Right boys it’s that time of year again, we’ve got to the business end rather quickly. With five weeks to go the moose noises are starting to echo around the valleys, and it has been mentioned, especially round Willow Valley!!
Some extraordinary efforts have been put in this year and with the biggest field in Calco Cup history it could be anybody’s.
We have a few injury scares with Copley, Ramm and Stanley sweating on making recoveries from recent operations in time. With Ramm and Copley we believe the Mooseitus has set in with Chris wondering round like a lame moose and Graham still well and truly looking into the car headlights!!
Mark Wallis (S) is desperate to pass on the jacket after a year of being slaughtered live on Sky Sports. He has assured us that there will be no moose droppings down at Imperial Kennels and no Mark Wallis with the antlers on this year, well at least from the south!!
Victoria Course
Victoria Course
Victoria Course
This trip is what it is because of you boys, enjoy your trip and please be on your best behaviour when representing the Calco, after all its Villamoura this time ;0) We also have five rookies on the trip this year, so as always, please make them feel welcome.
The long awaited Handicaps & Draw have been completed and can be seen below.
Crank up your Calco banter on the chat room and let’s get it on. Keep practicing and see you all on the 14th September.
Steve Hardwick & Stephen Callaghan ( The two halves that make up the SAS )
CALCO CUP 2016 – FORM GUIDE
PORTUGAL
Venue – Vilamoura (Victoria & Old Course) 15th/16th September
FIELD – 35
PREVIOUS WINNERS TAKING PART
Peter Burke (3), Al Sumner (2), Ben Moyle (2), Alan Doig, Steve Tattersfield, Gavin Whitworth, Peter Forster & Jimmy Curley
PREVIOUS MOOSES TAKING PART
Steve Callaghan (4), David Bell (2), Mark Wallis (North), Gavin Whitworth & Mark Wallis (South)
WHERE AND WHEN TO BET
Bells Bookies (David Bell) by start of play 15th September
COURSE OVERVIEW
VICTORIA – 5,628m (yellow tees), Par 72
Possibly one of the best courses I’ve ever played, a stern test for the professional’s off the back tees and a difficult one for us mere mortals off the yellows. Undulating fairways and greens are surrounded by water and countless bunkers so accurate driving and approach play essential. There always seems to be a breeze at Victoria and if this gets up every point scored will be vital. Patience will be rewarded and anyone who scores close to 30 points will be in with a great chance of Calco glory the following day. A magnificent course could also see some horror stories especially for those players who like to drink themselves into oblivion on Calco eve (Ben you have been warned!)
OLD COURSE – 5913m (yellow tees) Par 73
KEY ATTRIBUTE – Accuracy
One of Portugal’s gems this stunning course is totally different to Victoria with its parkland feel set through the beautiful Pine trees and rolling fairways. This will test every part of the game and probably slightly favours the long hitters though sound course management will be key. Decent scores can be had and the Calco winner could come from well off the pace if the leaders falter.
KEY ATTRIBUTE – Power and sound course management
STORY OF LAST YEAR
Peter Burke was a deserving winner of the Calco Cup on the beautiful Royal & Ocean courses in Val De Lobo. A first day lead was reduced at the halfway stage on the last day but a magnificent final nine holes saw Pete come home to beat Rick Oakes comfortably by 5 points to lift the trophy for a record 3rd time. A superb debut from rookie Simon Woolridge back in 3rd and creditable effort from Jez Stanley who just denied the gambled on Steve Hardwick for 4th spot saving Bells Bookies a small fortune. At the Moose end of the Calco there was some sorry stories and some worrying downward slides from the likes of Chris Ramm, Ben Moyle and particularly Kevin Ulla. But none worse than the wild Craig Lightowler who was moosette, and the unimaginable happened Wallis (South) disgracefully fell apart (quite literally) to finish up moose 2015!
Popular Calco player who has got better and better and would surely contend if improving again, a 3 shot slash seems harsh despite the fact he plays regularly these days, top half for sure but will do well to win.
Bells Bookies ….. To Win 20/1 To Moose 100/1
DAVID BELL
Previous 13 years (27/26/31/28/21/13/23/22/15/20/-/-/-)
Handicap -28 (28 last year)
Our resident bookie has done well to avoid being moose the last three years but with a few of the lesser players getting a shot or two back this year it will be harder as he can go no lower than 28, played well on first round of Calco Pairs out scoring some big names which gives some hope though recent skiing accident a cause for concern.
Bells Bookies …… To Win 250/1 To Moose 7/4
PETER BURKE
Previous 13 years (1/3/10/-/-/-/-/-/-/-1/-/1/-)
Handicap -5 (9 last year)
Defending Calco champion and record 3 time winner has been set a tough task here being cut 4 shots and rightly so. Don’t rule him out though as these tough courses play into the hands of the lower handicappers, two rounds around the 30 point mark would be in contention and our Southern 2017 Ryder Cup captain can easily do that even off 5.
Bells Bookies …. To win 12/1 To moose 250/1
GARY BURROWS
Previous 13 years (13/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -21 (23 last year)
A creditable 13th on Calco debut last year sees a surprising 2 shot cut which seems a touch harsh. One of our more lively players on and off the course will do well to better that this year, 20/1 seems a bit skinny to win but certainly won’t moose.
Bells Bookies … To win 20/1 To moose 50/1
STEPHEN CALLAGHAN
Previous 13 years (25/30/19/22/24/17/24/12/17/17/15/15/12)
Handicap -28 (28 last year)
Yet to make a top 10 finish in a Calco and a four time moose. Will be in a tough battle for that spot again this year unless something goes wrong, like last year, with one of the proper golfers getting injured or something!!! 15/1 ew to moose is possibly the stand out bet of the whole event, as usual he will no doubt talk a good game and keep us entertained.
Bells Bookies… To win 100/1 To moose 15/1
JOHN CLEMENTS
Calco Debut
Handicap -19
Calco debut and a player who will be popular on and off the course, especially at the karaoke as he does a mean ‘Elvis’ ! Off 19 on these tough courses I can only see him struggling and don’t be surprised if he gets dragged into the bottom 4 or 5.
Bells Bookies…. To win 50/1 To moose 20/1
MARTIN CROSSFIELD
Previous 13 years (15/-/-/15/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -23 (24 last year)
Mid table in two Calco’s and given no help here with a shot gone. Has put the hard yards in this year and played well on opening round last year, but like many the beer and occasion got to him as he slipped down the field. Can’t win but can’t moose either.
Bells Bookies…. To win 25/1 To moose 60/1
JIMMY CURLEY
Previous 13 years (-/25/4/12/6/3/19/8/14/6/14/10/1)
Handicap -17
Missed last year with injury and another who has been set a tough task off handicap. Steady as a rock though and one of the Calco stalwarts who will enjoy the trip, might be looking over his shoulder this year if the higher handicappers play well.
Bells Bookies …. To win 60/1 To moose 30/1
ADAM DAVISON
Calco Debut
Handicap -20
Calco debut for Adam and he should enjoy the best golf event of the year. Been told accuracy not length might be his weakness and will need nerves of steel if experiencing the moose group. He has been warned it’s not a nice place to be!
Bells Bookies… To win 40/1 To moose 20/1
ALAN DOIG
Previous 13 years (14/31/13/18/1/27/7/9/4/8/-/-/-)
Handicap -15 (16 last year)
A mixed bag recently for our 2011 Belfry winner and another who has a 1 shot cut from last year which is a negative. Played well in the Calco pairs earlier in the year so more of a positive there and if coming with his A game and staying away from any disastrous injuries might still figure, well backed to do so!
Bells bookies .. To win 20/1 To moose 30/1
PAUL EPHREMSEN
Previous 13 years (12/2/30/19/7/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -13 (13 last year)
Solid last year without threatening and a good runner up the year before off a great Ryder Cup Challenge. Difficult to gauge as consistency not Pauls strong point. Major player if on song and has definitely got a Calco in him but priced accordingly, 50/1 to moose more interesting!!!
Bells Bookies.. To win 20/1 To moose 50/1
ANDY FEARNSIDES
Previous 13 years (11/12/6/3/2/23/6/3/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -15 (14 last year)
5 top 10’s to his name and another who was solid but unspectacular last year, but a shot back this year and a touch more focus will see him contend for sure. Has the game and looks a tremendous e.w bet to win the Calco, can’t see him being out of the top 5.
Bells bookies.. To win 20/1 To moose 50/1
ROB FLEMING
Previous 13 years (16/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -7 (7 last year)
Poor first round last year when well fancied to land the Calco on debut. This put paid to the big man’s chances and admits himself how bitterly disappointed he was with his performance. A swing to die for and certain to contend this year if 20 gallons of alcohol doesn’t get in the way. Future Ryder Cup Challenge captain and massive chance on these tough courses.
Bells Bookies… To win 20/1 To moose 100/1
PETER FORSTER
Previous 13 years (6/10/3/9/4/7/2/21/2/4/1/2/4)
Handicap -9 (9 last year)
Never missed a Calco and the event wouldn’t be the same without Fozzie. Mr consistency himself and another top 10 last year to add to his previous 10. With Pete being chopped and no Rick Oakes he will be eyeing up a second Calco victory and all would agree that would be a very popular one, 25/1 too big in my opinion.
Bells Bookies.. To win 25/1 To moose 250/1
STEVE HARDWICK
Previous 13 years (5/29/15/5/19/18/13/23/10/13/10/13/6)
Handicap -15 (16 last year)
Tremendous effort last year finishing 5th and is in the form of his life (so he tells me)!!! A memorable victory in the Calco Pairs in April with his sidekick Phil Lister has seen him the best backed player in this year’s renewal so far. This could be a false dawn and a shot gone might see that choking tag return.
Bells Bookies.. To win 15/1 To moose 100/1
ANDREW HOLDER
Previous 13 years (-/-/-/24/9/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -17
Returns to the Calco after two appearances in 2012 (24th) and 2011 (9th) when playing off 14, so now on a reasonable handicap mark, could be one to watch. Of course the amount of alcohol consumed by those up North plays a large part in performances and been told another who is easily led astray!
Bells Bookies … To win 40/1 To moose 25/1
JIM HOLLIDAY
Calco debut
Handicap -18
Calco debut for our popular southern star of the future. We haven’t seen the best of him yet in two Ryder Cup Challenges but our Jim can play a bit and not impossible for him to make the frame. Can’t see why there’s money for him to moose, certainly be on a par with our Northern friends in the drinking stakes!
Bells Bookies … To win 40/1 To moose 12/1
ANDY KAYE
Previous 13 years (10/20/5/8/14/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -18 (17 last year)
Creditable 10th last time and helped with a shot back this year. Will fancy his chances here a bit though the Old Course might see those players like Andy struggle as the Pines can get in the way for those banana shaped drives! Be value to win his 4 ball on Victoria on opening day as course will suit.
Bells Bookies.. To win 30/1 To moose 40/1
CRAIG LIGHTOWLER
Previous 13 years (29/6/23/26/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -20 (18 last year)
Played awful last year and should have really took the moose honours but that I’m sure was only a blip. A good 6th in 2014 and a better showing expected and could be a value E/W bet at 60/1 given the fact he has 2 shots back from the handicap committee.
Bells Bookies.. To win 60/1 To moose 10/1
PHIL LISTER
Previous 13 years (22/21/16/13/-/16/18/-/-/-/3/6/2)
Handicap -17 (16 last year)
Was awesome in the Calco Pairs in April with partner Steve Hardwick but sadly his recent form in Calco is awful. A shot back here might see some value seekers but the facts speak for themselves and Mr Lister doesn’t travel well and has to be avoided when abroad, though he won’t moose!
Bells Bookies … To win 25/1 To moose 60/1
KEITH LOUGHRAN
Previous 13 years (20/24/27/-/22/10/20/14/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -26 (24 last year)
A very generous 26 handicap this year should see Keith climb into mid table security at least. But he’s still a long way off a Ferrari, more a reliable Vauxhall Corsa, might find the Old Course challenging to say the least so needs a decent first day.
Bells Bookies… To win 100/1 To moose 12/1
BEN MOYLE
Previous 13 years (28/28/1/11/3/8-/-/9/15/6/3/9)
Handicap -17 (16 last year)
On a serious downward slide after winning in 2013 and even getting a shot back might not help. Injuries and a lack of preparation have not helped and another struggle here expected. Will do well to keep out of moose group and 40/1 for that honour is way too big.
Bells Bookies…. To win 40/1 To moose 40/1
CHRIS RAMM
Previous 13 years (23/17/7/13/9/5/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -18 (18 last year)
Another player going backwards rather than forwards which shouldn’t happen with a swing like his. recent shoulder operation not ideal either and will need to concentrate and focus or he could be in real trouble here.
Bells Bookies… To win 40/1 To moose 25/1
PAUL RICH
Calco Debut
Handicap -21
Ruffled a few feathers in last 2 Ryder Cup Challenges and very nicely in here off 21 on Calco debut. Is much better than that on his day and in what I expect to be 2 low scoring days 2 x 30 points might well win this and that is certainly in his range.
Bells Bookies … To win 30/1 To moose 40/1
AL SUMNER
Previous 13 years (18/1/-/-/-/2/-/2/1/10/8/-/-)
Handicap -12 (13 last year)
Former 2 time winner had a poor Calco last year but should be back with a bang here with an extra shot back. Tough courses like last year might just see him struggle to break into top 5 but won’t be down the bottom end again for sure.
Bells Bookies… To win 20/1 To moose 80/1
STEVE TATTERSFIELD
Previous 13 years (19/7/9/6/8/11/1/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -12 (11 last year)
Big hitting Tatts was another to have a shocker last year and surely that won’t happen again. Has got a shot back for that and more than capable of lifting the Calco trophy for a second time. Burnt up the course in Calco warm up, hint dropped!
Bells Bookies … To win 15/1 To moose 100/1
DAMIEN THORNGATE
Calco Debut
Handicap -12
A fine player on his day and was the star for the South in the 2013 Ryder Cup Challenge. Will be on many peoples shortlist and has big expectations himself on his Calco debut.
Bells Bookies .. To win 25/1 To moose 100/1
KEVIN ULLA
Previous 13 years (24/11/8/2/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -14 (12 last year)
Dramatic dip in form for our cockney hero in the last two Calco’s has seen a generous 2 shot gain from the handicap committee. If back to anywhere near his best form certain to be in the mix, our bookie thinks different with dismissive 50/1 quotes and he might well be correct. Still good value to me and I’ve had a nibble.
Bells Bookies .. To win 50/1 To moose 50/1
MARK WALLIS (North)
Previous 13 years (26/19/18/21/23/20/22/24/19/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -22 (20 last year)
Perennial struggler but two shots back here a relief and should keep him away from the moose group. Would certainly need more here to win and probably only value to finish in front of his namesake if David wants to price it up.
Bells Bookies … To win 40/1 To moose 30/1
MARK WALLIS (South)
Previous 13 years (30/15/2/20/18/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -18 (17 last year)
If I was one of our dogs I would be an A9 rag seeking help from the grader to be able to win. Catastrophic disaster last year and ashamedly took the moose honours. Crippling back injury didn’t help but course management and temperament shocking, incredibly only gets one shot back for that so only an inspirational runner up place in 2012 the only thing to draw confidence from. Game in horrible shape this year and set to struggle again!
Bells Bookies … To win 50/1 To moose 30/1
CRAIG WHELAN
Calco Debut
Handicap -23
The man responsible for our superb web site and makes his Calco debut. Reasonable game for a 23 handicapper but will need to hold his nerve here and patience is the name of the game. Played ok in the Calco Pairs but this is tougher and the fear of wearing those Antlers can make any man crumble!
Bells Bookies … To win ?? To moose ??
GAVIN WHITWORTH
Previous 13 years (9/9/11/10/16/6/11/1/20/17/-/-/-)
Handicap -16 (16 last year)
Fully committed golfer who looks guaranteed to record another top 10 but really needs to find a bit extra to win for a second time. Has as much chance of moosing as me hitting a straight drive (zero) and would be another popular Golden Goose.
Bells Bookies … To win 30/1 To moose 50/1
SIMON WOOLRIDGE
Previous 13 years (3/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -7 (7 last year)
Brilliant 3rd on Calco debut made even more remarkable after the sick bag incident, sure fire Ryder Cup Challenge player (which team though North or South?) and nice guy. Rumours are he has been practising all year with this in mind and can play off lower than the 7 he has been handicapped with. Huge runner and my favourite to take overall honours.
Bells Bookies .. To win 6/1 To moose 250/1
JEFF WIND
Previous 13 years (17/17/26/-12/12/4/17/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -19 (17 last year)
Comfortable around mid-table but massive boost getting 2 shots back. I’m hearing he’s playing well at the moment so could be a surprise name near the top if he can handle the breeze at Victoria, and with a name like Wind why not, one for the value seekers.
Bells Bookies .. To win 50/1 To moose 40/1
ANDY YATES
Previous 13 years (8/16/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -15 (16 last year)
Lovely striker of the ball and very respectable 8th last year though a shot gone is another handicap committee mystery. Still expect another good performance on and off the course!!
3/1 Simon Woolridge, 12/1 Pete Burke, 16/1 Steve Tattersfield, Rob Fleming 20/1 Peter Forster, Steve Hardwick, Andy Fearnsides, 25/1 Micky Baldwin, Damien Thorngate, Paul Ephremsen, Al Sumner 33/1 Phil Lister, Jeff Wind, Gary Burrows, Andrew Holder, Gavin Whitworth, Kevin Ulla, Paul Rich, 40/1 Gary Burrows, Andrew Yates, Jim Holiday, Alan Doig, Andy Kaye, Martin Crossfield 50/1 Craig Whelan, Chris Ramm, Mark Wallis (south), John Clements, Ben Moyle, Jimmy Curley, 66/1 Craig Lightowler, Keith Loughran, 100/1 Mark Wallis (North), 150/1 Stephen Callaghan, 200/1 David Bell
FORMGUIDE SUMMARY
A record amount of players do battle in Vilamoura this year all dreaming of lifting that coveted Calco Cup, but in my opinion I can only see half a dozen being involved in the overall honours. Victoria is the toughest course in Vilamoura if not the Algarve and if the breeze gets up, which it often does, every point will be at a premium. 30 points will be an excellent score here. The last day is at the magnificent Old Course which is easier but long and accuracy is required as the Pine trees are a real hazard. There will be nobody over 70 points this year, the winner will be a lower handicapper and one who can cut the blobs out so look no further than the ante post favourite with SIMON WOOLRIDGE!! An excellent debut when 3rd last year and word is he is in great form and two solid rounds can see him lift the Cup. Two big boys, and I don’t mean just their drives! STEVE TATTERSFIELD & ANDY FEARNSIDES will relish these courses and can chase Simon Woolridge home and ROB FLEMMING can’t possibly play any worse than last year and can make the frame. With our resident bookie paying the first 5 places look for a surprise and best of the six Calco debutants could be PAUL RICH who is off a tidy 21 handicap and can also pinch a place at a tasty 30/1.
The Moose will always be far more interesting than it should be and Mr Wallis (south) will definitely get rid of those antlers this year if avoiding injury before we leave. With a few players like Keith Loughran, Mark Wallis (north) and Craig Lightowler getting a couple of shots back it will make it tough for the likes of David Bell and STEPHEN CALLAGHAN who at 15/1 is massive value and a must bet e.w to be in the bottom 5 and to moose abroad for the first time (sorry Calla). There was three surprise names in the moose group last year, Wallis (south), Ulla and Ramm and I expect there might be a couple this year, Ben Moyle is worryingly playing like a plonker and Jimmy Curley has been suffering with injuries and will need to dig deep to avoid this fate.
FORMGUIDE SELECTIONS
1st – SIMON WOOLRIDGE 6/1
2nd – ANDY FEARNSIDES 15/1
3rd – STEPHEN TATTERSFIELD 20/1
4th – ROB FLEMING 20/1
5th – PAUL RICH 30/1
The other end!
30th – JOHN CLEMENTS 15/1
31st – BEN MOYLE 30/1
32nd – JIMMY CURLEY 40/1
33rd – MARK WALLIS (North) 30/1
34th – DAVID BELL 7/4
35th – STEPHEN CALLAGHAN 15/1
Good luck !
Mark Wallis (soon to be ex moose)
Handicaps
Peter Burke
5
Simon Woolridge
7
Robbe Fleming
7
Peter Forster
9
Damien Thorngate
12
Steve Tattersfield
12
Paul Ephremsen
13
Alan Sumner
13
Kevin Ulla
14
Andy Fearnsides
15
Andrew Yates
15
Alan Doig
15
Steve Hardwick
15
Gav Whitworth
16
Jez Stanley (Withdrawn through injury)
16
Mick Baldwin
16
Andrew Holder
17
Jimmy Curley
17
Ben Moyle
17
Phil Lister
17
Chris Ramm
18
Andy Kaye
18
Mark Wallis (S)
18
Jim Holiday
18
John Clements
19
Jeff Wind
19
Craig Lightowler
20
Adam Davison
20
Garry Burrows
21
Paul Rich
21
Mark Wallis (N)
22
Martin Crossfield
23
Craig Whelan
23
Keith Loughran
26
Stephen Callaghan
28
Graham Copley (Withdrawn through injury)
28
David Bell
28
The Draw
Jim Holiday Jeff Wind Jimmy Curley Stephen Callaghan
Micky Baldwin Mark Wallis (N) Andrew Holder Keith Loughran
Ben Moyle Paul Ephremsen Andy Kaye Peter Burke
Robbe Fleming Martin Crossfield Simon Woolridge Peter Forster
Andrew Yates Garry Burrows Alan Doig Steve Hardwick
John Clements Mark Wallis (S) Jez Stanley (Withdrawn through injury) Craig Whelan Steve Tattersfield
Chris Ramm Andy Fearnsides Damien Thorngate Kevin Ulla
Graham Copley (Withdrawn through injury) Paul Rich Gav Whitworth Alan Sumner
Phil Lister Craig Lightowler Adam Davison
David Bell
