I feel I have made lots of progress this year particularly with my short game. Feels like I have been working with Rob for ages now and he really understands me. He stresses that there are things I can’t yet do due to strength but he is happy with my progress. After the winter break I am looking forward to getting back to practising and playing, also approaching the time to needing to change my clubs as I get a bit taller.
-Handicap
I started the year off 28 but this was based on a couple of low rounds I shot at Mapledurham, Castle Royle and Calcot are a lot longer and harder so it took me a while to be able to play to 28.But I am really pleased that I have now shot a few rounds under at Castle Royle especially as these were off the Whites. I am now down to 25.6.
-CountySquad
I have mostly enjoyed my experiences in the BBOCounty squad; it got a bit confusing with how the academy programme fitted together. I went to 2 sessions of the Academy in 2011 at Carswell Golf Club, I quite enjoyed it up there but would be better if I could do this a bit closer and preferably with Rob at Castle Royle - I have a place confirmed in the BBO Academy for 2011 and the Under 12’s Elite Squad.
-Tournaments
Didn’t play in loads of external comps and tournaments this year, I enjoyed the BJGT Final at Heythrop but didn’t play my best. I missed playing in the European Champs in Scotland and hope to play that in 2011. Also didn’t play too well in the County Under 12’s although I have a few years left to play in it!
Highlight of my year in terms of competition was winning the EGU National Skills Challenge which was a quite pressurised event. I was proud how I coped mentally which was helped from lessons from Rob.
-Xavier
Had a great time with Xavier this year at Castle Royle and other things we went to together including the Ryder Cup and The Open. He has now left Castle Royle and the BBO for Wentworth and Surrey; I am a bit concerned that I won’t see as much of him but Constantin and Dad have said they will make sure we play together a lot next season.
-St Andrews
It has been great to see the Open Championship there this year and then to actually play the course myself, something I will never forget!
-Ryder Cup
It was great to see the opening tee shots of the Ryder Cup and experience the atmosphere but the weather spoilt things a bit.
Football
-Purley
The team is really progressing with Purley and we hope to get promoted this year and also hope to win the league, we have learned how to pass the ball better and also the squad has been improved with Luke joining.
-Team Mates
Its great that so many of my school friends are in the team, it does cause a bit of banter at school with other teams but we always stick together!
-Reading
I am still in the advanced centre and I am happy with how I am doing, not really sure what I need to do to get into the elite centre I will just keep doing my best
I hope all my readers have a good christmas, see you in 2011!!
Harry
4/11/2010 Never Forget
Today is remembrance Sunday and ordinarily we attend the service at the monument in the Tilehurst Triangle, unfortunately I had the BBO Golf Academy this morning so me and Dad could not go. We did however hold a minute silence before our football match yesterday. I kind of understand what this all means to everybody as I go to the Royal British Legion with Granddad Phil a fair bit and my great grandad fought in the second world war which we have learned a bit about at school, I understand it is important to remember the sacrifice by brave soldiers and respect this event.
Football has been going ok, got invited back to Reading despite being ill with that Rash, glad to say it turned out not to be HSP and I am 100% fine......phew. Purley are top of the league after 6 games although we have Caversham Trents on our heals and we play them in 2 weeks, that will be a big game. Had some mixed fortunes - scored last week but the ball went through a hole in the net and the ref didn't give it! Scored a penalty yesterday but also an OG!! We won 5-2.
Had an interesting session at the BBO today, got some feedback from one of the coaches that my long game needs some work as it needs to catch up with my short game. Dad is seeing Rob this week so will discuss this with him,
Going to have a break form Golf now until after Xmas but will blog again before with a review of my year and plans for next. Will also continue to update on the Footie etc,
H
31/10/2010 Return to the Home of Golf - HSP haunts me
Will be writing up a review of my year in December but Dad told me recently that I have worked really hard this year, changing my grip and working especially hard on short game as part of the skills challenge build up, so he surprised me with a trip to St Andrews and he had booked me my first ever round on the Old Course, as I said in my blog below I was desperate to play it. We went to St Andrews with Lee and Pat Mckay so it was a Father and Son theme! The weather was perfect a bit fresh but not a cloud in the sky, we tee'd off at 9.50 and the starter announced me on the tee. I got a round of applause from those watching (there are always a few people around watching), I was a bit nervous, the widest fairway in golf but still a bit nerve racking, I could not help but think of the great players in history who had hit this shot. So into my routine up to the ball...............ripped it staright down the middle! Got a "good shot" from a gentleman from the USA, please see the video and gallery pages. I had Scottie on my Bag, he was really good and clubbed me really well, after that drive, I nailed a 3 wood down to a lay up in front of the burn and then hit my 3rd into about 6 feet, just missed the put but a great start, I played pretty well all the way around and the I can only say the old course is amazing, I had a bit of trouble up 17 going long on the road which cost me shooting level for my handicap but I finished with a 5 through the valley of sin, a day I will never forget.
This week I am sad to say I broke out in a rash and we all thought it was another dose of HSP coming back to haunt me, but glad to say it looks like I am getting over it very quickly, but I have taken a week off any sport, so fingers crossed I am back in action soon,
Just a quick mention to Harry A West in Florida for his kind email, Harry shares my name and sent me an illustration he did of Bobby Jones, thanks Harry!!
7/10/2010 Monty's Army
Last Friday we got up at 2am and met Constatin and Xavier at Calcot Golf transferred into one car and left Reading at 3am to travel to Celtic Manor and the Ryder Cup. I tried to get some sleep in the back of the car on the way but I was too excited. We arrived at Celtic Manor at around 4.30 and after a quick snack and putting on water proofs we got in the front on the queue - I know you are going to think we were crazy!
We managed to get on the first shuttle bus into the course from where we had a 2 mile "run" to the first tee - Dad could not keep up he forgot his asthma inhaler! Anyway we got to sit in the front row of the granstand, we sat there from around 5.45. Sky news came and filmed all the crown as they could not believe people had got in the course that early. But it rained and rained, me and Xavier sheltered under our brolley but we had to take it down when the TV did any interviews we were also told that when the tee off times as we were in the front row we had to put the umbrella down. So after waiting patiently the stand started to fill and was full by 7.00, the players, captains, vice captains started to appear and the atmosphere was amazing. It was like being at a football match. Seeing Dustin johnson hit the first shot was incredible and also seeing the rest. All the USA time got cheered and clapped but when a Europe player got called by Ivor Robson everybody went crazy - I liked the there is only one songs bu tthe there is only 2 molinari's was even funnier.
We saw all the opening tee shots, Tiger, Rory, GMAC, Poults, and of course Phil. We then went it to get dried off for an hour but they suspended play so we only ended seeing 16 shots before we went home, disappointing but it was worth being there for the opening tee shots. I watched the Ryder Cup all weekend but had to miss Monday as I was at school but mummy told me we had won and watched it on Sky Plus when I got home, well done to Monty's Army for bringing it home!
23/9/2010 - English Golf Union National Title
So best start with the major event of the year so far - Mentioned in my last blog that I had made it through to the National Finals of the Skills Challenge, welll me and Dad headed up to Woodhall Spa which is all the way in Lincolnshire. I had played there on the Golf Tour last year and the course is very hard. They staged the Skills final on the short game area where the England Elite Squads train and it is a great place to practice but a hard venue for the tests! I started pretty solid in the putting scoring 4 out of 6 - I missed 2 of the round the clock putts but each one had a big break. I have worked really hard with Rob on my bunker play and this paid off as I scored 5 out 6 with the one I missed only just missing the target. The Gentleman overseeing the tests asked me if I practiced a lot, I said "yes" he said "I can tell!!". We then moved on to the pitching and if I say so myself my ball striking was very good I not only landed all 6 in the targets but made most of them spin back or stop dead. I coped well with the pressure and when I did mess up one of the chips did what Rob taught me the week before in terms of finishing the shot and not hanging onto it, so with the long game to go I was 2 points in front (Dad didn't tell me but I knew I was leading). So the long game..........with about 200 spectators on the driving range I was up first, I trusted my new grip and went through my routine, I gave Dad a surprise rather than hitting Hybrid off a tee I reached for my 6 iron and hit it off the ground, first practice shot missed the target right. So I "finished" that shot using Rob's technique and went through my routine again, my hands were sweating but I stayed focussed, great swing - soft draw right in the middle, the 2nd and 3rd followed and landed on target, phew! After the others had taken theirs I was up again knowing that 3 good swings would get me there. I went with 5 Iron, I looked at Dad and although he looked surprised he gave me the thumbs up, here we go then, the crowd went quiet. First practice shot right in the middle, routine, swing smooth, first one staright in the middle, routine and routine, I got maximum points, over to Dad for a high 5 and I needed a drink - Dad rushed off to get me some water, I sat down absolutely drained but I did it!! Best feeling in the world! We watched the trick show form Dean Davis, I played some golf with my new mate Grady (he an awesome ball striker) and I then picked up my trophy and new vokey wedge - I would like to thank Russell for his time and dedication this year and putting on extra practice which helped me achieve my goal of winning this title, Ruth from the EGU was also very nice.
My golf really seems to have clicked and I am really, really enjoying it, I played in the Highwood Trophy this weekend just gone and to my surprise came 2nd shooting 3 under out of the whole Junior Section at Castle Royle got cut to 25.6 so one more good score this year and I could knock on the door of a 25 handicap.
Also been selected back into the Reading Football Academy so it's all good at the moment. Xavier has got cut to 27 and is playing well as well, had a great sleepover with him the night before the Highwood trophy.
See you all soon
Harry A West
14/8/2010 - been a while
Hi all its been a while since my last blog, I have been up to loads so lots to tell you about, will also be updating my gallery with some pictures as soon as I get them.
The Open Championship - Phil Mickleson - class act!
Probably the highlight of the year so far, Dad had arranged with Craig and Constantin to take me, Xavier, Lucy and Sean to the Open in St Andrews, it was the 150th so it was honour to be there. We all stayed at our house so it was a bit crambed but we all had a great time. Grandad was also there and this was his last big event to watch there before he moved back to England. We have kept the house and will be using it a lot hopefully to play up there in years to come.
Dad, Craig, me Sean and Lucy flew up from Heathrow late on the Friday, Xavier and Constantin had left earlier in the morning, we had a great time on the flight on the way up Sean is so funny doing his italian job impressions and there was a man with an eye patch on, Sean kept saying to Dad that he was a real pirate, I got the giggles, Dad wanted to sit at the back of the plane!
We got upto the house and saw Xavier before we went to bed - he had already been out to see so play - have a look at his blog for more info.
So not quite bright and early we headed to the course, we used St Andrews Golf Club and Dad's locker as a base, Lucy and Sean stayed with Dad, Grandad and Craig - Xavier, Constatin and me walked round the course and watch many players like Hunter Mahan, Ernie and Darren Clarke. I took special interest in the course as I am going to play it in October! Awesome. We caught up with the others and sat in the stand by the 16th Green, 17th Tee, we could also see accross to the 2nd green and 3rd tee, great spot! We had a really good day eating lots of food and watching the golf, but the best was yet to come!
We headed back to the Clubhouse and watched some of the golf in the basement bar, Thomas Aitken managed to land his ball in the front yard! Me and Xavier then headed over to the R&A Clubhouse to hunt autographs - Xavier is mad on this, when Phil MIckleson came out the crowd went mad but I managed to get my book to him via a security guard before I got pulled back into the crowd, to which Phil said "where is the little kid" I got back to front and he gave me the book back saying thank you to me!
We then headed to my favourite restaurant the Nam-Jim where we had a special area just to ourselves, we saw GMAC and Lucas Glover in there. What a day, I went to bed quite tired but glad we had gone.
2nd day was much like the first but we managed to get a good spot behind the 18th green in the grandstand, after a while Craig, Sean, Dad and Luce went back to the club so the younger ones could play and move about. I stayed in the grandstand all afternoon playing games with Xavier on who would drive the green, Dad got food and drink sent over from the club. It was great seeing Louis Oosterhuisen win it and I listened to his speech. We then went to a eat as much as you can pizza place, now that is what I call awesome!
We had a quiet day on the Monday and helped clear up the house, we headed home but I can't wait to go back to St Andrews now to play the Old Course!
National Skills Challenge
As you will all probably know I haven't played in as many national and international comps this year and have had a bit of a break and concentrated on my club and more local golf. The National Skills Challenge was the one competition this year I really wanted to concentrate on. It is run by the English Golf Union and apart from one long game section has 4 others aimed at short game. In some comps when my birthday falls goes against me, on the Golf Tour and usually the US Kids events I'm one of the youngest, however its the other way around in this one. I scored the second highest qualifying score in the 2 rounds you complete at your own club. I qualified for the regional final as did Xavier, as he was in the states competing in the US Kids World Champs he could not make it. I know he would have pushed me close! In the end after level pegging with Jake I pulled away to win by 7 points. The national final is at woodhall spa on the 11/9 the home of the EGU and the Elite Training squads.
Grip Change
in my last blog I mentioned about changing my grip, well I have done it quicker than I expected and am now just using the interlocking grip, seeing Rob next week so hopefully he will be surprised!
Match Play Events
Having a bit of a mixed bag in the match play events I lost against some older boys in a couple of events but managed to win with Robin aganst Sand Martins. Will maybe be a bit more comfortable in there as play to my handicap and better over next season.
Strokeplay including under 12s, BJGT Final and The Karl Todd Trophy
Strokeplay results are definately improving I'm shooting in the "buffer zone" regularly now and have shot some general play scores under my 28 handicap. Haven't quite managed to shoot under it yet in competition.
Played in the county under 12 champs at Beaconsfield a few weeks ago, I came last on the scratch side not so bad on the handicap side. Xavier played really well shooting well under his handicap. Dad and Constantin swapped who's group they watched so that was different!
I played with Darren Gatward in the Karl Todd trophy, this is an adult child event and is in memory of Karl Todd who was junior captain at Calcot before he passed away at age 17. Me and Darren played a great practice round but didn't do so well in the actual comp shooting 74, 60 won it!
Had 2 good days at the BJGT final, I shot +2 and -4 in the under 10's, not sure yet if the good score will cut my handicap.
Football - Captain's duty!
Bit quiter on the football front, just a few training sessions. We did have our Team BBQ where I got presented with my "golden boot" trophy. I made a little speech on behalf of all the team thanking Nigel, Simon, Dad and all the parents for their support and help during the year.
Take care H
30/6/2010 Good Grip Good Results
Hi everybody! In my lasy blog I said I was going to see Rob as I was having a few issues with a weakish ball flight, me and Dad had been getting a bit uptight about it as I just couldn't get out of it, well it took Rob about 2 mins to sort me out - I had been looking at my alignment, ball position and all sorts of stuff but in the end it was my grip which had got a bit split so my hands were not working together. Since then I have been hitting the ball great and I am noticing a big change in the clubs I am taking - now hitting a 5/6 iron from 100 yards where before I was hitting hybrid or 5 wood! I am trying out the interlocking grip on the range now and again and I am planning to switch to this at the end of the season and work on it bedding in over the winter, Rob says it is time to start to move away from the "baseball grip".
Played 36 holes a couple of weekends ago and shot 72 net (level par) both days so getting closer to dropping my handicap, Xavier is also in the same position he is playing well but not quite under his handicap. Haven't played too much golf with him lately but hopefully we will get to play a bit during the next couple of months
Now my ball striking is getting so good my short game needs attnetion to make sure I cash in on how well I hitting it. So all good on the golf front. Got the 2nd round of the skills challenge this weekend so fingers crossed I make it to the regional finals!
Football is all ok, Reading Academy seems to be going well, scored a good goal last week which the coaches said well done for. Played in a tournament last weekend for Purley and we did ok only conceeding one goal but only scoring one to which I managed to put away. We got through the semi finals of the consolation tournament so not bad against a lot of teams in higher divisions to us. 30/5/2010 Shooting Par and Better, Watching the Pros
Really busy month on the golf front, been playing lots in many competitions and in general terms I am shooting to my handicap of 28 off the mens tees, last weekend I shot under by 1 shot at Calcot, I didn't put the card in to Castle Royle as the SSS for the yellows is one under (that's for the golfers reading). I am due a lesson with Rob in a week's time as in recent weeks I have developed a bit of a weak "blocky" flight. County Coaching went well, I may get the chance to actually make my debut for the county team later in the season - fingers crossed! Played 36 holes this weekend with Dad, we were first off today and got round 18 holes in under 3 hours - who says juniors are slow! I shot net 73 which would have been a "buffer zone" score, this included a 4 putt on 10 - that hole bit me back - see below re my eagle there before! Dad surprised me and Lucy with a trip to the BMW Championship at Wentworth, I am lucky that we go there all the time to play the par 3 but it was cool seeing the new west course and that 18th hole, I'm gonna play that one day. Dad also surprised us as we are going to the Open at St Andrews this July with Xavier, Constatin, Craig and Sean..awesome!! We have booked into my favourite Restaurant in the World - Nam-Jim Thai in St Andrews, I love their green curry! We went up a couple of weeks ago and I played the Eden Course shooting level par (for my handicap) on the front 9 in a hoolie - back 9 not so good, got really tired as we drove up through the night before.
Good news on the football front I have been "renewed" on the academy for the next sessions.
Lastly its the European Golf Championships next week in Scotland, we decided I would give it a miss this year and have a family holiday, but good luck to all my mates playing especially Xavier who I think will go close to winning his age group, I emailed him before he went and will be watching how he gets on. If invited I plan to play in it again next year.................all the best......H
4/5/2010 - Step-overs, Sleepovers and 2 overs - 2 lots of White Tees!
Hi been a while since I blogged so lots to tell you,
Following on from the last entry I am pleased to say I have been retained in the Reading FC Academy still in the advanced centre. Dad is going to ask for some feedback in the next few weeks to see what I need to work on, I have been practising my heading and stepovers/dummies in the backgarden but I can't quite pull them off at Reading in the matches. We have wound down on the football now and are only training every other week to give everybody a bit of rest, I still have Reading every Friday though.
Been really busy on the golf front, since the last blog I beat the 113 with a 104 shooting level for my handicap round the front nine so I was well pleased - Xavier came over for a sleepover the next weekend , we had a great "boys" night and played in the afternoon at Wentworth on the Edinburgh, Dad managed to "wangle" a couple of free rounds and thanks to Huntswood for sorting it out. Me and X took on Dad and Mike Forde, we stuffed them 7 and 5, Xavier played great holing a pitch on the 10th for net eagle! I didn't play my best but tramlined a 30 footer to win it, get in there! We also played a nine hole at Castle Royle the day after and I nearly shot my handicap round the front nine being just one over. I then played the week after and shot 2 over so not too bad, Xavier has been shooting some great scores and I think his best on 9 holes is 49 Gross - his handicap is now coming down, so I need to shoot sub 50 now the front nine to really start progressing. Last weekend I played Saturday and Sunday off the full medal white tees for the first time , firstly at Castle Royle where I shot 111 (I tried to beat Xavier's score of the previous week of 116 - we do push each other on), I then played on Sunday with Dad and a Gentleman called Rick at Calcot where I shot 104 including nailing a driver over the lake on the 7th and making a gross birdie on 10 - knocked a 3 wood into 5 feet!
Lastly as you know I am taking it a bit easier on the Golf Tour stuff this year but I have entered the National Skills Challenge, pleased to say after round 1, I am sitting in the top spot nationally, I will be practising hard for this ready for round 2 where I hope to qualify for the regional final - will keep you posted,
Golf Tour this weekend at East Berks Golf Club and County Coaching at Castle Royle,
Harry
13/4/2010 - Strokeplay, Matchplay and County + Reading Fc Camp
Got into some serious golf action this week but also had a 2 day training camp at Reading FC,
Dad was right I put a bit into my game this week and got a bit out, we were meant to play against Mapledurham on Tuesday the 6th but they have pulled out of the league as they can't get a team together so we played a 18 hole stableford instead, I didn't play too well, got 25 points shooting 113 gross off the red tees, I had 3 9's on my card, on the positive front I played the front 9 quite well nearly shooting to my handicap (I shot 52) but had a nightmare round the back 9. Dad has said to just concentrate on the front 9, the back nine is harder and we play 9 hole handicap qulaifyers round the front 9. Xavier played solid again shooting 29 points although he had an NR on one hole. So my target has been set for 18 holes in my own mind - to beat 113!
We played Caversham Heath on Thursday away, I lost 7 down but played quite well, played another boy who was 13 and had the same handicap as me, he length won it for him. Xavier won 14 up! We drew the match 3-3.
I then played in another 18 holes on Friday and played much better, I shot 50 round the front to play to my handicap and played ther back nine a lot better shooting 54 for 104 - bit of an improvement! But on the net scores I finished last - frustrating! Went to Wentworth on Saturday with Dad and Lucy, we played the par 3 course, Lucy played really well having lots of 5,6,7 and 8's, I had a good pratice on my shortgame.
I then had the county coaching on Sunday and we were told we were could play 9 holes rather than going to the range. We played the back nine and I shot 52, Dad said I played really well and I got some nice comments from the coaches/managers - so things are improving!
This week we had a 2 day coaching session at Reading, the first day was pratice on skills, shooting etc and today we played the actual Academy Team - the boys who have "signed" forms for Reading, we got beat 6-3 but I scored-as Dad said a rasper from a yard! Will have to wait now for the letters to come out to see if I'm kept on - will blog and let you know! Harry
5/4/2010 End of the Football Season, Start of the Golf Season!!
The football season finished well, we recorded 2 draws against the Caversham Teams, I scored a left footed shot in one of the games. We then had our biggest win of the season 6-2 against Woodley Wanderers, I scored another long ranger for my 13th goal of the season, Kyle played well scoring 2 as did Ben and Brandon scored the other. We finished 4th, 2 points behind Barton Rovers a point behind the 2nd placed team Woodley Saints and level with Streatley Strikers but our goal difference cost us, we didn't score enough goals to win the league but our defence was awesome!
Been starting to play a bit of golf, played on the golf tour at Sunningdale Ladies and shot 93, don't where I finished buut Scott Murray shot 65 to win the under 10's and win his place at the World Champs. Dad's friend Michael came over to watch me and caddied for me on the back 9, my short game let me down especially my putting, it did get me down. Steve gave me an invite to the Adams Cup - missed it last year when I broke my arm - it's North v South ala Ryder Cup, I played with Joshua in the morning in the 4somes and we lost 4 and 3, Joshua is a little younger than me and Seth & Harrison (who we played). In the afternoon I played Seth - 4 down through 4 - then all sqaure after 8! Lost it down the last, putting again!! I need to get better mentally on the course as well.
24/3/10 Ref cost us, lesson from Dad, lesson from Rob
After the highs of last week the football front was a bit more frustrating this week, we played Woodley Hammers in our first game this week and we managed to win 1-0 I scored my 10th of the season! But then the wheels came off big time in the next game, we played Whiteknights who had just been beat 10-1. I think our attitude was wrong we went 1-0 down but managed to draw level before half time, Ben scored his first ever goal for us. it was all us in the second half, but we were worried before the game about the pitch markings and in particular the goal areas. The ref made a bad decision to award a free kick against us when Taylor picked up the ball, the ref said it was outside the area but we know he was inside, they scored from it, gutted!
Football was ok the night before but Dad was very angry with me, he told me not to run about the hard court area before in my football boots due to my ankle issues a few weeks ago but I didn't listen. He was really mad and gave me a good talking to on the way home - I am barred from the WII for 2 weeks, won't do that again in a hurry!
Had a good lesson with Rob on Tuesday, he was really happy with my golf swing, have played a couple of times practising as I have my first British Junior Golf Club event this week at Sunningdale LAdies Golf Course - this is Xavier's nearest club, I have played it with him. It's the qualifier for the Callaway World Champs. As I went last year I am not attempting to qualify just enjoy the round, I may have to give my slot up if somebody else wants to try and qualifiy, hope not!
Injury recovery, top of the table clashes and my shortgame needs attention!
So after last weeks excitement of getting back on the football pitch, Dad made me take it easy, I kept away from Golf and didn't train on Wednesday. I did go to Reading again on Friday but Dad strapped my ankle up, didn't have the best of sessions but no further tweaks. So I was ready for action on Saturday, this time I played without the strapping and it went ok. In our first game we played Woodley Saints (who were 3rd a point behind us), who are a big strong team, we drew 0-0, I cleared one off the line towards the end of the game. Then onto Barton Royals - they are top a point in front of us, we started the game really well and I scored what Dad said is my best goal ever yet - Brandon floated the ball in and I caught a volley perfect! We were 2-0 up at half time, Brandon knocked the ball in again and I lobbed the keeper.
Barton are a great team and they came on strong in the second half scoring straight from the restart but we managed to hold on, so we are now level on points with Barton but they have a much better goal difference, Woodley are a point behind - 4 games to go!
Played in 9 holer at Castle Royle Sunday, I started really bad, from in front of the green on the 1st for 3 I took an 8! The shortgame needs some attention! It didn't get much better from there although I did get up and down for a 5 at number 2 and made 4's on the par 3's so not all bad! Lastly Xavier had an accident on the course hurting himself when his buggy snagged up in some marker posts, he hurt his chest and had to walk in, he is ok now though - he is off golf for a while skiing - hope he does better than I did!
10/3/10 Headed Goal, Golf and Happy Birthday Grandad Andrew!
The week didn't off to the best of starts, I tweaked my ankle at Football Training on Wednesday and was still suffering with it a bit on Friday at Reading, I wanted to train and maybe wasn't completely up front with Dad about how it was. Ryan noticed I was carrying the injury and asked to speak to Mum when she picked me up as he was worried about it. So with Football on for Purley with 2 matches on Saturday I thought I as going to have miss the matches. But Dad knew how bad I wanted to play so I iced my ankle all evening on Friday and in the morning it felt ok. Dad strapped it up a little and he took me over the park for a fitness test, it wasn't 100% but he said I could play but I would have to spend some of the 2 games on the bench. Our first gane was against Barton Rovers, we played well but couldn't score, I came on for the last part of the game. We got a corner in the last minute, the ball came in and I had drifted off to the far post, I knew I had to head it to score and I don't really like heading the ball but I went for it, shut my eyes and it went in for my first headed goal. We then played Streatley, it was a hard game but I started the game and set up Nathan to score our first goal, I then came on again for the 2nd half and scored a nice goal from outside the box, so 2 wins and up to 2nd in the league. We have 2 really hard games this week and I have been resting all week, with no training.
County golf was really good, Xavier was there with me again although we were on different groups, Dad told the coaches about my ankle so they were careful with what I did. I did really well with the putting and Xavier did excellent with the pitching, so we were both really happy again and the coaches said we did well.
It was Grandad Andrew's birthday this week, so happy Birthday!!!
Harry
1/3/10 Rain Rain Go Away! 1st March - Happy Birthday Grandad Malcolm!
Now I'm starting to get a cheesed off with the weather!
The Reading Evening Post had a pull out section on the sports awards and my picture was in there with Kevin Dillon - Grandad Phillip thought the picture was aweful and didn't look like me, maybe I will have to stop spiking my hair up!
Friday Football at Reading went ok, Ryan said I made some nice passes and lay offs so I was pleased.
But then the weather ruined the weekend, football was called off Saturday so we have a massive fixture pile up now, we are going to have to play 2 games each Saturday to catch up. Me, Dad and Luce went down to Calcot to hit some balls Saturday AM, Lucy did well hitting some in the air. This is the first time for about a month Dad had seen me hitting balls up close and he told me it was all looking great. The 3 of us then went up to the half way house and I had some yummee Cake which Bob Webb had in the hut.
Sunday wasn't much better, the 9 hole comp @ Castle Royle was called off, probably a good thing as I went down with the current sickness bug so I had today off School and couldn't get down to see Nanny Alice.
Have a busy week this week, Football Training Wednesday and then Reading Academy on Friday followed by 2 football matches (weather allowing Saturday) and then County Golf Coaching Sunday!
Lastly Happy Birthday to Grandad Malcolm up in St Andrews.
Take care, H
Football off again/County Golf 20th Feb
Unfortunately the stuttering football season continues! Had another match called off yesterday. But it was Dad's birthday so he opened his presents a bit earlier!
The county golf coaching went really well, Rob is one of the coaches as I think you all know but Jason and John Cook are great coaches as well. I am starting to feel quite at home in the county squad as all the coaches know me now but yesterday was extra special as it was Xavier's first session yesterday so it was great being in the same group as him, hopefully I helped him settle in. We worked on our long games a bit first after a warm up - I have to watch my posture. We then did a bit of fitness stuff and then shortgame drills with Jason. We played a game of "killer", there were about 10 of us and whoever left the ball farthest from the hole was knocked out - guess what me and X were the last 2 in, Xavier just pipped me in the final. Well done Xavier but I will practising for next time!!
Apparently the new U14 managers said some nice things to our Dad's about us so they were pleased with us and said they enjoyed our "duel", we all left the club happy after a really fun day! Then it was over to Wentworth for dinner with all the family, I managed to eat a rib eye steak, I was really hungry following all the golf!
Skiing, Return to Golf, Back to Football and The Reading Sports Awards 18th Feb Been a while since I blogged so have lots to tell you all about,
First of all we went over to Cyprus last week and went up to Troodos where there is a Ski Resort, well I was rubbish, Lucy really took to it, no doubt she will put something on her website about it. Maybe I need to stick to ball sports! Was great to spend some time at our house although Mum and Dad had to plenty of weeding, we also saw Kyri our friend in the village and he wanted to know how my football and golf were going.
Finally got back into action with Purely FC, we drew our first game back 0-0, I didn't play great but the other team are a good side, I got a bit upset when I got accused by the other manager of catching their keeper in tackle on purpose, Dad was winding me up all weekend calling me Joey Barton! I missed the next match when we over in Cyprus but the lads did great winning 2-0 to take us back up to 3rd in the league. We have a nightmare of a fixture pile up due to postponed games so will be interesting to see how that pans out.
Been playing a bit of golf, played in a couple of competitions at Calcot and Castle Royle, as my handicap has been cut I have been struggling to shoot around par but I am quite happy with how I am playing on the Gross scoring front. Playing with Xavier at Castle Royle is so good, we push each other a bit but have a real good chatter on the way round, we are both caddying for ourselves now with the Dads just watching us from "outside the ropes", I do prefer this now although 18 holes is a bit tiring without Dad on the bag. Had a good session with Rob where me, him and Dad mapped out this year a bit. He agreed with Dad that we give America etc a miss this year and just chill out a bit. Finally on the golf front I played in a Friendly match for Castle Royle against Mapledurham, it was 8 a side - guess what I was out at number 7! Xavier was out in the Anchor role. I played really well, Constatin said it was the best he seen me play, Dad was not about as he had to work so I was on my own but Constantin encouraged me and text Dad to let him know how I was getting on. I was 4 up through 6 and then 7 up at the "turn". I went on to win 6 and 4, Xavier also won although Constatin said he didn't play his best - well look out when he does play well!
Finally as previously mentioned I went to the Reading Sports Awards on Thursday 18th where I picked the School Personality Award for the 2nd year running, they commented on my Golf and Football achievements in 2009. If you look at last years blog you will see some notes about Claire Taylor who is the best Lady Cricket Batsmen in the world, she led Engalnd to victory in the World Cup last year. I get a bit star struck around her as I watched her on sky last year score her century and half centuries in becomming the player of the tournament but she is really nice to me and speaks to me like I am her friend. She won the main award; me, Dad and Nanny were really pleased - if you look on the gallery you will see a picture of me with her. Dad has promised me that we can go and watch her play in a real match this year so that is going to be so cool. I do fancy having a crack at Cricket sometime. There were loads of awards and it was amazing to hear all the stories of the hard work people put into their sports. On the next table to us was a man who has downs syndrone but he is a world swimming record holder, incredible, when he picked up his award it was great to see how pleased he was, Dad shook his hand and congratulated him. I would like to thank Alan Porton for his hard work in putting on the evening and making it possible for me to win the award.
This weekend I have county golf coaching and football but it is Dad's 40th Birthday so we are going to Wentworth for dinner, will blog again next week........................Harry.
26/1/2010, Return to Reading FC, Back to Golf and I can Ski!
Finally back into football action this week, good traning session with Purley on Wednesday followed by my first session back at the Academy, I think I did well this week, managed to score a good "laces" volley into the top corner, Ryan said I need to work on my stepovers and keeps up though. Unfortunately no Purley game on Saturday, hopefully that will change this weekend.
We had the Ski Lesson at Bracknell dry ski slope the previous weekend, Lucy has said more in her blog but it was good fun, I managed to do the splits which was quite painful.
Played 6 holes on Sunday Pm, pretty rusty for the first 4 holes although Dad said I swinging it well baring in mind my time off due to the weather, made a great 6 down the par 5 6th, stiffed a wedge over the water hazard.
16/1/2010 - The big Freeze, Reading FC and Skiing
Not much to report I'm afraid, made it back to school and had a great time in the snow but I am looking forward to it thawing out now I am getting a bit bored and ready to get back to Golf and Football.
What a great result for Reading this week, I know most of you know I follow Livepool but Reading are my no1 club especially I'm now in the academy. Dad was gutted though although he said if was anybody to beat Liverpool from the lower league then he would have picked Reading.
We are off the dry ski slope tomorrow as we had a xmas present from nanny Alice for a lesson, so will write next week and let you know how it goes!!
11/1/2010 - I'm 9, Football, Snow and Sports Personality
Well I'm another year older, celebrated my Birthday by being of school and headed up the park to jump on my sledge! My present from Mum and Dad is a sky plus box of my own in my bedroom to go with my television, cool or what! Obviously no golf although I thought about playing Snow Golf at Castle Royle as they set up a fun competition but we couldn't dig ourselves out of our road!
Had an email from Reading, I have been retained in the Advanced Centre Academy so I well chuffed with that.
Also found out that I have been shortlisted for an award at this years Reading Sports Personality of the Year Awards run by the Reading Evening Post - if you have looked at my site you will know I won Make Sports Personality of the Year last year. Unfortunately although I was invited to the awards ceremony last weekend it was postponed to Febrruary. If I am honest I don't really like all that stuff as I don't really like all the "fuss" but none the less I am really proud to be shortlisted so lets see what happens.
4/1/2010 Happy New Year!
Ok so my first blog entry of the new year - since I last wrote Dad took me and Xavier to Wentoworth to play the East Course now I have been cut to 28 handicap I am allowed on this course and the Edinburgh, the West Course is closed and has a handicap limit of 20, this was the original course there designed by Harry Colt (great name don't you think!!). Harry Colt also designed many other great courses includingCalcot and I could see some similar bits. Me and Xavier beat Dad 4 and 3, he wants a rematch later in the year on the Edinburgh. I also got to do a sleepover at Xavier's just after Xmas and we had so much fun,we couldn't get to sleep so Xavier's Dad moved him to another room!
Got some really great Xmas presents - think the best one is my new TV for my bedroom which has freeview so I can watch Sky Sports News - cool!
Played in a 9 hole comp at mapledurham Sunday shot 19 points (-1) off my new handicap so really pleased, Xavier had a great round shooting 8 over gross for 27 points - he won't be off that 34 handicap for long!!
Keep checking back for my blogs and news on golf and football and other stuff - it's my 9th Birthday Thursday so will write again after that.
