Congratulations to Chris Sands on finishing runner-up in the Mansell Finishes event at Royal Liverpool on Monday, Chris ended the day with a score of 70 (-2) which was only one off the pace. He also carded a four under par score of 68 with his dad Paul in the pro-am section.

Seniors' Winter Stableford
Last Thursday was the second event in the seniors' Winter Stableford Series, an 18 hole event off the winter tees. The winner on the day, with a score of 40 points, was Rick Austin, two ahead of runner-up Dave Harland.

Winter Stableford
Saturday's competition for the men was a Winter Stableford where we took advantage of our 'measured winter course' to make it a handicap qualifier, In Division One both Paul Chadwick and Martin Andrew scored 40 points, Paul running out the winner on a countback. In third, with 38 points, was Frank Lovell who was helped by the new Titleist 915 driver he had out on trial. However, it was Peter Walsh in Division Two that stole the show. Peter, who had shone in a friendly match earlier in the week at Royal Liverpool, proved that confidence is key as he stormed to victory with a superb 43 points, Terry Hurst probably thought he had it in the bag after scoring 25 on the front nine, in the end coming in second with 41. In third was Ed Dhenin with 40 points - Ed has come down to 16.5 from 22 since the end of June!!

Ladies' Event
Tuesday's of late have been the day to play weather wise, the early morning starters had to encounter some low lying fog on the river holes but that soon burnt off leaving glorious playing conditions. Winning Division One was Lady Captain Barbara ahead of runner-up Sue Day and third placed Heather Ensor. Nikki Danford Jones topped Division Two from Liz Grayson in second and Sandra Jones in third. Division Three saw another win for Hillary Sharpe with Lady Captain elect Eileen in second and Pat Platt in third. Helen Billington tasted success in Division Four for the first time since joining with Jackie Walker in second and Alka Tank in third.

Please bear with the contractors and the green staff as the essential winter drainage works are carried out. I am sure you will all agree that the end result of the works carried out to the 5th, 11th and 15th have been a major success with very little disruption. Trevor Moon, Martin Higby and Geoff Poole will endeavour to get the course playing as normally as possible while the contractors are on site.

The wet weather is fast approaching so I would encourage those who have not already done so to consider winter wheels for their electric trolleys so as to not be caught out when the day comes. All non-electric trolleys will not need winter wheels. Winter wheels can be purchased in the shop.

My Putting Evening hosted by Raa putters next Tuesday is now full! However, I will still take down reserve names in case of any late drop outs so contact me here if you wish to be added to the reserve list.

The off season is the perfect time of year to think about those new clubs that you have been longing for. Don't forget I have plenty of demo clubs to try in the shop from drivers to wedges, including the highly acclaimed new 915 range from Titleist. Click here to find out more about the 915 range.

I have now started selling tickets for my Christmas Raffle! Last year the first prize was in excess of £250 worth of kit - the more tickets that get bought the better the prize will be! The draw will take place at lunch time on Christmas Eve in the bar.

We are also now offering a club MOT service whereby you can have your loft, lie and grips checked and adjusted/changed if necessary. This can be done in half a day now that we are quieter in the shop, please ask in-store for details. The Tour Professionals change their grips on average every three months, it is amazing the difference it can make.

Over the years I have had numerous people asking me for ideas for last minute stocking fillers.

What do you get the golfer that has everything?

Therefore, in the remaining five weeks to the big day, I will be putting some ideas into your head. We have already talked about the FREE personalisation on Titleist balls, these orders need to be submitted to me before 7th Dec to ensure delivery before the 22nd. You can also order these through our website - simply click here.

How about a lesson package? A course of 7 lessons can be bought for the price of 6 (£120 member / £150 visitor). Lessons aren't restricted to 30 minute sessions, an on-course evaluation could come first with the remaining lessons covering the subject area which requires the most attention. To order your lesson package voucher click here.