Once again, The Social Golfer online golf club and golf community gathered from all over the UK and with some players flying in from Africa for the 8^th The Social Golfer OPEN 2018 (sponsored by Golf News and Golf Escapes).

First held in 2010, this year’s event was held at North Downs Golf Club in South London…

The Social Golfer OPEN Championship…

Despite the driest British Summer in 60 years, the heavens decided that it was 29^th July that the dry spell was to end.

And didn’t we know about it!

However, this didn’t stop 64 golfers battling 30mph winds, squalling rain and, at times only 200 yards visibility.

The event is a great opportunity for TSG members to mingle and ‘be social’ with many of 5k strong UK members (10k+ worldwide) and compete for the much coveted Halliwell Cup donated by Stroke Survivor and British Inclusive Golf Ambassador, Ian Halliwell.

Furthermore, £5 from every entry fee was donated to British Inclusive Golf.

Golf News was very proud to be the Official Media Partner of the day, as the event included a number of golfing challenges and tests.

The Social Golfer OPEN Championship – The Day…

The day’s events comprised, an Individual 18-hole Stableford Competition (Men & Ladies).

A much enjoyed ‘Yellow Ball’ team event, run concurrently with the Straightest Drive and 2 x Nearest Pins.

The Golf News Guest Trophy, Charity Auction and Raffle also on offer.

This year, the event also hosted an indoor ‘Nearest Pin’ competition on North Downs golf simulator, with the winner receiving 2 nights half board at the Isla Canela Golf Hotel in Spain courtesy of Golf Escapes.

The Social Golfer OPEN Championship –  The Winners…

This year’s Men’s winner was Peter Hammond (Hampshire) with 37 Pts and the Women’s winner was Anna Guss (West London & Poland) with 29 Pts. Full results as follows:

Men’s Trophy (Halliwell Cup) …

1st – Peter Hammond – 37 Pts (Won on countback)

2nd – Roger Hurcombe – 37 Pts (British Inclusive Golf)

3rd – Speedy Miller – 34 Pts

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Women’s Trophy…

1st – Anna Guss – 29 Pts (Won on countback)

2nd – Judy Lilley – 29 Pts

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Golf News Guest Trophy…

1st – Jay Penfold (British Inclusive Golf)

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Other winners included…

• NP (3rd hole) – Michael Hanley
• NP(9th Hole) – Paul Langford
• NP in 2(11th hole) – Ian Smith
• Straightest Drive(18th hole) – Judy Lilley
• Nearest to the Sim Pin(sponsored by Golf Escapes) winning a 2-day golfing trip to Spain – Tony Moss
• Yellow Ball Team Winners– Ian Halliwell, Roger Hurcombe, Gary Wilson, Mark Reeves
• Trevor Sandford Trophy – Chip in Birdie – Steve Hunt
• Outstanding Contribution to TSG Award– Brigitte Lockwood

The Social Golfer OPEN Championship – The Charity…

As with all good golf society days, there is often a secondary purpose.

This year’s championship was no exception.

The Social Golfer have always been big advocates in supporting disability golf and this year the members raised over £1200 for British Inclusive Golf.

These monies will go towards helping young kids with autism and other mental and physical disabilities through the game of golf.

 The Social Golfer OPEN Championship – What they said…

Speaking to Golf News after the event here’s what some of the attendees said about the day…

“On behalf of British Inclusive Golf, may I thank you and The Social Golfer community at the TSG 2018 Open, for the warm welcome we received and of course the considerable financial support through the funds raised on our behalf.”

“We are totally overwhelmed by the level of support! All our guys had a marvellous time despite the inclement weather and many new friendships were forged.”  Ian Halliwell – Chairman – British Inclusive Golf

Ian Mullins, Event Director of The Social Golfer OPEN said “Being a golf day organiser can have its trials and tribulations but every year the atmosphere at our events just gets better and better. A big thanks to everyone at Golf News, Golf Escapes and Golf Deals Group for putting up over £1k’s worth of prizes. “

“We hope to grow the event even further in the next 12 months in the hope we can broaden the appeal of the day beyond just our members and guests but include more golfers from all over the world!”

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By Ian Mullins

Read about TSG OPEN 2017 Championship – Click Here

Slater wins TSG PAR 3 Championship and takes 3rd TSG Major title… and now only requires one more for the TSG Slam!

Once again members of The Social Golfer (Online Golf Club & Golf Society) gathered from all over the South East of England to meet and compete at Kent-based Pedham Place Academy on Saturday 9^th June 2018, all hoping to be this year’s TSG Par 3 Championship golfer….

The Social Golfer – Par 3 Championship…

The unique event is played over 27 holes, with the top six players going through to an 18^th hole shoot-out!

More than 30 members of the popular online golf club signed up to the day, making for an exciting competition with…..

• Mark Tucknott (Essex),
• Gary Cartlidge (Surrey),
• Mark Crane (Kent),
• Steve Slater (Essex),
• Chris Ford (Hertfordshire),
• Mike Sleeman (London)

Each finalist had two balls to win their place in the Grand Final, with the two players nearest to the pin on the 18^th Green qualifying!

With only one hitting the green it took a third ball from 5 of the 6 before settling on two finalists Steve Slater (former TSG Masters and TSG Open Champion) and first-time TSG major finalist Mike Sleeman (London).

The Social Golfer – Par 3 Championship – The Winners…

The field ranging from 12 handicappers to 28 and the course (one of the best Par 3 in the South of England) proved to make for a hugely enjoyable contest with Mr Steve Slater winning through!

Other prizes on the day included Wooden Spoon – Ruth Brand, Guest Prize – Val Hammond, NP1 – Peter Hammond, NP2 – Paul Houghton, NP3 – Peter Hammond, NP4 – Chris Ford and Quiz Winner – Peter Hammond

The Social Golfer – Par 3 Championship – What they said…

Speaking after the event Ian Mullins, Managing Director of The Social Golfer said;

“ Once again members joined in with our innovative shoot-out format giving an average golfer the taste of what it’s like to play sudden death. I still can’t believe how nervous some of them looked as they stood on the tee.”

“However, I thoroughly enjoy watching grown men turn into jelly.”

“Well done to Steve, I have no doubts his sights are now set on becoming the TSG MatchPlay champion next!”

“Many thanks to Pedham Place and Tim Milford and his team for once again looking after us so well!”

Read about our TSG Masters 2018 winner…

Having planted my ball on the 7^th green at Peeble Beach (at the TSG Open Championship on a simulator!), the next thing I know I’ve won a golfing trip to Sicily courtesy of Golf Escapes and Il Picciolo Golf Resort.

And having added a few dates to our trip, here’s my review for my fellow Social Golfer members to enjoy….

By Paul Houghton

Il Picciolo Golf Resort, Sicily – location and accommodation, Facilities…

Il Picciolo Golf Resort in the centre of the Mediterranean island of Sicily is situated roughly 50 miles from Catania Airport.

The hotel is over half way up Mount Etna the scenery is spectacular.

The transfer cost is 120 Euros (one way) and takes 50+ minutes.

The hotel and course itself were built in 1989 but sadly the outside of the hotel reflects this and is badly in need of refurbishment.

On arrival you approach a rather dated reception, where details are taken, language is not a barrier but no help with luggage was offered?

Sadly, the first thing to note is the hotel is not overly disabled friendly, some steps are not accompanied with handrails.  However, the rooms are of a good size with on suite bathroom facilities.

They are clean and the chambermaid service is very good.  Towels and shower gel etc changed every day. The room boasts Sky television and a mini bar.  Only four coat hangers per person encourage you to travel light, but there’s plenty of space for clothing and storage is available.

The restaurant was very spacious but a little dark, the staff were courteous but surely on occasion.

The three-course evening meal costs 29 Euros and was very good, most of the time.  The Saturday evening buffet was superb, only the last night did I feel the food was of a poor standard.  The breakfast layout is bland but of good quality.

The service during breakfast seemed more relaxed.  I fell one evening slipping on a discarded cucumber slice and the staff were very quick to act, cleaning up the debris, but alas did not follow up to ask if this disabled man was injured, so we felt could have been handled better.

The hotel catered for coach parties which stayed one or two nights at the hotel, staff seemed more attentive towards them than the longer staying cliental.

The cocktail bar was run by a very efficient member of staff for most of our stay (7 nights) but when she was not on duty, she was replaced by staff who obviously did not enjoy the role.

The drinks were not cheap at £7 for a G & T, we were never offered a complimentary appetiser even though it was part of our deal?! As far as entertainment goes it karaoke style.

One evening a singer sang along to backing tracks until midnight (about 5 hours), alas she was the only entertainment of the week and whilst it was ok, New York New York wears a bit thin after a while!

The spa was very tranquil and ticked many boxes as to treatments.

The staff there were helpful and made it a very enjoyable experience.  Information on the few trips (3) offered was sparse, no leaflets were offered.  A trip up Etna was offered for £100 but no meal made it seem very expensive.  Getting a taxi return to Taormina was over a £100 it was 30 minutes away.

Il Picciolo Golf Resort, Sicily – The staff…

To be brutally honest, overall, the staff communication was a problem the whole week.

There was a power cut one day, no explanation was offered to the guests and we only got into our room by seeking help from a cleaner?

The resort manager (Guy) did make an effort to discuss how our experience was going, he was very friendly and chatted whenever we saw him (he was English) but surprisingly, no other staff engaged to that level, instead, they saved their conversation for Italian guests

Il Picciolo Golf Resort, Sicily – The Golf Course…

The Clubhouse is situated a few hundred yards from the hotel.  Your round can be booked through the hotel, but buggies have to be paid for at the club. The Pro at the club is friendly and his staff are very helpful.

The office doubles with helicopter rides up Etna, so they are not only focussed with the golfers. A spacious locker room is accompanied by shower facilities.  There are drinks machines for refreshments and confectionary.

There had been a fire in the kitchens, so no other food was available at the golf club which was a little disappointing.

However, the Practise facilities are VERY good, a driving range, practice bunker with plenty of sand in it, a dedicated chipping green and practice putting green.  I was given free practise balls – refreshing as that wouldn’t happen in the UK.

A round of golf is not cheap at 85 Euros buggies are 45 Euros.  The course is nicely set out with some challenging holes but the clover (just off the fairways) is four inches long and thick.

Lost balls are inevitable as the fairways are no more than 20 paces.  I felt this was too penial, looking for balls becomes a bit of a chore when you’ve hit a good shot.

It’s a shame as the course has some dramatic holes, but its let down by unkept rough, clover, daisies and very poor signage. A stroke saver is essential for 5 Euros. The slope index does give the average golfer two shots, but it’s the looking for balls that effects your game. #

This is a very undulating course so if you’re going to walk be prepared, the temperature can fluctuate 10 or 12 degrees while you are out there. A fair bit of work needs to address these issues to bring the course up to its best.

However, one thing I will always remember is the scenic backdrop, the views of Mount Etna are spectacular…. and would make me return just to view again.

In summary, Il Picciolo Golf Resort could be an exceptional course but it really needs a lot of work on it to get it above a 3 out of 5 rating.

Would I revisit Il Picciolo?  Probably not until I see improvement in the course, its nowhere near the standard of courses for the same money in Spain or Portugal.

I think its pricing its self out of the market of the average golfer if it wants to attract the better player a lot of work needs to be done to compete with the Algarve etc.

TSG Verdict – 3 out of 5 stars

Following on from Scottish Bob’s blog series on the Oldest Golf Courses of the World by continent in 2017, Bob now turns his attention to some of the lesser known courses around the world, this time its the turn of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club…

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club –  Golfing China…

This magnificent golf course set in the bottom of a valley which faces the famous Snow Dragon Mountains which stands at 18,360 feet in the Yunnan Province of China.

The course was designed by renowned golf course architects Robin Nelson & Neil Hawthorn.

This 18 hole par 72 golf course was opened in 2001 and is the longest regulation golf course in the world, measuring 8548 yards from the pro tees & earning themselves a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Situated at a height of over 10,000 feet above sea level making it the highest golf course in China and the second highest in the world after La Paz in Bolivia standing at 10,964 feet.

However, when playing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, at this height, the ball is known to travel 20 percent further due to the thinness of the mountain air.

The front nine of this golf course has a Scottish feel to it, while the back nine is undulating and mountainous, the back nine couldn’t be more contrasting.

The two sets of nine have completely different characteristics, with the Par 5, 5th hole, standing at 711 yards which is the longest par 5 in the world (Seriously!!).

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club – The Locals …

The caddies are from the Local “Naxi” people who have lived in the area for generations and who wear their traditional costumes.

And no matter where you are playing your shot from you will have spectacular views of the snow -capped mountains.

The 13 peaks of the Snow -covered and sometimes fog-enlaced mountain resembles a Jade Dragon, lying in the clouds, hence the name “Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club”.

In addition, this is also the Southern Most Glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, the mountain range stretches for 22 miles and has a width of 13 miles.

This beautiful place is not just for golfer’s, but with an abundance of different plant species on show and wildlife.

No matter what part of the Snow Capped Mountain you visit, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club is a truly unique place.

Till Next Time…

Scottish Bob’ Davies

More articles from Bob… Golfing in The Antartica …

Every golfer wants to know what their real playing ability is but if you don’t belong to a golf club, how do you obtain a golf handicap certificate?

We asked the team at the TheSocialGolfer.com to explain what they offer the golfing nomad…

How to obtain a golf handicap certificate…

Firstly, let’s set the record straight, a CONGU (The Council of National Golf Unions) recognised handicap is the ONLY official way to get a golf handicap certificate.

However, in many ways, this is expensive, as it requires you joining a golf club, which can cost you upwards of £600 – £2000 per year!

Secondly, a much more affordable option is to join an online golf club like The Social Golfer (TSG)…

The Social Golfer has its own bespoke Golf Handicap Tracking system, which invites you to submit three of your most recent scorecards, following which it will then produce you an official TSG Golf Handicap Certificate.

Thereafter, we recommend members post their scores after EVERY round to maintain their current playing standard.

Our system takes into account both your Gross Score and the SSS (Standard Scratch Score) of the Course and adjusts your playing ability accordingly.

How to obtain a golf handicap certificate – Is it robust and accurate?

Absolutely!

We recently surveyed our members who are club members with a CONGU handicap and compared them with their TSG handicap and a resounding 100% of those asked, said their handicap on The Social Golfer was LOWER than their Club handicap!

How to obtain a golf handicap certificate – Are TSG Handicap Certificates accepted at Clubs and in Open Competitions?

Yes!

Since our launch in 2010, we have never heard of a club refusing our golf handicap certificate either in the UK or Worldwide.

However, whilst some Open Club competitions and Golf Society Days will request a CONGU certificate, many clubs are recognising that with club membership on the decline in recent years, that an online handicap is more than an adequate replacement.

Furthermore, with Club handicaps only requiring you to submit three scorecards per year (total), the TSG handicap system, calculates your ‘actual’ playing standard after every round.

A golf handicap certificate with The Social Golfer costs £24.99pp*

Looking for the birthday or Christmas gift for the golfer in your life?

Buy a membership to The Social Golfer – Click here

*correct at the time of going to press.

TheSocialGolfer.com, the online golf club and social golf network website, held its fifth Social Golfer MatchPlay Championship Final (Sponsored by The Altonwood Group) at the prestigious Addington Golf Club, on Sunday 24^th September 2017…

The Social Golfer MatchPlay Championship 2017 – The Matches & Winners…

The TSG MatchPlay Championship ran similarly to an FA Cup style knockout with participants arranging each round of matches at a course of their choice, with The Altonwood Group offering preferential green fees.

These venues including Westerham GC, Woldingham GC and Surrey National GC throughout the summer for TSG members.

The finalists Andy Attard (Kent) and Chris Knight (Surrey) both worked their way through a field of 64 to secure their place at The Addington, having played six matches across the year.

In addition, the two losing Semi-finalists Judy Lilley (Kent) and Ollie McCormack (London) competed in the third-place play-off.

The final began with Attard (21 Handicap) going 3 up after four holes, meaning novice MatchPlayer Knight (26 Handicap) had a mountain to climb to get the game back. After a valiant effort, Knight managed to remain within two holes of Attard until the stunning Par 3, 13^th but alas it was all in vain and Attard took the 2017 title on the 14^th green.

Third place trophy went to fellow Kent TSGer and current TSG OPEN Ladies Champion – Judy Lilley.

The Social Golfer MatchPlay Championship – What they said…

Attard, commenting on his win said “Many thanks to The Social Golfer for all the time and energy they put into organising this competition. Chris and I had a great final played in true ‘TSG spirit’ here at The Addington today and I am thrilled to be the new champion. Not sure I would have believed you if you had told me I’d be holding the trophy in March… so, maybe I can play golf after all!

Ian Mullins, owner of TheSocialGolfer.com said “As the TSG membership has grown this has become one of our most popular competitions. Big thank you to sponsors The Altonwood Group, lovely course and a worthy champion, what more could we want. Already looking forward to March, when it all starts again!”

Other Winners in 2017 include:

TSG Masters 2017

TSG Par 3 Championship 2017

TSG OPEN Championship 2017

By Ian Mullins

As the players arrived at Farleigh Golf Club for The Social Golfer OPEN 2017 (sponsored by Golf News and Golf Escapes), it was clear from the smiles on the popular website’s members faces this was a day they had been looking forward to.

The Social Golfer OPEN was first held in 2011, following the launch of the online golf club in 2010. The event is now in its 7^th year.

The Social Golfer OPEN 2017 – The Championship…

The event is a great opportunity for TSG members to mingle and ‘be social’ with many of 5k strong UK members (10k+ worldwide) and compete for the much coveted Halliwell Cup donated by Stroke Survivor and British Inclusive Golf Ambassador, Ian Halliwell.

Furthermore, £5 from every entry fee was donated to disabled golf charities.

Despite its humble beginnings, the event is now sold out every year, with 70+ golfers travelling from around London and the UK, and with some from as far afield as Botswana attending.

Golf News was very proud to be the Official Media Partner of the day, as the event included a number of golfing challenges and tests.

The day’s events comprised, an Individual 18 hole Stableford Competition (Men & Ladies), a much enjoyed ‘Yellow Ball’ team event, run concurrently with the Straightest Drive, 2 x Nearest Pins, Putting competition, The Golf News Guest Trophy, Charity Auction and Raffle also on offer.

This year, the event also hosted an indoor ‘Nearest Pin’ competition on Farleigh Golf Club’s state of the art golf simulator, with the winner receiving 3 nights half board at the Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa, Sicily, Italy, courtesy of Golf Escapes.

In addition to the format above, there was also a chance for TSGers to play for “A Trevor”, paying homage to a former member who recently passed away, following a brave fight with Cancer.

Trevor Sandford was the man behind “A Month of Madness on the M25’, whereby he played a different golf course at 31 different junctions of the M25’s, over 31 days in the month of August 2011 raising money for Cancer Research, following the loss of his Pairs partner to the disease. He later wrote a book about his adventure.

Well known for his constant pursuit of the ‘Chip-In-Birdie’, anyone achieving this at future official TSG events , will have their name added to The Trevor Sandford Trophy (donated by TSG members Grge Butler).

They will also receive a medal commemorating the moment, which will be known as ‘A Trevor!’ On this particular day, this was achieved by London based member Pete Mayo!

The Social Golfer OPEN 2017 – The Course…

Farleigh GC is part of the Foxhills Collection and is set on 350 acres in the North Surrey Downs and offers a 27 hole Championship golf holes.

Set in a valley, the course is well-known for its windy conditions and therefore every shot requires careful consideration.

The Social Golfer OPEN was played across the Yellow and Blue courses; the latter having recently seen over £1m of investment, so no surprise that the course played well.  This combination boasts a Par 72, (6,212 yards) and was designed by John Jacobs Associates.

This combination boasts a Par 72, (6,212 yards) and was designed by John Jacobs Associates.

The greens on the day were running at approx. 12 on the stimp-meter meaning3 putts were common.

The Social Golfer OPEN 2017 – The Winners…

This year’s Men’s winner was Roger Ireland (London) with 43 Pts, 2^nd place was Greg Butler (Essex) with 41 Pts and 3^rd was Phil Boyd (Kent) 37 Pts.

The Women’s Trophy was won by Judy Lilley (Royal Blackheath) with 35 Pts and 2^nd place went to African based golfer, Hang Van Den Broeck (Botswana).

There was also Nearest Pin & Straightest Drive competitions. Winners included Lee Benson (Hertfordshire), Ron Woodham (Essex), Simon Lacey (Surrey), Damian Benstead (Surrey) with the Putting Competition going to Phil Boyd (Kent).

The 3-day golfing in Sicily prize was won by disabled golfer Paul Houghton, after putting his ball to within 5ft of the flag at the world famous 7^th hole at Pebble Beach in the three man play-off final.

The Social Golfer OPEN 2017 – The Charities…

As with all good golf society days, there is often a secondary purpose.

This year’s TSG OPEN championship was no exception.

The Social Golfer have always been big advocates in supporting disability golf and this year the members raised over £1k for English Disabled Golfers, Paul Houghton (Disabled Golf Association) and Roger Hurcombe (British Inclusive Golf).

These monies will help pay for their travel expenses and buggy hire fees. In addition, both Houghton and Hurcombe will be competing at this year’s Scottish Disabled Open between 21^st-24^th August 2017 at St. Andrews, wearing The Social Golfer’s team colours.

The Social Golfer OPEN 2017 – What they said…

Speaking to Golf News after the event here’s what some of the attendees said about the day…

“I really look forward to The Social Golfer ‘Majors’ when we all meet up for a superb day. Whether the golf’s good or bad; you cannot walk away from the day without happy memories and a big smile on your face. Thank you to The Social Golfer team; you have completely changed my golfing life!”  Mark Crane (15 H’cap)

“There was definitely camaraderie out on the course and in the clubhouse today. We have made more good friends and always welcome new ones. The Social Golfer always brings us together!” Judy Lilley (20 H’cap)

“What a great day! Perhaps the best TSG Open ever. Great venue, food and company. Such a buzz about the whole day. We were all winners!” Damian Benstead (18 H’cap)

Ian Mullins, Event Director of The Social Golfer OPEN said “Being a golf day organiser can have its trials and tribulations but every year the atmosphere at our events just gets better and better. A big thanks to everyone at Golf News, Golf Escapes, RoboGolf and Golf Deals Group for putting up over £1k’s worth of prizes.”

He went on to say… “We hope to grow the event even further in the next 12 months in the hope we can broaden the appeal of the day beyond just our members and guests but include more golfers from all over the world!”

Golf has seen a significant decrease in participation in the last decade, however, meanwhile, the attendance of LIVE golf events has increased…

Why is this? Better coverage on TV? A better overall LIVE golf event experience?

Or just the fact that technology and the internet has made applying for tickets at these live events much more accessible?

Either way, the number of people who are more committed to watch the world’s largest golf tournaments LIVE is growing….

This has resulted in there being more investment into the way that the sport can be enjoyed by fans.

Here are some of the most entertaining and enjoyable ways of keeping up to date with your favourite golfers and the world’s biggest golf tournaments:

LIVE golf events – Go and watch the sport…

For some people, the only way to enjoy golf is through creating time in their yearly schedule and physically planning to attend a golfing tournament.

Whether you arrange your trip to watch live golf events yourself or use the services of Events International’s open golf championship hospitality, there is certainly something to be said, when you are able to stand only meters way from a golfing legend!

In fact, attending an event like The Open Golf in 2017 is also a great way for businesses to strengthen the relationships with their clients, which only enhances the experience for everyone involved and can help to establish long-term bonds.

LIVE golf events – Online and on mobile…

If you are unable to attend a tournament in the flesh, perhaps the next best way to watch the world’s biggest golfing events is through embracing the technological age and watching online.

Golfing fans that have access to the internet will be able to live stream many of the most popular events on websites.

Similarly, you can take this a step further and look at installing some of the very best apps that will be able to help you stay up to date with the latest golf goings on.

This allows you to be able to watch on your tablet or smartphone and take the experience with you wherever you go.

LIVE golf events – Watch at home…

Nowadays, TVs are HD (and can even come in 3D!) which will allow you to have an exceptionally immersive experience easily.

There are also dedicated channels out there and special sports TV packages that you can look into so that you get the very best experience.

The sound and picture quality is now better than ever, which will ensure that watching the event this way will be almost as impressive as if you were to go to an event in the flesh.

In addition, with HD Ultra and 4K just starting to penetrate the home, our level of viewing experience will only get better and better over the next few years.

However, probably the most impressive way to watch Live golf events in the home is to invest in a golf simulator…. not the most affordable option we know. They start from £20k and can go over £100k…

But having experienced the cutting edge screens available at the PGA Golf Show in January – this really could be the future of golf viewing!

LIVE golf events – Other options….

As the way of Home TV viewing has changed, so has the way Pubs, Bars and Restaurants have altered how they attract new custom… you can even watch Live golf events in your local bookmakers now!

So, regardless of which method of watching golf you choose to use, remember that there is always a solution for you despite your budget or lifestyle.

In addition, staying up to date with the latest and greatest golf tournaments has never been so easy!

by Ian Mullins

TheSocialGolfer.com (TSG), the online social networking community for golfers celebrated its 4^th annual TSG Masters 2017 Championship at Warley Park Golf Club on 22^nd April.

 The TSG Masters 2017 – The Day…

Golfers from all over the South East of England gathered at the Essex-based club, all hoping to be this year’s TSG Masters 2017 Champion golfer.

Thirty-two members of the Online Golf Club had all qualified via a number of different means; some via the website’s monthly leaderboard, some via other TSG Major events with the remaining spaces snapped up via the ballot or by special invitation with no one wishing to miss out on the first TSG ‘Major’ of the year.

This made for an exciting competition and while some TSGers were familiar with the new course layout, most were totally alien to it.

The field ranging from 11 handicappers to 26, played the Childerditch and the Warley ’1 to 9′ loop, two very different layouts offering their own challenges, the latter including some superb water features.

The TSG Masters 2017 – The Result…

As always, it was the greens at Warley that proved the real test, with only seven players reaching 30 pts but after 18 holes, it was Ruth Brand (Sussex) who scored 32 pts and became the first outright female winner of a TSG Major!

2^nd was John Barber (Hertfordshire) on count-back with a close 31 Pts, with Dave Allchorne 3^rd (Hertfordshire) just missing by a point too.

There was also some fun to be had with 2 x Nearest Pins and a ‘Straightest Drive’ keeping the day alive for those that were not troubling the leaderboard. Winners on the day included popular ‘TSGers’,

Winners on the day included popular ‘TSGers’, Carlos Ramos (Kent), Judy Lilley (Kent), Ron Woodham (Essex) and Gary Tonge (Essex). However, we’ll leave the final words to our new TSG Masters Champion…

However, we’ll leave the final words to our new TSG Masters Champion…

 The TSG Masters 2017 – What they said…

“From the moment I drove through the gates at Warley Park and saw all The Social Golfer Flags on display I knew it was going to be a fun day and winning just made it all the sweeter and doing it for the girls was even better! The TSG team always put on a great day and this was no different. Friendly people, testing course and great chips (with plenty of salt) enjoyed by all after! “

“The venue was a great choice and I’m sure everyone would agree, a real challenge, those greens were fast. My playing partners were fun and it was great to meet all the new and old TSG faces after the round…. TheSocialGolfer.com epitomises the spirit of the game of golf and it’s great to know that whenever I play with someone through the site, they’ll be like minded and great company. “

She went on to say...”I must thank TSG for making it one of  the golfing days of my life and I can’t wait to see everyone again for the TSG OPEN Championship event at Farleigh GC in July!“.

Ian Mullins, Director of Golf Events at TSG said – “In a year when everyone is trying to encourage more Women to take up the game, I couldn’t be more thrilled that Ruth has shown us that the girls can beat the men on their day. We will do all we can to encourage more and more women to participate in our events! #thisgirlreallydoesgolf. ”

For more information contact us at theteam@thesocialgolfer.com OR visit www.thesocialgolfer.com

Organisers of The TSG Open are delighted to announce Farleigh Golf Club has been chosen as the host venue for this year’s event, following a competitive tender….

The flagship event of popular Nomadic golfer community, TheSocialGolfer.com, is now in its 7^th year.

Due to attract over 70 golfers from around London and the Home Counties – with some from as far afield as Botswana! – this year’s TSG Open will take place on Sunday 30 July 2017.

TSG Open 2017 – The Event…

The event is a good “social” opportunity to meet many of 5k strong UK TSG members, with prize giving and the presentation of the now much coveted Halliwell Cup (donated by Stroke Survivor and British Inclusive Golf Ambassador, Ian Halliwell).

The day will consist of an Individual 18 hole Stableford Competition (Men & Ladies), a ‘Yellow Ball’ team event, Straightest Drive, 2 x Nearest Pins, a Guest Trophy and Charity Auction & Raffle.

There will be plenty of prizes on offer for all of the above winners and runners-up, with £5 from every entry fee donated to the winners’ charities.

Watch video of last year’s event here – TSG OPEN 2016.

This year, the event will also host an indoor nearest pin competition on Farleigh Golf Club’s state of the art golf simulator – adding yet another dimension to the day!

TSG Open 2017 – Farleigh Golf Club…

Farleigh Golf Club is located just moments from London, close to junction 6 of the M25. Part of the Foxhills Collection, the Club celebrates its 20^th anniversary in 2017 and is renowned for its lively Clubhouse, friendly staff and quality 27 hole course.

Ian Mullins, Managing Director of The Social Golfer, speaking on why the venue was chosen said: “It has always been our intention to grow the event beyond the core membership and the fact that this year we will be visiting Farleigh is a compliment to how the event has grown. Farleigh clearly demonstrated that they have both the course and a professional team to put on our flagship event and we look forward to working with Adam and his team to put on a great day.”

Adam Walsh, General Manager at Farleigh Golf Club, said: “We are delighted to be hosting 2017’s TSG OPEN. The Social Golfer embodies all that is great about golf: playing in a group and challenging yourself to improve in a fun environment. Our ambition at Farleigh is to help put a club in every hand, and teaming up with TSG is a perfect way to encourage more people to play more often. We look forward to welcoming all their golfers this Summer.”

For more information, visit www.thesocialgolfer.com or www.farleighfox.co.uk