Forecasts for the 2004 BMGA season

A none too serious look at the season to come

A tough year of competitive minigolf ahead, but who do you see as the players to watch out for?

The table below shows the tournaments with confirmed dates.

Tim Davies (Britains number 1 and Emperor of Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club) says:
Last year was good, this year will be better.  To add to all my trophies I also was pick of the picksters, so if you want to know what will happen read on.  The only flaw in my game last year was my glasses, Ted sat and stood on them to no avail, he may well just try something new this year but I have a cunning plan.  In fact the glasses I wear have deliberately the wrong prescription as I feel I have to do something to give the others a chance.

Who is technically the best putter must be between Mr Michael Webb and Will Eagar.  It would be wrong of me to say who is technically the worst but if Ted and Peter want some coaching I'd be more than happy to help.

Ted's grasp on reality slipped last year and I see a further decay this year.  He's trying a 'weak tea' approach to Gamesmanship.  I worry that he may be spending too much time talking with his Orc armies.  And I worry that I might be spending too much time listening to Ted.

I prophecy that some golfers who think they can putt will appear on the circuit, find out they can't and promptly disappear.

Ted McIver (British Champion) says:
Davies has peaked after last years fantastic season - McIver also has run out of inspiration - it's a young mans sport nowadays, which is why Webb and Eager will dominate.

Peter Parr (BMGA President) says:
Tim Davies dominated the BMGA Tour in 2003, but Ted McIver once again found his form when it mattered most to clinch the British Championship. Michael Webb was once again the nearly man of British Minigolf, always on the podium but still to card his first tournament win on British soil.
Will Eagar burst onto the scene to win the LIT and has the talent to challenge the big three this year. But talent alone is not enough, and Will will need to practice the BO and BC courses if he wants to mount a serious challenge for glory in the big events.

Jon Angel (London Minigolf Club President) says:
Tim Davies was head and (a fine pair of) shoulders above everyone else in 2003. Although my LMC team-mate, Mr. Michael Webb, is capable of clinching the top spot, I am afraid that it's unlikely to happen next season. British Champion, Ted McIver, will have his work cut out to hold on to no.2 spot, whilst I hope to climb the table just by playing in more competitions than anyone else! I fancy Graham Southern to come into form and that combined with fewer competitions for Peter Parr as a player could see Southern end the season 5th in the UK, just ahead of Parr and Will Eagar.
2004 Final Standings Forecast:
1: T Davies 2: M Webb 3: J McIver 4: J Angel 5: G Southern

London Invitational Tournament, Broomfield Park (results)

Previous results:

London Invitational Tournament 2003  1. Will Eagar  2. Mr. Michael Webb  3. Graham Southern

London Invitational Tournament 2002 (Hastings) 1. Graham Southern  2. Jon Angel  3. Scott Coe

Open only to London Minigolf Club members. 

Tim Davies says:
I won't be invited, who'd want me to rain on their parade?
1) Mr M Webb 2)  J Angel 3) G Southern

Ted McIver says:
Webb becomes British number one, a popular result for many British Minigolfers
1) M Webb 2) W Eager 3) J Angel

Peter Parr says:
Doubles up as a qualifying match to decide the London team for the British Club Championship. Jon Angel and Will Knight will start the brightest, but can they sustain their challenge in the second round? Will Eagar's bid to retain the title won't be helped by organising the event as well as playing in it. He could face a play-off against Graham Southern for a place in the London first team. With Tim and Ted absent, Michael Web may see this as his chance of victory. But Lionel Bender may have the last laugh this time.
1) Lionel Bender 2) Michael Webb 3) Jon Angel

Jon Angel says:
This competition will also determine who plays for London 'A' and 'B' - so top eight places are relevant. "Bad Boy" is the most consistent of the LMC members at Broomfield Park and I don't see that changing. Bender and Southern will produce good form too. A new course record is on the cards.
1) M Webb 2) L Bender 3) G Southern 4) W Eagar 5) J Angel 6) S Weddell 7) S Gow 8) R Dent

[Result: 1. Mr. Michael Webb  2. Jon Angel 3. Will Eagar ]  The master tipster does it again!

Hastings Invitational Tournament (details)  (2003 results)

Previous results:  

2003  1. Tim Davies  2. Ted McIver  3. Peter Parr

2002  1. Tim Davies  2. Ted McIver  3. Peter Parr

Tim Davies says:
It'll be a breeze and a strong one at that. Another new format, same old winner
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) S Garton

Ted McIver says:
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) P Parr same as last year

Peter Parr says:
Tim will win the trophy outright. He's the only one who understands the format!
1) Tim Davies 2) Ted McIver 3) Robert Smith

Jon Angel says:
Previous HIT results suggest:
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) P Parr  

[Result: 1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) R Bullin]

British Masters Tournament, Southend (results)

Previous results:  

2003  1. Tim Davies 2. Jo Vallory  3. Ted McIver 

2002  1. Ted McIver  2. Mr. Michael Webb  3. Tim Davies

2001  1. Robert Vallory  2. Ted McIver  3. Tim Davies

2000  1. Robert Vallory  2.Jo Vallory  3. Peter Parr  

BMGA course record: 37 Ted McIver

Tim Davies says:
For the fifth year in succession the Adventure Island course will hold the British Masters, previous form should hold the key. If it's wet look for a new course record.
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) Mr. M Webb

Ted McIver says:
The year that Michael becomes British number one kicks start with a win - scores will be close but this time I see a reverse of last year with Jo Vallory finishing over Tim - The question is just how big will Jo's side whiskers be in 2004?
1) M Webb 2) J Vallory 3) T Davies

Peter Parr says:
Not an easy result to forecast - any of half a dozen or so players have a realistic chance. Ted McIver may be a bit rusty after the winter break - his form usually peaks as the season goes on. Michael Webb will be there or thereabouts, as will Joe Vallory (unless he's in Spain or finds another Saturday job). Jon Angel and Will Eagar may well enjoy their best tournaments yet, but Tim Davies' greater knowledge of the course may prove the deciding factor over the closing holes. 
1) Tim Davies 2) Will Eagar 3) Jon Angel

Jon Angel says:
English Open Champion, Webb to conquer his play-offobia and steal this one from Davies. Lionel Bender to battle it out with Eagar for 3rd.
1) M Webb 2) T Davies 3) L Bender

[Result: 1. J McIver  2. Jon Angel  3. Keith Kellard  4. Tim Davies] 2nd, 3rd and 4th places decided after play-off. Mr Michael Webb, Will Eagar, Lionel Bender and Jo Vallory did not play.

British Championships, Clambers, Hastings (details) (2003 results)

Previous results: 

British Open 2003 1. Christian Zimmermann  2. Tim Davies 3. Ted McIver

Hastings Invitational Tournament 2003 1. Tim Davies  2.Ted McIver 3. Peter Parr

British Championship 2002  1. Ted McIver  2. Tim Davies 3. Dan Davies

Hastings Invitational Tournament 2002 1. Tim Davies  2.Ted McIver 3. Peter Parr

Club Championships 2002  1. Ted McIver  2. Tim Davies  3. Peter Parr

BMGA players championship 2001  1. Tim Davies  2. Peter Parr  3. Robert Vallory

British Championship 2001  1. Ted McIver  2. Peter Parr 3. Tim Davies

British Championship 2000  1. Tim Davies  2. Steve Vallory  3. Andy Miller

BMGA record 28, Tim Davies

Tim Davies says:
Newly recarpeted, faster than ever. No practice, no chance.
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) Mr. M Webb

Ted McIver says:
An early start means less practise for the Davies juggernaut - however I still see him crushing everyone in the way between him and the trophy. Webb's cool unflustered putting style will give him a deserved second place with a flustered and out of sorts McIver scraping third place.
1) T Davies 2) M Webb 3) J McIver

Peter Parr says:
Will Clambers be re-surfaced in time for the event? Either way, past form suggests it's difficult to see beyond Davies and McIver. Michael and Jon will be hoping the Hastings duo have an off-day. And Peter Parr, not organising this event, will be determined to live up to his potential. If Paul Tanner plays, he should win. Otherwise…
1) Ted McIver* 2) Tim Davies 3. Peter Parr  * after play-off!

Jon Angel says:
Davies and McIver will practise every lunchtime for a month to ensure a Hastings 'one-two'! Webb to just pip Angel into 3rd place. This is the one that everyone wants to win.
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) M Webb

[Result: 1) Mr M Webb 2) J Angel 3) T Davies]

 British Women's Championship (as part of above)

Ruth will walk it.
Vicky Sweeting to regain the BWC in a close-fought struggle with Ruth Bullin and Sally Weddell.
This could be close, but my crystal ball tells me that Sally Weddell will triumph over the two previous champs.
1) Sally Weddell 2) Vicky Sweeting 3) Ruth Bullin

[Result: 1) J Peedell 2) R Bullin 3) S Weddell]

Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club Open (details) (2003 results)

On all four Hastings courses this year.

Previous results: 

2003  1. Tim Davies  2. Mr. Michael Webb  3. Ted McIver (4 courses)

2002  1. Ted McIver  2. Tim Davies  3. Mr. Michael Webb (3 courses)

2001  1. Mark Spry 2. Ted McIver  3. Tim Davies  (2 courses)

Clambers BMGA record 28, Tim Davies

Seafront Crazy Golf  BMGA record 33, Ted McIver

Seafront mini golf BMGA record 34, Ted McIver

Seafront Adventure Golf BMGA record 37, Ian Parker, Mr. Michael Webb & Tim Davies

Tim Davies says:
I want the seafront crazy and mini golf records. I foresee most of the BMGA membership going home thoroughly demoralised straight after the British Championships.
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) Mr. M Webb

Ted McIver says:
A repeat of the previous day - Davies, Britains number one knows every inch of these courses, Webb effortlessly grabs second place and again an out of form McIver just about secures third place
1) T Davies 2) M Webb 3) J McIver

Peter Parr says:
The Planet Hastings Open is being held the day after the BC, which should help ensure a record turn-out. It won't make any difference to the result, though. 
1) Tim Davies 2) Michael Webb 3) Ted McIver

Jon Angel says:
Foregone conclusion? Yes! Davies is gonna run away with this one… again. Ian Parker, who I feel ranks alongside Webb and Will Eagar in terms of technical ability, could also do well.
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) I Parker

[Result: 1) J McIver 2) T Davies 3) S Gow 4) J Angel]

London Open, Broomfield Park (details) (results)

Previous competitions held on this course include the BMGA players championship and two rounds of the Club Championship.

Previous results:  

London Open 2003 1. Peter Parr  2= Tim Davies 2= Mr. Michael Webb

London Invitational 2003 1. Will Eagar 2. Mr. Michael Webb 3. Graham Southern

Club Championship 2002: 1. Mr. Michael Webb  2. Peter Parr  3. Tim Davies

BMGA players championship 2002  1. Lionel Bender  2. Tim Davies  3. Mr. Michael Webb

BMGA players championship 2000  1. Tim Davies  2. Robert Vallory  3. Lionel Bender

BMGA course record: Will Eagar, Tim Davies, Jon Angel 36.

Tim Davies says:
Not bothered but I'll win it just to put one over on London MGC
1) T Davies 2)  Mr. Michael Webb 3) J Angel

Ted McIver says:
Webb and Eager the Arsenal and Spurs of North London will be fighting it out over these two rounds - a couple of mistakes means Davies holds third place against the challenge of close friends Peter Parr and Graham Southern
1) M Webb 2) W Eager 3) T Davies

Peter Parr says:
Peter Parr was a surprise winner in 2003. Perhaps there'll be another shock this year, as Jon Angel finally claims his first victory on the Tour. Ted has still to master the London course, but may improve on his 5th place in 2003.
1) Jon Angel 2) Michael Webb 3) Tim Davies

Jon Angel says:
Sorry Tim, but I don't see a podium place for you. 2003 winner, Parr, will be defending his well-earned trophy. The ever-consistent Webb to shine along with "Two-Putts". Expect a big turnout and a play-off.
1) M Webb 2) P Parr 3) W Eagar
    

[Result: 1. Steve Vallory  2. Peter Parr  3. Brad Shepherd]

Welsh Open, Llandudno CANCELLED

Tim Davies says:
This is the one I really want to win, if I'm allowed to go I will win it - Cymru am Byth.
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) P Parr

Ted McIver says:
I have no idea what this course is like-but that won't stop me from talking knowledgeably on the subject. 2004 form continues with Webb boosted by his first tournament successes starts to gain a psychological edge over Davies - Eager takes advantage to beat Davies to second place - Shameful Tim Shameful, especially in the home of your forefathers
1) M Webb 2) W Eager 3) T Davies

Peter Parr says:
Difficult to predict the result without seeing the course or knowing the strength of the local challenge. The wind is likely to be a factor, as the course is on the summit of the Great Orme. Tim Davies will be especially determined to do well on home soil.
1) Tim Davies 2) Michael Webb 3) Jon Angel

Jon Angel says:
This one should be a cracker and I can only foresee one person lifting the trophy: "Ace Man" - and he wants it badly. The rest of the field is wide open.
1) T Davies 2) Local 3) G Southern

National Open, Cheddar CANCELLED

Tim Davies says:
Looks like a tough course and judging from what I've heard it is. I haven't played there before but that wont stop me winning it.
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) P Parr

Ted McIver says:
All I know is there is a big volcano local players can only gape as the big two in British minigolf Davies and Webb again take the top billing. Expect John Angel to show form and grab third place
1)M Webb 2) T Davies 3) J Angel

Peter Parr says:
The Cup play format should in theory give local players a chance, but will they be able to cope with the pressure in the Final? Tim Davies thrives under pressure, but perhaps this will be Michael's day? Colin Montgomerie's decision to switch to the BMGA Tour backfires after he's drawn in the same group as Ted.
1) Michael Webb 2) Tim Davies 3) Best local player

Jon Angel says:
A very interesting and different course, right next to the beautiful Cheddar Gorge, which might prove distracting for the non-locals.
1) Local 2) T Davies 3) P Parr
  

British Club Championships (results)

Previous results:

2003 1. London Minigolf Club  2. Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club

2002 1. Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club  2. London Minigolf Club

Tim Davies says:
Depth is not everything. We've got a couple of jokers up our sleeve which we'll be playing in the new season. Either one could spring a surprise. Our preparation will win it for us.
1) Hastings 2) London  3) anyone else

Ted McIver says:
The lack of depth in Hasting's squad along with the unexpected crisis in play of Ted McIver means London get this on a plate - Tim Davies can't do it on his own
1) London 2) Hastings 3) any one else

Peter Parr says:
New format; unfamiliar course. Tim and Ted will spearhead the Planet Hastings challenge, but London's strength in depth should prove decisive. If Welwyn Garden City don't take part, London's second string will probably get a place on the podium too, ahead of the students of London University.
1) London 'A' 2) PHCGC 3) London 'B' 

Jon Angel says:
Hastings' jokers will be no match for London's aces! London to retain the title.
1) London 'A' 2) Hastings 3) London 'B'

[Result: 1. London 'A'   2. Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club ]

European Club championships in Holland (no team entered)

I predict that London will not win it. I concur, in fact I'll go so far as to say they'll be last.
It's not the winning that counts, London, it's the taking part!
Everyone's writing us off… including me! Given our lack of experience on foreign soil, the aim here for London of course, is not to finish last. We hope that Liechtenstein will be sending a team! A sorrow-drowning session afterwards in Amsterdam is likely!  If Vaduz do send a team they'll beat London too!!

European Championships, Timisoara (World 2003 results) (European 2002 results)

incorporating the English Open ( 2003 results) ( 2002 results)

The forecast will only involve British players.

BMGA Eternit course record: 24 Tim Davies & Mr. Michael Webb. 

BMGA Beton course record: 34 P Parr & Mr. Michael Webb. 

Tim Davies says:
Ted has even less of a hope than at BM, he was at a personal nadir in Prague and managed to top that at BM. A name springs to mind - Jack Russell - can he go any lower?
Tim's forecast: 1) Tim Davies  2) Mr. Michael Webb  3) Jon Angel
Teams: Men 1) Germany 2) Sweden 3) Austria
Teams: Women 1) Germany 2) Sweden 3) Austria.  The Germans were mighty upset at being beaten in BM, look for the backlash!!

Peter Parr says:
Michael Webb has proved himself the best British player on the WMF-approved course types. He should do well again, although expect the scoring on eternit to be higher than in Bad Munder. Tim's chances will depend on the British team securing the services of a foreign coach. Lionel is in for a rude awakening when he encounters the ski jump and labyrinth for the first time, but is likely to acquit himself well when he gets over the shock! Ted McIver is relieved when the freelance sports writer cum-journalist Dan Stafford-Miller joins the British team - although the British Champion only finishes ahead of him by a solitary shot…
1) Michael Webb 2) Tim Davies 3) Jon Angel
Germany; Sweden; Austria… Team GB avoid the wooden spoon after the Faeroe Isles join the WMF.

Jon Angel says:
I am advised that Beton is easier than Swedish Felt, which is a relief! I modestly predict myself to win the English Open, despite Webb being most people's favourite. Sorry Michael, but this one's mine! I will also be going for the new Beton record. It's between Davies and "The Spoon" for 3rd with Parr unlikely to make the trip.
1) J Angel 2) M Webb 3) T Davies
Teams: 1) Germany 2) Austria 3) Sweden

[Result: English Open 1. Mr. Michael Webb  2. Jon Angel  3. Keith Kellard ]

Mens 1. Sweden 2. Germany 3. Austria

Womens 1. Germany 2. Austria 3. Sweden 

British Open International Minigolf Tournament, Stratford (2003 results)  (details)

Previous results: 

British Minigolf Championships 2003 1. Ted McIver  2. Tim Davies  3. Mr. M Webb

BMGA National Minigolf Open 2002 1. Jon Drexler (US)  2. Ted McIver  3. Tim Davies  4. Lionel Bender

BMGA course record: Tim Davies & Will Eagar 32.

The forecast will only involve British players.

Tim Davies says:
Hmm, I might have other things on my mind but if I can stay focused not even Johnny Foreigner will come between me and my birthright!  
Tim's forecast: 1. Tim Davies  2. Ted McIver  3. Will Eagar

Ted McIver says:
Incredibly the slump in form and confidence ends for Stratford - another play off another win, Webb has to settle for third - the course record will be broken
1) J McIver 2) T Davies 3) M Webb

Peter Parr says:
A new course for our regular visitors from Austria, Italy and Germany to master. Tim and Robert Vallory will think they have the edge, having made copious notes last year. But some course improvements are promised in the Spring, making the notes completely redundant. Expect things to be very close, with Tim, Ted and Michael Webb all pushing the overseas players for a place in the top three.
1) Thomas Zeininger 2) Ted (after 40th hole of sudden-death play-off) 3) Tim Davies (after 40th mug of coffee)

Jon Angel says:
At this point in the season, 1000 ranking points are always extremely valuable. McIver aka "Big Top" aka "The Wardrobe" usually peaks in Stratford and will finish as highest placed Brit after an exciting play-off against Davies. But will he win the competition outright? That is the question. I am tipping future full German International, Christian Zimmerman to dominate and win the Open. 3rd best Brit is up for grabs and Nicky and Martin Dexter along with Webb, Joe Vallory, and Eagar are all in with a shout. Best Brits:
1) J McIver 2) T Davies 3) N Dexter 

[Result 1. Thierry Cruybeeck  2. Tim Davies  3. Ted McIver  4. Jon Angel]

World Crazy Golf Championships (2003 results) (details)

Previous results:

2003 1. Tim Davies  2. Ted McIver  3. Olivia Prokopova

Seafront Crazy Golf  BMGA record 33, Ted McIver

Seafront mini golf BMGA record 34, Ted McIver

Tim Davies says:
I didn't play particularly well last year so there's plenty of room for improvement and the final round with Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club rules or nearly suits me down to the ground. Let's hope for wind again and perhaps a drop of rain.
Tim's forecast: 1. Tim Davies  2. Ted McIver  3. Mr. Michael Webb

Ted McIver says:
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) M Webb
Same as last year - hopefully in front of more cameras

Peter Parr says:
Michael Webb should improve on his performance of last year, but Tim and Ted both know the courses inside out and also have the ability to raise their game.
1) Tim Davies 2) Ted McIver 3) Michael Webb

Jon Angel says:
The big guns to prevail.
1) T Davies 2) J McIver 3) M Webb

[Result 1.   Tim Davies  2. Ted McIver  3. Peter Emmerson]