15 minute read
The US Masters
TEE-TIME THE US MASTERS 2020 PREVIEW
The 84th US Masters tees off this April with golf superstar Tiger Woods aiming for a record-equalling sixth win
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The US Masters is the first of the four major golf tournaments in pro-golf. First played 86 years ago in 1934, unlike other tournaments The Masters is always played at Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia. The tournament is by invitation only and the winner is automatically invited to the other three majors.
The Augusta Golf Course was previously a plant nursery and each hole is named after a certain tree or shrub including Tea Olive, Pink Dogwood, Yellow Jasmine, Redbud, Azalea and Chinese Fir amongst others. The idea for the course came from Bobby Jones, a well-known amateur golfer, and was originally designed by Alister Mackenzie, who designed over 50 courses across four continents.
GOLF LINGO
Albatross: A score of three less than par
Birdie: A score of one less than par
Eagle: A score of two under par
Bogey: A score of one over par
Jack Nicklaus has the most Masters’ wins with six, followed by Tiger Woods with five and Arnold Palmer with four. The estimated prize fund is $11.5 million with nearly $2 million going to the winner, as well as the distinctive and iconic Green Jacket – which by tradition is presented to the current winner by the previous winner.
The Masters consists of four rounds of 18 holes each, with the competitors playing in groups of three for the first two rounds. After 36 holes of play, a cut-off score is calculated to reduce the size of the field. To ‘make the cut’, a player must be in either the top 50 places or within 10 strokes of the leader’s score.
Traditions unique to the US masters include the opening tee shot and the Champions Dinner. A custom since 1963, the tournament is officially started when one or more legendary players tees off from the first hole, and the Champions Dinner is held each year before the tournament starts. The dinner is hosted by the current champion who picks his own menu for the company only of previous champions.
Three players are joint favourites moving towards the start of the tournament; World No. 1 Rory Mcllroy, World No. 2 Brooks Koepka and the back-in-form Tiger Woods. If Woods wins, he will match Jack Nicklaus’s record of six US Masters.
Over the final two days, a further 36 holes are played; and should there be no winner after the fourth round, all tied players enter a sudden-death playoff beginning on the 18th hole, followed by the 10th and repeating until one player remains. The most recent sudden-death playoff was in 2017 between Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia.
YOUR ROLE AS A LANDLORD
If you’re looking at letting out a property, it’s important to understand just what your tenant expects from you as its landlord
THE UTILITIES The gas, electricity and water companies should be advised whenever the property is empty so that meters can be read and accounts prepared. During ‘void’ periods, the utility services must be transferred back into your name, by you.
Of course, the tenant is responsible for the gas, electricity and water/sewerage bills generated by their usage during the tenancy, and for changing the gas and electric accounts into their name when they move in. They’re also responsible for the standing charges. However, their liabilities in this respect clearly finish on the date they vacate the property.
TELEPHONE & COUNCIL TAX Generally speaking, telephone companies will only deal with the account holder named on the account. You must tell the telephone company that you are leaving the property and advise them what you want to do with your existing number. The tenants are then responsible for arranging any line reconnections and meeting any costs associated with this.
When it comes to council tax, this is not your responsibility while the entire property is let. However, if you still reside at the property while acting as a landlord, then you will remain responsible for the Council Tax charge.
PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all electrics and electrical appliances supplied in the property are safe for use. If any portable appliances are going to be left in the property, a portable appliance test should be carried out by a qualified electrician on an annual basis.
GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE It’s your duty as landlord to ensure that all gas supplied appliances are maintained in a safe condition and are inspected at least every 12 months by a GAS SAFE engineer. A Gas Safety certificate should only be issued by a GAS SAFE engineer.
SMOKE ALARMS The law requires landlords to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties. This includes smoke alarms being fitted in all hallway, stairway, and circulation areas that form escape routes from the property. They should be located every 7.5 metres of hallway, and within at least three metres of all bedroom doors.
Properties where HMO licenses apply, a higher specification of smoke alarm installation may be required which is generally mains powered. Landlords are directly responsible for determining whether their properties are eligible for HMO status, and failure to adhere to the regulations may result in a civil penalty and render your insurance invalid.
Brueton Avenue Solihull £799,950
* Most Sought After Road In Solihull * Impressive Four Bedroom Extended Semi Detached * No Upward Chain * Early Viewing Essential * Walking Distance Of Solihull Town Centre * Impressive Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Spacious Lounge * Second Reception/Family Room * Modern Refitted Kitchen/Dining/Family Room * Four Bedrooms * Ensuite Shower Room * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Superb South Easterly Facing Landscaped Rear Garden & Designed By A Chelsea Flower Show Designer * EPC Rating C *
Hampton Lane Solihull £1,100,000
* Sought After Road In Solihull * Impressive Five Bedroom Detached Built In The Late 1930’s * Superb Open Views To The Front And The Rear * Spacious Family Accommodation * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Large Sweeping Block Paved Driveway * Enclosed Porch 89 Impressive Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Dining Room * Living Room * Sitting Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Laundry/ Utility Room * Five Bedrooms * Large Ensuite Bathroom * Family Bathroom * Separate WC * Large Garage * Workshop * Superb Landscaped Rear Garden * Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *
Avenue Road, Dorridge £1,950,000
* NO UPWARD CHAIN * Individually Designed & Stunning New Build Property Completed Late 2019 * Set Upon The Sought After “Golden Triangle” Of Dorridge * Luxury Accommodation Throughout Set Upon Three Floors & Private Gated Development * Five / Six Bedrooms With Luxury Ensuite * Five Large Reception Rooms Including Living Room, Family Room, Dining Room, Sitting Room & Study * Walking Distance To Dorridge Station & Local Amenities * EPC Rating B *
* NO UPWARD CHAIN * Internally Remodelled & Completely Refurbished To The Highest Possible Specification * Stunning Four Double Bedrooms Detached Property Set Behind Gated Entrance & Large Block Paved Driveway * Underfloor Heating Throughout Ground Floor * Magnificent Open Plan Kitchen / Dining / Family Room * Living Room With Study Area * Separate Snug/Cinema/TV Room * Large Landscaped & Private South Facing Rear Garden * Master Bedroom With His & Her Walk In Wardrobes & Luxury Ensuite * Internal Inspection Highly Recommended To Fully Appreciate This Beautiful Family Home * EPC Rating C *
Newlands Road, Bentley Heath £374,950
* Beautifully Presented Semi Detached * Large Driveway Providing Ample Parking * Three Excellent Bedrooms * South Facing Rear Garden * Walking Distance To Local Schools And Amenities * Living Room & Modern Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen & Utility * Recently Refitted Shower Room * EPC Rating D *
Arden Road, Dorridge £679,950
* Significantly Extended & Completely Refurbished Four Bedroom Detached Property * Within Walking Distance To The Park & Station * Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen Opening Into Family Room * Two Additional Reception Rooms Including Living Room / Study * Garage / Store * Four Bedroom Plus Shower Room & Bathroom * Landscaped Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *
Grange Road, Dorridge £699,950
* NO UPWARD CHAIN * Stunning Four Bedroom Semi Detached Located Within Walking Distance To Dorridge Village & Station * Magnificent Open Plan Kitchen / Dining / Family Room With Bi-Fold Doors * Living Room & Play Room / Study * Set Behind Large Gravelled Driveway * Master Bedroom With Luxury Ensuite * Westerly Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *
Mill Lane, Bentley Heath £365,000
* A Charming And Beautifully Presented Four Storey Three Bedroom Victorian Terrace Dating Back To 1896 * Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Room * Sitting Room * Three Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Spacious Basement * South East Facing Rear Garden With Patio Area * Road Parking * EPC Rating E *
Harrow Cottage, Bentley Heath £474,950
* NO UPWARD CHAIN * Stunning Three Double Bedroom Semi Detached Property Which Has Been Substantially Extended & Improved * Originally Built In 1854 & Sympathetically Extended * Open Plan Kitchen / Dining * Living Room * Open Aspect To Front * Master With Ensuite * Block Paved Driveway With Parking To Front For Three Cars * EPC Rating D *
Ettington Close, Dorridge £475,000
* Significantly Extended Three Double Bedroom Link Detached * Quiet CulDe-Sac of Dorridge * Extended Kitchen & Family Room / Study * Dining Room & Living Room * Three Double Bedrooms * North/Westerly Facing Rear Garden * Walking Distance To Park & Village * EPC Rating C *
Station Road, Knowle £574,950
* NO UPWARD CHAIN * Four Bedroom Semi Detached * Significantly Extended To Include Master Bedroom With Ensuite * Open Plan Kitchen / Diner * Sitting Room, Living Room and Office * Four Double Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Large Westerly Facing Garden * Arden Academy Catchment Area * EPC Rating D *
Four Ashes Road, Bentley Heath £399,950
* Modern Four Bedroom Townhouse Set Upon Three Floors * Built 2016 & With Balance Of New Build Guarantee * Well Presented Throughout & With Two Parking Spaces & Garage * Arden Academy Catchment Area * Living Room * Kitchen * Master With Ensuite * EPC Rating B *
SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk
Widney Manor Road, Solihull £799,950
* Impressive Five Bedroom Traditional Detached * Walking Distance Of Town Centre * Widney Manor Railway Station * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Enclosed Porch * Impressive Entrance Hall * Two Reception Rooms * Luxury Fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Conservatory * Guest Cloakroom * Utility Room * Two Ensuites * Family Bathroom * Westerly Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *
Rosehall Close, Solihull £550,000
* Sought After Location * Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow * Early Viewing Essential * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Enclosed Porch * Entrance Hall * Lounge * Dining Room * Conservatory * Fitted Kitchen * Utility Room * Guest Cloakroom * Bathroom * Garage * Superb Well Maintained South Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating E *
Stoney Close, Solihull £535,000
* Quiet Cul De Sac Location * Impressive Five Bedroom Extended Detached * Internal Viewing Essential * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Impressive Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Living Room * Dining Room * Family Room * Modern Breakfast Kitchen * Laundry/Utility Room * Ensuite Shower Room * Family Bathroom * Single Garage * Landscaped Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *
Kingshurst Road, Shirley £379,950
* Three Bedroom Traditional Detached * No Upward Chain * Popular Location * Early Viewing Essential * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Sweeping Tarmac Driveway * Enclosed Porch * Entrance Hall * Lounge/Dining Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Three Bedrooms * Shower Room * Separate WC * Single Garage * Westerly Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating E *
Ravenswood Drive, South Solihull £375,000
* Impressive Three Bedroom Linked Detached * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Impressive Entrance Hall With Oak Staircase * Guest Cloakroom * Living Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Study/Reading Room * Three Bedrooms * Modern Bathroom * Garage * Large South Easterly Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *
Shelsley Way, Solihull £365,000
* Popular Hillfield Estate * Three Bedroom Linked Detached * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * UPVC Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Early Viewing Essential * Enclosed Porch * Entrance Hall * Lounge * Kitchen/Dining Room * Conservatory * Three Bedrooms * Bathroom * Garage * Westerly Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating TBC *
Thorpe Court, Solihull £300,000
* Sought After Location * Easy Access To All Amenities * Ideal For A First Time Purchaser Or Investor * Three Bedroom Mid Townhouse * Well Maintained * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Living Room * Dining Room * Fitted Kitchen * Three Bedrooms * Private Landscaped rear Garden * Off Road Parking To The Front * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *
* Ideal For A First Time Purchaser Or Investor * Ground Floor Two Bedroom Apartment * New Extended Lease * Underfloor Heating * Double Glazed * Communal Entrance Hall * Reception Hall * Lounge/Dining Room * Balcony * Modern Refitted Kitchen * Two Bedrooms * Bathroom * Garage * Communal Gardens * EPC Rating F *
Elm Cottage, Balsall Street, Balsall Common £900,000 (Offers in excess of)
* 17th Century Property Extensively Modernised * Set In Half An Acre * Further Scope For Extension STPP * Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen * Orangery * Lounge * Dining Room * Sitting Room * Utility Room * Guest Cloakroom * Five Bedrooms * Ensuite & Family Bathroom * Study * Two Loft Rooms * Detached Double Garage With Potential To Convert * EPC Rating E *
Nags Head Cottage, Meriden £575,000
* Three / Four Bedroom Characterful Cottage * Link Detached Annex with Revenue Generating Potential * Original Features * Three Reception Rooms * Modern Kitchen* Private Rear Garden * Central Village Location * Detached Double Garage * EPC Rating E *
Lapwing Drive, Hampton In Arden £699,950
* Five Bedroom Detached Property * Popular Village Location * Three Reception Rooms * Breakfast Kitchen * Utility Room * Guest Cloakroom * Two Ensuite Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Off Road Parking * Private Rear Garden * EPC Rating B *
* Five Bedroom Detached Property * Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen * Dual Aspect Lounge * Five Double Bedrooms * Master With En-Suite & Dressing Room * Two Bathrooms * Detached Double Garage * Off Road Parking * Landscaped Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *
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