Big Phil Celebrates With Second Successive Ace
One of the most active members on the Volvo Masters Amateur UK Tour, Phil Bailey received his reward with the second hole-in-one on the circuit in the space of a month, holing his tee shot at the 193-yard Par-3 9th hole at Little Aston, the first of his career.
Bailey, an 18 handicap golfer from Branston Golf Club in England and in his fourth season as a regular on the Volvo Masters Amateur Tour recalls, “I had chipped-in from a bunker at the 6th hole, so I knew it was my lucky day, and when I stood on the 9th tee, I chose my Ping Rapture utility club and hit a good looking shot.
“But with a raised bunker in front of the green, I only saw my green-marked Pro VI ball bounce, and when I got to the green, I could not see my ball, so thought it had gone through the back.
“I looked and looked and got frustrated, but my playing partner Darren suggested I look in the hole, I thought he was crazy, but there it was, my first hole-in-one and there was some jumping, whooping and high-fives,” recalled the man who only took up golf when his rugby career ended and he watched Europe win the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in 2002.
The ace-in-the-pack then romped home to a six-point victory with 41 points to book his place in the Volvo Masters Amateur UK Final and the prospect of a second appearance in the World Final, having finished sixth in Spain back in 2007.
“To qualify for my fourth Volvo Masters Amateur UK Final is a dream,” said the Volvo V70 driver, adding, “Bring on the World Final.”
www.vmat.co.uk
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Golf Quiz
Golf Terminology
Air Shot
An unsuccessful attempt to strike the ball where the player fails to make contact with the ball. Also known as a 'fresh-air shot,' it is counted as a stroke. Normally only done by beginners.
Address
The act of taking a stance and placing the club-head behind the ball. Taking the correct address position is considered to be one of the most important aspects of hitting the golf ball straight.
Ace
Another name of a hole-in-one, normally on a par-3, very occasionally on a short par-4.
Wedge
The golf terminology Wedge refers to the clubs used to hit the ball onto the green from a relatively short distance. (usually around 100 yards or less).
The Turn
"Making the turn" is when golfers go from hole number nine to hole number ten. Many golfers stop at the clubhouse at the turn, for refreshments.
Tee Box
Where a golfer hits their first shot on each hole.
Stroke
Each time the ball is hit; a player is given one stroke.
Spikes
The "cleats" on the bottom of golf shoes.
Slice
When a right handed player's ball has a trajectory that curves sharply to the right.
Rough
The longer grass that surrounds the fairway and green.
Putter
The club used to hit the ball into the hole on the green.
Push
When a right handed player hits the ball considerably right of the target, in a straight trajectory, although they were aimed at the target.
Pull
When a right handed player hits the ball considerably left of the target, in a straight trajectory, although they were aimed at the target.
Par
The number of strokes in which hole is expected to be completed.
Irons
The clubs used in hitting intermediate distances.
Hook
When a right handed player's ball has a trajectory that curves sharply to the left.
Handicap (of a hole)
The difficulty level of a hole, relative to other holes on the course. A 1 handicap is the most difficult hole, while an 18 handicap is the easiest hole.
Handicap (index)
The individual golfer's average number of strokes over par per round, calculated by a computer system.
Hacker
Used to refer to a bad golfer.
Green
The surface in which players putt. It contains the hole.
Fringe
The slightly longer grass that surrounds the green.
Fairway
The short grass between the tee box and the green.
Eagle
Two strokes under par
Driver
The club usually used off the tee to achieve maximum distance.
Drive the Green
To hit the ball onto the green from the tee on a par 4 or 5.
Double, Triple, etc. Bogey
Two, three, etc. strokes over par.
Divot
The chunk of grass taken out of the ground when hitting the ball.
Chunk
Taking a large piece of grass out of the ground when hitting the ball. The ball will usually not travel far at all.
Bunker
An area on a hole filled with sand, also known as a sand-trap.
Bogey
One stroke over par.
Birdie
One stroke under par.
Ball Mark
The "dent' that the ball makes, when hit onto the green.
Ball Hawking
Looking for balls in out of bounds areas of the course.
Albatross
Three strokes under par.
19th Hole
The golf terminology 19th hole is a term that jokingly refers to the clubhouse.