Once again setting aside any hints of partisanship (or almost anyway), our special betting correspondent – and noted golf analyst – Mark Wallis (South) has put together this excellent and comprehensive form guide ahead of the upcoming match. Enjoy!
THE 9th RYDER CUP CHALLENGE – FORM GUIDE REVIEW
VENUE – Old Thorns 23rd – 25th May
FIELD – South v North (24 players)
PREVIOUS WINNERS – South (1) 2003 North (5) 2005/09/11/13/15 Tied (2) 2007/17
HOLDERS – North
COURSE REVIEW – Delightful par 72 course in Hampshire with plenty of elevated tees overlooking the South Downs National Park, not long at 6,000 yd’s with a variety of holes where accuracy off the tee will be at a premium, renowned for its fast greens matches will be won by the players who putt well as there’s sure to be plenty of 3 putts on the cards, par 5’s can be attacked by all standards and water comes into play on half a dozen holes, perfect for matchplay golf. Key Attribute: Accuracy.
STORY OF 2017
Both teams travelled to the North East to Lee Westwood’s Close House, quite possibly the best venue a Ryder Cup Challenge has ever been played at (St Mellion a close second) and certainly the main course (Colts) the hardest one ever! No doubt under the Captaincy of the impressive Steve Tattersfield the North were warm favourites to retain the trophy that had been in their hands since 2005, The South driven by inspirational captain Peter Burke were not going to be rolled over easily and the introduction of the popular rookies Jason Heath & Terry Saunders was a massive asset to the team.
The morning fourballs saw the North start well with Tattersfield leading the way but they were pegged back by the South and a 3-3 score at lunch time set the afternoon up well, you could sense this was going to go to the wire! The afternoon’s alternate shots format was also tight with three of the six matches going down the last but it was the home side who snatched a narrow one point lead at the end of the day, the South were ruing a couple of missed opportunities but with the score 6 1/2 – 5 1/2 to the North there was a lot of nerves beginning to come to the fore on both sides as beers were being downed in the evening, it had been the first time for years the South wasn’t facing mission impossible going into the singles.
The last day produced some golf of the highest quality and the early victory of the South’s much improved David Bell sent shock waves through the North’s side, indeed halfway through the day’s play the South had nicked a slim, but precious lead; quickly the North fought back magnificently and victories for Curley, Fleming & Kaye meant that the Ryder Cup Challenge Trophy was staying up North yet again, excellent late wins for the South’s Johnstone & Heath made the overall score an incredible 12-12, a final score that befitted the match and the sportsmanship synonymous with the occasion. Still it was proud captain Steve Tattersfield that lifted the Trophy for the North, again the bar was raised in this event but its brilliant sense of comradeship and fair play shone through, friends for life are made on these trips and the only sad story is we only get to do it once every two years!
2019 TEAMS – THE SOUTH
KEVIN ULLA – Captain (handicap 13) previous Ryder Cups – played 4 …won 4 halved 1 lost 7
A most popular captain who will lead from the front and is determined to bring the Ryder Cup Challenge Trophy home to sit alongside his 2018 Calco Cup, playing the best golf of his life he will be relishing the extra day’s play and surely improve on his overall record as well as trying to inspire his team to victory, some say never will we have a better chance!
MARTIN JOHNSTONE – Vice Captain (15) played 3 …won 5 halved 1 lost 3
Now into his 4th Ryder Cup our Southern Bookie is a strong player who has one of the best records for the South and his golf is improving each year, unbeaten in the singles his driving accuracy is up there with the best and is terrific at holing clutch putts, a tower of strength and someone from the North is going ‘to get it’!
PAUL EPHREMSEN – Vice Captain (14) played 3 … won 4 halved 1 lost 4
Another one of the strong Southern team members and unplayable when on song, not won in the fourball format so the extra round of this not in his favour making pairings ultra important, scores plenty of birdies and could take all the par 5’s apart with his length, a fine record and real team player who captain Ulla can rely on in a crisis
BEN MOYLE – (19) played 8 … won 10 halved 1 lost 13
Founder member and played in every Ryder Cup since 2003 so has seen it grow to the magnificent event it has become, as always a mixed bag of results each time but his presence in the side is worth a point or two to the team, this course is right up his street and he will be a tough nut to crack this year, it’s been 16 years since the South won and Ben is one of two players in the South who played in that last victory, now’s the time to heal those scars of Suffolk 2007! more up for it than ever before
DAVID BELL – (28) played 8 … won 5 lost 19
A veteran of the Ryder Cup Challenge and is enjoying his best golf for years, brilliant performance at Close House scoring 2 out of 3 points (should have been 3/3!) and the 28 handicap is being closely scrutinised, tremendous temperament and never gives up, the South’s side would not be without him, thankfully survived the ski season without injury!
MARK WALLIS – (19) played 6 …… won 7 halved 2 lost 9
Looking to get back to an over 50% record in the RC and move up the all time scoring standings, played poorly at Close House but was struggling all round with injuries etc. Much improved of late and played very well in the 2018 Calco Cup (top 15) and if bringing that form to Old Thorns will be tough to beat, short game of late has been very good and if that holds up the clown prince of WhatsApp will be buzzing!
GAVIN WHITWORTH – (12) played 5 …. won 8 lost 7
A real stalwart of the Southern side and strong in all formats and departments of the game, handicap is coming down all the time as he improves, determined to be a single figure golfer and a rock for anyone partnering him, a joy to be around and no one from the North wants to be drawn against him (unless he’s partnering me of course!) as you would expect completely focussed and preparation has gone very well.
PETE BURKE – (7) played 3 …. won 2 halved 2 lost 5
Brilliant captain in 2017 and so nearly brought the trophy southwards, had some tough matches that year and his overall record is not a true reflection on his golfing talents, pretty confident our multi winning Calco Cup hero will improve on those figures this year and without the burden of being captain he would be good value to be the overall top points scorer, expect some winning Southern songs to be heard on Saturday night with those dulcet tones!
PAUL RICH – (21) played 3 ….. won 4 halved 3 lost 2
Struggles a bit with his game in the Calco Cup but that’s an individual format and certainly no problem in the team one with an excellent record for the South, only concern is the trickiness of the course as he’s better on the long open type courses but if he drives it well he’s capable of improving his impressive figures further, a player key to the possible success for the South and will bring the fun element to the proceedings, unique character the South would not want to be without
JIMMY HOLLIDAY – (17) played 3 ….won 2 halved 1 lost 6
The 2016 Calco Cup champ never got going at Close House but has been practising like mad for this years renewal and his game is looking back to its best, plays these sort of tighter courses well and when on song has a great short game that matches the best so captain Kev will fully expect some points in the bag from our Southern legend, lights up any occasion and so popular it makes us all vomit, we all want to come back in an afterlife as Jimmy Holliday!
JASON HEATH – (6) played 1 ….won 3 lost 0
Brilliant debut at Close House for our baby faced assassin winning all three of his matches and is now a firm fixture in the Calco events each year, Jason is consistency itself and the South will be heavily relying on him and rest assured he will be coming with his A game and none of the North team will want to play him, the South’s Mr Postman as he always delivers!
TERRY SAUNDERS – (18) played 1 ….won 2 lost 1
Like Jason came in as a rookie at Close House and performed admirably, ‘big Tel’ hits the ball sweetly and is at home on any types of course, if he putts well he will be scoring good points and is unflappable under pressure, completes a strong South team and if we lose we may well tell him to bash a few Northern heads!
2019 TEAMS – THE NORTH
ANDY FEARNSIDES – Captain (9) played 2…..won 4 lost 2
Quickly promoted up to Captain and is a natural leader on and off the course, tremendous temperament and will bring down a well prepared Northern side, epitomises the spirit of the event and his golf game is at an all time high and now a single figure handicapper, great accuracy & short game which is key round here so will lead from the front and without doubt his overall record will continue to improve over the years.
ROB FLEMING – (7) played 2 … won 4 halved 1 lost 1
Much better player in this team event rather than the individual Calco Cup and the lowest ranked player in the Norths team, fears no one and a great all round game, will most likely partner a rookie once or twice and can bring the best out of them, rock solid in the singles and a player the Southerners will want to avoid in that format, looking forward to what he will organise for the 2021 renewal and even Wallis can’t get under his skin!
STEVE HARDWICK – (15) played 8 ….. won 12 halved 1 lost 11
Co founder and the whole Calco/Ryder Cup events would fall apart without him, no organisation to worry about here and full concentration on his golf will make him a dangerous opponent, good all round game and decent putter on his day, the South will want to pile the pressure on him but pretty sure he will rise to the challenge, a match against Wallis at some point will have the viewers tuning in in their millions as Wallis/Hardwick has that Tiger/Rory appeal!
DARREN MOUNTAIN – (18) played 8 …. won 15 halved 1 lost 8
A great pleasure to see Daz again and rumours are that his game is in the best shape possible for this event as you would expect from the all time top points scorer in the Ryder Cup, course will suit and always finds a way to get the job done, will always give it 100 % and nerves of steel, formidable opponent and a man who will punish any Southern weakness
JIMMY CURLEY – (21) played 5 …. won 6 halved 2 lost 7
Veteran performer and now retired plays plenty of golf, nicely handicapped and hits a decent ball but will need to be at his best accuracy wise on this shortish track as wayward drives will be punished severely, good overall record and another popular Northern winning ex captain who will relish the battle, four rounds in 3 days means fitness will need to be at a premium.
PHIL LISTER – (14) played 4 … won 8 lost 4
May not always be at his best when travelling abroad but superb record in this format on British soil, will love this quirky track and an excellent iron player, will always be a strong partner for any of his team and unbeaten in the four ball format which is a bonus as we have an extra round of this, definitely not right in the head off the course and will entertain the troops I’m sure, mad as a hatter!
STEVE TATTERSFIELD – (11) played 3 …..won 6 halved 3
Captain fantastic at Close House and solid character on and off the course, enviable record of never been beaten in 3 Ryder Cups so far and the South will have to find a way of changing that or they could be in trouble, the spirit the game is played in is emphasised by Tatts but he will need all his skills on a course that may not suit his power, I’m positive he will cope and is the key to where the cup will finish.
MICKY BALDWIN (14) – played 1 ….won 2 lost 1
As said in 2017 form guide review a Calco Cup winner in the waiting and duly obliged later that year, still improving his all round game and adds everything you need in this group both on and off the course, future Captain for sure and just like Gav for the South as competitive as they come, will certainly need to adapt his game to this course as length off the tee not as important as accuracy but 2 wins from 3 at Close House was an excellent debut, adds real strength to the Northern side.
ALAN DOIG – (14) Vice Captain played 1 ….won 2 lost 1
Only the brilliance of Jason Heath stopped little Al from making it a clean sweep on debut at Close House and even that singles match went down the last, now at the lowest his handicap he’s ever been he will need his best game to keep those form figures at 75 %, hits the ball a country mile but not an advantage here, a real character and a fella you just can’t help but love and makes all these events memorable, will give 110% to the team.
CHRIS RAMM – (18) played 1 .. won 1 lost 2
Gained great experience at Close House and a great team member who won’t let the side down, off a nice mark and on his day has more shots in the bag than Bubba Watson, needs to be fully focused as this is a powerful Southern side but I’m sure he won’t be phased by the occasion, in a team full of character there’s no one more than Rammy who you would want to be in the trenches with, pressure? he eats it for breakfast, lunch & dinner! Big build up will he bring the bacon home!
MARTIN CROSSFIELD – (18) Rookie
With Steve Callaghan not available Martin is a popular replacement who will add strength to the Northern team, off a nice handicap he could be dangerous and if coping with the undoubted pressure that the Ryder Cup Challenge brings he’s sure to do well, has a nice all round game and if the flat stick is working he will be tough to beat despite being one of only two Rookies in this years event
CRAIG LIGHTOWLER (16) Rookie
Has some tough boots to fill with Andy Kaye unavailable but on his day he’s similar to Paul E from the South and virtually unplayable, will be a huge experience for the young Northern star who is now beginning to realise his potential, short game skills will be well practised as it’s key on this course and no doubt will be partnered by the likes of Fleming & Tattersfield and will not let them down, always a pleasure seeing him and adds spice to this brilliant event.
FORMGUIDE SUMMARY
Can this event possibly get any better is the question? I don’t think so! Well the Northern side travels a long way South to Old Thorns in Hampshire to play in the eagerly awaited 9th Ryder Cup Challenge and Captain Andy Fearnsides has assembled a powerful squad to try and keep the Trophy in Northern hands, the South’s Captain Kevin Ulla has chosen the venue and a lot of thought has gone into that, as well as an exciting match play golf course the hotel complex offers an excellent social side, certainly this is a tricky course that he expects will suit the home side more, every player is in full agreement that we play an extra round on the afternoon we arrive and now like the professional Ryder Cup the Northern team will need to get to 15 points to retain the trophy.
So looking at Andy’s Northern side without doubt its full of strong characters and maybe the loss of Steve Callaghan & Andy Kaye can be seen as a negative but then again maybe not as Rookies Martin Crossfield & Craig Lightowler are huge positives for him, they will love the experience, the pressures of these occasions are incredible but win lose or draw as always we will all drink and socialise together after each round, Vice Captain Rob Fleming is a superb golfer and the likes of Micky B, veteran Jimmy Curley and Phil Lister are unflappable, Mr Calco himself, Steve Hardwick and the all time top points scorer Darren Mountain have records to die for while Alan Doig & Chris Ramm made solid debuts in 2017 and will only benefit from that experience, in Steve Tattersfield they have a formidable Player to rely on if things are going pear shaped (which they will of course!) a solid and strong Northern side for sure.
2018 Calco champ Kevin Ulla couldn’t be in a better place and has an unchanged side to Captain, the South came oh so close to bringing the trophy back down the A1 at Close House and have been chomping at the bit for the last two years to put that right, he knows he has a few ‘flakey’ ones but every player is capable of winning matches, 2017 rookies Jason Heath & Terry Saunders are headliners in a team that has real strength in depth, Vice Captains Martin Johnstone & Paul Ephremsen are formidable opponents in all formats, the Kent elite of Paul Rich, Ben Moyle & legend Jimmy Holliday have been on a mega quest to improve their games for this and Mark Wallis & David Bell look likely to be injury free and have plenty of shots in hand; Gav Whitworth & Peter Burke need no introduction and have tremendous all round games and couldn’t be more solid, all in all the South are well prepared to bring the Ryder Cup Challenge home at last.
FORMGUIDE PREDICTION
We almost got it right last time at Close House and it couldn’t have been tighter, I most certainly expect the same again with plenty of matches coming down the last, the course is short, tricky and as said accuracy is the key and players will need their best short games on display, with an extra round of four balls making the event even better the South will look to get off to a flyer, this for me just tips the balance in favour of the home side and I can see Kevin Ulla’s picture of the Ryder Cup Challenge Trophy to be sitting on his mantle piece next to the Calco Cup come Sunday night when we get home, whatever the result we will all embrace and enjoy 3 days in each others company as a better set of lads you can not find on this planet!
16-14 to the South is my prediction
FORMGUIDE BETTING
Result
4/6 – South Win
7/4 – North Win
13/8 – North Retain
12/1 – Tie
Top overall points scorer
9/2 – Jason Heath
5/1 – Steve Tattersfield
6/1 – Terry Saunders
7/1 – Ben Moyle
8/1 – Martin Johnstone
8/1 – Steve Hardwick
10/1 – Rob Fleming
10/1 – Phil Lister
10/1 – Paul Ephremsen
12/1 – Andy Fearnsides
12/1 – Kev Ulla
12/1 – Jimmy Curley
12/1 – Pete Burke
12/1 – Alan Doig
12/1 – Micky Baldwin
14/1 – Chris Ramm
14/1 – Paul Rich
14/1 – Martin Crossfield
14/1 – Gav Whitworth
16/1 – Darren Mountain
16/1 – Jimmy Holliday
16/1 – Craig Lightowler
20/1 – Mark Wallis
20/1 – David Bell
Good luck everyone,
Mark Wallis