The third and final round of the prestigious KHG Funds Senior Open golf tournament – which has MBL Financial as principal sponsor – is coming up on September 4 at Ramsey Golf Club. The Island’s premier Seniors event comprises three rounds – the first was held at Douglas Golf Course in July, and the second at Rowany in August. His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Mr Adam Wood will play in the final round which will be followed by a buffet and prize presentation.
Going into the final round, John Fenlon is the overall leader on 79 points, with Calvin Quayle second on 78, and Jim Cringle third on 77 – but in total there are 15 players who are still in contention for the overall victory. In the race for the overall ladies prize, Gwen Tuck is the current leader with 68 points, but she only has a one point advantage over Jackie Kinrade and Rosemary Corrin.
Ahead of the second round, Andrew Dyson, the Club Professional at Ramsey, has some hints and tips to help players to master the course. He says: “This James Braaid designed course is in a beautiful parkland setting with stunning views of Skye Hill and Albert Tower. It’s a well prepared course and presents a challenge where staying on the fairway will benefit players immensely.
The course opens with a stunning 504 yard par 5 over two waterways where an iron shot off the tee will put the player in a good position for a second shot to the green. It’s a difficult hole, but careful placement will pay dividends. Achieving long distance is not always necessary, but will be an advantage on the 7th hole – a 417 yard stroke index 2, par 4 where a good drive will provide the advantage.
The par 4, 10th also encourages a good drive – however, danger is always around should a player hook their drive. The 13th is also a glorious driving hole in beautiful tree lined surroundings and superbly manicured fairways – just avoid the trees and a birdie could be yours on this par 4 hole. The closing holes are tricky at Ramsey and require careful placement of tee shots.
The tree lined 16th contains two strategically placed fairway bunkers and trees on either side. The use of a driver has risk, but the reward is a short chip onto a fairly flat green. Playing short off the tee and greenside bunkers make the approach shot more tricky. The course has 5 par 3s and mastering these holes will go a long way to building up a good round of golf. The 146 yard 18th with an elevated green is a fitting end to the round. Miss the green and you could ruin your card – but an accurate tee shot means a birdie 2 is possible before a satisfying rest at the 19th!”
The 18th hole will also be used for a ‘beat the pro’ competition which will raise funds for Hospice Isle of Man. For every player whose shot beats the pro’s effort, Creechurch Capital – KHG Funds investment manager – will donate ?100. Similar competitions were held in the first two rounds and ?900 has so far been raised for Hospice. Mary Doyle, PR and Marketing Manager for Hospice Isle of Man, thanked KHG Funds and MBL Financial and all those taking part in the tournament for their continuing support and efforts to raise funds for the charity.
You can follow the tournament live on the day via twitter @khgfunds to see how much money has been raised for Hospice Isle of Man. MBL Financial – the principal sponsor of Senior Open – is one of the Island’s longest established Independent Financial Advisers and is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission.
Photo: A view of the 1st hole fairway at Ramsey Golf Club.
