The first BDGA Tour event of the season welcomed a field of 29 players. A good mixture of regulars and new players. Everyone was in good spirits after the three month competition break.

Whitcombe is one of the UK's favourite and most challenging courses. It has also hosted the British Open for the last 4 years.

The strong wind blowing through the valley all weekend claimed its fair share of 'casualties' over the weekend causing a fair few 8's on scorecards (ask Bristol Acer Neil Pickett).

Movers and Shakers
First to show early form were Oz Friere, Charlie Mead, and Andy Lucey. Also mixing it with the top Open Division players was NOMADS club player Dan Massey.

Another player catching the eye was Oli Luton. Oli was an occasional player two seasons ago, now at the ripe old age of 12(twelve) it looks like the break has done his game no end of good. Now standing 5'8'' tall in size 11 shoes, his growth spurt has added about 60 yards onto his drive. If he continues at this rate of improvement he will surely be challenging for top honours in the next 10-15 years.

During the 2nd round misinformation caused irritation for the top 4 groups.
16 players ended up teeing off from the wrong tee. Each player was penalised 2 shots.

Bristol Acer Tom Soper was also showing early signs of form as he came back to hold 2nd place after 3 rounds.

Sue Underwood played solidly throughout the weekend to win the Womens Division, runner up was NOMADS club player Ali Locke.

Dan Massey won the Amateur division very impressively. He finished 9th overall, scaring and taking a few Open Division scalps along the way.

Most Improved
Most improved performers of the weekend were Oli Luton and NOMAD club player 'Knobby'. Both saw at least 14 shot improvements across the 3 rounds.

Open Division Final
Charlie Mead led the 6 hole final from start to finish. Going into the last hole, the infamous Goolagong Dip, he had the luxury of a five hole lead. Taking no chances, he laid up in front of the pond for an easy four and the Frostbreaker title.
Long time rivals Andy Lucey and Oz Friere had a tough battle all weekend. It was Andy who held his nerve on this occasion to take 2nd place. Tom Soper gave himself an awkward 15ft putt on the last to tie with Simon Luard. He held and nailed it.

Our thoughts go to Dr Green and his family. Dr Green was taken seriously ill the day before the tournament.

You can view the final tournament positions at the Powerstats.co.uk website.

Top 8 Finishers
1 Charlie Mead (Open Division)
2 Andy Lucey (O)
3 Oz Friere (O)
=4 Tom Soper (O)
=4 Si Luard (O)
6 Ivan Brommage (O)
7 Richard Sampson (O)
8 Pete Monk (O)

Amateur Winner
Dan Massey

Womens Winner
Sue Underwood

Junior Division
Oli Luton