My TT Story – My dream is to win the Trilby Tour, be a single figure player and play at Augusta...

Name: Michael Thayne
Age: 49
Regional Championship entered: Caversham Heath
Handicap: 12
Golf Club: Mid-Herts
Occupation: Customer Operations Manager
Motto: Make it happen

"I hope one day to be the Trilby Tour Champion and to be able to tell William how good it feels to win!"

This year will be my third year on the TT 
This will be my third year on the TT and long may it continue. I recall coming across the TT in the now defunct Golf Punk magazine and thinking this is the tournament for me and boy was I right; the clothes, the courses, the organisation but mostly the people, like minded friendly golfers with a passion for the game and looking good and of course, the organising team from William down who make everyone feel so welcome and give us such an exciting and memorable day.

No better tournament for amateur golfers
What always strikes me on the day is the sight of players and caddies walking the course; everyone looks so professional and smart and you really feel part of something different, something special and I really think there is no better tournament for amateur golfers.

The last two years, I had yet to break 30 points so I need to improve but did have the pleasure last year of witnessing a playing colleague ace one of the par three's, a really memorable moment and the first hole in one I had ever witnessed. I aim to improve this year and perhaps the beers in the clubhouse or pub the night before with other players will need to be reduced this time!

Me and my nephew Joshua at Old Thorns TT 2011 - hes's back on the bag this year

Once again my nephew Joshua will be on the bag looking good in his boiler suit and back-turned flat cap, I await his advice as I approach the 9th green and hope not to turn and see him in a fit of laughter after I have hit my shot toward the green like last year!

Playing with Bryan Gunn and meeting Peter Alliss
The last two year I played at Norfolk and Hampshire and enjoyed the thrill of playing a new and great course each time. In Norfolk in my first time out, I was paired up with Norwich's goalkeeping legend Bryan Gunn, a great guy who proved to be good entertainment and a pretty handy player. At Hampshire last year, we then had the pleasure of a visit from the doyen of golf Peter Alliss!

Not long till this year's regional qualifier, playing again at Old Thorns in Hampshire as it was such a great venue and determined to avoid hitting one into the clubhouse on the 9th as I did last year!

My golfing dreams
My golfing dreams remain to win the TT, to be a single figure player and to play at Augusta...dream on. Second to that I hope to get some great clothes, a great golfing experience, improve my game and make some friends along the way.

Michael Thayne