LATEST NEWS

This page contains all of the latest news from the #NYGT tour. Check here for points updates, news of upcoming fixtures, opinion pieces, and interviews with the competitors. This really is your one stop shop for all things #NYGT.

 

12/08/14 - "NYGT could break me" 

 

On the eve of what is increasingly being recognised by seasoned observers as Britain’s premier golfing event, the society’s most casual member Dr Matthew Kelham has opened up in a viscerally truthful interview.

 

The Brightonian raconteur started with the first of the shocking revelation’s with “I haven’t swung a golf club in over a year”. Asked if he thought this would affect his placing within the pack over the three day classic he was effusive if non-committal by suggesting “no one is that good anyway and I really could not care less, it’s supposed to be fun”.

 

But on the subject of après-golf the strain began to show in the prematurely ageing physicians face “The truth is I don’t really think I’m that much of a feminist or that witty, but now that’s my role in the group and I’m terrified of the prospect of not delivering.”

 

Finally we asked directly if NYGT could break the 25 year old. “No” was his emphatic response.

 

Attempts were made by the #NYGT website to contact all the playing members but they were all either at the driving range or definitely against the idea of posting interviews in the third person.

 

 

13/07/14 - TaylorMade hosted by Trump International

 

This week the golfing world has shifted its focus to the home of golf and in particular north east Scotland, which has been in fine fettle in the run up to  and during the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open. With conditions the reigning champion Phil Mickelson described as “fantastic”, our resident Caledonian expert, Mark Hillsley, was invited to Trump International to spend an afternoon with local hero Stephen Gallacher, tour rookie Johan Carlsson and world number 6 Justin Rose by the makers of the new SLDR driver, TaylorMade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The afternoon was a mix of intriguing Q&A, informative clinics and incredible surroundings with the controversial Trump International course bathed in sunshine and the hosts certainly have combined American hospitality and Scottish scenery; which is a much better prospect than vice versa.

 

Our Angus associate arrived and immediately was treated to a Pimms on the chipping green adjacent to the temporary clubhouse, and watched in wonder as a pairing on the far side (100 yards at least) plopped ball after ball within 3 feet of the pin, the standard had been set. Introductions were then due in the marquee with Sky Sports mainstay David Livingstone introducing TaylorMade commercial directors and the pros for the afternoon.

 

Johan Carlsson provided the first clinic of the day exhibiting the “mini” driver with some smooth swings reaching 270 yard carries and making it look all as simple as sailing across a fjord. The 6ft5 rookie has been with TaylorMade since university in San Diego and felt confident going in to the AAM Scottish Open, hoping to build on his only success on the Tour in Kazakhstan with a powerful game, although he did mention the changeable weather due in the skies above Aberdeen come the weekend. He finished tied for 59th earning a steady 10,500EUROS in the process.

 

Following Johan was the marquee name of the afternoon; Justin Rose proved a hit with the select few, exchanging pleasantries with yours truly regarding Macca being probably the only North Hants ambassador this week, a change from the swathes of red polos around the West Course (Wentworth) two months ago. Justin went through the mechanics of his swing and how he has fitted the new SLDR into his bag with no hesitation, one particular moment that impressed was slowing his swing to “95, about the normal swing for a handicapper” only for his TaylorMade technician Adrian Rietveld to announce he was swinging at “96, not bad for a Tuesday afternoon”. Finishing off his session with a few pointers on tee height, Justin smiled when discussing the old white fad whilst praising the new classic look of the SLDR, this is clearly a big hit with the pros on the tour. This relaxed confidence was clear for all to see throughout the weekend as JR made it two wins from two with a sumptuous display of links golf.

 

The last clinic was held by the almost comedic Stephen Gallacher who is enjoying a superb period of form on the course and was comfortable being back in his home town. Entertaining the handicappers with tour anecdotes, we were slightly put off by our kind host having a helicopter tour of the links golf jewel in his international empire. Almost as impressive as the branded helicopter was Stephens stats on the tour this year being 12 yards longer off the tee than last but maintaining a superb FIR figure, class that played a huge role in his course record tieing 63 on Sunday.

 

One quick chat with David Livingstone later, who is gearing up for two great weeks of golf coverage for Sky back on the British isles, the players headed off for a one hole play off with the eternal sun of the Aberdonian summer still simmering brilliantly to the west. Watching these pros up close in and around the green sums up the crucial importance of trusting the loft on the club with all three landing their chips within the bin lid. Justin walked away with the hole having found the fairway with his impeccable drive and the small but merry party headed back to the sumptuous temporary surroundings of the clubhouse for a BBQ and a chat on the lawn where this expat met an American who maintained a social membership at Torrey Pines, fascinating chap.

 

All in all the afternoon was a great experience that this intrepid member was privileged to be part of; the main question remains however, can the lessons learnt on one of Scotland’s premier courses translate to the biggest three days golf? Only time will tell. For the spirit of the fairways.

 

28/05/14 - CONCERN IN THE CAMP

 

Now it's not like this society to make details like this public. The policy has been, and will continue to be, that if there is any unrest within the group then it will be dealt with in a professional manner, in house. There are however, occasions where this is simply not an option and the hoards of followers must be made aware of what is going on behind closed doors. And this must happen tonight, for our concern surrounds one of our founder members, Alex Winter.

 

Those avid followers amongst you, but also those fairweather fans, will have noticed that since his rather poor round at Naunton Downs, Glos, in March where he only managed to accumulate a paltry 20 points, Alex has not taken part in any further official qualifying events. Some may argue that neither have Mark Hillsley, Oli Tame, Matthew Kelham, or Wil Whiting, but please let me explain.

 

Mark Hillsley lives in the depths of northern Scotland accessible only by Virgin Atlantic, Oli Tame has spent the past two months being photographed with numerous wonderfully attractive women, Matthew Kelham is busy saving people's lives and making music videos in East Asia, whilst Wil (one L) Whiting only plays golf between the dates of July 1st and September 1st. As you can see, these are all very credible excuses, something that Alex unfortunately does not possess, and hence our concern.

 

You will all no doubt be as worried as we are regarding the apparent demise of Alex Winter. Has he lost all confidence following his 20 point flop? Has he joined a new society behind our backs? Has he fallen out of love with the game altogether? Only he knows.

 

So tonight we ask you all for the sake of not only Alex, but for the society as a whole, to join us in calling for Alex Winter to return to #NYGT; the society that made him who he is today and who will continue to support him throughout his regular swing changes and run-ins with fraudulent club professionals.

 

Come back Alex, your society misses you.

 

 

23/01/14 - POSTPONEMENT

 

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the postponement of #NYGT2014. Unfortunately the organisers have been left with no choice following the terrible news that the spa at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club will be out of action until April. With the date set as February 14th for this year's grand finale the decision was made to postpone the event and reassess.

 

As it stands no decision has been made as to when the event may be rearranged for, a few ideas have been banded about but nothing concrete. One idea was to completely cancel the event for 2014 and just carry on as normal in 2015. One member of the society in particular though is adament that this will not happen. Alex Winter stating that it would "cause problems with anniversary celebrations." He added, "when would we hold the 50 year anniversary dinner? 50 years after the first #NYGT or during the 50th #NYGT?!" The Boris Johnson lookalike finished with a resounding, "cancelling #NYGT this year would cause too many issues and is simply not an option." It is most unlike Alex to be opinionated on a particular subject.

 

Following Alex's outburst the most popular choice for a possible rearrangement is Summer of this year. A midweek break at Dartmouth is still very reasonable at this time and it also means that the competitors will enjoy the picturesque and challenging Championship Course at it's peak of splendor.

 

Stay tuned to this website in the coming months to receive EXCLUSIVE updates on this matter.

 

03/11/13 - POINTS UPDATE

 

Things are very tight in all competitions, going into the Winter portion of the #NYGT season.

 

The Championship (seen by many as the League Cup of #NYGT) could not be closer, with 3 competitors separated by only a point. Currently Nick Case is equal to Mark Hillsley on 11 points, with Alex Winter behind on 10 points. Could it be that the lack of Nick vs Alex on 13 October may prove crucial come the final standings? It would have either resulted in a 3 way tie for first, or Nick taking sole leadership, pushing Mark into second.

 

Unfortunately, this late in the season, Lewis Winston, Oli Tame and Matt Kelham look unlikely to turn around their big points deficits by Valentine’s Day 2014.

 

The main Championship is just as poised, ready for a big push from one of the competitors in the minimal rounds left before February. Nick is currently leading this, with an average score of 31.31, with Alex close behind with 30.82. Almost a complete reversal from prior to the last round. Could it be that the new handicap of 12 for Alex punishes him more than Nicks potentially generous 14?

 

Mark brings up third place with 30.33, whilst Lewis remains in fourth with a consistent 28.2, and Oli languishes in fifth with 22 points. Matt has yet to enter the fray.

 

As a reminder to all, the average score for the rounds before #NYGT will be taken as your score for the first round. The remaining 3 scores will come from the 3 rounds at the delightful Dartmouth Golf and Country Club.

 

Your handicap for the next Calendar year will also be generated from these three rounds at DGCC, and adjusted throughout the year based on results, as per CONGU (Nicks favourite) guidelines.

 

The first annual #NYGT meeting will be able to determine any fines/punishments to be brought in for the 2013/14 season. Popular areas for clamping down include nonsense comments such as “at least it was straight” and “unlucky”, as well as brutal fines expected for coming up short on a birdie putt, or three putting after having an eagle putt. All suggestions are welcomed.

 

Lewis “Robert Rock” Winston

 

 

14/10/13 - WE'RE IN!!!

 

Today saw one of the most anticipated days in the amateur golfing calendar once again become a reality as NYGT 2014 was officially booked!

 

The coming year's installment sees six of the finest mid-to-high handicappers the game has to offer converge on the blissful surroundings of rural Devon across valentines weekend (sorry ladies), for a weekend of relaxation, club sandwiches, pints of bitter, night-caps and of course....GALF!

 

Following last year's success only one change has been made to the golfing line-up; Matthew Kelham returning to the fold to provide copious banter and wit at the expense of the enigma that is Wil Whiting. A late call-up for Whiting should not be ruled out nearer the time however. Ever-presents Mark Hillsley, Alex Winter and Nick Case once again make the team and the line-up is completed by ladies man Oli Tame, back for his third trip, and finally Lewis Winston who showed enough last year to be invited back for a second bite.

 

The next 123 days will be spent on the range, on the putting greens and in the presence of sports psychologists as the the six-some prepare intensely for the challenges that DGCC's undulating fairways, threatening water hazards and barn have to offer. Stay tuned to this blog for further updates as the drama begins to unfold.