Gentlemen start your engines, it’s all roads leading to Vale de Lobo as a fine selection of the Uk’s most talented golfers gear up for the 2017 Calco cup.
A BIT ABOUT THE CALCO’s 17th EVENT
You’ll need to get to the range boys and fine tune your swing, cos there’s only one winner, just ask big bad Jim.
Our winner elite yes he came from darn sarf, we’re just hoping this year on the tee he won’t barf.
The top end sees golfers with handicaps low, Vale de lobo’s the scene boys but will you all show?
You seem to turn up thinking par after par, but it’s all gone & ruined with one night at the bar.
Yes the beer & fun, the laugh and a joke, bizzarely each year seems to see people choke.
One thing is for sure at the top there’s some players, but remember this year boys you’ll need to be stayers.
Then there’s the ‘comforts’ who sit in the middle, perhaps our committee a wee handicap fiddle?
Just a slight tweak here and a little pull there, to make top and bottom a bit more fair.
That way on day two there’ll be more in the mix, smiling or ashen faced making great pics.
Our lower end golfers have something to fear, cos judging on Close house Dave Bell will pull clear.
We see the return of ex Moose Ady Clough, but with a hat & some sun cream he’ll prove good enough.
The sun on his back will leave Callaghan clear, but taking these 3 out means there’s something to fear!
The antlers are waiting but who will it be? there’ll be twists & some churns boys so let’s wait and see.
There’s plenty of money as the elite all fly in, work your short irons boys for the nearest the pin.
The auction as always gets things underway, where we all become experts well at least for one day!
Ding dong of Bell’s bookies will work his magic again….remember 2013? when NO-ONE backed Ben!
High handicappers seem to be raising their game, a virgin moose beckons If so,, what a shame!
This major event has travelled far, camaraderie boys? we’ll see you AT THE BAR
Buenos knockers!
Steve & Stephen
(the two halves that make up THE SAS)
The Warm Up
The weather was good to us on the Calco losener with the sun shining. However the wind showed its face to make this a testing day for everyone. This year was a pairs event and some decent scores were posted. Chris Ramm & Ben, Martin and AK posting 38 points. Craig and Mr Woolridge a 37 whilst the first man out Phil Lister ( Batley ) with partner Joe Buckley posted a creditable 36. The winners were Hardwick & Baldwin with 42 points with second going to Phil Cawtheray and Stephen Callaghan, yes Calla, with 40 points. However Calla did have an incident in the trees which nearly put him in A&E! I’ll let him tell you about that one. Individually the form players on the day were Baldwin, Ramm, Lightowler, Hardwick and Cawtheray. Ones at the wrong end and something to worry about at this late stage were Clough, Kaye, Moyle and a struggling 14 points from Adam Davo!!!
The draw evening went well with some light entertainment provided by a local magician. I think it was Doigy who said “If you really want to impress me can you turn Calla into a golfer?” The reply came “ I’m a magician not a miracle worker!”
Anyway 5 weeks to go boys so still time to increase those driving distances, tweak those iron shots and improve your percentage putting.
See you in the sun on the 13th.
Steve & Stephen ( The two halves that make up the SAS! )
Handicaps
Peter Burke
5
Rob Fleming
7
Simon Woolridge
8
Peter Forster
9
Steve Tattersfield
11
Andy Fearnsides
12
Damien Thorngate
12
Alan Sumner
13
Kevin Ulla
13
Jimmy Holiday
14
Gav Whitworth
14
Paul Ephremsen
15
Phil Lister
15
Andrew (Yella) Yates
15
Alan Doig
16
Steve Hardwick
16
Micky Baldwin
17
Andrew Holder
17
Andrew Kaye
18
James Curley
18
Chris Ramm
18
Ben Moyle
18
Mark Wallis (S)
18
John Clements
18
Craig Lightowler
18
Garry Burrows
18
Adam Davison
20
Phil Cawtheray
20
Paul Rich
20
Martin Crossfield
22
Mark Wallis (N)
23
Paul Cawtheray
24
Ady Clough
24
Keith Loughran
26
David Bell
28
Stephen Callaghan
28
The Draw
Phil Lister Andrew Holder Steve Hardwick Andy Fearnsides
David Bell Steve Tattersfield Stephen Callaghan Micky Baldwin
Garry Burrows John Clements Ady Clough Adam Davison
Gav Whitworth Jimmy Holiday Craig Lightowler Martin Crossfield
Peter Burke Andrew Kaye Simon Woolridge Ben Moyle
Rob Fleming Andrew Yates Alan Doig Christopher Ramm
James Curley Phil Cawtheray Peter Forster Mark Wallis (N)
Mark Wallis (S) Alan Sumner Kevin Ulla Paul Rich
Keith Loughran Damien Thorngate Paul Cawtheray Paul Ephremsen
CALCO CUP 2017 – FORM GUIDE
PORTUGAL
Venue – Val De Lobo (Royal & Ocean courses)
FIELD – 36
PREVIOUS CALCO WINNERS TAKING PART
Pete Burke (3), Al Sumner (2), Ben Moyle (2), Alan Doig, Steve Tattersfield, Gav Whitworth, Peter Forster, Jimmy Curley & Jimmy Holliday
PREVIOUS CALCO MOOSES TAKING PART
Stephen Callaghan (4), David Bell (3), Mark Wallis (N), Gavin Whitworth, Ady Clough & Mark Wallis (S)
WHERE AND WHEN TO BET
Bells Bookies (David Bell) by start of play 14th September
ROYAL – 6059m par 72
A delightful course that has rolling fairways, pine trees and six holes with water to negotiate, accuracy off the tee is key rather than length, the par threes are tricky particularly the 9th with its Island green and the world famous 16th with its cliff-top carryover, patience is a must and the famous saying you can’t win the Calco on the first day but you can certainly lose it! Anyone with 30 + points on the first day will be in with a chance of landing the coveted trophy.
Key attribute – Accuracy
OCEAN – 6137m par 73
This stunning course features undulating fairways which run alongside a nature reserve before leading gently down to the shores of the Atlantic. Probably a couple of shots more difficult than the Royal as you really need to shape some shots and your putting will be tested on undulating greens, two testing par 4’s, the 11th and the 14th, give some spectacular views of the Algarve and the par 3 15th runs alongside the beach. The Calco will be won on the tight uphill par 5 18th and will test the leaders nerve to the full.
Key Attribute – Accuracy & touch
STORY OF LAST YEAR
Much has been written and said about a memorable win for Jimmy Holliday on his Calco Debut. A first day lead evaporated by the 9th on the second day, but a masterful back nine saw him lift the trophy amidst wild celebrations. Gary Burrows had a second day to remember to come from well off the pace. Northern Ryder Cup captain Steve Tattersfield was odds on in running on the back nine but things didn’t go his way and he slipped to 5th while Alan Doig & Gavin Whitworth had great Calco’s finishing strongly to claim 3rd & 4th respectively. Sadly the moose was only going one way as a slightly injured and under prepared David Bell took the unfortunate honours. A poor Ben Moyle claimed the moosette and some surprises just in front of him with the likes of Paul Ephremsen & Phil Lister who’s games were in disarray.
1st – Jimmy Holliday (40/1)
2nd – Gary Burrows (20/1)
3rd – Gav Whitworth (30/1)
4th – Alan Doig (20/1)
5th – Steve Tattersfield (12/1)
Moose – David Bell (7/4)
Moosette – Ben Moyle (40/1)
FORM GUIDE
2016 – 35 players
2015 – 30 (2 withdrawals)
2014 – 32
2013 – 32
2012 – 28
2011 – 24
2010 – 24
2009 – 24
2008 – 24
2007 – 20
2006 – 20
2005 – 16
2004 – 15
2003 – 12
PLAYER PROFILES
MICKY BALDWIN
Previous 14 years (11/7/8/28/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -17 (16 last year)
A major player this year and Micky B’ s eyes must have lit up when he saw that he had got a shot back from a solid effort when 11th in 2016, hits the ball a country mile and if he can gain a touch more accuracy he will go close to landing the Calco. One of the favourites for sure, playing in group with Calla might be distracting though and let’s hope we don’t have another ‘Toiletgate’ incident!
Bells Bookies – To Win 8/1 To Moose 250/1
DAVID BELL
Previous 14 years (35/27/26/31/28/21/13/23/22/15/20/-/-/-)
Handicap -28 (28 last year)
Took last years moose honours but was under prepared. An inspiring Ryder Cup campaign at Close House in May where he won 2 out of 3 points (could easily have been 3 from 3). Must give our bookie huge confidence, only needs to play within himself and make the right shot selections which is key to these courses and a top half beckons as there are plenty of players who face tough handicaps. Avoiding the moose will be his key objective.
Bells Bookies – To Win 100/1 To Moose 7/2
PETER BURKE
previous 14 years (10/1/3/10/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/-/1/-)
Handicap -5 (5 last year)
A three time winner and Calco champion over course and distance in 2015. Is a proven Val De Lobo player and our Ryder Cup Captain is a joy on and off the course. Certainly off 5 he is our lowest handicapped player and his superb overall game means he still has a chance. Maybe not at his best in the Ryder Cup with the pressure of being captain and just maybe there are a few better handicapped, won’t be out the top 10 though.
Bells Bookies – To Win 15/1 To Moose 250/1
GARY BURROWS
Previous 14 years (2/13/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -18 (21 last year)
A three shot cut for not winning last year, now I don’t understand that! Brilliant 2nd in 2016 coming from off the pace confirming promise from 2015. Been in tremendous form this year from what I hear, always a pleasure to be around and doesn’t take it too seriously which is a plus, will do well to contend off new mark and top 10 at best in my book.
Bells Bookies – To Win 15/1 To Moose 100/1
STEPHEN CALLAGHAN
Previous 14 years (16/25/30/19/22/24/17/24/12/17/17/15/15/12)
Handicap -28 (28 last year)
Outside Jimmy Holliday’s stunning victory last year ‘Calla’s’ 16th place finish was the stand out result in the Calco Cup and didn’t we hear about it. I hate to say it but he played very well, so that’s the niceties over!! This year in the Ryder Cup he was dire and he’s a four time moose who’s never made a top 10! What a great draw playing with David Bell in his group and his chief rival for the moose honours! This could either inspire each other to safety or alternatively drag each other down. If it goes wrong being out in the second group might mean the remaining groups at the back will be playing in the dark!
Bells Bookies – To Win 75/1 To Moose 4/1
PAUL CAWTHERAY
Previous 14 years (-/-/22/17/14/-/19/14/-/-/14/13/8/-/-)
Handicap – 24 (21 in 2014)
Welcome return to the fray for Paul and sure to embrace this bigger and better Calco and enjoy what he has missed the last couple of years. Probably be first to admit his golf wouldn’t be on a level to contend, but given a generous 24 shouldn’t really moose. But who knows in the pressure cauldron of a moose group or even near it these days so might just be looking over his shoulder.
Bells Bookies – To Win 50/1 To Moose 30/1
PHIL CAWTHERAY
Previous 14 years (-/21/5/20/16/-/5/21/11/16/-/-/-/-)
Handicap – 20 (19 2015)
Also back this year as well is Phil and I’m sure he can’t wait for the heat of the battle. A great 5th in 2014 but overall a bit of a mixed bag and only 21st on these two tough courses in 2015 so will need to raise his game not to be at the wrong end of the leaderboard. Very capable though and could surprise again.
Bells Bookies – To Win 50/1 To Moose 40/1
JOHN 'ELVIS' CLEMENTS
Previous 14 years (12/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap – 18 (19 last year)
Very good Calco Cup debut in 2016 finishing a creditable 12th but 10 points off the winner and he must of choked on his meat pie when he found out he had lost a shot and is now off 18! Could be in trouble of this mark and will need everything to go his way not to be down near the moose group. He will, however, be delighted that ‘Elvis’ is the theme for the fancy dress night but then again I don’t think anyone has ever seen an Elvis wearing a mooses head, now that will be funny!
Bells Bookies – To Win 30/1 To Moose 40/1
MARTIN CROSSFIELD
Previous 14 years (25/15/-/-/15/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -22 (23 last year)
Has a reasonable all round game and if on song he can keep out of trouble. Had a poor first day in 2016 and was one of three surprises in the moose group, but a very respectable final day with 34 points made sure of safety. Incredibly cut by one shot for that effort which must leave him scratching his head and will have to concentrate not to get dragged into the dreaded bottom end.
Bells Bookies – To Win 40/1 To Moose 40/1
ADY CLOUGH
Previous 14 years (-/-/32/24/27/17/-/17/-/12/-/-/-/-)
Handicap – 24 (19 in 2014)
Ady back after moosing in 2014 and Bookies seem to think he will be struggling again, though a 5 shot difference should really see him clear of trouble. Good to have him back on the tour and will enjoy the usual drink and banter.
Bells Bookies – To Win 75/1 To Moose 9/2
JIMMY CURLEY
Previous 14 years (21/-/24/4/12/6/3/19/8/14/6/14/10/1)
Handicap – 18 (17 last year)
Veteran performer who won the Calco Cup way back in 2003. Just back to full fitness and played well to beat yours truly in R/C singles and gets some more help from the handicapper after an average 21st place in 2016. His winning days may have gone but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him get in the top 10 and maybe good value for an each way place.
Bells Bookies – To Win 30/1 To Moose 40/1
ADAM DAVISON
Previous 14 years (18/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap – 18 (18 last year)
A reasonable Calco debut last year finishing 18th and a good ball striker. Preparations not gone well apparently with a shocker in the Warm Up event, but a bit of sun on his back and a few beers down his neck and he can stay out of trouble. Plenty of money for him and that’s not to win, shrewdies might target Adam in the auction.
Bells Bookies – To Win 50/1 To Moose 20/1
ALAN DOIG
Previous 14 years (4/14/31/13/18/1/27/7/9/4/8/-/-/-)
Handicap -16 (15 last year)
No doubt Doigy is one of the Calco lads who epitomises what the event is all about and to say he enjoys himself is an understatement. A winner in 2010 he has since challenged at both ends of the leaderboard. Had a superb final day in 2016 top scoring with 40 points and coming from way off the pace to finish 4th. Amazingly he gets a shot back for that effort and that along with a superb Ryder Cup behind him where he took the Southerns best player, Jason Heath, to the last hole in the singles, makes him my Nap to land the spoils this year. I can’t see him being out the top 5 to be honest.
Bells Bookies – To Win 15/1 To Moose 100/1
PAUL EPHREMSEN
Previous 14 years (33/12/2/30/19/7/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -15 (13 last year)
One of my tips to finish in the bottom four (50/1) last year and he proved me right with a poor two days finishing 33rd. Confidence was low then but he has played well virtually all year and though he can blow hot or cold when on his game Paul can be devastating. If all parts of his game are firing then the so unbelievable generosity of getting two shots back should see him right at the top end and could be Alan Doigs biggest challenger.
Bells Bookies – To Win 25/1 To Moose 40/1
ANDY FEARNSIDES
Previous 14 years (7/11/12/6/3/2/23/6/13/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -12 (15 last year)
What has poor old Fearny done to upset the SAS handicap committee! A good 7th last year off 15 but now finds himself playing off 12! Yes he wins his weekend events at his local course and his Calco form is very good but not outstanding and he has never won. That won’t change here and will probably do well to make top 10, we won’t mention the Calco singles either! A fantastic lad though and will enjoy himself to the max.
Bells Bookies – To Win 25/1 To Moose 100/1
ROB FLEMING
Previous 14 years (17/16/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -7 (7 last year)
Two average performances so far in his Calco history, but a brilliant Ryder Cup in May where Rob was the Norths best player, has seen him as one of the favourites less than a month away from the big event. Superb swing and has the game to contend but is another one who likes to party a bit and turning up in his best shape is certainly not guaranteed.
Bells Bookies – To Win 10/1 To Moose 100/1
PETER FORSTER
Previous 14 years (9/6/10/3/9/4/7/2/21/2/4/2/1/4)
Handicap -9 (9 last year)
Another solid performance from ultra consistent Foz, probably needs a shot or 2 back to lift the trophy again but discount at your peril. Absent from R/C this year which could well have cost the North outright victory. Top 10 material only for me and without doubt the Calco Cup would not be the same without him.
Bells Bookies – To Win 30/1 To Moose 100/1
STEVE HARDWICK
Previous 14 years (30/5/29/15/5/19/18/13/23/10/13/10/13/6)
Handicap -16 (15 last year)
Must be good being on the handicap committee and getting a shot back lol! If Steve plays like last year 10 shots won’t help! Scrambled a point in the R/C but has been In good form in his Calco preparation at home but this is where it matters. Played well in his last visit to Vale Do Lobo finishing an excellent 5th, generally top half at best and most likely will be losing a few euros to me over two days!
Bells Bookies – To Win 15/1 To Moose 100/1
ANDREW HOLDER
Previous 14 years (27/-/-/-/24/9/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -17 (17 last year)
Definitely has the game to contend but temperament suspect. Great first day last year but folded tamely in the heat of the battle on second day. Difficult to way up overall and only a bet for those feeling lucky!
Bells Bookies – To Win 40/1 To Moose 50/1
JIM HOLLIDAY
Previous 14 years (1/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap – 14 (18 last year)
Quietly fancied last year by Form Guide though a drifter leading into the event. Blew the Calco Cup into a sea of celebration with a magnificent victory on debut and a relatively skinner for Bells Bookies. Poor R/C in May where Jimmy couldn’t get going and a 4 shot slash could spell big trouble. We’ve had a moose to a golden goose and could we see a reverse for the first time?? Classy player when/if he can get his confidence back.
Bells Bookies – To Win 50/1 To Moose 40/1
ANDY KAYE
Previous 14 years (8/10/20/5/8/14/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -18 (18 last year)
Another solid top 10 last year and 10th last time at Val De Lobo makes the plunge on AK to moose a complete mystery. Obviously those close to home can see some chinks in the armour but for me I can see him definitely contending and now huge value to do so. He certainly likes the Portuguese air as well as the odd few pints sunk afterwards!
Bells Bookies – To Win 30/1 To Moose 35/1
CRAIG LIGHTOWLER
Previous 14 years (29/29/6/23/26/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -18 (20 last year)
Wow! A two shot cut after two Calco performances that by Craig’s admission leave a lot to be desired. His best game is definitely saved for the 19th hole in the harbour!! Lucky not to moose when last at Vale Do Lobo and will need to get off to a flyer here. A good 6th in 2014 and reportedly playing well at home but could be in real trouble here.
Bells Bookies – Ton Win 50/1 To Moose 15/1
PHIL LISTER
Previous 14 years (32/22/21/16/13/-/16/18/-/-/-/3/6/2)
Handicap -15 (17 last year)
Now then a shocking 32nd last year and below average when last seen at Vale Do Lobo in 2015 could spell trouble for our current Calco Pairs champion. Not a great R/C either with only 1 scrambled point!! A two shot slash to boot and a fella who can’t swing a club outside of Howley golf club means he is banker material to contend for the moose. Only hope is that his Pairs buddy is in his first day four ball and a bit of Hardwick love might help!
Bells Bookies – To Win 30/1 To Moose 60/1
KEITH LOUGHRAN
Previous 14 years (19/20/24/27/-/22/10/20/14/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -26 (26 last year)
Plugs away gamely and never looks in danger of moosing but equally no chance of Calco glory on these tough courses. Great fella to have on tour and as reliable as Calco Flyer at Romford, hopefully he can avoid being in Calla’s group on the last day!
Bells Bookies – To Win 50/1 To Moose 30/1
BEN MOYLE
Previous 14 years (32/28/28/1/11/3/8/-/-/9/15/6/3/9
Handicap -18 (17 last year)
Form figures over the last three years tell a sorry story after his tremendous and popular victory in 2013. That win came as a shock but it would be an even bigger one if he was to do so again, despite getting a shot back from last year. Poor R/C and totally injury prone the moosette from last year could well turn into a moose, really should do better!
Bells Bookies – To Win 75/1 To Moose 10/1
CHRIS RAMM
Previous 14 years (wd/23/17/7/13/9/5/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -18 (18 last year)
Like Ben a bit injury prone and forced to withdraw last year just before the off. Difficult to weigh up as best form is at home from all accounts and another one from the North who doesn’t travel well. Poor R/C and was in moose group on last visit to Vale Do Lobo so nothing really to get inspired about for our sharpshooter. Those antlers would look good with his police uniform!
Bells Bookies – To Win 35/1 To Moose 50/1
PAUL RICH
Previous 14 years (24/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap – 20 (21 last year)
Below average on his Calco debut last year and capable of much better but really lacks consistency and won’t be pleased at losing a shot from last year. Showed glimpses of brilliance in R/C, most likely bottom half again, but if you want to be shown a good time at night don’t leave his side, it will be messy however!
Bells Bookies – To Win 35/1 To Moose 70/1
AL SUMNER
Previous 14 years (22/18/1/-/-/-/2/-/2/1/10/8/-/-)
Handicap – 13 (13 last year)
Worryingly on the slide since winning three years ago. Has a nice all round game so should really do better! 20/1 to win seems skinny, 250/1 to moose is much better value and might be one for the value seekers each way. Another great Lad on and off the course that makes the Calco so special.
Bells Bookies – To Win 20/1 To Moose 250/1
STEVE TATTERSFIELD
Previous 14 years (5/19/7/9/6/8/11/1/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap – 11 (12 last year)
No doubt snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last year and that must have hurt! Still played well and was Captain Fantastic in the R/C this year leading by example. The loss of a shot shouldn’t be a problem as he’s been playing to a single figure at home. More worrying is that Tatts was only a poor 19th on his last visit to Vale Do Lobo so courses might not suit.
Bells Bookies – To Win 15/1 To Moose 100/1
DAMIEN THORNGATE
Previous 14 years (14/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap – 12 (12 last year)
Only mid table on Calco debut last year and a much better show expected here. Fine golfer on his day and sorely missed by the South in R/C in May when not available. With so many players cut by a shot or two 20/1 for outright honours is tempting especially if he’s not led astray the night before by certain people!
Bells Bookies – To Win 20/1 To Moose 100/1
KEVIN ULLA
Previous 14 years (6/24/11/8/2/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap 13 (14 last year)
A gamble last year just failed to be rewarded after a solid performance but another who won’t appreciate a one shot penalty. A poor last visit to Vale Do Lobo doesn’t sit well either and our next Ryder Cup Captain is better value to moose than win! Now that would get the Northern boys chirping!
Bells Bookies – To Win 25/1 To Moose 75/1
MARK WALLIS (North)
Previous 14 years (31/26/19/18/21/23/20/22/24/19/-/-/-/-)
Handicap – 23 (22 last year)
Slipping down the handicap which should ensure he stays out of the moose group, though anything better than mid table will be a good result. Always enjoys himself though not one for the real late nights these days, unlike most!
Bells Bookies – To Win 50/1 To Moose 20/1
MARK WALLIS (South)
Previous 14 years (23/30/15/2/20/18/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -18 (18 last year)
Struggled for the last couple of years and moose last time at Vale Do Lobo! However injury free now and mentally in the right place with a completely new swing. Last month of preparation has gone well and ball is like a magnet to the hole with the flat stick! Top 10 guaranteed and possibly even Calco glory, well we can all dream!!!
Bells Bookies – To Win 50/1 To Moose 20/1
GAVIN WHITWORTH
Previous 14 years (3/9/9/11/10/16/6/11/1/20/17/-/-/-)
Handicap -14 (16 last year)
Came very close to winning last year but that second Calco title has been made tough with a harsh two shot slash. No one is more committed than Gav and would be a popular winner, but really another top 10 at best here off stiff mark. Looks banker material in his fourball!
Bells Bookies – To Win 25/1 To Moose 100/1
SIMON WOOLRIDGE
Previous 14 years (13/3/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -8 (7 last year)
Probably slightly disappointed last year when just outside the top 10 but a solid 3rd place over course and distance makes Simon a huge runner here. In fact many will have raised an eyebrow that he has got a shot back and I’m shocked to see him drift in the betting! 15/1 now has to be taken for this proper golfer.
Bells Bookies – To Win 15/1 To Moose 250/1
ANDY YATES
Previous 14 years (15/8/16/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-)
Handicap -15 (15 last year)
A truly remarkable fella is Yella, whether it be in Vale Do Lobo or in the 19th doing the pogo! Mid table will be his slot but hey he’s on the pot!
5/1 Simon Woolridge 8/1 Paul Ephremsen 10/1 Rob Fleming 12/1 Micky Baldwin, Steve Tattersfield 14/1 Alan Doig 16/1 Peter Burke, Peter Forster 18/1 Gary Burrows 20/1 Steve Hardwick, Damien Thorngate, Al Sumner 22/1 Andy Fearnside 25/1 Gav Whitworth, Andy Kaye 33/1 Jimmy Holliday, Kev Ulla, Andrew Holder, Jimmy Curley, Andrew Yates 40/1 Phil Lister, Paul Rich, 50/1 Mark Wallis (S), Martin Crossfield, John Clements, Chris Ramm, Ady Clough 66/1 Phil Cawtheray, Stephen Callaghan, Ben Moyle, Adam Davison 100/1 Paul Cawtheray, David Bell, Mark Wallis (N), Craig Lightowler.
FORMGUIDE SUMMARY
A superb Calco Cup is anticipated at two wonderful but difficult courses in Vale Do Lobo. The handicap committee have been busy (maybe too busy) cutting 11 players from last year and most of those will struggle to win. Scoring will be hard and realistically anybody shooting around 30 points on the fabulous Royal course should be bang in there with a chance on the second day. On the slightly more trickier Ocean course, trying to find a winner is not easy but look no further than the better handicapped ones. Form guide loves the look of ALAN DOIG, a fast finishing 4th place last year and a very good Ryder Cup Challenge in May can see a second Calco Cup victory for our popular Northern star. PAUL EPHREMSEN is another well handicapped player and can get in the mix and must go close. SIMON WOOLRIDGE surprisingly gets a shot back and is our favourite and looks sure to make the frame. My other two to contend and complete the top 5 are the talented pair of DAMIEN THORNGATE & ANDY KAYE at reasonable odds.
Now the Moose holds a totally different proposition, the three main favourites, Bell (won’t moose if he plays like he did in R/C) Callaghan (off 28 he shouldn’t moose) & Clough (very generously handicapped) can all escape the antlers though I expect one of them to be down there in the bottom 5. For me there is real value in the likes of MOYLE, LIGHTOWLER, CLEMENTS but though he’s been nibbled PHIL LISTER could be in big trouble and at 60/1 represents value each way to moose.
