wood group hit target to take golf title

The intermittent showers couldn’t put a dampener on the Aberdeen Corporate Decathlon Golf Challenge 2007 as the teams set the course alight with lots of low scores on both days.  Despite heavy rain on Wednesday night the fabulous Lairds course at Inchmarlo Golf Club was in excellent condition, testing your golf skills to the fullest.  The event was run over two days this year and is the biggest golf event in the North East with 46 teams competing.   There were winners on each day, with the results being added together to give the overall Golf Challenge Champions, and the all-important Corporate Decathlon Points.

Unfazed by showers, golfers soon got into the swing of things as they battled it out to try and push their teams as far up the table as possible.

With an 18-hole Texas Scramble competition, as well as a putting challenge and target golf tournament all taking place, there was lots going on during what turned out to be a very exciting couple of days.

In the end it was the consistency of the Wood Group team, with impressive performances in each of the three disciplines, which prevailed, so they were duly crowned the Champions of the Golf Challenge in 2007. Right from the off they showed that they were on form with an eagle at the first when Scott Robertson struck a 3 wood to within 6 feet of the flag. This proved the catalyst for an impressive team performance which included 7 birdies and two eagles, to give them an incredible texas-scramble gross score of 58. They also demonstrated this was not just luck, as they won the target golf competition with a fantastic score of 99.

By the time the 2006 champions Royal Mail arrived at the course on the Friday morning, they knew they had to perform well as word had spread of the Wood Group heroics the previous day. Utterly unfazed, they started at a furious pace, and reported in to the organizers at the half-way house that they were 11 under through 10 holes!!! Rumours of this spectacular scoring travelled like lightening all over the course ensuring that added pressure was heaped on their rivals! In a story of intrigue, deception, and bluff, it all turned out to be a ruse created by the cunning Royal Mail spin-doctor, with the real story being they were 7 under through 10 holes, (although this was hardly shoddy golf, I think you’ll agree). Ultimately it was a plan that would have worked brilliantly had they not missed a 6ft birdie putt on the 18th hole, which would have clinched them the lowest score in the whole competition, but they can’t complain with a fantastic gross score of 58. They then went on to win the putting competition with a brilliant score of 45.

With Wood Group being the winners on Thursday and Royal Mail winners on the Thursday, both finishing with a gross score of 58 in the texas-scramble, Wood Group having the highest score in the target competition, and Royal Mail having the top score in the putting challenge - we knew the teams would be anxiously trying to work out the points. Text messages came in on the Friday from Wood Group asking if it was thunder storms and gale force winds, in the hope that no-one would overtake their scores! But once all the results were added together, the outstanding Royal Mail came in just short of their rivals, finishing a mere 1.5 points adrift, and claiming a deserved runners up place on the podium.

Grampian Police decathlon team were determined that there would be no repeat of last year’s defeat to their own wild card team, and performed admirably throughout the challenge, with an excellent gross score of 59 in texas-scramble, and a 2nd placed finish in the target-golf, with a score of 87 which was only 1 point behind Friday’s winners, Clariant who scored an outstanding 88. Grampian Police also finished in third place in the putting challenge on Friday with a score of 50. This ensured they came in 2nd place on the Friday competition and took the last spot on the podium for the overall competition.

Accenture had a tremendous day on Friday, setting the standards high, as they were first to come in with a texas-scramble score of 58 which made the rest of the teams even more anxious. They finished in third place on the day, and 4th place in the overall competition.

The overall role of honour looks like this:-

In the individual day competitions, on the Thursday it was Wood Group who finished in 1st place, with Shell 1 in second and the Wood Group (Wild Card Team) showing that they have true strength in depth by finishing 3rd. On the Friday it was Royal Mail in 1st, Grampian Police in second and Accenture in third.

The Handicap Competition was won on Thursday by Shell 1, with Wood Group in 2nd and M-I Swaco in third, and on the Friday it was Total 1st, Royal Mail 2nd and Venture in 3rd.

A number of teams were showing off their talent in the Texas Scramble with some incredible scores coming in. On the Thursday in first place were Wood Group with 58, Shell 1 with 60 and M-I Swaco 63. On the Friday it was Royal Mail and Accenture who both came in with a score of 58 and Grampian Police 59.

In the Target Golf Challenge on the Thursday, Wood Group finished first with an outstanding score of 99, Genesis in 2nd with 90 and in 3rd Shell 1 with 87. On the Friday it was Clariant that took the lead and finished 1st with 88, Grampian Police 2nd with a score of 87 and PSN in third with 83. Overall, Wood Group came first, Genesis in second place, Clariant third and fourth place was shared between Grampian Police and Shell 1.

The Putting Competition shows another skill in golf, and with the ice cool composure the competitors were showing on the day, we knew this that competition was going to be particularly tough. On the Thursday Wood Group Wild Card team came in first with 50, Wood Group in second with 51 and CNR in third with 53. On the Friday Royal Mail came in first with a fantastic 45, Nexen second with 49, and Grampian Police and Matrkon both finished with 50.

Personal Glory on the days went to the following people:-

Thursday

Friday

All this means that in the overall activitymix Aberdeen Corporate Decathlon 2007 standings, Royal Mail’s fine performance on the fairways ensures they stay in first place in the Decathlon Table. Grampian Police have moved up to second spot with Shell 1 in third, only 1 point behind them.

The next event on the decathlon calendar is the always-popular Shell EP Highland Games and Charity Challenge, which will be held at Hazlehead Park, on Saturday, June 16. We look forward to seeing you all there.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RESULTS OF EVERY GAME

in the spotlight

As a popular feature to the Game On! Newsletter we will randomly pick a team and put them “In The Spotlight”.

This month M-I Swaco have been chosen to give an insight into the strategy and game play they employ to get them where they are.

M-I SWACO were the first team off the tee in the Aberdeen Corporate Decathlon Golf Challenge and took great pleasure in being the leaders in the clubhouse – for all of about an hour before eventual winners Wood Group knocked them from the top spot!

Still, an impressive 63 score (nett 57) was enough to clinch the third place trophy on Thursday and was M-I SWACO’s second silverware of the Decathlon season, having scooped top spot in the Modern Waltz at April’s Ballroom Dancing Challenge.

Six birdies and an eagle set a tough early pace and it could have been an even more memorable round. Ray Brown’s seven iron approach shot at the 7th hole struck the pin and the team had to settle for short putt for an eagle 3.

Visitors to M-I SWACO’s Westhill office will get a sense of how seriously they take their golf with a scaled replica of St Andrews’ legendary 17th “Road Hole” sitting proudly in the car park. It certainly inspired the team to great things last week.

While M-I SWACO may appear to be one of the many newcomers to the Corporate Decathlon in 2007 they are actually old hands having recently changed names from SPS International.

M-I SWACO is a global company who comprise a wide array of businesses that specialise in drilling, reservoir drill-in and completion fluids and associated services for the petroleum industry. They are also world leaders in solids-control equipment, environmental and process solutions, and separation and screening products for the petroleum and industrial markets.

M-I SWACO’s recently acquired company, SPS International offers a comprehensive line of patented cleanup-tool technology as well as its industry recognised WELLBORE ASSURANCE process.

Having tasted glory twice this year the boys and girls at M-I SWACO are sure to be fighting for more podium finishes this season.

survey feed back

Event: Ballroom Dancing

As in previous years, we have received excellent feedback on this event from those who came along, but we are mindful of the fact that not every company was able to field a team. Whilst our overall KPI score for this event showed 85% satisfaction from those who responded, we would like to do more to encourage all teams to participate, as we are certain that this event will grow in popularity.

Some useful feedback from teams who did not participate centred around the amount of time required in training for this event. We would welcome any additional views on this or ideas to get those teams involved. We also recognise that the late finish was an issue for some. While our judges have an incredibly difficult job to calculate 390 individual results on the night we will be working hard to address the timing of the event going forward.

We thank you for all for your constructive feedback received from this event, and as with every event we take this feedback helps us plan events enormously, so please contact sue.ray@activitymix.com or call 0845 2700 160 for a feedback form to complete and return.

Participants Comments

Excellent event.  I have never done ballroom dancing before but I have been attending proper classes now through George Callandar's school of dance for a couple of months now and I just love it.  George and Co and brilliant - couldn't fault their teaching at all.  I will definitely participate next year and will be encouraging my colleagues to do the same. Katie Skinner, KCA Deutag

I really enjoyed the whole experience, I learnt to dance in three weeks and did really well in the event. The training was second to none. The decoration was beautiful and everyone really made an effort for this competition. Karen Glass, Aberdeen City Council

activity provider

INCHMARLO GOLF CENTRE

We would like to offer a massive thank you to the team at Inchmarlo Golf Club for all their help in running the event so smoothly and effortlessly. For membership details please contact Andrew Shinie at the club on 01330 826427 or check out www.inchmarlo.com . By viewing their website you can also find out information on the Villas and Apartments available to buy.

shell EP highland games & charity challenge

Event: Shell EP Highland Games & Charity Challenge
Venue: Hazlehead Park
Date: Saturday 16 th June 2007
Spectators: Very Welcome

This is the ideal chance for your team to compete in events such as  Long Jump, Shot Putt, Caber Tossing, The 100m Dash and Tug o' War.  This will result in your Decathlon score, whilst your performance in mystery charity challenges will result in funds raised for  Children 1st as well as a great deal of hilarity and entertainment for colleagues who spectate! Sponsorship forms have been sent to all teams, and there will be prizes at the Sports Ball for the most money raised and the most creative fundraising.

The Highland Games Event is a great day out for everyone including friends and family. There will be inflatable fun and children’s races among other things to keep the children occupied. This is a great day out for everyone, and your company could make it their Fun Day or Summer BBQ. For Marquee & BBQ packages please contact lisa.douglas@activitymix.com asap – with 40 companies competing and only space for 30 marquees please book early to avoid disappointment!

north east reprographics aberdeenshire golf tour

The popular Aberdeenshire Golf Tour is back, bigger and even better in 2007 – 4 rounds of golf, played on 4 top North East courses over the 4 summer months with a host of prizes on offer including the chance to walk off with a brand new top of the range car.  Golf Tour squads £1500 + VAT (only £94 per person).  10% DISCOUNT FOR ABERDEEN CORPORATE DECATHLON TEAMS WHO BOOK BY JUNE 1 st – NOW ONLY £1350!!!  For more information contact Fraser Bedwell on 0845 270 0160 or email
fraser.bedwell@activitymix.com.

For more information contact Fraser Bedwell on 0845 270 0160

sports ball

Captain of the Year

This year will be our Biggest Ball yet in Aberdeen so please book the date in your diary now!!

FRIDAY 2nd November 2007

Tickets are priced at £45 , this includes reception drinks, dinner, ceilidh, ballroom dancing, a disco and inflatable fun. Every team has one table of 10 booked already – but we hope to see representatives of every Sports Team join us at this night of celebration! Curlers, Badminton players, Golfers, Personal Health Challengers and Touch Rugby players we want to see you there! Start looking out your best frock or ordering your new kilt!

Player's Player of the Year

Tickets are available now, so why not get your team signed up early, and look forward to the reunion when it comes!! Please contact lisa.douglas@activitymix.com or Tel: 0845 2700160 to reserve your tables.

corporate golf events

Bespoke Golf Days
Whether you’re looking to entertain top clients, build relationships or reward your staff and suppliers, activitymix can create an exclusive day to suit your specific requirements and budget.

activitymix provide support in all aspects of the event management from selecting the right course at the lowest price, managing invitations, coordinating transportation, catering, gifts, hosts, other event personnel and much more. Our objective is to provide the highest levels of service, taking all of the hassle and stress away from you, enabling you to focus your attention on your guests.

Corporate Ladies Golf Day
The activitymix Ladies Golf Day is designed for businesswomen from the North East’s corporate community, giving you the opportunity to network while having an all round golf experience. Whether you are a low handicapper or a complete novice, the Ladies golf Day has something for you in the splendid surrounds of Royal Deeside’s Inchmarlo Golf Centre.

Three options are available to guests: 18 holes on the championship Lairds course, a lesson with a PGA Professional coach followed by a round on the 9 hole Queens course or if time is tight, just one round on the Queens course. Whichever option best suits your requirements you will also enjoy a light lunch and dinner followed by a prize giving. On-course refreshments are also offered along with some post-round pampering.

For more information contact Fraser Bedwell on 0845 270 0160 or email fraser.bedwell@activitymix.com.

take the charity challenge

CHILDREN 1ST are delighted to have met with so many of this year’s teams participating in the activitymix Corporate Decathlon. As a result of the sweepstake at the Darts Challenge, the Ballroom Dancing Challenge Tombola and the Golf Raffle, you have managed to raise a rather fabulous £1,183.03! This could allow the organisation to provide one child with a 6 month period of therapeutic work to help them recover from the effects of their emotional, physical or sexual abuse.

The winners from the Golf raffle was Erik Stien from First, who won the overnight accommodation at Inchmarlo Resort Apartments and Villas with a 4 Ball, which was donated by Inchmarlo Golf Club.  Graham Falconer from Balmoral won the Driver Signed by Paul Lawrie.  Well done to you both and thank you all for helping us raise a fabulous £600.

As one of Scotland’s leading child welfare charities, CHILDREN 1ST rely on the support of generous individuals like yourselves. You can make a real difference to Scotland’s children.

For more information on how you can get involved with Children 1st contact Lisa Douglas on 0845 270 0160 or email lisa.douglas@activitymix.com

nationwide news

Congratulations to recent winners of Corporate Decathlon Challenges around the UK. Click on their names to read more about their victory!

Edinburgh Mountain Biking Champions

Glasgow Mountain Biking Champions

London Swimming Champions

health club partner

We work closely with The Cannons Health Club to actively promote health and fitness to our teams. As part of the Personal Health Challenge, Cannons will carry out fitness assessments for your team mates and over a 6 week period encourage them to take part in a healthy lifestyle with a view to improving their wellbeing and gaining valuable decathlon points into the bargain.

Why not view their facilities on www.cannons.co.uk and click on the link to the Aberdeen branch!

For information on Corporate rates contact Aberdeen.memberservices@cannons.co.uk