this event was won by
keith malone
The plans for Lee Park had to be changed pretty late in the day due to unforeseen circumstances. However, it still allowed us to take the society to this wonderful local course.
Supreme greens, an interesting coure layout thats always in immaculate condition and the frindliest and welcoming staff provided the perfect receipe for a superb day & night. The event was a tight run contest and the eventual winner, on a card countback, was Keith Malone. A steady days golf with consistent driving, steady iron play and some good work around the greens gave Keith his first win since our very first event back in 2013 at Mollington. Well done Keith. |
lee in the park....
For our
summer social event, we made our way to Lee Park Golf Club in Gateacre,
Liverpool. The club has been very supportive of Bunkers throughout 2014 and as
such several of our members have joined up to the club in various membership
packages as the year has gone on.
The forecast for the days play wasn’t great, with rain in the days leading up to the event and planned passing showers throughout our round. However, the weather gods blessed us [again] somewhat and kept the majority of the rounds relatively dry.
The course is a superb parkland layout with a tight front 9 with tree lined fairways and holes that require plenty of thought rather than just opting for "The Big Stick". The back 9 then changes tack a little bit with a lovely [new] 10th hole that would be at home on a high end golf course as you stand on a slightly raised tee and look between two large trees at an undulating green. A beautiful hole to start the back 9.
The course then opens out to some long and awkward holes. Initially, 3 or 4 of them can look a bit `up & down`, but when you actually play them you realise that the clever placement of hazards and the narrow fairways make them a real challenge. Every hole offers something different and tests all elements of a golfer’s game.
The highlight though has to be the new 18th green, which is reached over a new water hazard that looks absolutely superb and wouldn’t look out of place at a club demanding £75+ per round.
The fairways were well kept and looked superb despite the heavy rainfall. The rough was kept wonderfully tidy and a perfect length to punish where necessary without being overly harsh. The tee boxes were all well kept and were flat with appropriate markers and signs and plenty of ball cleaners dotted about.
However, the real draw of Lee Park has to be its carpet-like greens. Lots of people had told me over the years that the greens were as good as anything in the North West, and despite that advice I was a bit unconvinced. But a large portion of the society has now played on them for around 5 months ......wow, they really are unbeatable. Smooth, true and receptive and they are always in immaculate condition. Even after such heavy rain, they were superb.
Having played, Royal Birkdale, Hillside, Hoylake, and Formby amongst others - Lee Park is right up there with them. They really are that good, and that is the best compliment we can pay.
The clubhouse and spike bar is welcoming and the staff are always supremely helpful and cannot do enough for you. They really are the backbone of the club and make everyone feel extremely welcome whether it’s in the bar, on the course or in the admin office.
After a putt on the practice green – which refreshingly reflects the quality and pace of the greens on the course – we made our way to the first tee:
Group 1
Kevin Givnan scored 32 points and was far happier with his performance than he has been of late, the highlights of his round was back to back birdies on 9 & 10 with the latter tee finishing about a foot from the hole and earning him a prize for nearest the pin. Only a poor opening couple of holes prevented Kev from threatening first place.
Marc Lloyd scored very well on the front 9 with some steady putting meaning he took advantage of some decent iron play. The back 9 wasn't as kind with his RBZ tour edition driver (the perfect club for a 26 handicapper, I’m sure you'll agree) misbehaving and sending the ball wildly to the right. Still 28 points was a decent return and meant Lloydy was never in danger of "winning" the wooden spoon.
Keith Long had a rare off day with duffs, pulled drives and poor wedge play meaning he scored a paltry 19 points. "I shouldn't have gone out on the ale last night" was Keith’s excuse, Yeah alright Keith!
Only some outrageous luck with trees spitting balls back onto the fairway meant he didn't score even lower than the total that eventually meant he finished last and takes his place on the wall of shame! Looking forward to wearing the loser shirt next time out Keith?
Group 2
Group 2 comprised the eventual winner Keith, alongside John Standley, Scott Seddon and Phil Williams. In literal terms Keith did win, but it would not be unfair to say that Scott, and Chris lost it. Keith also suggested that the review should reference him as a hybrid of the golfing greats Rory and Jack. Unfortunately they were not available but Dylan Wan and Jimmy Walker were.
Back to the golf...remarkably the fourball all scored well on the first with Keith shining brightest with a great birdie and a quick four points. Phil and Scott both made par for 3 and John was what was thought at that time to be unlucky to miss a putt for a 5 for 2 points. The next 5 holes were a bit strange to be honest. Lee Park member and expert must have had a prior engagement as he cannot be seen on the scorecard for the next 5 holes. His best shot was on the 5th following his 4th blob. A gentle throw and a putter volley into the undergrowth right out the middle. Scott steamed into what should have been insurmountable lead. His card read like an
Olympic Ice Dancers winning score and only a blob on 7 going OB left ruined a great front 9 with 21 points.
With 16 points after 9 no one was really giving Keith much of a chance. Phil was quivering at the thought of salmon and John was safely on 16 too. Scott was the winner, it was his time. So onto the 10th. John hit a great tee shot that nestled just outside Kev's winning strike and Phil was just left on the mounds. Phil in for two from 25 foot and an outburst of delight at adding a third of his points thus far. John putted in for 2 possibly his only one putt of the round. Scott safely in for 2points and Keith followed.
Cue the self destruct button. Scott went to pieces with only 7 points scored on the last 8 holes. Victory gone. John Standley continued to strike the ball magnificently but his putting was awful. At one point Keith could be overheard giving putting advice and John headed towards the trees with his putter sharpened into a blade to end it all. Scott shanked his tee shot on 13 into the thick rough in front of the 14th tee only to be found 2 holes later as Phil walked up the rough on route to another wayward iron shot. On any other day 30 points is a score you would take on the first tee but Scott would rightly be gutted with his collapse. Despite two blobs Phil 's recovery gave him 18 points on the back 9, he putted well and saving par on the long 16th with another putt from off the green meant that he was breathing a sigh of relief back in the safety of mediocrity. The smile that adorns John's face was turning into a grimace but other than failing to finish off on the greens he should take encouragement from his performance.
Meanwhile Keith plodded along and scored well on all bar the 18th where a solitary point was just enough. As easy as it is to be unpleasant towards him it has to be said that hitting straight has got to be the way forward. He was accurate and some really positive approach shots meant it never looked difficult to score. A really good round and good company.
Group 3
Andy Roper set off in the third group with Chris Warbrick whispering in his ear “you’re a man on form”, and it was a steady yet unconvincing performance which was more a display of good scrambling as opposed to solid golf. Andy never felt like he gave himself a chance at pushing the top of the table and some wayward tee shots left him in positions where he had to take more medicine than Michael Jackson. His putting also left a lot to be desired and he constantly drifted past the holes all day long. However, he did walk away with 2 nearest the pins on the 2nd and 13th and 30 points overall – so not a horrific days golf, just not what he [and maybe others] thought may be possible given recent form.
Brendan Smith came along with his friend, and guest, Brendan Fox…..Chris and Roper thought it was a cunning plan by Mr Smith to ensure that he had a greater chance of hearing the words “Good shot Brendan”. As fate would have it, they need not have concerned themselves as Brendan Fox enjoyed a rusty afternoon of golf. To be fair, he hadn’t played in months and coming into a society event with strangers is never easy. He drove some lovely tee shots and struck the ball solidly in parts, it was inconsistency that cost him – along with a tendency to hit the putter with the same ferocity as his driver.
Brendan Smith on the other hand enjoyed a solid front 9 with 16 points and a feeling that he could push on during the back 9. However, there is a chance that someone swapped his driver for a left handed one as he was spraying the tee shots all over the place and giving himself no chance to build on a good opening to his round. He finished with 8 on the back 9 holes and faded down the table with a smile.
The group had the pleasure of watching at least one player strike the ball well throughout as Chris Warbrick had a lovely round – despite not being to happy with a vast number of shots himself. He is like a new breed Evo as he drills a lovely 270 yard, drawing drive that penetrates through the air like a single handicapper only for him to declare it “came off the toe”. Behave.
If it wasn’t for his natural attacking instinct, there is no doubt that Chris would have scored better on the day. Fair play, if he sees a shot, he goes for it – but taking a risky 3 wood 2nd shot on the par 5 sixth hole when the green is guarded by a brook and the fairway tightens with thick and punishing rough is probably not a percentage shot. As he ‘over-drew’ the ball into the dense rough and his provisional into the brook, he must’ve considered a more conservative tack may have been better suited. But on the flip side he did score on other holes where he attacked equally aggressively. The lord give’th and take’th.
His Saturday putter [he must own one for each day of the week now] was actually bang on song and he sunk some great puts and lagged well throughout. However, the one moment that cost Chris his 2nd win of the season was on the final hole of the day. He won the nearest the pin in 2 on the 18th hole and 3 putts from 20 foot would have won him the days play. However, an absolutely horrific 4 putt put him level with Keith Malone, who won on a card count back. To be fair, Chris took it better than most would and proclaimed “I’ve won one already this season”. Fair play.
Into the clubhouse we went and enjoyed a nice big plate of grub that was welcomed by all. We were joined by Dave Ashley – with whom all the lads were delighted to see and catch up with, and a surprise visit from El Capitano Steve Evans [who had cocked up his golfing calendar and realised he could have played after all]
Several pints where murdered whilst the Everton match was on and Lloydy’s hysteria at any goalmouth action [at either end] kept the lads entertained. He was a man on top of his game as he revelled in his 28 points and took great pride in telling us how his Mrs would also be enjoying in his success later than evening – poor girl.
The beer flowed like wine and we were all in top spirits with laughter and chatter galore. From about 10-10:30 [its all a bit of a haze] people started to drift home and left a hardcore group consisting of Andy Roper, Phil Williams, Marc Lloyd, Kev Givnan, Brendan Smith and Allan Gannon who thought at 11:45pm that the wisest thing to do would be to head in to Liverpool. Taxis were called and off they went.
4 hours later, those same lads – with faces that looked like melted candles and feet that were throbbing from dancing to old skool dance music – were anything but graceful. Note to self – “You are no longer 21 years old, and drinking Jaegerbombs and bouncing round to house music is not conducive to medical stability”
People got home – somehow – with absolutely no recollection of events and just about managed to retain marriages and relationships with angry partners. However, it was a superb night and was finished in true Bunkers style…..why can’t we all just enjoy a civilised bevvy?
This review – 4 days after the event – is proof of how long hangovers can last these days!
The forecast for the days play wasn’t great, with rain in the days leading up to the event and planned passing showers throughout our round. However, the weather gods blessed us [again] somewhat and kept the majority of the rounds relatively dry.
The course is a superb parkland layout with a tight front 9 with tree lined fairways and holes that require plenty of thought rather than just opting for "The Big Stick". The back 9 then changes tack a little bit with a lovely [new] 10th hole that would be at home on a high end golf course as you stand on a slightly raised tee and look between two large trees at an undulating green. A beautiful hole to start the back 9.
The course then opens out to some long and awkward holes. Initially, 3 or 4 of them can look a bit `up & down`, but when you actually play them you realise that the clever placement of hazards and the narrow fairways make them a real challenge. Every hole offers something different and tests all elements of a golfer’s game.
The highlight though has to be the new 18th green, which is reached over a new water hazard that looks absolutely superb and wouldn’t look out of place at a club demanding £75+ per round.
The fairways were well kept and looked superb despite the heavy rainfall. The rough was kept wonderfully tidy and a perfect length to punish where necessary without being overly harsh. The tee boxes were all well kept and were flat with appropriate markers and signs and plenty of ball cleaners dotted about.
However, the real draw of Lee Park has to be its carpet-like greens. Lots of people had told me over the years that the greens were as good as anything in the North West, and despite that advice I was a bit unconvinced. But a large portion of the society has now played on them for around 5 months ......wow, they really are unbeatable. Smooth, true and receptive and they are always in immaculate condition. Even after such heavy rain, they were superb.
Having played, Royal Birkdale, Hillside, Hoylake, and Formby amongst others - Lee Park is right up there with them. They really are that good, and that is the best compliment we can pay.
The clubhouse and spike bar is welcoming and the staff are always supremely helpful and cannot do enough for you. They really are the backbone of the club and make everyone feel extremely welcome whether it’s in the bar, on the course or in the admin office.
After a putt on the practice green – which refreshingly reflects the quality and pace of the greens on the course – we made our way to the first tee:
Group 1
Kevin Givnan scored 32 points and was far happier with his performance than he has been of late, the highlights of his round was back to back birdies on 9 & 10 with the latter tee finishing about a foot from the hole and earning him a prize for nearest the pin. Only a poor opening couple of holes prevented Kev from threatening first place.
Marc Lloyd scored very well on the front 9 with some steady putting meaning he took advantage of some decent iron play. The back 9 wasn't as kind with his RBZ tour edition driver (the perfect club for a 26 handicapper, I’m sure you'll agree) misbehaving and sending the ball wildly to the right. Still 28 points was a decent return and meant Lloydy was never in danger of "winning" the wooden spoon.
Keith Long had a rare off day with duffs, pulled drives and poor wedge play meaning he scored a paltry 19 points. "I shouldn't have gone out on the ale last night" was Keith’s excuse, Yeah alright Keith!
Only some outrageous luck with trees spitting balls back onto the fairway meant he didn't score even lower than the total that eventually meant he finished last and takes his place on the wall of shame! Looking forward to wearing the loser shirt next time out Keith?
Group 2
Group 2 comprised the eventual winner Keith, alongside John Standley, Scott Seddon and Phil Williams. In literal terms Keith did win, but it would not be unfair to say that Scott, and Chris lost it. Keith also suggested that the review should reference him as a hybrid of the golfing greats Rory and Jack. Unfortunately they were not available but Dylan Wan and Jimmy Walker were.
Back to the golf...remarkably the fourball all scored well on the first with Keith shining brightest with a great birdie and a quick four points. Phil and Scott both made par for 3 and John was what was thought at that time to be unlucky to miss a putt for a 5 for 2 points. The next 5 holes were a bit strange to be honest. Lee Park member and expert must have had a prior engagement as he cannot be seen on the scorecard for the next 5 holes. His best shot was on the 5th following his 4th blob. A gentle throw and a putter volley into the undergrowth right out the middle. Scott steamed into what should have been insurmountable lead. His card read like an
Olympic Ice Dancers winning score and only a blob on 7 going OB left ruined a great front 9 with 21 points.
With 16 points after 9 no one was really giving Keith much of a chance. Phil was quivering at the thought of salmon and John was safely on 16 too. Scott was the winner, it was his time. So onto the 10th. John hit a great tee shot that nestled just outside Kev's winning strike and Phil was just left on the mounds. Phil in for two from 25 foot and an outburst of delight at adding a third of his points thus far. John putted in for 2 possibly his only one putt of the round. Scott safely in for 2points and Keith followed.
Cue the self destruct button. Scott went to pieces with only 7 points scored on the last 8 holes. Victory gone. John Standley continued to strike the ball magnificently but his putting was awful. At one point Keith could be overheard giving putting advice and John headed towards the trees with his putter sharpened into a blade to end it all. Scott shanked his tee shot on 13 into the thick rough in front of the 14th tee only to be found 2 holes later as Phil walked up the rough on route to another wayward iron shot. On any other day 30 points is a score you would take on the first tee but Scott would rightly be gutted with his collapse. Despite two blobs Phil 's recovery gave him 18 points on the back 9, he putted well and saving par on the long 16th with another putt from off the green meant that he was breathing a sigh of relief back in the safety of mediocrity. The smile that adorns John's face was turning into a grimace but other than failing to finish off on the greens he should take encouragement from his performance.
Meanwhile Keith plodded along and scored well on all bar the 18th where a solitary point was just enough. As easy as it is to be unpleasant towards him it has to be said that hitting straight has got to be the way forward. He was accurate and some really positive approach shots meant it never looked difficult to score. A really good round and good company.
Group 3
Andy Roper set off in the third group with Chris Warbrick whispering in his ear “you’re a man on form”, and it was a steady yet unconvincing performance which was more a display of good scrambling as opposed to solid golf. Andy never felt like he gave himself a chance at pushing the top of the table and some wayward tee shots left him in positions where he had to take more medicine than Michael Jackson. His putting also left a lot to be desired and he constantly drifted past the holes all day long. However, he did walk away with 2 nearest the pins on the 2nd and 13th and 30 points overall – so not a horrific days golf, just not what he [and maybe others] thought may be possible given recent form.
Brendan Smith came along with his friend, and guest, Brendan Fox…..Chris and Roper thought it was a cunning plan by Mr Smith to ensure that he had a greater chance of hearing the words “Good shot Brendan”. As fate would have it, they need not have concerned themselves as Brendan Fox enjoyed a rusty afternoon of golf. To be fair, he hadn’t played in months and coming into a society event with strangers is never easy. He drove some lovely tee shots and struck the ball solidly in parts, it was inconsistency that cost him – along with a tendency to hit the putter with the same ferocity as his driver.
Brendan Smith on the other hand enjoyed a solid front 9 with 16 points and a feeling that he could push on during the back 9. However, there is a chance that someone swapped his driver for a left handed one as he was spraying the tee shots all over the place and giving himself no chance to build on a good opening to his round. He finished with 8 on the back 9 holes and faded down the table with a smile.
The group had the pleasure of watching at least one player strike the ball well throughout as Chris Warbrick had a lovely round – despite not being to happy with a vast number of shots himself. He is like a new breed Evo as he drills a lovely 270 yard, drawing drive that penetrates through the air like a single handicapper only for him to declare it “came off the toe”. Behave.
If it wasn’t for his natural attacking instinct, there is no doubt that Chris would have scored better on the day. Fair play, if he sees a shot, he goes for it – but taking a risky 3 wood 2nd shot on the par 5 sixth hole when the green is guarded by a brook and the fairway tightens with thick and punishing rough is probably not a percentage shot. As he ‘over-drew’ the ball into the dense rough and his provisional into the brook, he must’ve considered a more conservative tack may have been better suited. But on the flip side he did score on other holes where he attacked equally aggressively. The lord give’th and take’th.
His Saturday putter [he must own one for each day of the week now] was actually bang on song and he sunk some great puts and lagged well throughout. However, the one moment that cost Chris his 2nd win of the season was on the final hole of the day. He won the nearest the pin in 2 on the 18th hole and 3 putts from 20 foot would have won him the days play. However, an absolutely horrific 4 putt put him level with Keith Malone, who won on a card count back. To be fair, Chris took it better than most would and proclaimed “I’ve won one already this season”. Fair play.
Into the clubhouse we went and enjoyed a nice big plate of grub that was welcomed by all. We were joined by Dave Ashley – with whom all the lads were delighted to see and catch up with, and a surprise visit from El Capitano Steve Evans [who had cocked up his golfing calendar and realised he could have played after all]
Several pints where murdered whilst the Everton match was on and Lloydy’s hysteria at any goalmouth action [at either end] kept the lads entertained. He was a man on top of his game as he revelled in his 28 points and took great pride in telling us how his Mrs would also be enjoying in his success later than evening – poor girl.
The beer flowed like wine and we were all in top spirits with laughter and chatter galore. From about 10-10:30 [its all a bit of a haze] people started to drift home and left a hardcore group consisting of Andy Roper, Phil Williams, Marc Lloyd, Kev Givnan, Brendan Smith and Allan Gannon who thought at 11:45pm that the wisest thing to do would be to head in to Liverpool. Taxis were called and off they went.
4 hours later, those same lads – with faces that looked like melted candles and feet that were throbbing from dancing to old skool dance music – were anything but graceful. Note to self – “You are no longer 21 years old, and drinking Jaegerbombs and bouncing round to house music is not conducive to medical stability”
People got home – somehow – with absolutely no recollection of events and just about managed to retain marriages and relationships with angry partners. However, it was a superb night and was finished in true Bunkers style…..why can’t we all just enjoy a civilised bevvy?
This review – 4 days after the event – is proof of how long hangovers can last these days!
bunkers golf society members £40 per person
non bunkers golf society members £40 per person
Once you have paid, contact a committee member or CLICK HERE to tell us
Saturday 30th August 2014
Tee times from 13:30pm [arrive no later than 12:30pm] UNTIL LATE
Prices include 18 holes followed by post round BBQ and evening social event.
Website: www.leepark.co.uk
Saturday 30th August 2014
Tee times from 13:30pm [arrive no later than 12:30pm] UNTIL LATE
Prices include 18 holes followed by post round BBQ and evening social event.
Website: www.leepark.co.uk
tee times & groups
Playing handicaps are shown in brackets below.
* denotes the player does not hold an official or Bunkers handicap and will therefore be required to play three quarters of shown handicap for 3 rounds.
* denotes the player does not hold an official or Bunkers handicap and will therefore be required to play three quarters of shown handicap for 3 rounds.
13:30 tee time
|
13:38 tee time
|
Kev Givnan
Keith Long Marc Lloyd 13:46 tee time
Chris Warbrick
Andy Roper Brendan Smith Brendan Fox |
John Standley
Scott Seddon Phil Williams Keith Malone 13:54 tee time
Paul Davies Jnr
Allan Gannon Lee Carroll Paul Davies |
nearest the pins
There will be THREE nearest the pins on the 2nd, 10th and 13th holes.
Nearest the Pin in Two will be on the par 4 18th hole
Nearest the Pin in Two will be on the par 4 18th hole
the summer sizzler
The "Summer Sizzler" is Bunkers summer social event. An excuse for the lads to get together, play some golf enjoy a bite to eat and drink the night away.
This year we will be enjoying a post round BBQ at Lee Park and making the use of their wonderful facilities. It promises to be a superb night of laughter and banter. |
the course
In February 2014's Today's Golfer magazine, Lee Park was recommended with 6 other courses in the UK as a "surprise package" that all people should try and play. It was described as a "breath of Parkland fresh air".
The Greens at Lee Park Golf Club are acknowledged by both its members and visitors as the best in the area and have won numerous awards and recognitions for this. Whilst an easy walking parkland course, the 18 holes offer a fine test of accurate driving and includes six dog-legs. The 5959 yards Par 70 (SSS 69) requires a good short game in order to attack the well protected raised greens.
Lee Park is always in immaculate condition, as evidenced by the recently awarded Silver Category by the independent assessor from HSBC. Further testimony to the club’s growing reputation is that it is still the only Merseyside club to have achieved the EGU GolfMark award in 2006. It also gained the EGU Environment award in 2008 for its committment and actions in providing an eco friendly, sustainable golf course.
SEE A HOLE BY HOLE PREVIEW BY CLICKING HERE
The Greens at Lee Park Golf Club are acknowledged by both its members and visitors as the best in the area and have won numerous awards and recognitions for this. Whilst an easy walking parkland course, the 18 holes offer a fine test of accurate driving and includes six dog-legs. The 5959 yards Par 70 (SSS 69) requires a good short game in order to attack the well protected raised greens.
Lee Park is always in immaculate condition, as evidenced by the recently awarded Silver Category by the independent assessor from HSBC. Further testimony to the club’s growing reputation is that it is still the only Merseyside club to have achieved the EGU GolfMark award in 2006. It also gained the EGU Environment award in 2008 for its committment and actions in providing an eco friendly, sustainable golf course.
SEE A HOLE BY HOLE PREVIEW BY CLICKING HERE
DIRECTIONS
Lee Park is 2 miles from Tarbock Island at Junction 1 on the M57 or Junction 6 of the M62. It is located in the Netherley area of Liverpool and is 25 minutes from Skelmersdale.
Full address for SatNav:
Lee Park Golf Club, Childwall Valley Rd, Gateacre, Liverpool L27 3YA - Tel: 0151 487 3882
Full address for SatNav:
Lee Park Golf Club, Childwall Valley Rd, Gateacre, Liverpool L27 3YA - Tel: 0151 487 3882