Pictures from Craig

Here is a selection of some shots taken by our illustrious handicapper and rules committee.

2008 Scores

Click for a larger version

And the winner is

Kingy followed by
Vaughn
Phantom and big Mike equal 3rd
The others

More info, scores and pics to follow later

Day 2 update

Leaderboard (scores are best score over the two days)

Big mike - 69
Craig - 71
Phantom - 71
Kingy - 72
Nigel - 73
Greg Lennox - 73
Jack - 74
Gary Lennox - 76
Bill - 79
Harry - 79
Gus - 89
Pearcey - 90

Day 1 update

Well, day 1 is (mostly) out of the way. We have one more to add to the scratch pile; Mr T. Lane is a no show - something about his wedding anniversary - likely excuse. As if that would be more important than the tour!

Anyway, our #1 low handicapper Mr Craig Tingate leads the field with a net 71, followed by Jack (74), Gary Lennox (76), Billy (79), Nigel (80), Gus (89), Pearcey (90), Harty (92). Kingy and Big Mike are still on the course, so we'll update their scores in the next installment.

No More Sleeps

Well, today's the day. Most of the tourers are heading up today probably getting in around lunchtime. Perhaps someone should ring the Tara's Hall and let them know.

Good luck to all. I'll try and keep those of you who aren't with us posted with reasonably regular score updates.

For any interested, the hypothetical bookie (if he was to exist) would have modified some of the odds due to the weight of hypothetical money. For some ridiculous reason, early favourite is Nigel (might as well just burn your hypothetical money now I say) with Gary Ox in second, Big Mike third, Phantom, Craig, Bill and Kingy following behind him. The stragglers of the field are Kev and Vaughn.

One Out, One In

Just as the numbers deplete with the late scratching of Pop Palmer, a previously scratched tourer comes good and puts himself back on the roster. If there was a bookie he'd be going nuts!

Anyway, it's good to see Glenn Simpson back on board.

Last Minute Scratching

Stop the presses, in a bold move, and to the gratitude of everyone that has ever had to sleep in the same room as him and put up with the ear shattering volume of his snoring; the early favourite - Mr John "Pop" Palmer aka Pop of the High Hands is a last minute scratching for the 2008 tour.

Apparently he needs to stay in Adel-diddle-dadelaide (I have been reliably informed that it should be) Adel-daddle-diddleaide to look after some renovations being done at the mansion. Given it's Adelaide, the "renovations" may just be the addition of running water and that new fangled elekricle stuff.

Anyway, that ought to shift the hypothetical market.

Oscar's move to Wednesday

Due to timing of arrivals etc, it has been suggested that the proposed Tuesday night at Oscar W's be moved to Wednesday night. 

Can I have a seconder? .....Done. 

All those in favour - aye 

All against - . 

Ok, consider it done. The evening repast is now moved to Wednesday following the Bendigo Cup.

Jack says

Tradition ain't what it used to be

Tuesday Night at Oscar W's

There have been some horrible rumours that the Northern tourers are an uneducated, unethical and generally uncouth bunch, and whilst these rumours may be well steeped in fact we will continue to deny them vehemently. Further to this, it has been suggested that perhaps a night of decent food and wine at an upmarket restaurant may at least for a short time give the impression of civility. So, if you are a tourer, and you are at all interested in an evening at Oscar W's, please let one of the usual suspects (ie, Craig or Nigel) know, or just leave a comment here and you will be added to the reservation list. The current thought is that Tuesday night (the 11th) would be best. For a menu click on the link above.

The '08 Blog Form Guide

Updated 6/11/2008

The blog has had quite a good run over the last couple of years picking the winner (pity the author doesn't take his own advice), so let's see what we can make of the rabble for 2008.

Bill McNaughtan (53) - aka The Metronome

He has a pendulous swing (albeit a very small pendulum), and is a previous winner. Always posts a good score early and uses his massive handicap to scare the bejezzus out of the others. An unlikely chance, but with a 53 handicap can you never count him out.

Place chance at best

Bob Starke (34) - aka Gus

Defending champion and all around nice bloke. He's taken an absolute pounding with the handicapper (that's what you get for winning) and seen 5 shots melt away like tim-tams in a Datsun 120Y on a hot Summer's day. I think it might make it all an impossible dream, but stranger things have happened.

Best practice your speech for handing over the trophy Gus

Craig Tingate (4) - aka Craig

Superior swing, superior strategy, superior everthing else on the course and yet.... 

Handicapped as per last year where he came a miserly equal 3rd. When you're giving 49 shots to some of the field it makes it all a bit tough. Will romp it in if he has a couple of faultless rounds, but they are hard to come by.

Keep safe, maybe a little bit for the win. 

Gary Lennox (16) - aka Brother Ox

Struggled to finish last year, but as they say, it don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing, and he's got it. If he can hold it together for 2 rounds he's gotta be one of the hot chances.

Monty as an each way, maybe even try for a good deal as one half of the quinnie with his brother

Glenn Simpson (28) - aka Col's Brother

A last minute inclusion which makes me wonder just how much training he's been doing (although the assumption is that it would be the same as everyone else - ie, none). May suffer from withdrawal symptoms without his brother on the tour but he'll have many other mates who will help him drink through the pain. If he can get it together he's got the game and the handicap to do it.

Not the worst

Greg Attril (24) - aka Jack

Winner as recently as 2 years ago, and can never be counted out. Always performs miraculously on the last day.  He's scored an extra couple of shots this year, and may well feature at the finish.

Bet the place

Greg Lennox (24) - aka Ox

Seems to have quietened down over the last 12 months, so late nights may not be the problem they once were. He hasn't got his brother's sweet swing, but he grinds out some good shots.

Back in a quinnie with Brother Ox

John Palmer (16) - aka Pop  Late Scratching

Deserving early equal favourite. Not much is known about current form on his home course in Adel-diddle-adelaide, but he has apparently toned down the high hands and seems to have shored up his handicap.

Excellent chance for the win. Get on!

Kevin Harling (36) - aka Kev

Was victorious on the tour a long time ago, and has had an extended hiatus from both the tour and the game. Rumours are that it has been 7 years since his hands have seen a club. I suppose that means he will start pretty fresh. There are unconfirmed talks of a "dodgy back" and quotes such as "I'm not sure it will hold out." Far be it from the blog to make any inferences, but it could just be sandbagging, or it could be old age :-)

Not this year

Michael De Nittis (34) - aka The Phantom

This will be Phantom's third year, and he seems to have settled in nicely. Is on the improve, and has a handicap that will see him in good stead.

Will be in the mix at the end. Keep safe

Mike Smith (12) - aka Big Mike

Is now classified as a "true blue" Scotsman living in Perth, which means that acclimatisation may also pay some dividends. I'm sure however that the drinking pattern is still firmly entrenched in the ways of his homeland, so "heavy" beers will be in high demand. His handicap is formidable, and perhaps the warmer climes will have done him some good.

Hedge him in each way

Nigel Roulston (32) - aka Nigel

Continues to be handicapped out of it by his complete lack of golfing skill and an inexplicable inability to putt. Apparently has been training hard by playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 on his PS3.

Put your money on Pearcey instead

Peter King (15) - aka Kingy

Well rested after a year off. Has gone out a shot but I don't know if it's enough to keep him in it.

Difficult to see any value, but may work in a first four

Robert Hart (30) - aka Harty

Multiple former winner who has recently been seen in the company of a personal trainer. My expectation is that a healthy lifestyle will throw him completely out of whack and it may be another year or two before he comes good again.

Unlikely chance.

Tony Lane (31) - aka Laney

As per usual, Laney will use the golf as a filler between punting episodes. Winner in '94, but unlikely to show that form again. He is as fit as a fiddle though, so don't count him out.

Don't leave him out of your multiples

Tony Pearce (47) - aka Pearcey

May have used all his energy "travelling", so I'm not sure what's left for golf. Might possibly finish a round this year, but no promises have been made.

Prefer others - some of who haven't even entered

Vaughn Moore (45) - aka Vaughn

Has been seen wandering the links quite a bit lately and may be working into some form. Is not expected to put in for all 4 rounds, and as such may be fresh for the counters. Definitely one to watch out for, and will surely start at good value.

If he was a horse, Billy would back him.

FINAL '08 Handicaps and Market

Updated 5/11/2008

Once again, it's time for the hypothetical market. Obviously, the odds are purely for a bit of fun, but the handicaps ARE final for the '08 event.

Divs	Name	08 Hcap	07	06	05	04	03	02
$8.50	Bill McNaughtan	53	14/16	5/16	1/12	F	9/9	2/10
$10.50	Bob Starke	34	1/16	4/16	2/12	-	-	3/10
$6.50	Craig Tingate	4	3/16	7/16	7/12	1/14	5/9	1/10
$7.50	Gary Lennox	16	8/16	6/16	5/12	-	-	-
$10.00	Greg Attrill	24	10/16	1/16	3/12	2/14	8/9	4/10
$10.00	Greg Lennox	24	6/16	F	6/12	4/14	1/9	8/10
$17.00	Glenn Simpson	28	10/16	12/16	10/12	9/14	4/9	6/10
$10.00	Michael De Nittis	34	3/16	11/16	-	-	-	-
$8.00	Nigel Roulston	32	3/16	2/16	4/12	F	-	-
$10.00	Peter King	15	-	10/16	8/12	8/14	-	-
$9.50	Rob Hart	30	9/16	3/16	-	7/14	1/9	7/10
$14.00	Tony Lane	31	10/16	F	-	-	-	-
$20.00	Tony Pearce	47	F	F	9/12	F	7/9	9/10
$9.00	Mike Smith	12	-	9/16	-	5/14	-	-
$21.00	Vaughn Moore	45	10/16	-	-	-	-	-
$25.00	Kevin Harling	36	-	-	-	-	-	-
	Starters		16	16	12	14	9	10

So, in the hypothetical market, the early leaders are (and rightly so) Pop Palmer and Craig Tingate, with a few vying for second level favouritism.

Let's see if the numbers hold up over the coming weeks.

I am also happy to announce that Kevin Harling has been confirmed as a certain starter for the event.

Trifecta, Schmifecta

Well, the punting Gods are against us once more. The fabled back-to-back trifecta of the Cats, the Storm and the Gus will not be happening. There are a number of factors in this:

The Cats - duds
The Storm - duds
The Gus - TBA

Is that you Kev?

Could it be true? Is there a possibility that Kevin Harling (Winner: 1996) is going to make a comeback to the tour? If he does, will he bring the lovely Karen? It's not long until we find out.....

One for the blue boys

This blog tries to steer clear of rampant non-golfing or non-tour/tourer posts, but I just couldn't let this one go past without posting it somewhere - and I'm a blues supporter.

99 Fev Balloons

Another one bites the dust

I have just been reliably informed that Mr Glenn "I can't ever finish a round" Simpson is going to be a no-show for the 2008 festivities. Apparently he thinks it's more important that he go to Thailand and "see his brother". I think we all know what that's a euphamism for - that's right, ladyboys drinking.

Trim, Taut and Terrific

The 2007 champion is gearing up to defend his title. Can he create the back-to-back trifecta, The Storm, The Cats and The Gus? Only time will tell.....

Early Ins and Outs

Well, it looks like we are losing a sparrow and probably a C.Simpson, but they may be replaced with last year's recalcitrants - Big Mike and Kingy although at this stage nothing is definite. Either of you two boys like to comment?

Let the Countdown Begin

109 days or
15 weeks or
2616 hours or
156,960 minutes or
9,417,600 seconds

until the convoy begins. Are we ready for our own 9/11 (good thing we do the whole d/m/y thing differently to the US otherwise it would just be a boring 11/9)?

Same old, same old

Well, not too many goings on to report. This is just one of those "thought I should put something in in case they deactivate the blog" type entries. The Cats and the Storm are, as expected, working their way to the inevitable back to back premierships, Queensland are a monty for the State of Origin and The Big V took the cake in the game nobody seemed to care about.

About the only thing of any note at all is that there was a card game for a few of the bretheren and some ring-ins a couple of weeks ago. A good night (and early hours of the morning) was had by all; nobody lost a sheep station and a few walked away with more than they started.

Which One's the Baby - a.k.a. Harty's Photos

If you want to have a look at the photos from the Hart-Pearce trip to Vietnam, look no further

Here they are

The Great Northern Travellers

Well, it seems that a number of the bretheren are back from traipsing around the world creating mischief.

Harty and Pearcy are back from Vietnam

Nigel is back from the USA, Canada, Mexico and Cuba

Craig is back from the big Red Centre

Bill has returned from Olinda

Jack is back from Portarlington

Over the next few days/weeks I will post some pictures etc as they are made available to me. The one in this blog entry is from Nigel and is a streetscape from Trinidad in Cuba.

Holiday Adventures

Well, it's been a while since the last post so I thought I should put something in in case they decide to pull the blog for being inactive. There isn't a whole lot of news to report, but a number of our bretheren have been or are going on holidays.

Pearcey and Harty have gone off to Vietnam for a bit of a pounding look-see and to visit some current and ex-tourers, Messers C. Simpson and J. Roberts

Mr Tingate has just returned from a sojourn to Alice and the Rock and I'm sure will be regaling us all with stories of the Alice Springs golf club.

Mr Roulston is off to the US of A and the Republic of Cuba for a holiday with his missus. Golf however is unlikely to be on the itinerary, but you never know.

The other bit of interest is that there has been some talk that this year will be the 3rd at Rich River, and perhaps it may be time to start thinking about a new venue for 2009? The obvious requirements are - economic viability, space for ~ 20 blokes, at least 2 courses (if not together, then very very close), preferably on the river, driveable in a reasonable amount of time from Melbourne, proximity to pub and punt venues. Any thoughts? Do you even want to move? Chuck 'em in the comments.

More later......

The Drummonds do Melbourne

Although not a recent tourer, he is a man with his name on the trophy 3 times for the Northern and twice for the Mildura tours. So, it's always good to see Jim and his lovely wife Kay when they pop in for a southern sojourn. They seemed in good spirits and I'm sure were off to have a great time with The Bear and the fabulous Sue at Spam-a-lot.