How hard is it to be a defending champion?

Well, when you look at the numbers you'd have to say "Pretty bloody hard."
Since 2000, there have been only two multiple winners; Chief Organiser and Handicapping Guru Mr Craig Tingate in 2002 and 2004, and the rotund one, Mr Robert "Harty" Hart who won in 2000 and 2003.

Greg "Jack" Attrill, Our current champion came 3rd in 2005 before following up with the top spot last year, but he's had (provisionally) 5 shots - and hopefully about 5 clubs - stripped off him this year and I think he'll find it a much tougher ask. The pack behind have taken heed of previous experience and have done absolutely no training whatsoever in the hopes of keeping themselves tapered for the big event. Whilst this may be seen by some as unconventional, I recently saw an interview with John Daly and he was saying that it is in fact the perfect way to prepare for a grand-slam level tournament.

Of course, only time will tell, but Jack, if you listen really carefully you might be able to hear the ticking of the metronome, the breathing of the oxen and perhaps even the distant echo of the Geelong theme song. "Be afraid, be very afraid."

The Players 2007 - a form guide

Greg Attrill - aka Jack
Dubious defending champion, he may not know how many clubs he has, but he can swing them when he wants to. Has absolutely stellar form when under pressure on the last day and simply cannot be ignored. Good chance again this year although the handicapper has at least made it a fair bit tougher.
Very good each way bet.

Craig Tingate - aka Craig
Easily the best off the stick on the tour. Multiple previous winner. Handicap has gone out by one this year, but probably still under what it should be. Hasn’t played much over the 12 months, but his footy teams did get up this year, so he will be confident.
Put in for win, win/place and any multiple you can think of.

Gary Lennox - aka Brother Ox
His swing hasn’t gotten any uglier. A consistent player and the extra shot this year will come in handy.
Excellent each way chance. The braver souls would back on the nose.

Kingy - aka Kingy
Has the swing, the talent and possibly the desire. More than half a chance if he can keep his body together - has had back issues in the past.
Expect in the top half dozen.

John Palmer - aka Pops
Comes from the crow eating state, but always puts in a good run. The bus trip over probably won’t do him any good. Snores like a trooper and has the highest hand finish in golf.
Certainly a good each way chance, maybe also in a quinnie somewhere.

Greg Lennox - aka Ox
Previous winner, but late nights still do diabolical things to the Ox. Struggled to even get in a full round last year.
Unknown….Keep an eye out.

Garry Martin - aka Sparrow
Fairly big unknown. Hasn’t played on the tour for a while, and hasn’t been seen out on the track. Tends to keep a close eye on the punt and has the unfortunate distinction of being a Saints supporter.
Probably handicapped out of it as coming back from a spell, but keep an eye on him for next year.

Glenn Simpson - aka Col's brother
A more talented golfer than his brother. Has gone out a bit on the handicap and this will hold him in good stead. Managed to post a score last year and will be better for that run.
Dark horse, but worth consideration at longer odds

Tony Lane - aka Laney
Doesn't seem to care about the golf (spends the whole round studying the form), but keeps hitting em up the middle. Is now almost fully retired and from all accounts fit as a fiddle.
Probably not enough form to post a win, but may be worth it if the price is right.

Robert Hart - aka Harty
A previous winner who can never be discounted. Came 3rd in last years running. The handicapper has not been kind, so unless you have some good mail I would leave this one alone.
Outsider, but runs the book, so could be at pretty good odds.

Nigel Roulston - aka Nigel
Fluked second place to the runaway winner last year, but unlikely to be able to repeat the performance.
You’d be better off putting your money on Pearcey.

Mick De Nittis - aka Phantom
Has blown out on the handicap from last year and this should suit him perfectly.
As a second up runner with good weight, well worth a few bob.

Col Simpson - aka Glenn's brother
Steady off the tee, but it all goes a bit pear shaped after that. As a golfer, he is a gifted tennis player.
Probably not up to the class here.

Terry Woodhouse - aka The Rat
Hasn’t been seen on the tour for a long time, and by all accounts hasn’t seen his clubs in just about as long. At this point is a dubious starter.
Prefer others.

Bob Starke - aka Gus
A player like no other. A fourth place finish last year so can't be discounted.
Keep him in your multiples.

Tony Pearce - aka Pearcey
Unlikely to post a score.
Probably outclassed in this field.

Billy - aka The Metronome
Handicap has come in again this year. He was found out over 3 rounds last year tiring at the finish.
Long odds but with the handicap he has, shouldn't be left out of multiples.

The Return of the Sparrow

A little birdy :-) has told me that this year the mighty Sparrow - aka Garry Martin - will be making a return to the tour. Not a lot is known about previous form, but rumours have it that as a golfer he makes quite a good punter.

Anyway, the handicappers seem to be quite wary with a start mark of 25 - it remains to be seen whether he is a burglar or just ordinary like the rest of us (well, most of the rest of us anyway).

PROVISIONAL Handicaps for 2007

Note: These (both the numbers and the starters) are provisional and may change before tee off.

Name	'07	'06
Craig Tingate	4	3
Garry Lennox	14	12
Peter King	15	14
John Palmer	16	16
Greg Lennox	21	20
Greg Attrill	22	27
Garry Martin	25	-
Glenn Simpson	26	24
Tony Lane	28	27
Rob Hart	30	32
Nigel Roulston	32	36
Michael De Nittis	33	30
Col Simpson	33	32
Terry Woodhouse	37	-
Bob Starke	40	40
Tony Pearce	46	45
Bill McNaugtan	52	54

2006 Scores - Finally

Well, you aren't going to believe this one! Our illustrious handicapper has finally found the scores from the 2006 tour - apparently they were hiding in a blow up bed - I thought it best not to ask.

Should you wish to have a look and see just how badly you did please follow this link.

2006 Scores

Not long to go now - I hope you've all been out there getting in some practise.