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TOURNAMENT REPORT
DUDLEY OPEN 2011
FRIDAY - PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS
The course itself is traditional links on a rather small piece
of land, which means that it's quite close to residential buildings
on some holes. The most interesting holes are those on the more
contoured part of the course near the clubhouse. Although a bit
quirky, holes 6 and 7 whose fairways cross each other, are also
interesting to play. Some of the holes at the far end of the course
and along the railway line (11 through 15) are a bit bland. Hole
18 is special. It's a long par 3 (227 yards) playing back towards
the clubhouse and 1st tee. Apparently the odd ball has been known
to stray into the car park close on the right of the fairway!
It would be fair to say that thanks to the hazards provided by
nature, strategically placed bunkers and the fact that "Out
of Bounds" is a feature on at least 12 holes, this course
is one which can favour the thinking golfer rather than the long,
wild hitter.
There was a real buzz in the galleries (Shouldn't that be "gallery"…it
was just the starter who was there in the pouring rain?! Ed.)
as the players warmed up. The bookies were putting last year's
champ Dave Graham as top favourite, closely followed by other
tour stalwarts Sparks, Cramb and the like. The field was certainly
more open and more unpredictable than last year. Not only had
Peters found the time to get an official handicap, but he'd brought
along a newbie, Steve Robertson, which threw another wildcard
into the pack as far as the bookies were concerned. With a total
field of 16 players, and an eclectic Stableford score over three
rounds, there was everything to play for. So many famous faces,
so much talent on display. And of course that perennial crowd
favourite Dr Golf was there to dazzle and entertain.
Dr. Golf demonstrates the Air-Vented Dyna-Top™
for maximum swing speed and stability.
   
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