IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP

THE LAKES AT LEESBURG in Florida is a 55+ community. It has a 9-hole, par 3 golf course, and a Christmas golf cart parade is held every December. Decorated with garlands and Christmas lights, the cars travel around the grounds, encouraged by staff and visitors. The highlight of the 2023 parade was seeing Santa Claus in his sleigh pulled by nine flying pink flamingos with antlers, which likely made residents wonder if they had gone overboard with the fortified wine.

THE 2024 WORLD GOLF AWARDS obviously wanted to get off on the right foot with The Donald. The award for Best Golf Hotel in the World was awarded to Trump Turnberry, although it is doubtful many people stayed for long considering Scotland’s wet summer. Trump International Dubai also had the best par 3 in the world. Portugal won awards such as Best Golf Course in the World (Terras da Comporta), Best Golf Destination in the World and Best New Golf Course in Europe (Ombria). Spain was left out this year, not even Best Golf Place (Portugal again, Quinta do Lago). .) You should try harder.

Dr. FRANK STABLEFORD It deserves to be remembered by amateur golfers around the world. Dr Stableford, a surgeon in the Boer War and the First World War, later became captain of Wallasey Golf Club in Wirral. He devised a point scoring system after realizing one day that many players were having very little fun playing golf and often tore up their scorecards after a few holes, especially at Wallasey where strong winds could make it extremely difficult. the game.

Golf handicaps had originally been used for betting purposes, but over time a central handicapping authority became necessary. In 1881 the use of three rounds and then taking the average was adopted. Many clubs competed in medal competitions, difficult for the less formal golfer, or played against bogeys, based on the best average scores of a specific course, which was very individual and with very different standards.

Dr. Stableford’s points system was first played in competition at Wallasey on the 16th^th May 1932 and was an instant success. At the time, the maximum men’s handicap was 21, but because he didn’t like the idea of ​​someone taking 2 shots on a hole, he limited the margin to 7/8.^th of handicap, giving a maximum of 18 shots. Little by little he perfected the system to give 4bbb, foursomes and mixed matches.

The great advantage of the Stableford system is that it allows the player to continue after a few bad holes and speeds up play by allowing the player to resume play when out of competition. Henry Longhurst said, “No man did more to increase the enjoyment of the humblest golfer.” As a very humble golfer, I support him.

SCOTTY SCHEFFLER CAN afford to hang up his clubs until January. His seven wins in 2024 are the most in a single season since Tiger Woods in 2007: Arnold Palmer Invitational, Players Championship, Masters, RBC Heritage, Memorial, Travelers, Tour Championship. In 2024, Scheffler’s haul (on-field earnings plus bonus money) is $62,228,357. As the song says: It was a very good year!

It hasn’t been a bad year for viewers either. To name a few highlights: The Masters – Scottie Scheffler. The PGA – Xander Schauffele. US Open – Bryson DeChambeau. The Open – Xander Schauffele. I had hopes for Rory in the BMW at Wentworth, but they were dashed by Billy Horschel on Day 2.^{North Dakota} playoff hole. No matter, Rory made the list with the DP World Tour Championship. It saved him having to pawn one of his Ferraris.

PREPARE YOUR DELIGHTED expression for those Christmas golf gifts: ball markers printed with “May the Course be with You,” golf balls printed with “Jingle These Balls,” t-shirts printed with “Have a Tee-rrific Christmas.” Then there’s the shot glass with “Dad’s best Shot”, not forgetting “Dad’s Lucky Golf Socks”. You have a drawer full from last year, but who cares, it’s Christmas.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a great golfing New Year.

Contact Mick for regrip and repair. 638 859 475.