MiniatureGolfer.com

Hastings, 9-10 September 2005

First round (stroke play)

Just as hundreds went along to the X factor auditions, so minigolfers arrived at Hastings to show the watching world what they could do.

Some would croak  like a marsh frog or Pete Doherty, others would sing as sweetly as the Nolan sisters.

There was only one grab at fame though-one chance at the miniature golf big time

Only the top eight qualified for the next round. Five of the Brits who played for their country in Steyr were top of the board along with Planet Hastings regulars and Lincolnshires premier putter Nigel Keal with an impressive 38.   A play-off was required for the two final places for the match play round. All those tied on 38 took part.  Nigel was Keal hauled at the first.  Peter Parr and Brad Shepherd expired  at the 2nd.

Those left were to go face to face, toe to toe, blow for blow in the exciting, exhilarating exhibition of Match play.

Second round (match play)

Chris Harding (10) beat Ruth Bullin (13) 4 & 3 

Ruth's Local knowledge proved inadequate to vanquish British international Chris Harding, who beat Ruth in this competition for the second year running.

Tim Davies (3) beat Keith Kellard (1) 3 & 1

The current British number one took on yesterdays British number one - Davies had a score to settle and settled it on the 17th.

Ted McIver (5) beat Steve Gow (9) by one hole

A close game went all the way to the 18th, Steve's 7 on the 15th had given Ted a one hole lead that he just about held on to.

Bill Bullin (15) beat Jon Angel (4) on the fifth extra hole.

A miserable day for London minigolfers ended with a thrilling play off in which Bill's two on the fifth knocked out the holder.

Pre tournament rankings in brackets.

Final round (stroke play)

1. Ted McIver 33 
2. Tim Davies 37 
3. Bill Bullin 37 
4. Chris Harding 44 
Both McIver and Harding had excellent starts, but it was on the 10th that the game hinged, Ace Man desperate to get back in the game went for an ace, his trademark grrr died in his throat as he missed, faced with a difficult shot to make par he noticed Ted McIver returning from a toilet break just as he played the shot - the result flushed his chances down the u bend, Tim took a schoolboy 6.

To make things worse for Davies, Big Top got an ace. Davies was ill pleased and his bad vibes somehow affected Chris Harding who spiralled to a 44. 

McIver was mincing to an easy victory whilst Bill Bullin and Ace Man duked it out over the final three holes, Davies' miss on the 18th gave Bullin a chance to claim 2nd spot outright which he let slip.  Tim Davies putting first won the play-off for 2nd place on the first hole with an ace.

Ranking Points: 
1. Ted McIver 530 
2. Ace Man 130 
3. Bill Bullin 130 
4. Chris Harding 1

Big Top at the first and it looks like he's using the Ace Man BoF

Ace Man at the second, technically awesome

Bill Bullin at the third, the ball and putter head clash

Chris Harding at the third, note his head is still down!

Photos: Jon Angel.  Comments: Some know it all.  Words: Someone who doesn't know anything.

All results for Players Championships  2006   2005   2004   2003   2002   2001   2000   1999

Review of the course    Pictures of the course