Top 100 Tour launches at Stoneham
On Thursday 11 April I was really proud to host the first event of the Top 100 Tour (which, as you might remember from my previous blog, offers the opportunity for golfers to play the best 100 golf courses in England). Although the Top 100 Tour features golf courses across the country it seemed fitting to officially launch the Tour in Southampton and the first event was held at number 82 on the list, Stoneham Golf Club.
12 golfers (including myself) took part in the first event and we couldn’t have picked a nicer day. After a morning coffee and some time on the practice greens, our first group teed off at 11.30am. The course was in fantastic condition with the greens rolling absolutely perfectly. I think the speed of the greens caught a few people out but everyone really enjoyed the quality of the course. Stoneham are currently improving their practice facilities with a 2 million pound 2020 project of a short-game area and a new driving range with indoor and outdoor bays and a fully kitted studio bay. There’s a lot of work going on but it looks great and will be worth it in the end!
After 18-holes, we enjoyed a meal and drink in the clubhouse before handing out the prizes for the day. Congratulations to winner Ian Wilkinson who took home a Stoneham-branded Footjoy 1/4 zip and second place Tony Phillips who took home a NC Golf polo shirt. You can see all the scores below. Thank you to everyone who took part.
The next event takes place on Wednesday 22 May at number 99 on the list, Goodwood Golf Club in Surrey. I’m particularly looking forward to playing the Downs course at Goodwood – designed by the same architect as Gleneagles and Carnoustie, with four par 5s and four par 3s, fast-running fairways and undulating greens – and a course I’ve never played before.
If you want to join us, you’ll need to purchase your Top 100 Tour passport first (a one-off fee of £20) and it’s £99 to play which includes tea or coffee and bacon roll on arrival, 18-holes from 12.00noon and a meal afterwards. There’ll also be a prize for first and second place. Want to tick it off your list? Come and play!