Top 100 Tour at Hayling Island
Renowned as one of the best links courses in the south of England, Hayling Island was one I was really looking forward to - and it didn’t disappoint when we played it as part of The Top 100 Tour on Wednesday 12 June.
No-one on the Tour had played the course before, which was great, and even though I’ve played a few times before, it all depends on what the weather is like as to how you play - so it’s like a different course everytime anyway! On the first hole for example, it’s a par 3, 165 yards - I’ve hit a wedge and a 3-iron on different days on that hole!
On 12 June, we arrived on the morning. There was a forecast of ‘quite tame winds but showers possible’ and it looked a little gloomy in the distance, so we were just staying positive and hoping for the best!
After a coffee, a chat and a few putts on the practice green, the tournament got under way with the starter welcoming us all, giving us all a Hayling welcome bag of tees and balls, and got us off the first.
We played the first two holes with no rain but the heavens opened and it felt like it was never going to stop. Fortunately it only lasted two holes and it didn’t rain again, so overall it was great! I always think you can play in one bad element (either rain , wind or cold) but if it’s ever two or more it is very, very hard! (This happened to myself and Terry Greenhough when we played at South Winchester last year!)
Overall, there were some great holes, a lot of blind shots, some confused faces and a lot of smiles. The feedback about the course was amazing; everyone loved it and would definitely go back. Links golf is so different to the ‘normal golf’ most of us play week-in, week-out so it was brilliant.
Once we’d finished, we enjoyed our meal and did a small presentation. Darren Kratzke took first place on his first ever Top 100 Tour event with 34 points from the 15 handicapper from Hamptworth, winning a Titleist cap with the Hayling Golf Club crest and Ian Wilkinson (winner at Stoneham) took 2nd place with 33 points, winning a NC Top 100 polo shirt.
Next event on the Top 100 Tour schedule on Thursday 11 July at Knole Park; one you may not heard of. It’s located in Sevenoaks and designed by J. F. Abercromby (who also designed The Addington, Coombe Hill and Worplesdon). I’ve never played there but it’s looks beautiful, and everyone is welcome to join us.
If you want to play, you’ll need to purchase your Top 100 Tour passport first (a one-off fee of £20) and it’s £115 to play which includes tea or coffee on arrival, 18-holes from 11.30am 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!