The National Stableford - Preview

25th January 2010

The long wait is over. It has been almost nine weeks since The Winter Challenge. The SCC Tour took its usual break through the month of December until the last Sunday of January. Finally the clubs are dusted off and the players prepare themselves for the remainder of the Winter Swing 2010.

Surrey National once again hosts the SCC Tours first event of the calendar year, The National Stableford.

Lee Missen comes here defending the title he won back in 2009. Starting the year off strongly, Lee won the first two event of the 2009-2010 season, but since then has failed to capture the form that saw him claim the 2009 Winter Swing. But winning around a venue can boost a players performance. The break may have done Lee good. He will be eager retain this title.

Jamie Rollinson should be looking forward to The National Stableford. He hits it long and straight and that is something that will give him a big advantage. If Jamie's short game is as good as his driving, he will be looking to win his first tournament since Silvermere, last April .

John Corlett had only one top 10 finish last year. This was from a man who had won the 2007 MCP award. John is one of the better players and just needs to build his confidence back up to the 2007 levels. This year could well be his year and I think he will start it off strongly. If John can banish the demons of the last 18 months, then he will once again be the main to watch throughout 2010.

Nick Glover returns after a short break, having last played back at The Milford Open. Nick only managed 6 starts in 2009, but did not finish out of the top 6 on four of those occasions. Nick has a good golfing head on him, Surrey National is a thinkers course. Knowing where to place the ball to give the best advantage of attacking the flag. Although he won The SCC Invitational back in 2008, Nick has yet to win a regular SCC Tour event. Surrey National should be a course that would favour him.

My wildcard selection this week has to go to Peter O'Loughlin. Peter has just about settled down into the SCC Tour and will see 2010 as his breakthrough year. If Peter can drive the ball straight this week, he should see himself amongst the leaders coming down the stretch. Focus is his main priority. If he can maintain that for the full round he may well be holding on to the trophy come Sunday Afternoon.

There is a big field this week. At the time of writing, 27 players will tee it up on Sunday. 24 of those players are eligible. Three players are still playing for their tour cards. We welcome back Martin Parkinson who will playing for his 2nd card. We also welcome new members Barry Bates & Manuel Kizirian, who will both be playing their first tournament.

It is going to be tough out there this week and anyone finishing in the top 5 will see their Swing Order of Merit points gain a healthy injection.
Anyone playing to around their handicap will be in with a chance to take the trophy. Look for a winning score around the 34-36pts mark.