Maderas plays host to thrilling finish

Once again our very special US Swingers day visited the wonderful Maderas Golf Club near San Diego, for what turned out to be one of the best US days we've hosted. With record numbers attending and the course in spectacular condition, everything pointed to it being a very special day and Maderas did not disappoint. After a cloudy start, the sun broke through just as our first groups teed off and there really was some superb golf on display. Our nearest the pin hole almost saw two hole-in-ones with Andrew Davies coming close and Rob Evans shaving the pin. However, it was Andrew Davies who took home the prize! Instead of longest drive, we again ran nearest the pin in two, and what a shot it was from Bill Dean who ended up just inches from the hole to claim the prize. We are glad to report he also made the putt! The team competition was a closely contested affair with five teams seperated by just four points! However it was the threeball of Andrew Lyth, Andrew Davies and Bill Wilson who took first prize with a superb score of 92 points. The individual competition was just as close. In fifth place was Robert Vedaa with 36pts on a countback. Fourth went to newcomer John Fitzpatrick with 37pts whilst third went to welshman Andrew Davies with 40pts. Andrew had been flying at the start and with 23pts on the front nine and looked in poll position to take first prize. However the back nine proved tougher, but 40pts was still a great score. Second place went to Stephen Jones also with 40pts. Stephen had a great round, and that score certainly puts him in a good position to hopefully push on and qualify for the final from the leaderboard. However, it was Brian O'Connor once again who managed to sneak one extra point to claim first prize with 41 points. Brian now qualifies as the first member of Team ROW at this year's S15 Final in Las Vegas. Well done Brian, and thank you to each and every one of our Swingers who made the effort to spend the day with us at this stunning venue. Particular thanks to Margaret and Alan Clifford, Leon Loberman, Terry Woods, Clinton Heap and Chris Carberry who all made journeys across the Atlantic to visit us. Your loyalty and support is never taken for granted. Thank you also to all our fabulous partners - Srixon, Cleveland Golf, Trendy Golf, Stewart Golf, SkyCaddie, Hertz, Dirty Dog and Level Four who provided gifts and prizes for this special day. Next up is Manor House in July, our third UK day in the race to find our first Europe finalist, and then we will find out our second ROW finalist at our first South Africa Swingers day in September. We hope to see you there!