A day at Wentworth
Last updated : 08 July 2006 By Tony Scholes
We set off on Monday afternoon in two cars in convoy but on such a long journey soon got separated. Tony and John arrived at the hotel about 3 1/2 hours later which was about half an hour before Phil and Gary (we went on an impromptu sight seeing tour of Windsor castle, Legoland, Windsor Park, Ascot Race course and Runnymede).
We ventured out to a nearby pub/restaurant in the evening and had to blank Ryder Cup golfer Paul McGinley. He was intent on talking to us and telling us all about the course but we just wanted to drink in peace!
An early start on the Tuesday morning saw us arrive at Wentworth. We booked ourselves in and met J50 in The Wentworth Grill restaurant, overlooking the East course 18
th green, for breakfast.
J50 took photos for Clarets Mad outside the impressive club house and we collected our buggies for the morning round on the east course. The buggies were equipped with satellite navigation giving distances to the greens etc which were great from the fairways but not much use from the woods where we spent most of the morning.
It really did feel like millionaires golf. A fantastic pristine golf course and no-one else to be seen all morning.
Following the morning round we had a well earned pint and lunch in The Burma Road Bar overlooking the course. Refreshed and re-charged we made our way to the first tee for our afternoon on the famous west course. The starter gave us some tips (some help they were!) and took photos for us on the tee (see below).
The West course was a hell of an experience and makes you appreciate just how good the professionals are. Shots that were even only slightly misplaced were gobbled by the very penal rough or huge bunkers. There were quite a few ‘hamlet' moments out there! Finding the green was only the first part. Putting on them was a whole new ball game to what we are used to. Pace was crucial as any downhill putt hit too hard could see you back off the green again.
The whole estate was an incredible place and the properties running alongside the course were something else. You know not to go into gardens looking for stray golf balls when there are signs warning that guard dogs are patrolling.
Four hours later we arrived at the 18
th hole. Jdrobbo had challenged us all to get a birdie on the last. Yeah right John! Have you seen the 8 bunkers surrounding the green?
There was time for one last pint in the clubhouse before the long drive home. It was a long and tiring two days but it was an experience we will all remember.
A big thank you goes out to J50 from all of us for organising the day and making it possible.
 | John, Gary, Tony and Phil outside the club house following breakfast |
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 | Phil, John, Gary and Tony all ready to tee off - see below |
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 | This pose looks good from Phil, but why is the ball soaring into the woods? |
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 | A great first tee shot from John, or was it? |
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 | Tony stylishly watches as his shot follows Phil's into those woods |
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 | Gary is convinced things can only get better |
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 | And no one has, as yet, owned up to playing this shot |
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