So a stop and start 2023 Masters comes to an end and just like that the first M7 of the season is over
Apologies for the absence of updates but a family weekend in the luxury of Leicester meant I was out of action (as was the live leaderboard for portions of weekend)
So at the end of round 2 Tom 'Damage' Sarginson was leading the way with a very nice 39. 5 of the top 6 at that point only got 6 of the 7 through and that was always going to be an issue with the uncertainty of the weekend. 19 of you were plunged into the BOTR competition with less than 5 through.
At the end of round 3 it was all change with Rob 'Glands' Hands joint leader with Daniel 'Snake' Martin on 31 points. Just 8 points separated the top 12.
But those near the top fell quite spectacularly (mainly due to a great effort from Jason Day who fell 30 places in round 4) leaving the way open for those who didn't have him (or didn't need him because they got more golfers through).
Which meant that having not been in the prizes all weekend first prize went to Darren 'Wedge' Heal and Justin 'Tally' Price with 36 points. They share $7800 between them ($3900 each). I think they will both tell you they are in it for the glory and recognition, not the money. Daniel 'Snake' Martin hung around having been top at end of round 3 to take 3rd place with 42 points. $1600 will be winging its way to him.
Steve 'Gone For A' Burton fended off some fierce competition for BOTR. In the end a final hole birdie for Scheffler and bogey for DJ was I think just about enough to do it with 164 points. He will take home $600. Mark 'Pet Shop' Raven was bottom of the pile with an awful 303.
All prizes are approximate and will be paid at end of season once any costs / forex is taken into account
Tally was seen muttering something about being the 'People's Champion' as he stepped off the course but we were able to catch up with him after where we was his usual modest self. Here is what he had to say
"I'd like to thank all the well wishers and a special shout out to my support team. Their unwavering belief that The Open 2006, Hoylake was no flash in the plan means so much. This win has energised me and a career slam is now very much a focus. Heaven forbid the 2023 slam....for all the kids out there dream big, nothing is impossible"
Will this mean that boring selections are en vogue now? Will everyone be copying Wedge and Tally's 'strategy'?
Final top 15 looked like this
BOTR
We move on to the PGA Championship in just over a month.
See you all there!
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