The countdown is on for the 2012 Finals taking place at Stoke Park.

The three Golden Ticket events have given some of the Trilby Tour competitors a taste of the challenge that lies ahead of the finalists.

With the Regional Finals now complete every competitor knows what lies ahead for them and will take some confidence into the final at Stoke Park knowing their game has held up to the pressure of regional qualification. What they don't know yet is if their game will hold up to the ultimate examination.

After a very wet summer we have now enjoyed a slight upturn in the weather, this has taken the edge of the rough slightly, the downside of this for the competitors is that its also enabled us to speed the greens up.

The staff at the Club are looking forward to seeing the Trilby Tour back at Stoke Park after a five year absence.

It is going to be very interesting to see how the competitors negotiate their way around the course and we cannot wait to see the play-off.

The number of competitors coming in for practice rounds is rising as the date draws nearer, you certainly don't want to be playing the golf course for the first time on the 16th.

Off course our house team are looking forward to taking great care of everyone on the day and ensuring that everyones experience of Stoke Park and the Trilby Tour final is one that will live long in the memory.

We have a fantastic set-up on the Orangery Lawn where you will be able to watch the players finish the final four holes and see the drama unfold in-front of you in the play-off.

The Orangery Lawn bar will be open for the afternoon and evening so we hope for some long awaited sunshine and a perfect end to a great day.

Tips for the course

Once you have warmed up on the range and had a few putts you are ready to take on the challenge that lies ahead. Here are a few tips on playing the classic Harry Colt course at Stoke Park.

Set the tone for your round with a nice solid par on the 1st, this hole is a relatively easy opener so make sure you try to get off to a solid start because things are going to get tough. Make sure you take care when playing into the second hole, distance control is vital and watch your speed on the first putt, its always quicker than you think.

After a long par three 3rd hole the 4th is the stroke index one hole. The clever play is to take a five and get out of there, it may seem harmless off the tee but you will understand why its stroke index one when you get onto the green.

Avoid the rough on the left side of 5th and 6th and you will do well on these holes and then move onto the signature 7^th hole. When Harry Colt laid out the course Alister McKenzie took inspiration from this hole to create the 16^th at Augusta National. You will face a very tricky tee shot to a narrow and very long green with nowhere to miss, then its time to test your nerves on the green. Everything breaks to the water at speed so don’t assume a par is safe if you have hit the green. This green is three-putt central!

Moving onto the back nine holes the 10^th gives you a chance to get one back and the 13^th hole could also yield some birdies. As you play up the long 14^th hole with the clubhouse in view you are nearing the critical point in the round. You will know now if you are in the mix for the play-off and as you enter the 15^th tee the atmosphere will be electric as you are overlooked by the competitors enjoying a drink on the lawn. Beware on this green, it always plays 2-3ft quicker than any green on the golf course especially if you have to putt down the green. The 16^th is a pretty straightforward par four with a good drive and then the closing holes.

You must crack a good drive away on the 17^th to allow you to take the green on with your second shot, deep breath and comit to your second otherwise its too easy to make a bogey. If you are in the mix for the play-off keep your nerve as there is out-of-bounds up the left hand side of the last with fairway bunkers on the right. With a good drive secured use the left to right slope on the green to help work your ball towards the pin and a putt for glory!!

Stuart Collier
Director of Golf