Success for 'Team Steve' at the popular, 3 Hammers NYE Pro Am with a winning score of -21.
This year saw the first entry of PGA Professional Steve Thomas, along with eight keen golfers whom Steve has been working with to develop their golf games. It seems as though their hard work has been paying off, as each player contributed superbly to the teams emphatic victory.
The group came from a variety of golfing backgrounds, but one of the most impressive facts about the teams performance was that six out of the eight team members were participating in their first golf competition. Many of the players were nervous and unsure about what to do at the beginning, but quickly found their feet and reveled in the atmosphere.
The format was a shotgun start team betterball, with two of the scores counting on holes which had the professional playing alongside the amateurs. The pro's would play six holes with each of their groups to complete the round. The competition came from the teams of the other PGA Professionals at 3 Hammers Golf Academy, which included: Rob Bluck, John Cheetham, Rory Haigh and Oliver Raybould.
'Team Steve' started on the 4th tee with his first group, teeing off at 10.30am. The first to step up was Greg Webb, followed by Henry Watkins and Stuart Stokes. Watched by the whole team, their tee shots were struck perfectly, 'Team Steve' were now fired up and ready to perform.
Professional Steve Thomas played with the first team out, recording the scores which would count toward the team event and eventually the winning -21 score. This group recorded an impressive -7 contribution which included five birdies and an eagle.
On the 10th tee Steve dropped back to play with the middle team which included Wayne Lewis, John Cattermole and Sidney Wilkes. Ready to do battle, the group rose to the challenge and despite starting with the longest hole on the course, found an impressive birdie which stoked the fires for an impressive run. Over their six holes they carded a -8 contribution which included four birdies and two eagles, with every member raising their game with some unbelievably good quality golf. Unfortunatly Wayne was pipped on count back for the best individual net score.
For the final group of 'Team Steve' and playing holes 15-3 were Gary Pearson and Sam Volkering. Despite being handicapped with one fewer players than the rest of the field, this pairing turned out to be a dream partnership. With the team score sitting at -15 the pressure was on to deliver the win. However, pressure was the furthest thing from their minds, with immaculately struck shots and plenty of birdie opportunities, the motivation seemed to come from ensuring the team broke the -20 barrier as the win seemed inevitable. The pairing came in with a -6 contribution which included four birdies and an eagle.
Throughout the round the atmosphere was as relaxed as any casual game of golf, perhaps it was the relentless peppering of flags and affluent numbers of birdie putts which put the nerves to bed, and enabled the team to perform to such a level. In fact it is believed the -21 is a record for the competition since it began.
Steve would like to thank all who participated in the event and hopes they enjoyed it as much as he did. He looks forward to defending the title next year. Have a fantastic New Years Eve and 2019.
2018 3 Hammers NYE Pro Am Champions
Back row (left to right): Sam Volkering, John Cattermole, Wayne Lewis, Greg Webb
Front row (left to right): Henry Watkins, Gary Pearson, Stuart Stokes, Sidney Wilkes
Professional: Steve Thomas
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