TREVOR 2019
Trevor XXIII, 2019 - Fairmont St Andrews
After years of deliberation, the Trevor High Counsel finally decided that The Home of Golf merits hosting the greatest show on earth. Whilst the hallowed turf in the town itself proved untenable, high above St Andrews sits the magnificent Fairmont resort. In an attempt to help raise their profile, they agreed wholeheartedly to host the 23rd staging of the Trevor Trophy.
Befitting the event's first trip north of the border, both teams will be captained by Scotsmen, the affable David Callender leading the OHA team, and the cordial Grant McGuff leading the ROW.
LT productions were unable to get a statement from the ROW skipper, as budgets did not afford the opportunity to tie down McGuff for comment at one of his numerous five star social engagements. The OHA skip, a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and always ready to offer forthright clarity with wise words offered the following "off the record statement":
"Of course I was captain at Gleneagles when hosting the Ryder Cup, but perhaps the honour of being named captain of the Hampton team surpasses this achievement. The thought of then doing so at the Home of Golf rather than always having to head south of the Hadrians Wall into the land of spivs, cockneys and taffs makes it taste all the better. It has been 20 effing years since my debut and frankly, whilst honoured, I cannot believe I have had to wait this long for the armband."
Befitting the event's first trip north of the border, both teams will be captained by Scotsmen, the affable David Callender leading the OHA team, and the cordial Grant McGuff leading the ROW.
LT productions were unable to get a statement from the ROW skipper, as budgets did not afford the opportunity to tie down McGuff for comment at one of his numerous five star social engagements. The OHA skip, a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and always ready to offer forthright clarity with wise words offered the following "off the record statement":
"Of course I was captain at Gleneagles when hosting the Ryder Cup, but perhaps the honour of being named captain of the Hampton team surpasses this achievement. The thought of then doing so at the Home of Golf rather than always having to head south of the Hadrians Wall into the land of spivs, cockneys and taffs makes it taste all the better. It has been 20 effing years since my debut and frankly, whilst honoured, I cannot believe I have had to wait this long for the armband."
Pre Trevor
The two skips set about assembling their teams leaning on the organisational skills of El Presidente, Prichy, and The Tresurer, Copey. With travel presenting more logistical problems than ever before, the task at hand proved onerous, but thankfully was in safe hands and the challenge was readily handled.
Once again teams were finalised at 14-a-side, and tends to be the norm, not without difficulties.
For Clacks and his OHA team, potentially 16 names to call on with the return of Buster and The Headmaster, Jim, after brief sabbaticals, any difficult decisions were soon dispelled after two OHA legends from Down Under sadly confirmed that they would not be available - Gazza & DIsco not being able to time any return to the UK in line with the Trevor dates. They will be sorely missed.
For Grant and the ROW, selection issues continued up to the eleventh hour. Matt W continues to be a much loved absentee due to work and family commitments. From last year's team, once again Kev's long-term neck injury reared its ugly head leading to his withdrawal, and the dates for Jon unfortunately clashed with a milestone family anniversary - but as they shared a spot, this meant only one place to fill. Once again, the ROW returned to the Welsh valleys, to source a replacement and soon found a likely candidate, somebody who made his one and only Trevor appearance back in 2011 in similar circumstances. So Rhys Thomas was back, the ROW team now complete.
Then sadly newly appointed Trevor Hall of Famer, and true legend and stalwart, Karlos was a later withdrawal. (He will be sorely missed, the reason for him pulling out a little vague, but many believe after his triumphant performance in 2018, that he is bailing out whilst on top of the tree and perhaps in the knowledge that it may be unlikely to be repeated!! - LT).
So skipper McGuff set about the arduous task of hunting the globe for his 14th player, finally announcing that it would be a family affair inviting his younger sibling, Gary into the ROW fold. Game on!!
Once again teams were finalised at 14-a-side, and tends to be the norm, not without difficulties.
For Clacks and his OHA team, potentially 16 names to call on with the return of Buster and The Headmaster, Jim, after brief sabbaticals, any difficult decisions were soon dispelled after two OHA legends from Down Under sadly confirmed that they would not be available - Gazza & DIsco not being able to time any return to the UK in line with the Trevor dates. They will be sorely missed.
For Grant and the ROW, selection issues continued up to the eleventh hour. Matt W continues to be a much loved absentee due to work and family commitments. From last year's team, once again Kev's long-term neck injury reared its ugly head leading to his withdrawal, and the dates for Jon unfortunately clashed with a milestone family anniversary - but as they shared a spot, this meant only one place to fill. Once again, the ROW returned to the Welsh valleys, to source a replacement and soon found a likely candidate, somebody who made his one and only Trevor appearance back in 2011 in similar circumstances. So Rhys Thomas was back, the ROW team now complete.
Then sadly newly appointed Trevor Hall of Famer, and true legend and stalwart, Karlos was a later withdrawal. (He will be sorely missed, the reason for him pulling out a little vague, but many believe after his triumphant performance in 2018, that he is bailing out whilst on top of the tree and perhaps in the knowledge that it may be unlikely to be repeated!! - LT).
So skipper McGuff set about the arduous task of hunting the globe for his 14th player, finally announcing that it would be a family affair inviting his younger sibling, Gary into the ROW fold. Game on!!
Arrival Day
The great logistical challenge of getting 28 trevorers north of the border to the Fairmont Resort began in earnest on Thursday, although a number of OHA boys took advantage of their local team mates hospitality to make their journey less strenuous. Copey and Joey based in Stirling with their captain Clacks enjoyed some pre Trevor golf whilst Jules headed to the capital to stay with JG. Another early bird party of four, Suds, Leafy, Saintly and ROW veteran JR were the first to arrive on the Wednesday, joined later in the evening by the OHA's recent Scottish convert, Buster, driving down from his new Highland home; remarkably a four drive, Scotland is a large country!!
The early arrivals headed out onto the Torrance course mid-morning for an early reconnaissance practice round on a fine, warm, sunny day. Scotland doing us proud.
News then trickled through that the ROW boys heading out of Gatwick had been delayed. Good old Easy Jet!!!...and recent past captain Dronny had been declined access after a novice mis-trevor in forgetting any photo identification. Thankfully everything fell into place, these boys just arriving a little later in the day.
The four Welsh boys, after a strenuous drive from the Principality decided that their practice "round" would be at the iconic Jigger Inn alongside the Road Hole on the Old Course rather than the golf course. Marvellous trevor!!!
With all 28 Players finally convened, the boys met up in the hotel's sports bar early evening before heading down to the town for dinner at Forgans restaurant in the heart of St Andrews. With many trevorers visiting the Home of Golf for the first time, groups split up to take in what this golf town offers. A splinter group walked down the 18th, took pics on the Swilken Bridge then continued on to the aforementioned Jigger Inn. Others headed to one of St Andrews' famous bars just 100 yards from the 18th green, the Dunvegan Hotel.
Thanks to the power of the "Trevor WhatsApp" forum, messages were sent to ensure everybody arrived at Forgans in time for dinner, and thankfully for the rest of the guests in this very busy restaurant, we were set a little aside in a private room. After plenty of man love as old friends reunited and new recruits were welcomed, we enjoyed a very pleasant meal with alcohol flowing culminating in the all important day one draw. As Prichy stood up and introduced the two captains to declare their pairings, the atmosphere in the room was electric as 28 "golfers" waited to hear who they would be pitched against in battle on day one. Now the McTrevor really did seem to be game on!!
Late night revelries were enjoyed back at the hotel Sports Bar for the hard core trevorers, those with less staying power quietly retired to get a good night's sleep in before Trevor Day One - that is if you can sleep well on the eve of this great event.
The early arrivals headed out onto the Torrance course mid-morning for an early reconnaissance practice round on a fine, warm, sunny day. Scotland doing us proud.
News then trickled through that the ROW boys heading out of Gatwick had been delayed. Good old Easy Jet!!!...and recent past captain Dronny had been declined access after a novice mis-trevor in forgetting any photo identification. Thankfully everything fell into place, these boys just arriving a little later in the day.
The four Welsh boys, after a strenuous drive from the Principality decided that their practice "round" would be at the iconic Jigger Inn alongside the Road Hole on the Old Course rather than the golf course. Marvellous trevor!!!
With all 28 Players finally convened, the boys met up in the hotel's sports bar early evening before heading down to the town for dinner at Forgans restaurant in the heart of St Andrews. With many trevorers visiting the Home of Golf for the first time, groups split up to take in what this golf town offers. A splinter group walked down the 18th, took pics on the Swilken Bridge then continued on to the aforementioned Jigger Inn. Others headed to one of St Andrews' famous bars just 100 yards from the 18th green, the Dunvegan Hotel.
Thanks to the power of the "Trevor WhatsApp" forum, messages were sent to ensure everybody arrived at Forgans in time for dinner, and thankfully for the rest of the guests in this very busy restaurant, we were set a little aside in a private room. After plenty of man love as old friends reunited and new recruits were welcomed, we enjoyed a very pleasant meal with alcohol flowing culminating in the all important day one draw. As Prichy stood up and introduced the two captains to declare their pairings, the atmosphere in the room was electric as 28 "golfers" waited to hear who they would be pitched against in battle on day one. Now the McTrevor really did seem to be game on!!
Late night revelries were enjoyed back at the hotel Sports Bar for the hard core trevorers, those with less staying power quietly retired to get a good night's sleep in before Trevor Day One - that is if you can sleep well on the eve of this great event.
Day 1
ROW storm into commanding lead after afternoon whitewash.
Better Ball Scores:
OHA 6
ROW 8
On a beautiful sunny morning (yes we are in Scotland - LT) the Trevor began with the first blow fittingly coming from El Presidente, Prichy. Slow out of the blocks, the ROW were in the blink of any eye, 3 down after 3 holes, this start proving the difference as the match from this point on was a nip and tuck affair, the OHA team finally closing it out on the 17th with their pulses rising after a late ROW surge.
An all Welsh pairing pulled off, what looked on paper, an upset win against a strong OHA pair in match two (then again Wyn continues with his fine form from last year and the returning Rhys was very strong when last with us in 2011 - LT).
Match three in a titanic and tight match, the experienced ROW pair of Softers and Woz, with a half on the last held onto their one up lead to bring home a win against Leafy and Toby.
Game four was a much more comfortable affair with an on fire Sarge leading the way with Simmo dismantling the OHA pair of skip Clacks and Nick. Roles were reversed in match five as the OHA pair of Jules and Saint cruised to a big and arguably surprising win against Colin and JR.
Match six and against a strong, big hitting ROW pair of Dronny and new boy Gary, Hoody and Suds did well to take the match to the 18th even if one down at this point. The ROW boys were 5 up with 6 to play so nerves were fraying as the OHA boys launched a later counter attack. However the big guns were up to the task and breezed down the last winning it to double their margin and prevent any upset (and potential entry into the "meltdown" records list - LT)
The ROW skip in the anchor role (tactical captaincy?...or just the opportunity to have a lie in - LT) along with Jack were comfortably beaten against a resurgent Killer ably supported by the mighty JG.
So not much in it after the first morning, little did we know what was just about to unravel later in the day!!
OHA 6
ROW 8
On a beautiful sunny morning (yes we are in Scotland - LT) the Trevor began with the first blow fittingly coming from El Presidente, Prichy. Slow out of the blocks, the ROW were in the blink of any eye, 3 down after 3 holes, this start proving the difference as the match from this point on was a nip and tuck affair, the OHA team finally closing it out on the 17th with their pulses rising after a late ROW surge.
An all Welsh pairing pulled off, what looked on paper, an upset win against a strong OHA pair in match two (then again Wyn continues with his fine form from last year and the returning Rhys was very strong when last with us in 2011 - LT).
Match three in a titanic and tight match, the experienced ROW pair of Softers and Woz, with a half on the last held onto their one up lead to bring home a win against Leafy and Toby.
Game four was a much more comfortable affair with an on fire Sarge leading the way with Simmo dismantling the OHA pair of skip Clacks and Nick. Roles were reversed in match five as the OHA pair of Jules and Saint cruised to a big and arguably surprising win against Colin and JR.
Match six and against a strong, big hitting ROW pair of Dronny and new boy Gary, Hoody and Suds did well to take the match to the 18th even if one down at this point. The ROW boys were 5 up with 6 to play so nerves were fraying as the OHA boys launched a later counter attack. However the big guns were up to the task and breezed down the last winning it to double their margin and prevent any upset (and potential entry into the "meltdown" records list - LT)
The ROW skip in the anchor role (tactical captaincy?...or just the opportunity to have a lie in - LT) along with Jack were comfortably beaten against a resurgent Killer ably supported by the mighty JG.
So not much in it after the first morning, little did we know what was just about to unravel later in the day!!
Game 1
Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Game 6 Game 7 |
Buster & Jim
Copey & Joey Leafy & Toby Clacks & Nick Jules & Saint Hoody & Suds JG & Killer |
Lethal & Prichy
Ryhs & Wyn Softers & Woz Sarge & Simmo Colin & JR Dronny & Gary Grant & Jack |
OHA win 2&1
ROW win 2&1 ROW win 1 up ROW win 5&4 OHA win 6&4 ROW win 2 up OHA win 3&2 |
Greensomes Score: OHA 0 ROW 7
The start of the procession saw the Welsh boyos Sarge and Rhys beating the steady OHA pair of Jim and Joey in a tight encounter that went the full distance. This was soon followed by a comfortable ROW victory for Gary and Prichy by an emphatic 4&3 margin against Nick and Toby.
In game three a tight match concluded in a disappointing manner with a three putt on the 8th green, the second one for the OHA team in nine holes, without doubt these errors proving the difference between the teams. Game four was firmly closed out on the last hole after Woz unleashed a monster drive onto the green on the 350 yard final hole. Job done!!
Match five was another that went to the last and once again the ROW pair of Colin and Jack, already leading, won the hole to win against Copey, and arguably a far too "relaxed" Saintly!! Match six, a comfortable win for Dronny and Lethal against Hoody and JG who were never quite at the races as a pair.
The anchor leg, once again the ROW skip bringing up the rear this time with JR proved just too strong to close out their match on the 8th hole superbly trevored geographically to allow them to immediately retreat to the hotel for a little late afternoon R&R.
The start of the procession saw the Welsh boyos Sarge and Rhys beating the steady OHA pair of Jim and Joey in a tight encounter that went the full distance. This was soon followed by a comfortable ROW victory for Gary and Prichy by an emphatic 4&3 margin against Nick and Toby.
In game three a tight match concluded in a disappointing manner with a three putt on the 8th green, the second one for the OHA team in nine holes, without doubt these errors proving the difference between the teams. Game four was firmly closed out on the last hole after Woz unleashed a monster drive onto the green on the 350 yard final hole. Job done!!
Match five was another that went to the last and once again the ROW pair of Colin and Jack, already leading, won the hole to win against Copey, and arguably a far too "relaxed" Saintly!! Match six, a comfortable win for Dronny and Lethal against Hoody and JG who were never quite at the races as a pair.
The anchor leg, once again the ROW skip bringing up the rear this time with JR proved just too strong to close out their match on the 8th hole superbly trevored geographically to allow them to immediately retreat to the hotel for a little late afternoon R&R.
Game 1
Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Game 6 Game 7 |
Jim & Joey
Nick & Toby Buster & Suds Clacks & Killer Copey & Saint Hoody & JG Jules & Leafy |
Rhys & Sarge
Gary & Prichy Simmo & Softers Woz & Wyn Colin & Jack Dronny & Lethal Grant & JR |
ROW win
ROW win 4&3 ROW win 2&1 ROW win 2 up ROW win 2 up ROW win 3&2 ROW win 2&1 |
Overall Score: OHA 6 ROW 15
Private dining at the hotel with the usual Teasers provided by two co-opted quiz masters, Sarge & Toby. As is tradition since their induction, the Hall of Famers then took over proceedings to hand out a number of awards from the day's golf along with some newly created lifestyle awards. Buster picked up the Long Drive award, Jules the nearest the pin!! Copey was awarded the newly created HOFscar after his car calamity close to the Scottish border. For a man of his means, who would have thought he would own a run down jalopy?
Saint donned the silly hat for Clown of the Day, another new award having publicly revealed certain private revelations (too private to detail here in a Trevor report to protect anybody reading this with a weak constitution!! - LT)
After dinner the hardcore retired to the Sports Bar, the weaker constitutions to bed (myself included so unable to provide further detail if any from the late night revelries - LT)
Having reported two fine sunny days, there was much trepidation about what lay ahead tomorrow with rain forecast and plenty of it. Thankfully with buggies booked for the day, this trevor may prove one of the best in Trevor history.
Private dining at the hotel with the usual Teasers provided by two co-opted quiz masters, Sarge & Toby. As is tradition since their induction, the Hall of Famers then took over proceedings to hand out a number of awards from the day's golf along with some newly created lifestyle awards. Buster picked up the Long Drive award, Jules the nearest the pin!! Copey was awarded the newly created HOFscar after his car calamity close to the Scottish border. For a man of his means, who would have thought he would own a run down jalopy?
Saint donned the silly hat for Clown of the Day, another new award having publicly revealed certain private revelations (too private to detail here in a Trevor report to protect anybody reading this with a weak constitution!! - LT)
After dinner the hardcore retired to the Sports Bar, the weaker constitutions to bed (myself included so unable to provide further detail if any from the late night revelries - LT)
Having reported two fine sunny days, there was much trepidation about what lay ahead tomorrow with rain forecast and plenty of it. Thankfully with buggies booked for the day, this trevor may prove one of the best in Trevor history.
Day 2 -
Trevor history made after further ROW domination.
Better Ball Score: OHA 4 ROW 10
Players woke in the morning with the ground saturated after heavy over night rain, so much so that on arrival at the course we were told that buggies were not allowed on the course. Nightmare!! Scotland, though, did us proud as not one raindrop fell all day despite the forecast...and to put the weather to bed, a showery day was also forecast tomorrow on singles day and once again we stayed dry. Bonny Scotland!!
The plan, of course, from the OHA was to come out strong this morning to try and close the gap after their dismal showing yesterday afternoon. As the morning unfolded that plan fell apart as a rampant ROW continued to dominate to extend their lead. Even at only the half way point, this looked like an unassailable position to win back the Trevor. A couple of matches could have swung the other way but even if they had the ROW would still have won this session.
One of these was the lead match, always nip and tuck, no team ever getting a decent lead. Rhys proved the rock as Woz's radar with the big stick was a little off, but when he drove the ball in play he seemed to walk off with a winning birdie each time. Buster then had a birdie chance from about 10 foot on the last but it slipped by, but more importantly both OHA players missed key putts from short range that proved the key moments of failure. A second game that OHA missed an opportunity was Killer & Toby losing the final hole when one up to half their match to Dronny and Wyn.
A resurgent Leafy was in dominant form in partnership with Copey to comfortably win match two, Lethal and Softers took early command of their game and never let it slip, and the mighty "Team McGuff" were big winners in the anchor role. Grant continuing to bring up the rear continuing his policy of maximising his recovery time from the previous nights fun and games.
The other two matches went up the last, Clacks and Hoody needing to win to get a half, but it went the other way to lose 2 down. Match five was always a close battle that went down the last all square; it was actually the ROW who missed opportunities on the last to win this time.
Players woke in the morning with the ground saturated after heavy over night rain, so much so that on arrival at the course we were told that buggies were not allowed on the course. Nightmare!! Scotland, though, did us proud as not one raindrop fell all day despite the forecast...and to put the weather to bed, a showery day was also forecast tomorrow on singles day and once again we stayed dry. Bonny Scotland!!
The plan, of course, from the OHA was to come out strong this morning to try and close the gap after their dismal showing yesterday afternoon. As the morning unfolded that plan fell apart as a rampant ROW continued to dominate to extend their lead. Even at only the half way point, this looked like an unassailable position to win back the Trevor. A couple of matches could have swung the other way but even if they had the ROW would still have won this session.
One of these was the lead match, always nip and tuck, no team ever getting a decent lead. Rhys proved the rock as Woz's radar with the big stick was a little off, but when he drove the ball in play he seemed to walk off with a winning birdie each time. Buster then had a birdie chance from about 10 foot on the last but it slipped by, but more importantly both OHA players missed key putts from short range that proved the key moments of failure. A second game that OHA missed an opportunity was Killer & Toby losing the final hole when one up to half their match to Dronny and Wyn.
A resurgent Leafy was in dominant form in partnership with Copey to comfortably win match two, Lethal and Softers took early command of their game and never let it slip, and the mighty "Team McGuff" were big winners in the anchor role. Grant continuing to bring up the rear continuing his policy of maximising his recovery time from the previous nights fun and games.
The other two matches went up the last, Clacks and Hoody needing to win to get a half, but it went the other way to lose 2 down. Match five was always a close battle that went down the last all square; it was actually the ROW who missed opportunities on the last to win this time.
Game 1
Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Game 6 Game 7 |
Buster & Nick
Copey & Leafy Clacks & Hoody Killer & Toby JG & Joey Saint & Suds Jim & Jules |
Rhys & Woz
Jack & Simmo JR & Prichy Dronny & Wyn Colin & Sarge Lethal & Softers Gary & Grant (Team McGuff) |
ROW win 1 up
OHA win 5&3 ROW win 2 up Match Halved Match Halved ROW win 4&2 ROW win 6&5 |
Greensomes Scores: OHA 3 ROW 4
However positive a spin certain upbeat OHA players put on the match situation, the wind was truly knocked out of the team. Hampton spirit and Scottish tenacity, though, was enough to make sure that each team would try their damnedest to restore some pride and avoid further humiliation.
So match one proved a rout as Leafy continued his fine form on day two along Kill having his strongest weekend in years. There 5&4 win, of course, is the maximum thereby entering into the Facts and Figures records page.
Match two was hard to explain but suffice to say that none of Hoody's tee shots were even considered and Buster lost three of his balls having driven on the fairway. In many ways it was remarkable that the match went down the last, indeed Hoody had a putt to get a half. Two earlier holes had been halved having taken penalty drops. A truly surreal game...so much so that the normally in your face JR was even lost for words.
Grant & Sarge did enough to get past Copey & Nick, the next two games were halved. Game four was all square with one to play and remained that way with no real opportunity for either team to win the last; game five the OHA led one up and looked odds on to bring home their point with Wyn needing to hole a 25 foot putt for the half - of course Mr Unbeatable just rolled it in to keep his record rolling along.
Colin & Gary dismantled the OHA skip alongside Jim but finally some solace for the OHA as Joey & Suds returned a fine win against what on paper looked a mighty ROW pairing of Dronny & Woz.
So by sneaking the afternoon greensomes, a new Trevor record was established. The first time in history when a team had won all four sessions over the first two days.
However positive a spin certain upbeat OHA players put on the match situation, the wind was truly knocked out of the team. Hampton spirit and Scottish tenacity, though, was enough to make sure that each team would try their damnedest to restore some pride and avoid further humiliation.
So match one proved a rout as Leafy continued his fine form on day two along Kill having his strongest weekend in years. There 5&4 win, of course, is the maximum thereby entering into the Facts and Figures records page.
Match two was hard to explain but suffice to say that none of Hoody's tee shots were even considered and Buster lost three of his balls having driven on the fairway. In many ways it was remarkable that the match went down the last, indeed Hoody had a putt to get a half. Two earlier holes had been halved having taken penalty drops. A truly surreal game...so much so that the normally in your face JR was even lost for words.
Grant & Sarge did enough to get past Copey & Nick, the next two games were halved. Game four was all square with one to play and remained that way with no real opportunity for either team to win the last; game five the OHA led one up and looked odds on to bring home their point with Wyn needing to hole a 25 foot putt for the half - of course Mr Unbeatable just rolled it in to keep his record rolling along.
Colin & Gary dismantled the OHA skip alongside Jim but finally some solace for the OHA as Joey & Suds returned a fine win against what on paper looked a mighty ROW pairing of Dronny & Woz.
So by sneaking the afternoon greensomes, a new Trevor record was established. The first time in history when a team had won all four sessions over the first two days.
Game 1
Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Game 6 Game 7 |
Killer & Leafy
Buster & Hoody Copey & Nick JG & Jules Saint & Toby Clacks & Jim Joey & Suds |
Jack & Prich
JR & Simmo Grant & Sarge Rhys & Softers Lethal & Wyn Colin & Gary Dronny & Woz |
OHA win 5&4
ROW win 1 up ROW win 2&1 Match Halved Match Halved ROW win 5&3 OHA win 3&1 |
Overall Score: OHA 13 ROW 29
Having built such an impressive lead (that almost matched the 2013 lead at Forest Pines - LT), only an unlikely last day miracle that would make Medinah seem small fry, needs to happen for the ROW to lose from here. They require 7 points out of 28 to win back the Trevor.
So confident of success, captain Grant broke out the bubbly pre dinner in the Sports Bar to celebrate with his troops.
The last night dinner proved a triumphant success, arguably the greatest dinner in Trevor history (perhaps only the kangaroo court case close to matching tonight's fun - LT). A second night of teasers from Toby and Sarge who definitely took things to an unparalleled intellectual level with new topics never seen before at a Trevor quiz night and I doubt anybody in the room believed would be in one of our quizzes - very left field gentlemen, good on you.
The HOF's then presented the perfunctory awards with Suds picking up the Nearest the Pin and Gary the Long Drive (what did those McGuff boys get fed on when growing up - LT). Sarge was bestowed the Clown of the Day award after his mistrevored attempt to play a shot off the wall on the 17th.
….and then the highlights all began. Our HOF's disappeared outside the dining room and after a suitable pause to build up any anticipation within the room, the doors sprung open with the sound of Scotland the Brave resonating from bagpipes. The HOF's entered with new caps proudly displayed followed by the piper performing a ceremonial slow march around the room with the room enthralled by the whole performance.
Truly the McTrevor was now complete!!!
Subsequently two new trevorers were inducted into the Hall of Fame, both stalwarts from year one with 45 out of 46 appearances between them (our ROW nominee unavailable back in the day for one Trevor whilst scouting the transfer market for a new golf partner - LT). Dronny the ROW recipient, Leafy the OHA, both receiving, as always, a fine poetic rendition from Jules the Bard highlighting their character traits.
Once completed the piper then played a rendition of Flower of Scotland and within the room four patriotic Scotsmen led the singing along with the many other rugby fans well versed with this iconic anthem, a magical moment!!
Then to complete proceedings Jules pulled from the archives his video created for the 10th anniversary highlighting all that unfolded at the inaugural Hudson Challenge, the precursor to the Trevor Trophy back in 1995. Great reminiscences from days past, highly amusing as well as providing a forgotten memory of how different those involved looked way back in the day!!
Having built such an impressive lead (that almost matched the 2013 lead at Forest Pines - LT), only an unlikely last day miracle that would make Medinah seem small fry, needs to happen for the ROW to lose from here. They require 7 points out of 28 to win back the Trevor.
So confident of success, captain Grant broke out the bubbly pre dinner in the Sports Bar to celebrate with his troops.
The last night dinner proved a triumphant success, arguably the greatest dinner in Trevor history (perhaps only the kangaroo court case close to matching tonight's fun - LT). A second night of teasers from Toby and Sarge who definitely took things to an unparalleled intellectual level with new topics never seen before at a Trevor quiz night and I doubt anybody in the room believed would be in one of our quizzes - very left field gentlemen, good on you.
The HOF's then presented the perfunctory awards with Suds picking up the Nearest the Pin and Gary the Long Drive (what did those McGuff boys get fed on when growing up - LT). Sarge was bestowed the Clown of the Day award after his mistrevored attempt to play a shot off the wall on the 17th.
….and then the highlights all began. Our HOF's disappeared outside the dining room and after a suitable pause to build up any anticipation within the room, the doors sprung open with the sound of Scotland the Brave resonating from bagpipes. The HOF's entered with new caps proudly displayed followed by the piper performing a ceremonial slow march around the room with the room enthralled by the whole performance.
Truly the McTrevor was now complete!!!
Subsequently two new trevorers were inducted into the Hall of Fame, both stalwarts from year one with 45 out of 46 appearances between them (our ROW nominee unavailable back in the day for one Trevor whilst scouting the transfer market for a new golf partner - LT). Dronny the ROW recipient, Leafy the OHA, both receiving, as always, a fine poetic rendition from Jules the Bard highlighting their character traits.
Once completed the piper then played a rendition of Flower of Scotland and within the room four patriotic Scotsmen led the singing along with the many other rugby fans well versed with this iconic anthem, a magical moment!!
Then to complete proceedings Jules pulled from the archives his video created for the 10th anniversary highlighting all that unfolded at the inaugural Hudson Challenge, the precursor to the Trevor Trophy back in 1995. Great reminiscences from days past, highly amusing as well as providing a forgotten memory of how different those involved looked way back in the day!!
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Scotland the Brave Video Flower of Scotland Video
Colin the took charge of the onerous task of getting players' predictions for the singles matches with the Trevorcast as players retired to the Sports Bar to continue festivities.
Colin the took charge of the onerous task of getting players' predictions for the singles matches with the Trevorcast as players retired to the Sports Bar to continue festivities.
Day 3 - Singles provide OHA a tiny crumb of comfort.
Singles Score: OHA 17 ROW 11
With the ROW perhaps less motivated and feeling more than confident that the job was already done before the singles, OHA were hoping for some redemption and restoration of pride in the singles matches. Their victory on day three prevented this being the first Trevor when one team had lost all 5 Trevor sessions.
Match one was a rollercoaster ride, Simmo overturning an early Copey surge to finally win with a hole to spare, Toby built an early lead and maintained this to win fairly comfortably, the same scenario for Sarge against Buster in match three. Sarge continued his fine form over the weekend, stringing off a raft of pars that got the job done.
Leafy quite literally traded blows with Grant, many of the early holes conceded after errant tee shots; a bomb holed by Leafy on the 8th from what seemed to be the hotel foyer when Grant was looking at a birdie from about 6 feet that he then subsequently missed seemed to knock the stuffing out of the ROW skip - but what the f**k, he knew the Trevor would soon be in his hands.
Clacks saved his blushes by winning his first match of the weekend, again proving his might in the singles format and a very steady JG was enough to see off the big hitting, but occasionally errant Woz.
Hoody & Wyn shared the points, Wyn fighting like a dragon to the death, won the last two holes to maintain his long unbeaten record. Hoody although disappointed not to win, was a mightily relieved man as his half stopped him from being the newest addition to the 0% list.
Their playing partners game had completed about 90 minutes earlier after Dronny turned in a performance that Saint could get nowhere near. Another early finish was an emphatic win for Colin against a disgruntled Joey. Suds took out Rhys with a degree of comfort, preventing him from going unbeaten in his comeback year, and in the final game perhaps one of the biggest upsets in singles history, Nick beat Gary who was hoping to not just join the elite 100% list, but be the first Trevor debutant to do so. Nick somehow continues to defy the odds in the singles, his recent record being quite remarkable...and like Hoody and Clacks earlier in the day, this success saved him from the 0% "hall of notoriety". (In a true display of sibling rivalry, the happiest man when hearing of this result was big bro and ROW skip Grant - arguably his happiest moment of the weekend!!! - LT)
This left three matches that went up the last all square and in all these matches somebody won. Jimmy pipped Lethal using the shot he had wisely, Kill did the same to Prichy….but somehow Jules with a shot managed to lose the last to JR, a feat repeated in recent times at Hawkstone Park (perhaps an ode to the 18th may be forthcoming - LT)
With the ROW perhaps less motivated and feeling more than confident that the job was already done before the singles, OHA were hoping for some redemption and restoration of pride in the singles matches. Their victory on day three prevented this being the first Trevor when one team had lost all 5 Trevor sessions.
Match one was a rollercoaster ride, Simmo overturning an early Copey surge to finally win with a hole to spare, Toby built an early lead and maintained this to win fairly comfortably, the same scenario for Sarge against Buster in match three. Sarge continued his fine form over the weekend, stringing off a raft of pars that got the job done.
Leafy quite literally traded blows with Grant, many of the early holes conceded after errant tee shots; a bomb holed by Leafy on the 8th from what seemed to be the hotel foyer when Grant was looking at a birdie from about 6 feet that he then subsequently missed seemed to knock the stuffing out of the ROW skip - but what the f**k, he knew the Trevor would soon be in his hands.
Clacks saved his blushes by winning his first match of the weekend, again proving his might in the singles format and a very steady JG was enough to see off the big hitting, but occasionally errant Woz.
Hoody & Wyn shared the points, Wyn fighting like a dragon to the death, won the last two holes to maintain his long unbeaten record. Hoody although disappointed not to win, was a mightily relieved man as his half stopped him from being the newest addition to the 0% list.
Their playing partners game had completed about 90 minutes earlier after Dronny turned in a performance that Saint could get nowhere near. Another early finish was an emphatic win for Colin against a disgruntled Joey. Suds took out Rhys with a degree of comfort, preventing him from going unbeaten in his comeback year, and in the final game perhaps one of the biggest upsets in singles history, Nick beat Gary who was hoping to not just join the elite 100% list, but be the first Trevor debutant to do so. Nick somehow continues to defy the odds in the singles, his recent record being quite remarkable...and like Hoody and Clacks earlier in the day, this success saved him from the 0% "hall of notoriety". (In a true display of sibling rivalry, the happiest man when hearing of this result was big bro and ROW skip Grant - arguably his happiest moment of the weekend!!! - LT)
This left three matches that went up the last all square and in all these matches somebody won. Jimmy pipped Lethal using the shot he had wisely, Kill did the same to Prichy….but somehow Jules with a shot managed to lose the last to JR, a feat repeated in recent times at Hawkstone Park (perhaps an ode to the 18th may be forthcoming - LT)
Game 1
Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Game 6 Game 7 Game 8 Game 9 Game 10 Game 11 Game 12 Game 13 Game 14 |
Copey
Toby Buster Leafy Clacks JG Hoody Saint Jim Suds Killer Joey Jules Nick |
Simmo
Softers Sarge Grant Jack Woz Wyn Dronny Lethal Ryhs Prich Colin JR Gary |
ROW win 2&1
OHA win 3&2 ROW win 3&2 OHA win 6&5 OHA win 2&1 OHA win 5&4 Match Halved ROW win 8&6 OHA win 1up OHA win 4&3 OHA win 1up ROW win 6&4 ROW win 1up OHA win 2&1 |
Overall Score: OHA 30 ROW 40
So with the ROW triumphant, a hasty closing ceremony was convened as flights were awaiting for many, long drives for others. Quite rightly thanks were praised on the chief organisers, Copey in particular in 2019 for taking on most of the duties, Prichy of course for the never ending hard work he contributes, Clacks for co-ordinating everything at the Scottish end and the many lieutenants now finally co-opted to make the weekend pass seamlessly.
Trevorcast results were announced, Saint won, just ridiculous!!
Then OHA captain Clacks duly presented the trophy to ROW retiring skip Grant. Both captains gave heartfelt closing speeches with Grant announcing that the new ROW captain for 2020 will be Jack, a very popular choice from all parties. Somehow the ROW boys finally convinced him to do so after years of declining the armband.
With all the newer ROW boys proving a success on and off the course, the new skip may have to make some hard selection decisions over the coming months with the potential return of others. For Clacks some hard yards ahead to try and find a way to restore the games of many of his aging golfers and also the potential return from the two missing Antipodean Hamptonians. Who knows, perhaps there may be an increase in numbers?
Everybody said their goodbyes, for many it will be a year before seeing others again at the next instalment of the Trevor Trophy.
Bring on 2020!!
So with the ROW triumphant, a hasty closing ceremony was convened as flights were awaiting for many, long drives for others. Quite rightly thanks were praised on the chief organisers, Copey in particular in 2019 for taking on most of the duties, Prichy of course for the never ending hard work he contributes, Clacks for co-ordinating everything at the Scottish end and the many lieutenants now finally co-opted to make the weekend pass seamlessly.
Trevorcast results were announced, Saint won, just ridiculous!!
Then OHA captain Clacks duly presented the trophy to ROW retiring skip Grant. Both captains gave heartfelt closing speeches with Grant announcing that the new ROW captain for 2020 will be Jack, a very popular choice from all parties. Somehow the ROW boys finally convinced him to do so after years of declining the armband.
With all the newer ROW boys proving a success on and off the course, the new skip may have to make some hard selection decisions over the coming months with the potential return of others. For Clacks some hard yards ahead to try and find a way to restore the games of many of his aging golfers and also the potential return from the two missing Antipodean Hamptonians. Who knows, perhaps there may be an increase in numbers?
Everybody said their goodbyes, for many it will be a year before seeing others again at the next instalment of the Trevor Trophy.
Bring on 2020!!
2019 Player Stats
OHA Team
Kill JG Leafy Jim Toby Suds Jules Saint Joey Clacks Nick Buster Copey Hoody |
% (Wins & Points)
70% (3 wins, 4 pts) 60% (2 wins, 3¾ pts) 60% (3 wins, 3½ pts) 40% (2 wins, 3 pts) 40% (1 win, 2¾ pts) 40% (2 wins, 2½ pts) 30% (1 win, 1¼ pts) 30% (1 win, 1¼ pts) 30% (1 win, 1 pt) 20% (1 win, 2 pts) 20% (1 win, 2 pts) 20% (1 win, 1 pt) 20% (1 win, 1 pt) 10% (0 wins, 1 pt) |
ROW Team
Sarge JR Simmo Gary Dronny Colin Wyn Rhys Softers Woz Grant Lethal Prichy Jack |
% (Wins & Points)
90% (4 wins, 4½ pts) 80% (4 wins, 4 pts) 80% (4 wins, 4 pts) 80% (4 wins, 3 pts) 70% (3 wins, 4 pts) 70% (3 wins, 3½ pts) 70% (2 wins, 3¼ pts) 70% (3 wins, 2¾ pts) 70% (3 wins, 2¾ pts) 60% (3 wins, 2½ pts) 60% (3 wins, 2 pts) 50% (2 wins, 1¾ pts) 40% (2 wins, 1½ pts) 20% (1 wins, ½ pt) |
Trevor's Summary
Well, the stats do not lie, reinforcing the ROW domination over the weekend. 12 of their 14 with a success record of 50% or more, conversely the OHA team only having 3 players with an above par average.
There is no doubt that the recent scouting programme the ROW have established and subsequent selection policy is paying great dividends. Two more recent recruits, Simmo & JR both have very positive win ratios and have been big points scorers over the past three/four Trevors. Then this year's later replacements, Rhys back after eight years in the wilderness and Gary on his debut both made massive contributions, particularly over the first two days that practically sealed the deal for the ROW. (I'm sure ROW captain Grant thought filling Karlos' shoes would prove impossible...but he seemed to have succeeded - LT)
Indeed it should be noted that the OHA have only won one Trevor in recent years when the ROW have a full compliment of golfers, that being last year and by the narrowest of margins. Their previous three wins in a four period from 2012 back to 2009 were at a time when the ROW had a few selection issues and teams were being filled with the occasional non golfer that provided cheap points to the OHA.
Five (Yes 5 - LT) ROW players went into the finals day singles with an unbeaten record. Sarge and Wyn were the only two that remained unbeaten all weekend after a win and half respectively in their singles matches. The other three fell by the wayside all losing their singles, those being Rhys, Softers and Gary. The most remarkable of the three arguably being the loss of Super McGuff junior, a debutant in 2019 and with a 100% win record after two days, losing to Nick who went into the singles with four losses.
Conversely three OHA players went into the singles hoping to avoid the ignominy of joining the "%" list having lost all four games up to this point - and in a show of true fighting spirit all three managed to avoid this painful experience. The aforementioned Nick with his upset win, Clacks a big surprise to even be on this list maintained his supremacy in the singles format and Hoody got a half in his game.
As mentioned above, two ROW boys were unbeaten over the weekend, both Welsh dragons who fired heat all weekend. Sarge played some magnificent golf and rather like a certain Bruce Koepka seems to regularly bring his A game to his "major", any pre-Trevor poor form becomes a distant past.
The jovial Wyn hides a steel backbone and now has a golf game to match his +3 handicap in the bar!! As highlighted on the home page he now has the longest unbeaten streak in Trevor history that extends back beyond two Trevors.
Obviously (I think to all - LT) the most stand out stat is the name sitting at the top of the tree on the OHA list being Trevor veteran, Killer, his first time leading the team rankings after 22 Trevors. (Well done Kill, perhaps the investment in new equipment was worth it after all - LT)
Away from the golf stats, and a tribute to the great event that the Trevor Trophy is, both new ROW boys, debutant Gary and returning Rhys seemed to have a great weekend and hopefully now have the Trevor bug for the future as other recent ROW arrivals JR and Simmo already have. Great additions to the fold, lucky ROW having such a vast arena to locate new, fresh talent...the OHA continue to rely on old hands, their last recruit being Nick way back in the day in 2005.
Well, the stats do not lie, reinforcing the ROW domination over the weekend. 12 of their 14 with a success record of 50% or more, conversely the OHA team only having 3 players with an above par average.
There is no doubt that the recent scouting programme the ROW have established and subsequent selection policy is paying great dividends. Two more recent recruits, Simmo & JR both have very positive win ratios and have been big points scorers over the past three/four Trevors. Then this year's later replacements, Rhys back after eight years in the wilderness and Gary on his debut both made massive contributions, particularly over the first two days that practically sealed the deal for the ROW. (I'm sure ROW captain Grant thought filling Karlos' shoes would prove impossible...but he seemed to have succeeded - LT)
Indeed it should be noted that the OHA have only won one Trevor in recent years when the ROW have a full compliment of golfers, that being last year and by the narrowest of margins. Their previous three wins in a four period from 2012 back to 2009 were at a time when the ROW had a few selection issues and teams were being filled with the occasional non golfer that provided cheap points to the OHA.
Five (Yes 5 - LT) ROW players went into the finals day singles with an unbeaten record. Sarge and Wyn were the only two that remained unbeaten all weekend after a win and half respectively in their singles matches. The other three fell by the wayside all losing their singles, those being Rhys, Softers and Gary. The most remarkable of the three arguably being the loss of Super McGuff junior, a debutant in 2019 and with a 100% win record after two days, losing to Nick who went into the singles with four losses.
Conversely three OHA players went into the singles hoping to avoid the ignominy of joining the "%" list having lost all four games up to this point - and in a show of true fighting spirit all three managed to avoid this painful experience. The aforementioned Nick with his upset win, Clacks a big surprise to even be on this list maintained his supremacy in the singles format and Hoody got a half in his game.
As mentioned above, two ROW boys were unbeaten over the weekend, both Welsh dragons who fired heat all weekend. Sarge played some magnificent golf and rather like a certain Bruce Koepka seems to regularly bring his A game to his "major", any pre-Trevor poor form becomes a distant past.
The jovial Wyn hides a steel backbone and now has a golf game to match his +3 handicap in the bar!! As highlighted on the home page he now has the longest unbeaten streak in Trevor history that extends back beyond two Trevors.
Obviously (I think to all - LT) the most stand out stat is the name sitting at the top of the tree on the OHA list being Trevor veteran, Killer, his first time leading the team rankings after 22 Trevors. (Well done Kill, perhaps the investment in new equipment was worth it after all - LT)
Away from the golf stats, and a tribute to the great event that the Trevor Trophy is, both new ROW boys, debutant Gary and returning Rhys seemed to have a great weekend and hopefully now have the Trevor bug for the future as other recent ROW arrivals JR and Simmo already have. Great additions to the fold, lucky ROW having such a vast arena to locate new, fresh talent...the OHA continue to rely on old hands, their last recruit being Nick way back in the day in 2005.