Greetings golfers,

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter. In this week's email, we debate whether Justin Thomas is underestimated or whether he's simply gone under the radar, we showcase some of our favourite items of 2017 and also provide you with a must-watch video. Enjoy the read.

Looe Golf Club Seniors' Open

Looe Golf Club Annual Seniors' Open Golf Competition was held on Sunday, 3 August with players arriving from all over Cornwall and Devon and even as far away as Gateshead. The weather was somewhat milder than the deluge of rain and high winds experienced the previous day. Well done to the greens staff for getting the course playable after that horrendous weather. On the day it was breezy and cool, but dry and the eventual winner from Fingle Glen Golf Club with 40 points was Peter Doyle playing off an 18 handicap.

Looe Seniors' very own John Nash came a very close second scoring just one point less than the winner with 39 points. Following Peter and John only three points further back on 36 points and in third place was Simon Bray from Launceston Golf Club.

Roger Sivior from Sparkwell Golf Club came in fourth place on countback and also with 36 points. In fifth place was Russel Abraham from the Point at Polzeath Golf Club, Russel scored 35 points with an excellent 21 points on the back nine holes. Peter Street from Looe took the nearest the pin prize. Last but not least, the only one two was scored on the day by Lez Jennings on the 9th. Lez was from Borringdon Golf Club. The day ended with a very tasty buffet with a selection of meats and delicacies to suit all palettes, many thanks to our catering staff. Thanks to all who attended especially to Brian Norman our starter and ex-President we hope you all enjoyed your day with us and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.


Seniors' Stableford

A fine but breezy morning brought out a large field of 33 for the previous Tuesday's golf, possibly with thoughts of a last minute warm-up round before the Looe Seniors' Open on Thursday. A Mafia Stableford was played with three scores from four to count. The winners by a margin of six points were Alan Hunstone, John Nash (Birdied six and ten), Adrian Jackson and Richard Jones (Birdied four and 15) amassing 127 points - good scoring! Runners-up were Roy Bright, Angus Holland, Jeff Rees and a wildcard with 121 points. Angus Holland had the highest individual sore of 41 points. Other birdies were scored by Ian Crawford on four and Brian Coombes on 10. Andy Beer scored the only two of the day.

August Update

August is a great time to do a fertiliser application; with a two-month longevity, an application in August will take us all the way through to October, which is a perfect time for an autumn/winter feed.

Aeration is also key to keep the soil oxygen balanced. We are using 8mm needle tines on our procore once a month over the greens which will allow the soil to breathe. This will also help reduce the thatch layer and help prevent moss build-up as winter draws closer.

A tricure wetting agent will also assist to manage soil water percolation and retention more effectively, by moving rainfall away from the surface, but holding it further down in the profile where it will be called on during any hotter and sunny spells.

We will also be using the procore to create holes on areas of the greens that have developed worn patches. Once the holes are made, seed will be brushed in and then top dressed with the grass seedlings emerging 7 - 10 days later.

We will be using the top 1st green again for a week from Monday, 7 August. This is slightly earlier than last month due to the course being busy with competitions and societies later in the month. In that time, we will spike and dress the bottom green ready for use again on Monday, 14 August.

As the greens are softer due to the increased rainfall can you please remember to repair your pitch marks, and when possible, any others you might find. Also, please remember to rake the bunkers after you've played your shot, leaving the rake in the centre of the bunker.

Congratulations...

Well done to John Nicholls and Malcolm Tate on winning the Over 50's Bassett Shield with an impressive 46 points from Graham Rich and John Harris on 45 points.

Underestimated or under the radar?

Justin Thomas fulfilled many people’s dream on Sunday by claiming his first Major title at the USPGA Championship. The year’s final Major at Quail Hollow didn’t really ignite until the back nine on Sunday, where Thomas took centre stage.

At 24 years of age, this win sees Thomas join Nicklaus, Woods, McIlroy and Spieth in being one of only five golfers to have won four times (including a Major) in a single season before turning 25. It really is hugely impressive when you think about it, which leads us on to this week's question:

Is Justin Thomas underestimated or has he simply gone under the radar?

Let us know your thoughts here