The TBIS is a golfing society in Sussex with a group of around 50 people. TBIS Events are every 6-8 weeks and there is an ongoing 10 event tournament where players participate in the hope of winning the Race to the Stone.
The ultimate TBIS showdown is fast approaching as the highly anticipated ‘Race to the Stone’ (RTTS) major event is officially set for April 17th & 18th at Dorset Country Golf Club. This marks the fourth edition of the RTTS, following previous host venues at Puckrup, Tudor Park, and The Oxfordshire.
Regarded as one of England’s Top 150 Courses, the Lakeland, Parkland, and Woodland layouts at “The Dorset” were designed by renowned course architect Martin Hawtree—the mastermind behind the redesign of Royal Birkdale for The Open and Trump International Links in Aberdeen. The venue boasts a rich history, having hosted major events such as The Mastercard Tour, where a young Justin Rose set the course record with a gross 69. With the course made up of 3 ‘9’ Holes, 2 different 18-hole rounds will be completed by the TBIS for this year's Race to the Stone winner.
With its unique design, the course transforms between seasons—offering a firm, fast, links-style challenge in summer and a softer, more strategic test in winter. TBIS players will be hoping for favourable weather conditions, as two solid Stableford rounds could be the key to major prizes in this season-defining event.
Smaller Field, Bigger Prizes
With a reduced field compared to previous years, the £3,500+ prize pool promises generous rewards for nearly every competitor. The RTTS follows a FedEx-style format, with starting points based on each player’s top six performances from the 2024/25 season. Players who haven’t met the six-event threshold will start with a handicap penalty, while those exceeding six events but finishing outside the top four will begin on zero points—ensuring consistency throughout the season is rewarded.
Past RTTS champions Joe Perry and reigning titleholder John Hearn will return, both having defied the odds in previous years after starting on zero and minus points. John is eyeing back-to-back victories, but with fierce competition at the top, it promises to be a battle right until the final putt.
2025 Race to the Stone Prizes:
£800 Club Fitting Voucher - Worthing GC
Driver – Taylor Made QI10 LS
Putter - Odyssey AI-ONE 2024 Slant.
Driver - PXG 0311 GEN5
Golf Bag - J Lindeberg Flare
Nike Voucher
5X Golf Lessons - Tim Lewis
Best Senior - Voucher American Golf Voucher
Boundary Lakes 4 Ball Voucher
Sweetwoods 4 Ball Voucher
Chartham Park 4 Ball Voucher
Pyecombe 4 Ball Voucher
Purley Downs 4 Ball Voucher
Worthing 2 Ball Voucher with committee and Lunch (4-Ball)
Box of ProV 1 x12
Mystery Box 1
Mystery Box 2
Mystery Box 3
Last Place - Aldi Voucher
Leaderboard Drama: Putt-Off to Decide Top Spot
Ahead of the main event, a sudden-death putt-off will determine the outright leader, as Wayne Newton and Gavin Hammond are tied at the summit after nine events with identical 34.83-point averages.
One putt each will settle who starts with 4 points and who must settle for 3 points—a potentially crucial advantage going into the two-day event.
Committee members Adam Hunt (2 points) and Joe Perry (1 point) round out the top four, while others will need strong performances to climb the leaderboard.
Starting Points Totals for RTTS Dorset:
Name | Points Start |
---|---|
Wayne Newton | 4 or 3 (Putt-Off) |
Gavin Hammond | 4 or 3 (Putt-Off) |
Adam Hunt | 2 |
Joe Perry | 1 |
Ashley Towler | 0 |
Dave Blunsdon | 0 |
Gary Tillott | 0 |
John Hearn | 0 |
Steve Farrell | 0 |
James Page | 0 |
Brad Lewis | -1 |
Gareth Cook | -1 |
Lew Jenkins | -1 |
Luke Collins | -2 |
Adam Wilds | -4 |
Joe Friend | -4 |
Terry Dodd | -4 |
Richard Bartlett | -6 |
Uniform & Rules: Penalties in Play
All competitors must wear TBIS-branded uniforms throughout the event. Non-compliance will result in points deductions, potentially impacting final standings and prize eligibility.
Both rounds will feature team competitions, individual prizes for 1st and 2nd place, and closest-to-the-pin challenges, ensuring plenty of chances for players to cash in. A £30 cash entry fee is mandatory for prize pools, so don’t forget to bring it on Thursday!
Key Event Details & Schedule
And finally...
Drinking Is Mandatory (No Excuses!)
TBIS tradition dictates that alcohol consumption is compulsory over the two-day event. Medical exemptions will only be granted by TBIS Head Doctor Gary Tillott—and even then, any claims will be heavily scrutinized. Attempting to avoid drinking for ‘health reasons’ could result in additional handicap penalties.
Think long and hard before trying to pull a fast one... the committee is watching.
Dorset Country Golf Club Room Mates:
Dave Blunsdon | Room 1 |
Steve Farrell | |
Joe Friend | Room 2 |
John Hearn | |
Brad Lewis | Room 3 |
Lew Jenkins | |
James Page | Room 4 |
Wayne Newton | |
Gareth Cook | Room 5 |
Richard Bartlett | |
Terry Dodd | Room 6 |
Ashley Towler | |
Adam Hunt | Room 7 |
Adam Wilds | |
Joe Perry | Room 8 |
Gavin Hammond | |
Gary Tillott | Room 9 |
Luke Collins |
Dorset Country Golf Handicaps:
Name | Handicaps |
Gavin Hammond | 11 |
Wayne Newton | 20 |
Adam Hunt | 5 |
Joe Perry | 9 |
Dave Blunsdon | 18 |
Gary Tillott | 23 |
John Hearn | 12 |
Steve Farrell | 18 |
Ashley Towler | 28 |
James Page | 15 |
Brad Lewis | 5 |
Lew Jenkins | 15 |
Gareth Cook | 20 |
Luke Collins | 24 |
Terry Dodd | 16 |
Adam Wilds | 25 |
Joe Friend | 18 |
Richard Bartlett | 13 |
*** Handicaps will be cut by 2 shots for the winner of the first day on Friday 17th, with second place being cut by 1. Last place of day one will be given 2 shots back, with second to last place 1 shot back as well***
The Road to Glory Awaits
With prizes, prestige, and the ultimate TBIS bragging rights on the line, the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend at Dorset. Who will hold their nerve and emerge victorious in the Race to the Stone 2024?
Stay tuned for the full event recap and winner announcements!
Good Luck
TBIS Committee
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