MORGAN & McGEE MAGNIFICENT AT THE MASTERS

Tony Shearman reports on the 2009 Lawrence Levy British Masters at Oulton Hall, Yorkshire, 3rd - 6th August, where Scotland scored their latest success.

What is it about Scotland?  They come down here, steal our Auld Enemies Cup, take the British Open, and now they've had a clean sweep at The Masters:

Mind you, no one could begrudge this latest victory as Allan Morgan, guided by Irene McGee, left the field in his wake to lead from start to finish to head up a Scottish 1 - 2 - 3.

The 28-handicapper from South Lanarkshire, opened his account on the first day with a nett 65, although he was just one shot ahead of another Scot, Gerry Kelly, guided by Mary Kelly, at that stage.

Morgan increased his advantage after day 2 with a nett 63 with Kelly carding a nett 65 to keep within 3 shots of his fellow countryman.

Despite a somewhat disappointing nett 74 on day 3, Morgan moved a further shot clear as another Scot, Kenny Freeman, guided by Janette Freeman, cruised into 2nd spot with an impressive NINE under par, nett 61.  And it was at this point that an English player made a brief appearance on the leader board as Simon Cookson, from Hampshire, guided by Stuart Jones, after posting a nett 69 to claim third place, 8 shots off the lead, going into the final day.

But, hopes of an English victory were short-lived as Morgan returned a final round of nett 68 to leave him on a magnificent TEN under par, nett 270.

As the winning guide Irene McGee received The Yvonne Field trophy, donated by Derek Field, in memory of his late wife who passed away earlier this year.  “ I will never ever be presented with something that means so much to me. “ said a tearful Irene.

Kenny Freeman took 2nd spot some 11 shots back, with Ally Reid, guided by Anne Reid, completing the Scottish clean sweep with a nett 283.

The highest-placed EBGA member was the 2008 Masters Champion, Peter Hodgkinson, from Cheshire, guided by Matt Hodgkinson, who finished in 4th place on 288.

The Howie Bawes Gold Medal for the best Nett score at the event went to Kenny Freeman for that 61 whilst Simon Cookson's opening day 80 won him the medal for the best Gross score.

Ron Tomlinson, from Essex, and his guide Stephanie Tomlinson, picked up the Terry Wallace Trophy, which is presented to the best B1 category player at the event.

The Lawrence Levy British Masters Stableford Plate was won by Frances Radford, from Nottinghamshire, guided by Peter Radford, who notched a total of 106 points over the four days.  Frances, recording her first-ever competitive victory, took the title by 3 points from Yours Truly from Surrey and my guide Martin Poole - despite our life-time personal best score of 42 points on the final day which included successful putts of 57 feet, 33 feet, three 9-footers and one broken 7-wood which snapped in half on the 72nd hole!

TEAM McALLISTER DEBUT AT THE MASTERS
EBGA member Billy McAllister, guided by his wife Lis, reflects on his first appearance at The Lawrence Levy British Masters, Oulton Hall, Yorkshire, 3rd - 6th Aug 2009.

 
The long wait was over along with the many sleepless nights dreaming of walking up the 18th fairway after 4 days of fierce competition leading by one shot and with a 12 foot putt for the victory in The Masters.... (well we can all hope! ) This was not to be but what follows is a wonderful experience of friendship, support and a tournament that was played in a spirit that could only be played in by fellow Blind golfers.

As we live in Yorkshire, the drive to  Oulton Hall was short   and the venue was a fitting building to inspire us all and make us feel like a show down was immanent, with its grand entrance, impressive drawing room this was how the pros prepare where even the grand masters Jacklin Norman and a rejuvenated Tom Watson would have blended into the 18th century decor only fit for winners.

At our first dinner together with fellow players from the 4 corners of the British Isles one could feel the eagerness to get out there and compete. All around us where the best Blind Golfers in Britain.  I felt out of place as a debutant and a sense of not belonging in the history, the class and the trophies these players have won. After a short time my paranoid state evaporated as I eased my way into polite conversation only to realise all members made us feel we did belong just as much as they did.

After relaxing a little more with the help of a few white wines as the beer was not great I collected myself and my wife Lis who is also my wonderful guide, confirmed our tee times and playing partners for day 1. At this stage I must digress, that my wife knew nothing about golf 3 months ago, so asking her to be my guide I thought was a wonderful yet premature selection, going from calling bunkers sand dunes, clubs cues and the flag the duffley, you can understand this will be a long process to our dream of just not finishing last.

9.30 Monday morning had come and after an artery busting cooked breakfast we teed off not knowing at the time our playing partner Allan Morgan and Irene McGee where to be the leaders from start to finish, I must say they where a real pleasure to play with and great company for the first 2 days. Our own performance was disappointing if not expected but was enjoyed immensely and will not dampen our spirits to carry on.

Although The Scottish took the honours in the end, from our view we had competed in our first major event and despite propping up the final position table, we will return to fight another day.

We would like to thank all our fellow EBGA members, especially those players who made Lis and I feel so welcome, and who offered us much-appreciated advice throughout.