JNC Lyon II aka Mark Pearce

[Mark Chaplin]

On Thursday I enjoyed a greats days sport with Mark Pearce and James Boon, we met at the lovely New Zealand golf club for bacon rolls and coffee. After 18 holes of delightful heathland golf we were joined by our host Richard Pennell for a club lunch at the top of it's game.

Dashing from the club to Woking station, we were soon standing at the gates of Lords where we took our seats in the pavillion for the Middlesex v Derbyshire 40 over match. Not a classic as Derbyshire were bowled out cheaply but we had time for a few pints and a good view of different parts of the clubhouse. At the end of the game a quick cab ride to Kings Cross saw us off in our respective directions.

Nothing too spectacular there then....well GCA's favourite English lawyer took the 0440 from Newcastle arriving at New Zealand just before 1000. The 2200 from Kings Cross actually arrived 10 minutes early at 0210 the following morning. Allowing for Mark's drive to and from Newcastle station a 22 hour sporting day. Now that's impressive!

[Scott Warren]

That's an impressive effort, Mark!

A worthy reason to pull off such a journey, though. NZGC is one of the best days out in Surrey, a really special place.

Mark P, James:

That was your first taste of NZ, right? What did you think?

[Ben Stephens]

Thats one serious GCA addict!

Canary drove to Cavendish GCA day in a old 'racing green' Skoda Fabia from Manchester, he just arrived with a few seconds to spare and managed 36 holes and eventually had a flat tyre and replaced it with ease and settled for a pint before proceeding back up north!

His sons play country junior cricket for Northumberland and he attends to watch their games.

Thats the mark of this man!

[James Boon]

And for a minute there I thought you were questioning if they are the same person? 

While Mark's trip down from Newcastle, probably doesn't match the distance of John's trip to Prestwick, getting the cricket in to the trip as well really does make it exceptional. I also think a trip to a lesser known course such as New Zealand rather than a Prestwick, really takes it to new levels. Respect to both of them though!

Scott,

Yes, it was my first time at New Zealand, and I'm amazed that the course isn't thought of more highly. Most people don't seem to have heard of the place? In fact, I think I might dig out Sean's old photo tour thread and give it a bump?

Cheers,

James

[JNC Lyon]

That sounds like a great trip!  Let's compare and contrast with my Prestwick trip:

My trip to Prestwick was all within one day: I left my flat at 0515 and got back at 2330 on the same day.
My trip was over two countries, Mark stayed in England.
Mark's trip included 18 holes of golf, a first-class lunch, and a cricket match, while mine only included 27 holes of golf and two trips to Burger King.  Mark definitely got a lot more done within the trip.
Mark's trip involved a couple different modes of transportation, and he came and went from different rail stations.  I walked and trained everywhere (Euston is a 10-minute hike from my flat).
New Zealand is supposed to be a classy heathland layout, but I doubt it beats Prestwick for quality.
The company on Mark's trip was top-notch (even you Boon), whereas I did the whole trip by myself.

Overall, the two are pretty comparable.  Mark, it sounds like a great day's adventure--makes me miss my time over there once again.

[Mark Chaplin]

James when I went back the next day to pick up my car I had a quick chat with Richard and Roger Marrett the secretary. I mentioned just how under the radar NZ is and Roger alluded to the fact that's just how they like it, apparently the club didn't even have a name plate outside of the entrance until recently.  Some may have noticed the website has been "under construction" since the web came into being, I suspect it still will be in 10 years time!

NZGC is all the better for their low profile and long may it continue....I love the place.

[Mark Pearce]

Picking this up late as on Friday I collected the boys from  Alnwick, where they were playing cricket and drove up to Edinburgh, quick weekend (and golf at Crail and Elie) before driving back this morning.  Down to Ampleforth this afternoon to drop the boys off for a 4 day county cricket festival before driving back up to Elie on Friday.

Frankly, I don't think any of the travelling we do here compares to the huge distances Mayhugh puts in sometimes!

Scott,

I thought NZ was a really good track.  It's interesting how different the heathland courses can feel.  NZ is the flattest of those I have played but I have to agree with Sean that it is a masterclass in economical bunkering.  Also, like Swinley, it has retained the feeling of a great club.