got the new Mizuno range in but no Ping S56's which was annoying as I still really like them. I'm definitely up for a bucket of balls or a coffee but I do recommend Maidenhead's range.
 
Didn't go yesterday as I was feeling a bit run down. Could meet the weekend after next if you are going anyway. I'll send you a PM (If I can work out how to!) Maybe we can persuade the nice folks at AG to lend us a couple of their finest, shinyist, newest Mizunos.
 
Welcome Mashie - I nearly joined Sonning 10 years ago - had a lesson with the pro (obligatory) and my interview with Major Smythe (or was it Basil Falty) in his upstairs office) and then went on a waiting list - then joined Caversham - got a call 6 months later to join but turned it down as I was having fun at the new place. I have heard the owner is spending serious money on Sonning and I like the sound of the changes you mention.
 
I am off 11 (11.3 exact) but it's currently inactive. I have generally bounced around the 10-12 zone for the last 15 years (I think 9.7 was my best some years ago). There seem to be a lot of folks at my place like that. I reckon there is a kind of limit we all have based on some combination of ability, motivation and time available to practice (or whatever), which kicks in at some point and that seems to be mine. Certainly haven't threatened single figures for a long while and doubt if I will now.

Yes it looks like serious money is being spent and the new owner is keen to turn it into a serious course.
 
Thanks for the welcome guys. Already posted on a couple of threads and it's nice to get involved.

I play at Sonning. Harry Colt and J H Taylor were involved in the layout and Abe Mitchell (whose image to this day stands atop the Ryder Cup) was the first pro back in 1914. Max Faulkner (Open champ in 1951) was also an assistant there in the 1930's. (Sorry I'm whittering on).

It's a great track and undergoing some interesting changes at the moment. I'm really keen to get back out there again.
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Played there many times back in the 70's when i was a member of Reading. Nice traditional course but sounds like it has changed since my day. You can't go far wrong with a Colt coures. My current club is one of Harry's finest. :D
 
Thanks richart. Were do you play? I think there's some kind of Harry Colt thing where if you are a member at one you can get a guest fee at some others. Haven't had a chance to try it yet - not sure if Wentworth is in it ;)

I agree, he was a top designer. I think we only found out fairly recently that he was involved at Sonning. I have played a few other Colt courses (Blackmoor, Calcot, Brockenhurst Manor, Cuddington). All the holes have a lovely natural look and feel with a sting in the tail if you wander off the best line.
 
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