Jack says

Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead

0.4082 years and counting

That’s right, it’s only

0.4082 years or
4 months 27 days or
21 weeks 2 days or
149 days

until the convoy begins for “the tour” 2009.

Perhaps it’s time to begin the mental preparation :-)

Jack says

"Pearcey's right and I'm wrong"

Don't Know Why We Didn't Think Of It Sooner

I was talking to our illustrious handicapper and rules committee at headquarters the other night, and he came up with a brilliant plan to fix the accommodation problem should Tiger and Geoff come to play. It's simply genius. What needs to happen is that the Shark should come as well. We know he's not going to play in the AUSTRALIAN Masters, but surely he wouldn't mind bringing his little runabout up to the Murray for the tour. It looks like it would have plenty of room for the boys. They could probably even convince him to pull out the sticks and have a bash around Rich River. Anyway, it sounds to me like an excellent option. So boys, when you put in your acceptance, please give the old Fish Finger a bell and get it all teed up for us would you?

Open Letter to Tiger Woods and Geoff Ogilvy

Dear Tiger and Geoff,

I'm sure that it was just a scheduling mistake, but you may not realise that you have organised yourselves to play the 2009 Australian Masters at exactly the same time we will be attending the 2009 Great Northern Tour. Now, that's a bit unfortunate, as there are a number of us that would have liked to head off to the Heath and watch you play. I have however figured out a possible solution to this problem.

It seems that the Masters starts on the 12th and goes through to the 15th. The tour of course starts with the pro-am on the 11th. So, while we may not be able to see you play at the Heath, it would certainly be possible for you to come up and play with us in the pro-am (how apropos). 

Of course, there would need to be some ground rules set - firstly, you would need to submit your last 5 cards to the handicapper. It's also been traditional (sorry Jack) that anyone playing for the first time is likely to be handicapped out, so don't expect any favouritism purely due to your superstar status. You would also not be eligible for the Bee Moore trophy as you won't be playing on the last day (not withstanding any issues you would have by being handicapped out of it).

You may not be aware, but we play on the Rich River golf club which was designed by Mr Peter Thompson (aka something that can't be published in a family blog), who won 5 British Opens, so there is a fair amount of cred to be had here.

Now, I don't like to talk about money, but there has been some talk that you in particular Tiger have a fairly hefty appearance fee. Unfortunately the Northern Tour doesn't quite have the wherewithal for that level of compensation, but I'm sure that the boys might be able to organise a whip around which would probably cover a countery at the Taras Hall and a couple of pots. On top of that, there's a good chance that Billy or Pearcey may let you into some late mail on the punt and you could boost it up a bit that way.  After a few all ups you'd probably be well in front.

The other thorn in the side of course is accommodation. With Col back on deck, Laney an unknown, the Sparrow, Q and Pop Palmer threatening to make comebacks (and heaven only knows what the story is with Woodhouse), there may not be the room to get you two beds for the night, but don't you worry, you can always bunk down on the couch in the house. Don't forget earplugs in case you have to share with Pop.

Anyway, let us know what you think. It would be great if you could make it, it would certainly give you a good run for the day and I can't think of a better preparation for you for your 4 days (of course I'm assuming you make the cut) at the Heath. 

General movements and other stuff

Not a lot to report. There has been a bit of tourers going and returning from overseas action, mostly centred around Vietnam. Col’s back for good?, Pearcey’s gone over and back and Harty’s getting ready to head off.

As far as the golf goes, again, very little to speak of. Craig, Vaughn and Nigel have played a bit on various work function things, but nothing exceptional. The three of them have all played to their usual standards – ie, Craig, excellent, Vaughn and Nigel, rubbish.

If you haven’t played Eynesbury yet, I would recommend you head out there and give it a bash. It’s all good except for that hole where I got a 13 :-) Please leave us your comments, but remember that this is a family blog.

Anyway, 240 days and counting until the tradition doesn’t continue.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, Cats v Pies tonight – who cares. Storm v St George, go Stormers!

The Bear's 50th

While not technically a GNT posting, I think there are enough of us that know Terry "The Bear" Kennedy, a former winner on the tour - 1990 and 1992 to warrant me linking to photos from his 50th Birthday party. It was a veritable Terry Bear's picnic :-)

Maybe we should get Geoff Ogilvy on the tour

With quotes like this (talking about Titleist), he makes about as much sense as Pearcey.

"There's a new-old one, and there's a new-new one, which is the new one, which is the model in front of the old one," Ogilvy said, grinning as he spoke. "The other one is a 2007 ball, and this is a 2009 ball. There's a version of the 2007 ball, but it doesn't breach the patent. So I'm using the non-patent breaching version of the 2007 ball these two weeks."

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.