round 1 - tewkesbury
views of the cotswolds
tewkesbury was designed by frank pennink in 1976. the parkland course boasts some classic natural features, testing greens and water hazards all based in the grounds of the hotel. it is set in the gloucestershire countryside and boasts breath-taking views of the malvern hills and the cotswolds.
the course was very playable and there was some excellent scoring. when we played here, the ground was dry, so the ball was running and there was little rough. nic kept phil and al at bay with an immense stableford score of 45, neil and nic managed to win this close game 2&1.
match score: neil & nic 11½-7 phil & al
round 2 - monmouth
the 18th and mansion
after a rowdy night with the chepstow locals we headed into the welsh countryside for some peace and tranquillity. the rolls of monmouth is a hidden gem; a beautiful parkland that is superbly manicured with water, huge oak trees and undulating greens. the rolls royce family mansion provides a stunning backdrop, especially for the 18th.
the match was close throughout. phil and al took the lead when al parred the 15th but nic chipped in for birdie on 16. with the score all square on the 18th tee, neil carried the water and holed a nervy 5 footer for par to win 1 up.
match score: neil & nic 12½-7 phil & al
round 3 - st pierre old
some better accommodation
the st. pierre resort is built around the charming 14th century manor. there are two contrasting courses, the old course and the mathern, ross mcmurray remodelled both in 2008.
the old course, designed by c.k. cotton in 1962, occupies a former deer park. the championship layout is a delight to play and culminates with the thrilling 235-yard par-3 18th over water to an elevated green.
the match was a great battle; al played the middle 6 in 2 over par which left phil and al dormie 5. However, nic came storming back winning 4 of the last 5 to steal a half and the holiday.
match score: neil & nic 13-7½ phil & al
round 4 - st pierre mathern
the KOP hole
the mathern is shorter than the old but is pleasantly challenging and complements the old admirable. there is lots to enjoy, however you play.
in the match, phil and al regained some pride with a thumping victory although it was partly driven by nic only scoring 22 stableford points, a huge contrast to round 1.
the KOP hole was a straightforward long par 3. al stepped up first and hit a peach into the heart of the green. neil and nic had no answer and both drove into the trees. nic bogeyed but al scored a regulation par taking the lead back to 2.
match score: neil & nic 13-8½ phil & al