Willow Open Golf Challenge

The Finish

2009-06-21T22:06:00.003+01:00

Those that said "Bonkers it can't be done" well it was. But only just.

The final leg - Lytham

2009-06-21T19:34:00.001+01:00

The boys pose at the final course, Lytham St Annes ready for the last 18 holes of golf.

The final leg

2009-06-21T19:32:00.001+01:00

Lytham - Still ahead of schedule, the challenge is nearly complete the boys pose at the first at 19:15 ready for the final 18.

Royal Birkdale

2009-06-21T18:41:00.002+01:00

16:10 and the team has landed and are on tee one of the famous Royal Birkdale course. Its the dream team of Hunter & Jeffery against the steady pairing of White & Balfour. At the turn W&B were 3 up with the match finishing halved on the 18th.

One Birdie & two lost ball 86 & 89 respectively.

The Northern Leg

2009-06-21T18:34:00.002+01:00

Landing at Hoylake at 13.20 ahead of schedule the team were welcomed by Bob & Megs Wilson.

Unfortunately the highest number of strokes was played on any round by Hunter & White a undisgraceful total of 94, Hunter also lost his 100% winning streak so far today. Whilst this time around Jeffery & Balfour took the honour with a wonderful 84. There was two birdies and no lost balls. Over half way now.

Up Up and Away.

2009-06-21T18:23:00.004+01:00

After a total of 170 shots, and a winning total of 83 for Hunter & Balfour with the remaining 87 to White & Jeffery the team depart Cinque Port in the chopper heading for Hoylake at just after 11.30am.

St. Georges 06:30

2009-06-21T08:42:00.003+01:00

15 minutes ahead of schedule.

All square at 91 each

3 birdies

0 lost balls

An incident free round.

The day begins

2009-06-21T08:33:00.004+01:00

Princes just after 04:10am and the challenge begins. Although a little weary all team members are keen to go go wityh the formidable Alastair hunter marching down the first leaving all the rest to follow. Thankfully Paul White catches his breath by the third.

The team scores Alastair & Justin win with a respectable round of 85 whilst Paul & Mike come in with 93. There were 3 lost balls and no birdies.

2009-06-21T08:18:00.003+01:00

Saturday Evening and all team members arrive at the team hotel The Fleur de Lis for 6pm.
Alastair Hunter, Paul White, Mike Balfour, Justin Jeffery & James Gedye.
After a birthday dinner for Mike all members head to bed at 9pm for a 3am start.

Blighty no flighty.

2009-06-20T11:21:00.002+01:00

News reached us late last night that reservist Steve Blight has indeed had to pull out of the challenge. Whilst this is a blow to the team standby reservist James Gedye is all set to take up the mantle.
At 2pm today the team will be travelling from London to team hotel and kind donator The Fleur du Lys in Sandwich for a 4pm arrival 12 hours ahead of the epic 1st tee off of a very long day at the Princes course in Kent.

Money Money Money

2009-06-18T16:15:00.003+01:00

That's what its all about!
First and foremost this is a charity appeal with early aspirations of achieving £100,000.
Its in aid of The Willow Foundation, A quite unique charitable organisation that provides special days for often terminally ill, young adults aged 16-40.
Incredibly we have just about reaching the 75% milestone which is fantastic news. Given our hope that so much revenue would be achieved through corporate sponsorship which has been not forthcoming the support from friends, family and business associates is staggering, we thank you.
But please, we are not there yet, dig deep and support us on
http://www.justgiving.com/willowopenchallenge
Until next time...

Double subsituation in place.

2009-06-17T12:22:00.003+01:00

Confirmation of a standby reserve for our reserve.... Comes in the form of Hadley wood golfing sensation and Mahogany board hall of famer, James Gedye, The 43 year old father of two from Little Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire is a late call up for the still in doubt, Steve Blight.
Mr Gedye earned his call up following his recent strict dietary regime seeing him drop nearly four stone, almost as much as fellow open challenger, Alastair Hunter.
An overly exited Mr Gedye commenting on his participation in the event said "I just cant wait it will be better than sex, I think...."

"Birkdale - We have touchdown"

2009-06-17T12:06:00.003+01:00

To achieve this unique feat and cover over 350 miles, fast air transportation is critical. This will come in the form of the Eurocopter Dauphin owned by Newcastle and England striker Michael Owen who has kindly supported us in this epic attempt.
The last piece in the jigsaw was confirmed earlier today when we were given clearance for landing at the Greenbank High School alongside The Royal Birkdale course.

Physio's Corner - "Blighted"!

2009-06-17T11:54:00.003+01:00

Tuesday evening report from the physio Bench of our reserve golfer Steve Blight:

"I've now been to physio, good + bad news. Not torn but pulled, heavy bruising, has given me a treatment plan and I've booked for Thur to see him again.His view if he was a" betting man" I'm only a 20% chance to be able to participate ! "

ENDS

Bet for charity - Everyone's a winner!

2009-06-17T11:45:00.004+01:00

Our gaming partners - Sporting Index are kindly hosting a "novelty special" for those punters amongst you. All monies that Sporting Index win will go to the charity.
Featuring the following categories:

Best Gross Score

Worst Gross Score

Total Gross Birdies

Total Number of Lost Balls

Total Number of Shots Taken

The link can be found at:
http://www.sportingindex.com/spread-betting/specials/novelty-specials/?MeetingId=3425256&split=1