The Euro becomes the official currency of twelve of the European Union's Members. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother of the UK Dies and Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Golden Jubilee. Popular films of this year included, Men in Black 2, Die Another Day and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
On Halloween 2002 UYOA took to the
course again - this time it was Rusper Golf Club in Surrey. Rusper is set amongst mature trees, has several water features and offers golfers many ‘risk and reward’ holes. The course measures 6724 from the white tees, making it one or the longest courses in the county the course has been set up to not make it a slog, or too easy if that is possible.
As had been the case for the previous
years events the morning was the now traditional team Texas
Scramble and the afternoon was an individual Stablefold
competition. This year also had the added drama of the then
resident pro (a famous woman golf professional of her time
apparently) announce each player on to the tee - as though first
tee nerves weren't severe enough already!
28 players attended this event - the
most ever. For details on the scoring of every player please
click on the links on the right.
Reports leading up to and after the
event were noted at the time as the following...
Release 31st October 2002 BATTLE TO THE END
The 2002 UYOA Championship saw a number of players in serious contention for the supreme title. Playing in less then ideal weather conditions, it came in the end down to two previous UYOA champions to demonstrate their ability, and with their experience remain focused under extreme pressure. At the start of the 18th, the winning position was still not assured - Max Webb (UYOA Champion 2001) and Dan Green (UYOA Champion 1998) were neck and neck on points. Max had been playing in 5th gear all day - however his drive off the 18th went into thick rough and Max in the end came home with a blob for his 18th hole.
With a score of 41 points Dan Green becomes the first ever person to take the title of UYOA Champion twice in his career. Dan's dedication to training and dogged determination that winning was everything and second place was not acceptable - ensured his final success. Congratulations to Dan - a shining ambassador of the BE THE BEST philosophy.
Release:27th October 2002 CONSPIRACY !!!
UYOA executives have been leaked important information . . .
It transpires that a group of individuals were preparing to de-rail the UYOA proceedings with a "Performance Pact" - i.e. scoring would be flexible and bad shots ignored to not affect their final score. I don't need to name any names but these people know who they are! UYOA officials pounced quickly on these terrorists and once one confessed the others soon started singing like Canaries. Needless to say these individuals have had their wings and handicap's clipped and other players around them will now be watching much more closely for any signs of foul play - should anyone else be considering this illegal action, all I can say is "If you live by the sword - be prepared to die by the sword!!!"
Release 20th October 2002 Dan Green (26 Handicap)
Returns to UYOA having not played since the first competition back in 98. Dan won that year but has since not been able to make the time to defend that title. His ability is in question now as Dan hardly ever plays and the panic is starting to set in, Dan is now practising every night from now till the day. Could Dan be the first person to have been awarded a first and last place position in his career???
Jim Browne (28 Handicap)
Co-founder of UYOA now almost never plays and is adamant that he will not pick up his clubs until the first tee on the big day. Jim has only played once in the last 12 months – there may well be nowhere safe to stand when Jim fires off on Number 1!!! Jim has got to be a contender for the Duffer prize this year!
Simon Gatty Saunt (22 Handicap)
Has sneakily arranged a practice round at Rusper this weekend (27th October) to get a feel for the course and gain some advantage on the other players.
Mark Justice (2 Handicap)
Can now longer make the day and has been replaced by a guy called Rudy (26 Handicap), last time Mark played Rusper he went round in 68!!! – so good riddance to him!!!
Max Webb (22 Handicap)
Last years winner has recently had some sort of namby pamby back problem and says he’s not hitting the ball at all well at the moment – sounds like “Poker” talk to me!!!
Simon Assirati (24 Handicap)
As normal Simon is taking the event quite seriously and though he hasn’t confirmed it will no doubt have had at least onelesson before the day and is at Rusper as well this weekend for a final practice.
Paul Porter (28 Handicap)
Last years Duffer Paul has had numerous rounds at Rusper and knows the course – if he keeps his shots straight this year – he wont take the bent club home with him a second time.
Steve O’Grady (28 Handicap)
His first time out at UYOA. Again someone with plenty of experience on this course – Steve’s wife has brought him a new Mizuno wood for the day to give him confidence.
Lee Norman (26 Handicap)
The first UYOA duffer, Lee has now transformed his game - Lee has without fail since 1999 managed to evade a trophy prize by one place each time. Lee is one of these people that doesn’t play very often but manages to come on the day with his “A” game. Maybe this is Lee’s year for a prize?
Rick Newland (28 Handicap)
Ricks objectives for the day are to come along and enjoy the social occasion – Rick bring's to the game such famous songs as “Doing the Bunker beat” and “Tend the Flag” and “rolling, rolling . . .”
Brent Mariner (28 Handicap)
A competitive player – Brent has really got to bring his best game to Rusper – familiar with the course, and a good team player - he’s hungry to get his name on a trophy.
Chris Stanton (28 Handicap)
Great swing - very Ernie Els. Chris has recently joined the army and will have to work hard to combat his natural instincts to survive for days on whitigy grubs if his ball lands in the rough.
David Mackay (24 Handicap)
A true gentleman of the game. David got a taste for trophies last year winning the team event and has a new musical out called 125th Street at the Shaftsbury Theatre, London
Brett Mackay (24 Handicap)
Brett (son of David - with a new musical out) like Jim Browne refuses to bow to pier pressure and get some
practice in , Brett will come to the day seeing what the golf gods give him as ability . . .however unlike Jim if you're standing behind Brett you're probably in a safe place.
Chris Williams (22 Handicap)
Chris has not played every year - however every year he's played hes walked away with a trophy of some sorts - could do well on the day!
Russell Clarke (19 Handicap)
Could potentially be good on the day - though doesn't know the course which will loose him some advantage - tends to destroy his fellow competitors by offering them advise on their game - be warned!!!
Christian Hunt (18 Handicap)
A winner 2 years ago - all leaks have been plugged from his training camp and he comes to UYOA 2002 with unknown ability - could be one to watch
Rolfy (24 Handicap)
Why I’m down as 24 is a mystery as the course has bitten me more times than I care to remember – my biggest worry of the day . . . what new swoosh gear I’ll be sporting and ensuring that everyone has a great day!!!
