I've spent the week sweating profusley in an office in Wembley with no air conditioning. It's not been sunny, but it has been hot, with the odd rain shower to break the heat.
But all week I've been thinking about getting out on the golf course and especially my 3rd round knockout match against John Charlton.
Get down to the club at 4pm and feel quite relaxed, practice a fw putts on the practice green and it feels good, but after the debacle that was the club championship, not particulary confident.
Skies are starting to get a bit grey and as we head for the first tee, it starts to spit with rain.
I am getting 8 shots off John, not sure whether this is enough as he can destroy the course on his day! I need to forget about his game, he hits a long ball, and just concentrate on hitting fairways, notmaking mistakes and relying on my short game.
So, first drive into a slight breeze! Block it right and it ends up inthedeep stuff!
John's drive is solid and is well placed over the hill and on a fairly flat area.
I find my ball in deep rough and take a big slog with a wedge to make the fairway. Decent 3rd and then a lay up in front of the bunkers. John then plays his second and is just short and right for 2!
I play a good wedge, but leave it a long way from the pin.
John chips up to within about 5 foot.
I hot a great putt and sink it from 35 ft, but, it's for a 6 and no good to beat John's birdie.
The second and I pull it left for about the 5th time in a row and my 4 is not good enough as John gets an easy Par.
2 down.....not the start I needed. And it's now starting to rain quite heavily now.
3rd and I hit the fairway, but have along way to go. John is abot 75 yards ahead. I hit a good second and leave myself about a 30ft putt across the green.
John hit's his to within 10 ft! I hit a good putt which has a chance but ends up just past for a gimmee!!!
John races his birdie putt about 5 foot past, so I see it in and he misses! A bonus!
The 4th and my first "shot" hole. I hit a reasonable drive and see John Boom one over the bunkers.
Drag my second left, but in reasonable position. Connect too well with my 9 iron 3rd shot and it runs into the back bunker. A good bunker shot left me with an 8 footer and John's second was about 15ft away. He lagged it for an easy 4 and I just lipped out, so back to 2 down.
Still pretty positive as I was hitting the ball fairly well now and as long as I kept it in play, I could pull this back. I'd got 3 shot holes to come berfore the end of the front 9!
I try to hit a draw, but the hands are too fast and I drag the drive into the hazard.
So, easy for John again. Manage to get a good 5, but John has a simple par to go 3 up!
Shot hole on the 6th and John is a bit short and right and I just manage to reach the fringe. Par, nett Birdie to get straight back to 2 down with the 7th and a shot to come.
I hit it down the left and just catch the plantation. John's now hitting 3 wood off the deck and hits one that just ends up in the right hand rough.
I manage to work the 2nd out of the plantation and into the fairway just past John. He lays up a bit short and I am just past him, but down the left. John puts his 3rd to about 15ft and my fourth is pushed a bit right and ends on on the green 30ft from the pin. Just miss Par and watch as John just misses his putt for a win.
The tees are fairly forward tonight, so we are off the lower level on 8th, John hits a monster over the left hand bunkers, I sky one and don't make the carry. Play 3 off the tee and smash it into the Bunkers!!!
Get out but even with John messing it a bit for a bogey easily beats my 7!
John, with 3 wood hits a solid tee shot on 9 and I get away with one up the right. Line up for long approach, but block it into lake. 4th just catches the lip of the bunker and I end up 4 down for the front 9!
It's raining heavily now and I'm not expecting to get much further. Just hold on to 10 and 11 with no shots and then I've got 12 and 13 with shots to hopefully pull a couple back!
Bad drive off 10, blocked right, and it's a provisional off the tee. Luckily find the first, but can only hack it onto the fairway and just catch the greenside bunker, up and down for a 5, but lost to a par again! 5 down.
Perhaos I sohould shake hands now and then we can get back to the bar, but, remember playing a medal with John a few weeks ago and John would have been 5up against me after 10, but started to lose his irons after shanking on 11, and I would have lost on 18, so let's see what happens!
John misses the green left and I am on the green, but on the lower right with pin top left. I hit a good first putt, just past and get a par. John gets up and down, so it's a half.
It's tipping it down now and I can hardly grip the club at the moment. Still got a shot here.
John's 3 wood is into the fairway and my Drive ends up short down the right, but way back. As I hit my second, I feel my grip slip and it slices high and right into the gorse bushes, unplayable, drop and hit 4, into the rough, fifth just gets out, so it's six from 220yards. Have to go for it, but straight into ditch.
John is on in 3 and so it's time to shake hands...............
Still, on reflection, not a bad campaign this year, just not good enough to come close.....in fact, I don't even think I was 2nd today!
Friday, 30 July 2010
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Club Championship Round 2
Whilst I was disappointed with Round 1 and quite rightly, I had played ok considering the extra length, over 7000 yards and the breezy conditions, so was looking forward to round 2. Plenty of scope to improve with an 11 and a couple of 8's. Just stay focussed and play some simple bogey golf again! Just cut out the big scores!
Get the ball past the Ladies tee, is the first thought off the tee. (Again)
Into the wind on the first. Opposite to yesterday............helping on 7th, but against on 8!!!
Not a bad drive down the first, but weak second leaves me with a difficult shot from the rough blocked out by the tree on the left.
Hit a good rescue club just short of the bunkers and a manage to convert a poor wedge into a bogey 6.
1 better than yesterday already!
A scrambled 4 on the second and that's another one back.
Poor drive on 3 and despite a good recovery shot, I hit an awful chip which spins back into the bunker. No up and down so a diappointing 6.
Good drive on 4th and second, but a bad chip again and the chance of a par just missed with a lipped putt! Still a good 5.
Safe drive on 5 and this time I manage to carry the bunkers and end up just short of the green. Yet another crap chip, the wedges are definitley not working to day, but manage to grab a bogie. So I'm looking good to knock a few off yesterdays. can I really pull shots back with yesters 6 and 11 coming up.
Wind assited on the 6th and I make the carry with a 3wood. Chip on, just past the pin and really unlucky with my down hill sliding putt which ends up on the lip. But a 4 pulls back two shots from yesterday.
Now to the 7th.
Just manage to squeeze my tee shot across, just avoiding the hazard on the left. Poor lie, but manage to get my 2nd down the fairway. Lay up, just and my approach leaves me a 15 footer for par. Just drift past and walk off with a 6. Still 5 better than yesterday. That's 7 shots back in two holes.
Up to the 8th, but a stright drive and against the wind I manage to make the carry by aiming at the melling road!
Second shot with a good lay up and chance of a an up and down for a par, but yet again an awful chip, another chip and 2 putts for a six. But a bogie and I'm under 50 and 4 shots better off!
Skied drive and weak second and I'm in the plantation. Not staked and so a hack out. Still felt confident about hittng the green from 150 yards and getting the ball close to an fairly easy pin. Big slice and it's in the lateral by the green. A drop , fat chip into the bunker and barley getting it on to the fringe and 3 to get down and it's a 9!!!
Fifty-One
Still a nice Bacon Roll at the Half Way House
Another awful drive on 10, making a habit of this! (Perhaps I ought to ditch the Bacon Roll.
By the way, try saying "Beer Can" and telling me it doesn't sound like a Rastafarian saying Bacon. Go on try it!!! It will amaze your family and friends!!!
Into the rough down the right, two to get out, 4th into the bunker right, out ant two stabs , 7!
Tee shot on 11 pulled left and it's in the rough. Get it out and two putts for a 4.
Unlucky on 12 to find the ditch with too good a lay up (i.e. it went into the ditch instead of pulling up short.and it's another 7.
Nigel is struggling as well, not the player he has been and it's a pity as he's been a good player for the teams in the past.
Paul Siv is quietly going along, not brilliant, but he ends up with a decent score and wins a place prize on the day!
I hot a good drive off 13 and I'm thinking of making up for the bad start, but I block my second and have a tough lie in the rough short of the hazard on the right. Can only hack it from the fairway. My wedge to the green takes a bad bounce and ends up in the green side bunker.
I take 3 to get out and the 3rd only just makes it! Chip on and two sorry putts for a 10!
A skied drive on 14 and fronm the deep rough right I mange to get a 6, but I've gone now.
Much to the amusement of Paul and Nigel, my drive off theback at 15 fails to even reach the hazard, but a second that is up near the bunkers, a 3rd on and two putts salvages some pride, especially as Paul hit a great Drive, but still ended up with a 6!!!
I hot a skier on 16 as well and a wedge over the corner for my second is followed by a wedge on and 2 putts for a 5. Perhaps I've found a new way to manage my way around the course!
Water on 17 and I get away with a 5. No Par, Par finish today.
Hack my way up 18 and get a good up and down for 7.
Glad it's over. 109
At least I clawed a fiver back off Trevor, but down a tenner!!!
Jason Timis hits another 74 to win with 148, Mike Harrington shoots a great 70 for a 150 and second place.
Tony Welburn wins the Handicap Cup.
A good day had by all.......................
Get the ball past the Ladies tee, is the first thought off the tee. (Again)
Into the wind on the first. Opposite to yesterday............helping on 7th, but against on 8!!!
Not a bad drive down the first, but weak second leaves me with a difficult shot from the rough blocked out by the tree on the left.
Hit a good rescue club just short of the bunkers and a manage to convert a poor wedge into a bogey 6.
1 better than yesterday already!
A scrambled 4 on the second and that's another one back.
Poor drive on 3 and despite a good recovery shot, I hit an awful chip which spins back into the bunker. No up and down so a diappointing 6.
Good drive on 4th and second, but a bad chip again and the chance of a par just missed with a lipped putt! Still a good 5.
Safe drive on 5 and this time I manage to carry the bunkers and end up just short of the green. Yet another crap chip, the wedges are definitley not working to day, but manage to grab a bogie. So I'm looking good to knock a few off yesterdays. can I really pull shots back with yesters 6 and 11 coming up.
Wind assited on the 6th and I make the carry with a 3wood. Chip on, just past the pin and really unlucky with my down hill sliding putt which ends up on the lip. But a 4 pulls back two shots from yesterday.
Now to the 7th.
Just manage to squeeze my tee shot across, just avoiding the hazard on the left. Poor lie, but manage to get my 2nd down the fairway. Lay up, just and my approach leaves me a 15 footer for par. Just drift past and walk off with a 6. Still 5 better than yesterday. That's 7 shots back in two holes.
Up to the 8th, but a stright drive and against the wind I manage to make the carry by aiming at the melling road!
Second shot with a good lay up and chance of a an up and down for a par, but yet again an awful chip, another chip and 2 putts for a six. But a bogie and I'm under 50 and 4 shots better off!
Skied drive and weak second and I'm in the plantation. Not staked and so a hack out. Still felt confident about hittng the green from 150 yards and getting the ball close to an fairly easy pin. Big slice and it's in the lateral by the green. A drop , fat chip into the bunker and barley getting it on to the fringe and 3 to get down and it's a 9!!!
Fifty-One
Still a nice Bacon Roll at the Half Way House
Another awful drive on 10, making a habit of this! (Perhaps I ought to ditch the Bacon Roll.
By the way, try saying "Beer Can" and telling me it doesn't sound like a Rastafarian saying Bacon. Go on try it!!! It will amaze your family and friends!!!
Into the rough down the right, two to get out, 4th into the bunker right, out ant two stabs , 7!
Tee shot on 11 pulled left and it's in the rough. Get it out and two putts for a 4.
Unlucky on 12 to find the ditch with too good a lay up (i.e. it went into the ditch instead of pulling up short.and it's another 7.
Nigel is struggling as well, not the player he has been and it's a pity as he's been a good player for the teams in the past.
Paul Siv is quietly going along, not brilliant, but he ends up with a decent score and wins a place prize on the day!
I hot a good drive off 13 and I'm thinking of making up for the bad start, but I block my second and have a tough lie in the rough short of the hazard on the right. Can only hack it from the fairway. My wedge to the green takes a bad bounce and ends up in the green side bunker.
I take 3 to get out and the 3rd only just makes it! Chip on and two sorry putts for a 10!
A skied drive on 14 and fronm the deep rough right I mange to get a 6, but I've gone now.
Much to the amusement of Paul and Nigel, my drive off theback at 15 fails to even reach the hazard, but a second that is up near the bunkers, a 3rd on and two putts salvages some pride, especially as Paul hit a great Drive, but still ended up with a 6!!!
I hot a skier on 16 as well and a wedge over the corner for my second is followed by a wedge on and 2 putts for a 5. Perhaps I've found a new way to manage my way around the course!
Water on 17 and I get away with a 5. No Par, Par finish today.
Hack my way up 18 and get a good up and down for 7.
Glad it's over. 109
At least I clawed a fiver back off Trevor, but down a tenner!!!
Jason Timis hits another 74 to win with 148, Mike Harrington shoots a great 70 for a 150 and second place.
Tony Welburn wins the Handicap Cup.
A good day had by all.......................
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Club Championship Round 1
It’s now 6:06 on Monday the 26th July 2010 and I’m on my morning train to Euston to start me week of work in Wembley. I’ve just passed the 4th green and I’m reminded of the up and down I got out of the greenside bunker, one of the decent shots I played in the 36 holes of golf that was the 2010 Club Championship. One of the shots out of the 214 shots, including various penalties along the way that was my contribution to the competition.
The Club Championship is the Blue Ribbon event of the year when we get to crown the best Golfer in the Club, supported by a cast of many who make up the field and compete for the Handicap Cup.
36 holes, played over the full 7000 plus yards of the Blue Tees, with the Club Champion being the player with the best “scratch scores” over the two days.
Just to add an extra dimension, it was the Help for Heroes National Golf Challenge weekend, with our best 10 handicap scores forming our entry into the challenge.
So at 09:06, I teed up with my playing partners, Colin Garside and Ian Pruden , facing the challenge of the first drive off the Blues into a slight wind!
Ian Pruden blocked his right into Indian Country and then proceeded to hit his provisional straight and long. Funny how the provisional always goes where the first should have gone. Unfortunatley he found his first ball.
Colin hit a solid drive, nice swing.
My first drive, the first swing for over two weeks, is ok and I hit the fairway just. As long as I can get each drive past the Ladies tee I will be happy.
I had decided on my target for the weekend. To break 100, preferably on both days. I had no intention of even contemplating winning the Handicap Cup, it would be nice to make the top 32 scratch in round one to play in the Club Championship proper, but if I could break 100 off the Blue tees I would have a good weekend.
I had also decided on my tactics. To play bogey golf and keep a big score off my card. I only had to shoot a net 75 to play to my handicap. In fact a net 78 would keep me in my buffer zone.
So, with plan hatched, just need to execute.
I hit a decent 2nd, but with the green out of range, I laid up short of the bunkers and hit a wedge onto the front edge of the green. Good putt, but a tricky short putt lipped out, so a double on the first.
Never mind, I could pull that back on the 2nd. I hit a decent tee shot, slightly left and a chip which I hit to leave me an uphill putt, but a bit too long. Just missed par putt, but a bogey was alright.
Decent drive up 3, but a long way to go. The Blue tees do make a difference. Good second, leaving me a pitch of 30 yards and two putts for a bogey.
The 4th was long, into the wind and I actually hit a good drive, the second left me about 100 yards short and I was confident about my wedge shot, but I blocked it and into the right side bunker, but as you already know I hit a great bunker shot for an up and down for a Bogey. A good drive up 5 and I was feeling good about my game. I hit my 2nd, great strike, but it takes a bounce into the left hand bunker. Another up and down and my first par...............thin my bunker shot over the back of the green. Hit a good chip out of the rough and make a good par for Bogey. (Perhaps this was the best shop of the weekend.
It also gave me the honour on the 6th! Colin and Ian had started well, with Colin, playing off 15, having got good pars on 3 and 4, but a 6 on 5. I reckon they’d let me win the hole on purpose, so that I’d have the honour.
We got to the tee to see the previous group just finishing teeing off. It did not inspire confidence.
We waited a while, why the group ahead searched for their balls and take their drops and finish the hole off.
I hit Driver to ensure I made the carry, but hit it low and left and straight into the Hazard. Ian hit a great drive and was left with a 15ft putt, but he just missed the birdie putt.
I took a drop and a bad chip left me with a longish uphill putt. Which I raced at the hole, looking for a 4, but it went way past and left me a tricky down hill put of about 10ft, which I missed and walked off with a triple.
Now my work was cut out to pull 3 shots back.
we get to the 7th, off the back tees, into the wind and with the plantations now in play. Hit an awful shot which went left and into the deep rough, not sure it made the carry anyway, so called it lost and dropped at the fron of the tee in line with poiht of entry. Hit a 3wood off the deck, but it was a bit left and drifted across the fairway and into the hazard. Dropping to play 5, I hit a weak, but safe shot and left me a shot of over 220 yards to the green. I decided to go for it as I only had about 140 yards to make the carry over the ditch. Blocked again and into the ditch! Take a drop and playing 8, see the shot heading over the pot bunker straight at the pin, only to see the ball hit the bank on the green side of the bunker and spin back into the bunker. A great bunker shot gave me a chance of a 10, but just lipped out and walked off with am 11.
Game over, tactics blown, chance of making the cut, Nil, and I’ve got the drive off 8 to come next.
Hit a great drive up 8 and get an easy bogey, followed by a good drive, the best of the day, up 9 and a good 2nd left me with another bogey, to end with 51 for the front nine. The 6 and 11 on 6 and 7 had cost me dearly!
Still, If I could shoot to handicap on back 9, I might still be able to break 100.
Quick bacon roll at the Half-way house. Check Cards and Ian and Colin are doing ok. Nothing brilliant but ok! If they can break 90 they will definitley be in the top 32, although they don't believe me. Trust me, I've played in this before.
We all need a good start to the back nine. Blue tees off 10, stroke index 18, the easiest hole on the course! That's a laugh!
Ian hit's his ball right, going further right! Into the deep stuff!
Colin follow's him!
Mindful of not hitting the ball into the deep stuff right................pull left into the trees. Reload! OK drive, but 4th into bunker left. Been playing out of bunkers well, so still a chance of getting up and down, but virtually shank it and it ends up on the top level! Good 2 putt for a 7 in the end!
Into the wind on 11 and a shot into the front bunker, even having taken plenty of club and an ugly 5. A 7 on 12, followed by a decent 5 on 13 despite hitting an awful 2nd into the rough right.
I stand on 14 and think about getting my game back in order! What did Tonm Watson say on the radio anout the one tip he would give to someoe who wanted to hit the ball better? Ah yes! Two knuckles showing on the left hand when gripping the club. Drive sales left into the hazard. Play 3 off the tee, decent, but end up with a 7.
What am I doing, trying to change my grip in the middle of the Club Championship and I've got a bet for both rounds with Trevor Brennand. Am I mad???
Standing on the back tee on 15 and I'd forgotten how far back It is. A pulled drive and I joined Colin into the lateral hazard left of the fairway! Now it's a long was and the 3rd is decent, but another eventul trip to the green side bunker and an 8 on the card!
Poor tee shot on 16 leaves me carding a 6, mainly due to a poor chip and 3 putts!
17th tee is miles back. Looks more than the 216 yards on the plate!
Waiting to take tee shot, club selection easy for me. Driver into the breeze is the only way I can make the carry!
Bit of a consternation behind us, looud conversation and laughter coming from the road. It's only Rob Barrett and his furry daughter chatting to a neighbour walking their dog!
"Oi Barrett! Keep it quiet!" He laughs, but his neighbour seems to take offence!!!
Settle down having seen both Ian and Colin hit decent tee shots, but end up left.
I'm going straight at the pin and strike the ball well and just run through to the back of the green.
Long putt, but get the pace just right and tap in for par. First Par of the day!!! In fact all 3 off us get par. Bet there won't be many 3 balls doing that today!
Ok drive up the left on 18, again it's a long way back off the blues. Good 2nd and the 3rd manages to creep to the edge and a good long putt again and it's my second par of the round! Just like "First" Buses Mr Barrett. You wait for one all day long and then two come along in quick succession!
Thank Ian and Colin for putting up with. Actually surprised that I finished on 104.
If I can improve on a few key holes tomorrow, I could actually break 100!!!
The main event sees Jason Timis with 74 leading by a couple of shots. Jamie Clorley is up there with a 76, but Mike Harrington is back on 80!
Good chat with fellow competitors, sharing stories, good shots, bad shots, funny moments.
This is what a lot of non-golfers don't realise, good bad or indifferent, everyone likes to share their experiences after a game with a few beers in the bar!
There'll be more to come.
Didn't make the cut, by quite a margin, but going out in the 2nd round with Paul Siviter and Nigel Edwards at 8:26!
The Club Championship is the Blue Ribbon event of the year when we get to crown the best Golfer in the Club, supported by a cast of many who make up the field and compete for the Handicap Cup.
36 holes, played over the full 7000 plus yards of the Blue Tees, with the Club Champion being the player with the best “scratch scores” over the two days.
Just to add an extra dimension, it was the Help for Heroes National Golf Challenge weekend, with our best 10 handicap scores forming our entry into the challenge.
So at 09:06, I teed up with my playing partners, Colin Garside and Ian Pruden , facing the challenge of the first drive off the Blues into a slight wind!
Ian Pruden blocked his right into Indian Country and then proceeded to hit his provisional straight and long. Funny how the provisional always goes where the first should have gone. Unfortunatley he found his first ball.
Colin hit a solid drive, nice swing.
My first drive, the first swing for over two weeks, is ok and I hit the fairway just. As long as I can get each drive past the Ladies tee I will be happy.
I had decided on my target for the weekend. To break 100, preferably on both days. I had no intention of even contemplating winning the Handicap Cup, it would be nice to make the top 32 scratch in round one to play in the Club Championship proper, but if I could break 100 off the Blue tees I would have a good weekend.
I had also decided on my tactics. To play bogey golf and keep a big score off my card. I only had to shoot a net 75 to play to my handicap. In fact a net 78 would keep me in my buffer zone.
So, with plan hatched, just need to execute.
I hit a decent 2nd, but with the green out of range, I laid up short of the bunkers and hit a wedge onto the front edge of the green. Good putt, but a tricky short putt lipped out, so a double on the first.
Never mind, I could pull that back on the 2nd. I hit a decent tee shot, slightly left and a chip which I hit to leave me an uphill putt, but a bit too long. Just missed par putt, but a bogey was alright.
Decent drive up 3, but a long way to go. The Blue tees do make a difference. Good second, leaving me a pitch of 30 yards and two putts for a bogey.
The 4th was long, into the wind and I actually hit a good drive, the second left me about 100 yards short and I was confident about my wedge shot, but I blocked it and into the right side bunker, but as you already know I hit a great bunker shot for an up and down for a Bogey. A good drive up 5 and I was feeling good about my game. I hit my 2nd, great strike, but it takes a bounce into the left hand bunker. Another up and down and my first par...............thin my bunker shot over the back of the green. Hit a good chip out of the rough and make a good par for Bogey. (Perhaps this was the best shop of the weekend.
It also gave me the honour on the 6th! Colin and Ian had started well, with Colin, playing off 15, having got good pars on 3 and 4, but a 6 on 5. I reckon they’d let me win the hole on purpose, so that I’d have the honour.
We got to the tee to see the previous group just finishing teeing off. It did not inspire confidence.
We waited a while, why the group ahead searched for their balls and take their drops and finish the hole off.
I hit Driver to ensure I made the carry, but hit it low and left and straight into the Hazard. Ian hit a great drive and was left with a 15ft putt, but he just missed the birdie putt.
I took a drop and a bad chip left me with a longish uphill putt. Which I raced at the hole, looking for a 4, but it went way past and left me a tricky down hill put of about 10ft, which I missed and walked off with a triple.
Now my work was cut out to pull 3 shots back.
we get to the 7th, off the back tees, into the wind and with the plantations now in play. Hit an awful shot which went left and into the deep rough, not sure it made the carry anyway, so called it lost and dropped at the fron of the tee in line with poiht of entry. Hit a 3wood off the deck, but it was a bit left and drifted across the fairway and into the hazard. Dropping to play 5, I hit a weak, but safe shot and left me a shot of over 220 yards to the green. I decided to go for it as I only had about 140 yards to make the carry over the ditch. Blocked again and into the ditch! Take a drop and playing 8, see the shot heading over the pot bunker straight at the pin, only to see the ball hit the bank on the green side of the bunker and spin back into the bunker. A great bunker shot gave me a chance of a 10, but just lipped out and walked off with am 11.
Game over, tactics blown, chance of making the cut, Nil, and I’ve got the drive off 8 to come next.
Hit a great drive up 8 and get an easy bogey, followed by a good drive, the best of the day, up 9 and a good 2nd left me with another bogey, to end with 51 for the front nine. The 6 and 11 on 6 and 7 had cost me dearly!
Still, If I could shoot to handicap on back 9, I might still be able to break 100.
Quick bacon roll at the Half-way house. Check Cards and Ian and Colin are doing ok. Nothing brilliant but ok! If they can break 90 they will definitley be in the top 32, although they don't believe me. Trust me, I've played in this before.
We all need a good start to the back nine. Blue tees off 10, stroke index 18, the easiest hole on the course! That's a laugh!
Ian hit's his ball right, going further right! Into the deep stuff!
Colin follow's him!
Mindful of not hitting the ball into the deep stuff right................pull left into the trees. Reload! OK drive, but 4th into bunker left. Been playing out of bunkers well, so still a chance of getting up and down, but virtually shank it and it ends up on the top level! Good 2 putt for a 7 in the end!
Into the wind on 11 and a shot into the front bunker, even having taken plenty of club and an ugly 5. A 7 on 12, followed by a decent 5 on 13 despite hitting an awful 2nd into the rough right.
I stand on 14 and think about getting my game back in order! What did Tonm Watson say on the radio anout the one tip he would give to someoe who wanted to hit the ball better? Ah yes! Two knuckles showing on the left hand when gripping the club. Drive sales left into the hazard. Play 3 off the tee, decent, but end up with a 7.
What am I doing, trying to change my grip in the middle of the Club Championship and I've got a bet for both rounds with Trevor Brennand. Am I mad???
Standing on the back tee on 15 and I'd forgotten how far back It is. A pulled drive and I joined Colin into the lateral hazard left of the fairway! Now it's a long was and the 3rd is decent, but another eventul trip to the green side bunker and an 8 on the card!
Poor tee shot on 16 leaves me carding a 6, mainly due to a poor chip and 3 putts!
17th tee is miles back. Looks more than the 216 yards on the plate!
Waiting to take tee shot, club selection easy for me. Driver into the breeze is the only way I can make the carry!
Bit of a consternation behind us, looud conversation and laughter coming from the road. It's only Rob Barrett and his furry daughter chatting to a neighbour walking their dog!
"Oi Barrett! Keep it quiet!" He laughs, but his neighbour seems to take offence!!!
Settle down having seen both Ian and Colin hit decent tee shots, but end up left.
I'm going straight at the pin and strike the ball well and just run through to the back of the green.
Long putt, but get the pace just right and tap in for par. First Par of the day!!! In fact all 3 off us get par. Bet there won't be many 3 balls doing that today!
Ok drive up the left on 18, again it's a long way back off the blues. Good 2nd and the 3rd manages to creep to the edge and a good long putt again and it's my second par of the round! Just like "First" Buses Mr Barrett. You wait for one all day long and then two come along in quick succession!
Thank Ian and Colin for putting up with. Actually surprised that I finished on 104.
If I can improve on a few key holes tomorrow, I could actually break 100!!!
The main event sees Jason Timis with 74 leading by a couple of shots. Jamie Clorley is up there with a 76, but Mike Harrington is back on 80!
Good chat with fellow competitors, sharing stories, good shots, bad shots, funny moments.
This is what a lot of non-golfers don't realise, good bad or indifferent, everyone likes to share their experiences after a game with a few beers in the bar!
There'll be more to come.
Didn't make the cut, by quite a margin, but going out in the 2nd round with Paul Siviter and Nigel Edwards at 8:26!
Saturday, 17 July 2010
B team at the Chase Again
I usually manage to play at least one match a year for the B team. They have to be short of course. Very short.
For some reason, it's usually away to Uttoxeter that I getmy chance, but this season, and for the second time, I was playing away against the Chase. The previous time I had had to play on my own, cannon fodder as someone failed to turn up. So I went out last playing agains an 11 handicapper and a young lad called Lance of 4. In Division 1, there is only one shot available, so I was getting 1 shot off Lance, but so was his partner.
I had started ok, but at 3 down I pulled one back by birdying the 6th and that stung them into action and I got stuffed.
This time I was out last again, but this time at least I had a partner. Craig Collins.
I spotted Lance loitering around the clubhouse and sure enough I was playing against him again.
The first and Lance opens up with a long drive, but Craig has matched this with a drive that just hangs up in the rough. I do nothing, but we manage a half.
The second is a par 3 and I sky my tee shot and I'm basically out of the hole as the other 3 are on the green. A 3 from our opposition and a 3 putt from craig and we are 1 down.
We manage a half on 3 and then come to the first par 5, long down hill. Lance hits one way left and is on the next fairway. His partner hits it right and in the rough.
I hit a reasonable second and Craig is in a good position. My 3rd is short and then Lance hits his second from the other fairway onto the green and a two put birdie is too good for our measly par. If he'd hit that drive as wide at Wychwood, he would have been out of the hole.............as we told him so. We're now 2 down and it's looking ominous.
A poor hole from both of us and we are 3 down.
We then have the 6th, a longish up hill par 5. We are both in good nick on this one off the tee and Lance, as usual has hit it long, but has found the light rough. His partner is nowhere.
I hit my second and I'm left with about 120. Craig is just short of the green.
Lance finds the left edge of the green for 2.
I hit a good shot and I'm left with a putt of about 8 feet for birdie.
Craig thins his shot through the back of the green and then hit's a poor 4th .
Lance lags his up stone dead, so now I have a put from 8 foot with a left to right swing for par. Hit it perfect, so we walk off with a half in 4's. I've birdied this hole both times I've played the course.
Short par 4 comes next and all four of us are in good shape, but I mis-judge the length of the second and end up long. Up and down for a par is not good enough as Lance trundles one in for a par and we're now 3 down.
Long par 3 next and it's got a big step down at the back. I'm just short and a chip and a putt for a par, but only for another half.
Ninth is a long Par 5 and just for a change, Lance is short of the green and in the hazard, but he is only on the edge, so he can play a shhoy and knocks it to about 10 feet. He misses his birdie and Craig gets a great up and down for a par to half.
Off to the 10th, a great par 4 from a high tee into a valley.
Tweo good tee shots from out opponents, but from no whereCraig develops a hook and puts two drives seemingly out of bounds. I hit my best drive of the day. We find both of Craig's balls in the ditch lining the oob, so he drop and plays 3 near to the green.
I manage to get close to the green, but have an awkward chip. Lance is on in two and makes par easy. I'm left with a 5 foor putt for par and just manage to make it!
Next is a shortish par 4 with a big dogleg and using local knowledge, our two opponents hit shots that look as thiugh the are way off line. Craig hits a drive that uses the bank on the right to good effect, but we are undone by a birdie. Par 3 next and we lose to a par after we both miss the green, so we are Dormie 6 down.
Par 4 next and after a good drive I hit the right hand green side bunker. With both opponents on the green, I say to Craig that I need to hole this one. Got a feeling on it's going in. Thin it across the green. Hit the next chip perfectly and see it go in for a par. Only a half though and we lose 6 and 5.
We palyed ok, but our opponents, especially Lance were just too good.
Team result was good though....9-3 win.
For some reason, it's usually away to Uttoxeter that I getmy chance, but this season, and for the second time, I was playing away against the Chase. The previous time I had had to play on my own, cannon fodder as someone failed to turn up. So I went out last playing agains an 11 handicapper and a young lad called Lance of 4. In Division 1, there is only one shot available, so I was getting 1 shot off Lance, but so was his partner.
I had started ok, but at 3 down I pulled one back by birdying the 6th and that stung them into action and I got stuffed.
This time I was out last again, but this time at least I had a partner. Craig Collins.
I spotted Lance loitering around the clubhouse and sure enough I was playing against him again.
The first and Lance opens up with a long drive, but Craig has matched this with a drive that just hangs up in the rough. I do nothing, but we manage a half.
The second is a par 3 and I sky my tee shot and I'm basically out of the hole as the other 3 are on the green. A 3 from our opposition and a 3 putt from craig and we are 1 down.
We manage a half on 3 and then come to the first par 5, long down hill. Lance hits one way left and is on the next fairway. His partner hits it right and in the rough.
I hit a reasonable second and Craig is in a good position. My 3rd is short and then Lance hits his second from the other fairway onto the green and a two put birdie is too good for our measly par. If he'd hit that drive as wide at Wychwood, he would have been out of the hole.............as we told him so. We're now 2 down and it's looking ominous.
A poor hole from both of us and we are 3 down.
We then have the 6th, a longish up hill par 5. We are both in good nick on this one off the tee and Lance, as usual has hit it long, but has found the light rough. His partner is nowhere.
I hit my second and I'm left with about 120. Craig is just short of the green.
Lance finds the left edge of the green for 2.
I hit a good shot and I'm left with a putt of about 8 feet for birdie.
Craig thins his shot through the back of the green and then hit's a poor 4th .
Lance lags his up stone dead, so now I have a put from 8 foot with a left to right swing for par. Hit it perfect, so we walk off with a half in 4's. I've birdied this hole both times I've played the course.
Short par 4 comes next and all four of us are in good shape, but I mis-judge the length of the second and end up long. Up and down for a par is not good enough as Lance trundles one in for a par and we're now 3 down.
Long par 3 next and it's got a big step down at the back. I'm just short and a chip and a putt for a par, but only for another half.
Ninth is a long Par 5 and just for a change, Lance is short of the green and in the hazard, but he is only on the edge, so he can play a shhoy and knocks it to about 10 feet. He misses his birdie and Craig gets a great up and down for a par to half.
Off to the 10th, a great par 4 from a high tee into a valley.
Tweo good tee shots from out opponents, but from no whereCraig develops a hook and puts two drives seemingly out of bounds. I hit my best drive of the day. We find both of Craig's balls in the ditch lining the oob, so he drop and plays 3 near to the green.
I manage to get close to the green, but have an awkward chip. Lance is on in two and makes par easy. I'm left with a 5 foor putt for par and just manage to make it!
Next is a shortish par 4 with a big dogleg and using local knowledge, our two opponents hit shots that look as thiugh the are way off line. Craig hits a drive that uses the bank on the right to good effect, but we are undone by a birdie. Par 3 next and we lose to a par after we both miss the green, so we are Dormie 6 down.
Par 4 next and after a good drive I hit the right hand green side bunker. With both opponents on the green, I say to Craig that I need to hole this one. Got a feeling on it's going in. Thin it across the green. Hit the next chip perfectly and see it go in for a par. Only a half though and we lose 6 and 5.
We palyed ok, but our opponents, especially Lance were just too good.
Team result was good though....9-3 win.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
The Inaugural...........balls!!!
The Inaugrual celebrates the opening of Wychood Park in July 2002.
It is a pairs event and I was paired with Jerry Poole.
Jerry has been on form recently, so I was hoping for good things. We were palying with Geoff Russ and Steve Swindail, and to be honest, there was nothing to shout about with either pairs.
We just could not get a par and in fact we were getting more single points than 2's or 3's.
So 13 points for the front 9 was'nt going to do much!
Still we may at least be able to pull a decent score together on the back!
Decent drive down 10, but pulled the 2nd into the front bunker! Hit a briliant bunker shot the length of the green, to within 5 feet. First par coming up. No shot,but at least it will be two points.
As I;m walking around the green Steve Swindail marks my ball for me.
I get ready to take my putt and Steve throws me the ball. I place it on the marker and give him his marker back!
I take my time and roll the ball straight into the middle of the hole. Good up and down for a par.
Walk off the green and notice something odd about the ball. It's not mine!!!
Bit I played my ball into the bunker and out. Where did that ball come from?
Steve's pocket.......he had given me thewrong ball!
I should have checked, my fault, but what a choker!
That was it, whilst we managed to to get to 30 points, I will never forget to check my ball again!!!
Bit it was a great up and down!!!
It is a pairs event and I was paired with Jerry Poole.
Jerry has been on form recently, so I was hoping for good things. We were palying with Geoff Russ and Steve Swindail, and to be honest, there was nothing to shout about with either pairs.
We just could not get a par and in fact we were getting more single points than 2's or 3's.
So 13 points for the front 9 was'nt going to do much!
Still we may at least be able to pull a decent score together on the back!
Decent drive down 10, but pulled the 2nd into the front bunker! Hit a briliant bunker shot the length of the green, to within 5 feet. First par coming up. No shot,but at least it will be two points.
As I;m walking around the green Steve Swindail marks my ball for me.
I get ready to take my putt and Steve throws me the ball. I place it on the marker and give him his marker back!
I take my time and roll the ball straight into the middle of the hole. Good up and down for a par.
Walk off the green and notice something odd about the ball. It's not mine!!!
Bit I played my ball into the bunker and out. Where did that ball come from?
Steve's pocket.......he had given me thewrong ball!
I should have checked, my fault, but what a choker!
That was it, whilst we managed to to get to 30 points, I will never forget to check my ball again!!!
Bit it was a great up and down!!!
Monday, 5 July 2010
"Big Sunday!"
The “Big Day” Sunday
Sunday the 27th June 2010 was going to be a momentous day! The first Medal win of the year for me and England to beat Germany in the “round of 16” of the World Cup!
Teeing off at a reasonable time this week for a change, 9:34, playing with John Charlton and Kev Gordon. Sun shining, plenty of water in the bag, feeling good!
Get the honour and hit the fairway, good job as the other two hit the ball miles, probably would have put me off!
Push the second right and hit 3rd out of the rough into the fairway left, decent approach and then a reasonable chip and 2 putts for a bogie.
Bogie, golf will be ok today, nice and easy, not disasters, couple of pars and we’re in the money.
Pull tee shot on 2 left for about the 3rd week running, but leave it on the bank left. Great chip shot, leaving a 8 footer downhill left to right! Bang on line but just left on lip.
Push Drive right into rough, find it eventually (4 mins!!) Good rescue from rough and a chip leaves me with a ten footer for an unexpected par. Online and short again!
Hit a good drive down 4th, not as good as the other two, but it’s straight down the middle. Second leaves me with a simple enough chip, but a just creep on and then 3 putt for a 6! How many times do I do that? Taking 4 to get down from 50 yards!!!!
Ok drive on 5 and it’s a decent 2nd, chip and 2 putts for a bogie. Not had a par yet!
Hit a decent shot on 6, just off the green right, take 3 to get down, but a 4 on six in a medal is always good.
7th tee and sky my drive left, trying to keep it from going right, don’t think it made the carry! Hit a provisional and it’s in the fairway. Amazing how the provisional always hits the fairway! Well almost always!
Try to play a simple shot to lay up, but knock it weak and it catches the hazard, drop in the rough and duff the next into the ditch! This is now looking bad. In the ditch for 6!!! Luckily I can play from the ditch this, well I can have a go! The ball is in the water, but the only way I have a chance of not racking up double figures plus is to play it.
I get the ball out, just short of the green and manage a chip and two putts for.........a ten!
Bang goes the medal!!!
...and so to the 8th.................but hit a great tee shot, 2nd just short and a chip and leave par putt short! Half decent drive up 9 over bunker , but take 4 from 50 yards again for a double!
50 for the front nine!
Quick bite at the half way house and then onto the 10th.
Skied the drive and a bad second leaves me about 100 yards from pin, just like Friday! Only this time, I pull the half shot with the wedge into the bunker left!
Walk off with a disappointing 6.
John has been playing well and as I've got him in the next round, I do a quick calculation and see how I would be fairing if we'd been playing today! Not good.......5 down! Let's see if I can turn it around!
John tees off on 11 and hits a shank. He'd been saying earlier on that he had started to have problems during previous rounds, when all of a sudden..............well it's happened on 11!!! He's in the bushes to the right!
I hit a skanky shot and end up just short of the front bunker. Great chip and putt for a par!
Bogie on 12 and 13, with chances of pars at both then a nice solid par on 14, with an up and down from the front bunker!
The shanks have got to John and he's under hitting his irons, especially his wedges and from 5 down at the turn, I pulled it back to two down.
On to 15 and a solid drive for once with the 2nd just short a chip and 2 putts for a good bogie! Pity about the 10 on 7!!!!
Pull my drive on 16 left, but get lucky with a good lie and line onto the pin and hit a great shot to within 10 feet, just miss the birdie, but a great par. Puts me one down to John!
Two pars and I can still play within my buffer zone, get a decent tee shot on 17, but left with a long putt and definitley 3 putt country which it is. I would have lost 2&1
We get to the 18th tee and there are two visitors walking off the course, telling us we timed it perfectly, you'll be in the bar in time for kick off!
Forgot the second big part of the day is still to come!
Perhaps the excitement and anticipation got to me, but I pulled my drive to the left and into the rough. Half decent recovery into the fairway, but push my 3rd right into the long stuff again! 4th just short, a chip and 2 putts leave me with a double bogie and a nett 79! My best medal round of the season, so far.
So off to the England v Germany game.........Come on England!!!! woo hoo!!!!
.......more of that later, when I write a World Cup special!!!
Sunday the 27th June 2010 was going to be a momentous day! The first Medal win of the year for me and England to beat Germany in the “round of 16” of the World Cup!
Teeing off at a reasonable time this week for a change, 9:34, playing with John Charlton and Kev Gordon. Sun shining, plenty of water in the bag, feeling good!
Get the honour and hit the fairway, good job as the other two hit the ball miles, probably would have put me off!
Push the second right and hit 3rd out of the rough into the fairway left, decent approach and then a reasonable chip and 2 putts for a bogie.
Bogie, golf will be ok today, nice and easy, not disasters, couple of pars and we’re in the money.
Pull tee shot on 2 left for about the 3rd week running, but leave it on the bank left. Great chip shot, leaving a 8 footer downhill left to right! Bang on line but just left on lip.
Push Drive right into rough, find it eventually (4 mins!!) Good rescue from rough and a chip leaves me with a ten footer for an unexpected par. Online and short again!
Hit a good drive down 4th, not as good as the other two, but it’s straight down the middle. Second leaves me with a simple enough chip, but a just creep on and then 3 putt for a 6! How many times do I do that? Taking 4 to get down from 50 yards!!!!
Ok drive on 5 and it’s a decent 2nd, chip and 2 putts for a bogie. Not had a par yet!
Hit a decent shot on 6, just off the green right, take 3 to get down, but a 4 on six in a medal is always good.
7th tee and sky my drive left, trying to keep it from going right, don’t think it made the carry! Hit a provisional and it’s in the fairway. Amazing how the provisional always hits the fairway! Well almost always!
Try to play a simple shot to lay up, but knock it weak and it catches the hazard, drop in the rough and duff the next into the ditch! This is now looking bad. In the ditch for 6!!! Luckily I can play from the ditch this, well I can have a go! The ball is in the water, but the only way I have a chance of not racking up double figures plus is to play it.
I get the ball out, just short of the green and manage a chip and two putts for.........a ten!
Bang goes the medal!!!
...and so to the 8th.................but hit a great tee shot, 2nd just short and a chip and leave par putt short! Half decent drive up 9 over bunker , but take 4 from 50 yards again for a double!
50 for the front nine!
Quick bite at the half way house and then onto the 10th.
Skied the drive and a bad second leaves me about 100 yards from pin, just like Friday! Only this time, I pull the half shot with the wedge into the bunker left!
Walk off with a disappointing 6.
John has been playing well and as I've got him in the next round, I do a quick calculation and see how I would be fairing if we'd been playing today! Not good.......5 down! Let's see if I can turn it around!
John tees off on 11 and hits a shank. He'd been saying earlier on that he had started to have problems during previous rounds, when all of a sudden..............well it's happened on 11!!! He's in the bushes to the right!
I hit a skanky shot and end up just short of the front bunker. Great chip and putt for a par!
Bogie on 12 and 13, with chances of pars at both then a nice solid par on 14, with an up and down from the front bunker!
The shanks have got to John and he's under hitting his irons, especially his wedges and from 5 down at the turn, I pulled it back to two down.
On to 15 and a solid drive for once with the 2nd just short a chip and 2 putts for a good bogie! Pity about the 10 on 7!!!!
Pull my drive on 16 left, but get lucky with a good lie and line onto the pin and hit a great shot to within 10 feet, just miss the birdie, but a great par. Puts me one down to John!
Two pars and I can still play within my buffer zone, get a decent tee shot on 17, but left with a long putt and definitley 3 putt country which it is. I would have lost 2&1
We get to the 18th tee and there are two visitors walking off the course, telling us we timed it perfectly, you'll be in the bar in time for kick off!
Forgot the second big part of the day is still to come!
Perhaps the excitement and anticipation got to me, but I pulled my drive to the left and into the rough. Half decent recovery into the fairway, but push my 3rd right into the long stuff again! 4th just short, a chip and 2 putts leave me with a double bogie and a nett 79! My best medal round of the season, so far.
So off to the England v Germany game.........Come on England!!!! woo hoo!!!!
.......more of that later, when I write a World Cup special!!!
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Unexpected Victory
As I have previously mentioned, I love match play, but my record is somewhat poor.
So having won my first round match in the Summer Handicap Single, I was now to play Kristian Oakes, a recent addition to the membership at Wychwood and someone whose reputation had gone before him.
He had beaten Rob Hendry in the previous round, no mean feat, but he had, apparently played very well.
The word “Bandit” had been used.
So you could say my expectations were low. Especially as I was giving him a shot!!!
We set off to the first tee on a hot afternoon with a slight breeze. Kristian won the toss and proceeded to hit his Drive out of sight. I hit a shirt drive down the middle, hit my second right into the rough near the tree and a lay up for 3rd and I had still only just got past Kristian’s Drive!
Not looking good. My 4th shot left me a 12 foot for par, which I sank, but Kristian birdied from 4 feet. This could be bad, very bad.
2nd Halved in par, wild tee shots from both of us on 3 and another half. Well at least the game would make it to 12th!
On the 4th and giving a shot, Kristian pulls his drive left and has to take a penalty drop, I hit a drive down the middle and am about 60 yards from the pin after 2, ok Chip leaves me with a 12ft putt for par, Kristian has managed work his way to about 25ft from the pin for 4 and when he slams the put in, I now need mine for a half. But I miss. 2 down.
The 5th sees me get a half and a reasonable tee shot on 6 and a four, but Kristian slams in another putt to go 3 up. It really is not looking good.
Drive on 7 goes into staked trees and my drop leaves me with a tough lie, ball well below my feet, a high percentage chance of pushing the ball right and into the hazard. Manage to pull the ball onto the 8th fairway! Kristian has hit his drive on to the 8th fairway, so we meet as he gets his ball back onto the 7th Fairway. In now have to hit over the environmental area, bushes, carry the ditch and the pot bunkers. Well 3 out of 4 aren’t bad. I’m in the pot bunker, as Kristian tells me with relish!
I manage to get out and 2 putts for a half in 6.
Nemesis hole and I get the tee shot away, good second and a par pulls me back to 2 down and a Bogie on 9 and I’m 2 down at the turn.
It could be worse and to be honest, Kristian is not playing that well. If I could get another one back, who knows?
We both hit our tee shots on 10 to the right, Kristian is in the hazard and takes a drop, I manage to squirt my shot back onto the fairway. I have about 90 yards to the pin at the back of the green and hit a half shot with my pitching wedge. Great connection, bang on line.....................and in for a birdie!!!
Turning Point!!!
Half in Par on the 11th and on the 12th, I hit a Drive down the centre of the fairway, but not particularly long, Kristian takes an Iron for safety, which he’s done a few times and not too successfully. Well this one goes right about 4o yards right of the fairway into heavy rough.
HE reloads and his provisional, with a Driver, goes left, hooks further left and keeps going. I reckon it made the fishing lake!
We try to find his first ball, but fail so, we’re all square.
I’m trying desperately not to consider winning, I can’t win this can I?
I lose the 13th to par, but a par to win on 14 and we’re back to all square again.
A simple drive on 15th and I then see Kristian hit his drive right and fading up the line of the hazard.
He hits from the dropping zone and is short of my second shot. Another par and I am now 1 up for the first time in the match. Chance on 16 to get par and go two up, but leave the putt agonisingly online but short!
Hit my tee shot on 17 and see it roll into the back of the right hand bunker! Kristian, knocks his right and into a tuft of reeds short right. When we get to his ball, he is tucked in the side of the reeds, not an easy shot.
It’s a bit muddy, but his request for a free drop cos of casual water goes unheeded!
He proceeds to hit a miracle shot and has a 12 footer for par.
My shot from the bunker suddenly becomes a lot more difficult!
It was already tough, downhill lie, back of bunker, only about 6 inches from the back lip. Water looming for a thinned shot, easy to leave in the bunker. Get the club up steeply on the back swing and commit to the shot.
Out it comes, a foot from the hole!
Kristian pushes his par putt to the right and I calmly knock my putt in for par and a 2 and 1 victory.
Yes a victory. A very unexpected victory.
So having won my first round match in the Summer Handicap Single, I was now to play Kristian Oakes, a recent addition to the membership at Wychwood and someone whose reputation had gone before him.
He had beaten Rob Hendry in the previous round, no mean feat, but he had, apparently played very well.
The word “Bandit” had been used.
So you could say my expectations were low. Especially as I was giving him a shot!!!
We set off to the first tee on a hot afternoon with a slight breeze. Kristian won the toss and proceeded to hit his Drive out of sight. I hit a shirt drive down the middle, hit my second right into the rough near the tree and a lay up for 3rd and I had still only just got past Kristian’s Drive!
Not looking good. My 4th shot left me a 12 foot for par, which I sank, but Kristian birdied from 4 feet. This could be bad, very bad.
2nd Halved in par, wild tee shots from both of us on 3 and another half. Well at least the game would make it to 12th!
On the 4th and giving a shot, Kristian pulls his drive left and has to take a penalty drop, I hit a drive down the middle and am about 60 yards from the pin after 2, ok Chip leaves me with a 12ft putt for par, Kristian has managed work his way to about 25ft from the pin for 4 and when he slams the put in, I now need mine for a half. But I miss. 2 down.
The 5th sees me get a half and a reasonable tee shot on 6 and a four, but Kristian slams in another putt to go 3 up. It really is not looking good.
Drive on 7 goes into staked trees and my drop leaves me with a tough lie, ball well below my feet, a high percentage chance of pushing the ball right and into the hazard. Manage to pull the ball onto the 8th fairway! Kristian has hit his drive on to the 8th fairway, so we meet as he gets his ball back onto the 7th Fairway. In now have to hit over the environmental area, bushes, carry the ditch and the pot bunkers. Well 3 out of 4 aren’t bad. I’m in the pot bunker, as Kristian tells me with relish!
I manage to get out and 2 putts for a half in 6.
Nemesis hole and I get the tee shot away, good second and a par pulls me back to 2 down and a Bogie on 9 and I’m 2 down at the turn.
It could be worse and to be honest, Kristian is not playing that well. If I could get another one back, who knows?
We both hit our tee shots on 10 to the right, Kristian is in the hazard and takes a drop, I manage to squirt my shot back onto the fairway. I have about 90 yards to the pin at the back of the green and hit a half shot with my pitching wedge. Great connection, bang on line.....................and in for a birdie!!!
Turning Point!!!
Half in Par on the 11th and on the 12th, I hit a Drive down the centre of the fairway, but not particularly long, Kristian takes an Iron for safety, which he’s done a few times and not too successfully. Well this one goes right about 4o yards right of the fairway into heavy rough.
HE reloads and his provisional, with a Driver, goes left, hooks further left and keeps going. I reckon it made the fishing lake!
We try to find his first ball, but fail so, we’re all square.
I’m trying desperately not to consider winning, I can’t win this can I?
I lose the 13th to par, but a par to win on 14 and we’re back to all square again.
A simple drive on 15th and I then see Kristian hit his drive right and fading up the line of the hazard.
He hits from the dropping zone and is short of my second shot. Another par and I am now 1 up for the first time in the match. Chance on 16 to get par and go two up, but leave the putt agonisingly online but short!
Hit my tee shot on 17 and see it roll into the back of the right hand bunker! Kristian, knocks his right and into a tuft of reeds short right. When we get to his ball, he is tucked in the side of the reeds, not an easy shot.
It’s a bit muddy, but his request for a free drop cos of casual water goes unheeded!
He proceeds to hit a miracle shot and has a 12 footer for par.
My shot from the bunker suddenly becomes a lot more difficult!
It was already tough, downhill lie, back of bunker, only about 6 inches from the back lip. Water looming for a thinned shot, easy to leave in the bunker. Get the club up steeply on the back swing and commit to the shot.
Out it comes, a foot from the hole!
Kristian pushes his par putt to the right and I calmly knock my putt in for par and a 2 and 1 victory.
Yes a victory. A very unexpected victory.
Friday, 2 July 2010
Captains Curry Night!!!!
Traditionally, when the Captain elect has selected his Captain, he invites all of the Past Captains to join him for a curry to discuss his choice and get agreement for the appointment.
So this should take place prior to the AGM in December.
So tonight, July 2nd 2010, I finally got to present my proposal for Vice Captain, Martin Wainman, to the 4 remaining past Captains, in order of seniority, Steve Cooke (Capt no. 2), Rob Hendry (no. 5), Pete Keena (6) and Trevor Brennand (7)
And they rejected him..................they were only joking!
We preceded the evenings excitement with 9 holes, fiver in, winner takes all, joined by the new Handicap Secretary Paul Stubbs,
Pete, Paul and I played first with Steve, Trevor and Rob taking up the 2nd tee time............Stableford, full handicap.
Pulled the first drive left and for the 3rd round in a row, pushed my second shot left towards the tree, into ankle deep rough. Bashed it out onto the fairay and a punched 7 iron onto the front of the green left me with a 2 putt from about 50ft for a bogey and 2 points.
2nd and a solid par, regulation and two putts! 2 points
Hit a reasonable drive on 3,but pull 2nd into bunker left, get out and 2 putts for another 2 points. Playing out of bunkers reasonably well at the moment, not like last year when a trip into the sand took at least two shots to exit!!!
Great Drive into the wind down 4, but what did I do differently?
Forgot to mention, I bought some new Dryjoys, paid in the main for by my winnings ovver the past year, not a lot, but the 1st and 2nd places, plus a few 2's soon add up.
Play my second, bit precariously as the "cleats" on my new shoes get caught up and I nearly fall over as I connect with the ball.
Keep it in play and a half shot wedge from 80 yards leaves me an uphill putt for for a par but just miss on right!
Must have sub-consciously remembered what I did on the 4th as I his a solid drive on 5th. Block second and end up right and just short of the green, chip down the slope and just miss par putt again, but easy 2 points again!
Great strike on 6 and 8 foot putt for Birdie. Downhill, but a chance for my first ever Birdie on the 6th.
I have birdied every hole on the course apart from the 6th. Come close a couple of times, but never succeeded. This could be the first.............what a night to do it...........I can tell the tale in the Naaz Tandoori later!!!
Hit a nice pace down the hill, but it just slides past! Tap in for par.
Take a practice after and sink it...........no Mulligans, so still not par'd the 6th. Perhaps next time!
With the memory of last weeks 10, I stand on the 7th tee with the honour and into the wind! Good connection, but left into the staked trees, free drop, but ball well below my feet. So fighting a slice, I aim well left, but the inevitable, push into the hazard.....drop and go for the carry, but end in the ditch............playable, but too good a connection and end up in the pot bunker at the front. too good a connection and leave myself a 40 foot putt down hill over the ledge. Apart from getting the pace and the line wrong, it's a good putt and so a blob!!!
Drive up the right on 8th, fortunate 2nd that skirts with the bunker, but leaves a birdie chance, up hill 15feet, but it just slips past!
Back to level 2's!!!
Really solid drive up 9 and the second from about 180 just catches the back in front of the green and stays on front edge.............good pace to the putt but a 4 footer for par. Paul stubbs putts another one in from of the green.............."you need that to beat me" he says.
I line the putt up, but catch the ground before the ball and the it limps straight to the middke of the cup, looking like it's going to pull up short, but gets to the edge and drops in. Another par and 19 points.
Get into the bar, waiting for the other 3 to come in, only to find that Trevor has won the money with 20 points!!!
Oh well, not starters at the Curry house then!!!
Went to the Naaz Curry house in Nantwich and I can highly recommend it, even though I was paying!!!
So this should take place prior to the AGM in December.
So tonight, July 2nd 2010, I finally got to present my proposal for Vice Captain, Martin Wainman, to the 4 remaining past Captains, in order of seniority, Steve Cooke (Capt no. 2), Rob Hendry (no. 5), Pete Keena (6) and Trevor Brennand (7)
And they rejected him..................they were only joking!
We preceded the evenings excitement with 9 holes, fiver in, winner takes all, joined by the new Handicap Secretary Paul Stubbs,
Pete, Paul and I played first with Steve, Trevor and Rob taking up the 2nd tee time............Stableford, full handicap.
Pulled the first drive left and for the 3rd round in a row, pushed my second shot left towards the tree, into ankle deep rough. Bashed it out onto the fairay and a punched 7 iron onto the front of the green left me with a 2 putt from about 50ft for a bogey and 2 points.
2nd and a solid par, regulation and two putts! 2 points
Hit a reasonable drive on 3,but pull 2nd into bunker left, get out and 2 putts for another 2 points. Playing out of bunkers reasonably well at the moment, not like last year when a trip into the sand took at least two shots to exit!!!
Great Drive into the wind down 4, but what did I do differently?
Forgot to mention, I bought some new Dryjoys, paid in the main for by my winnings ovver the past year, not a lot, but the 1st and 2nd places, plus a few 2's soon add up.
Play my second, bit precariously as the "cleats" on my new shoes get caught up and I nearly fall over as I connect with the ball.
Keep it in play and a half shot wedge from 80 yards leaves me an uphill putt for for a par but just miss on right!
Must have sub-consciously remembered what I did on the 4th as I his a solid drive on 5th. Block second and end up right and just short of the green, chip down the slope and just miss par putt again, but easy 2 points again!
Great strike on 6 and 8 foot putt for Birdie. Downhill, but a chance for my first ever Birdie on the 6th.
I have birdied every hole on the course apart from the 6th. Come close a couple of times, but never succeeded. This could be the first.............what a night to do it...........I can tell the tale in the Naaz Tandoori later!!!
Hit a nice pace down the hill, but it just slides past! Tap in for par.
Take a practice after and sink it...........no Mulligans, so still not par'd the 6th. Perhaps next time!
With the memory of last weeks 10, I stand on the 7th tee with the honour and into the wind! Good connection, but left into the staked trees, free drop, but ball well below my feet. So fighting a slice, I aim well left, but the inevitable, push into the hazard.....drop and go for the carry, but end in the ditch............playable, but too good a connection and end up in the pot bunker at the front. too good a connection and leave myself a 40 foot putt down hill over the ledge. Apart from getting the pace and the line wrong, it's a good putt and so a blob!!!
Drive up the right on 8th, fortunate 2nd that skirts with the bunker, but leaves a birdie chance, up hill 15feet, but it just slips past!
Back to level 2's!!!
Really solid drive up 9 and the second from about 180 just catches the back in front of the green and stays on front edge.............good pace to the putt but a 4 footer for par. Paul stubbs putts another one in from of the green.............."you need that to beat me" he says.
I line the putt up, but catch the ground before the ball and the it limps straight to the middke of the cup, looking like it's going to pull up short, but gets to the edge and drops in. Another par and 19 points.
Get into the bar, waiting for the other 3 to come in, only to find that Trevor has won the money with 20 points!!!
Oh well, not starters at the Curry house then!!!
Went to the Naaz Curry house in Nantwich and I can highly recommend it, even though I was paying!!!
"Doing a Robert Green"
............Well England made a great start to the the first World Cup game against USA, with a goal after 4 minutes, but then came one of the latest in a long line of mistakes by England keepers.......Bonetti, Seaman, Carson, Robinson, etc etc, but this was probably the worst!
Still we got a draw, but I found that a round full of school boy errors, or "doing a Robert Green" in a major is not a good idea!
It was the Wychwood Bowl, a stableford competition, which after scoring 39 points the previous weeks, I was in an expectant mood.
Pulled my drive on one a little, but an easy 2 points and then onto the 2nd, no shot again, pulled the tee shot left and with a reasonable chip I had a chance of a 3, but a cast iron 4. Wrong, mis hit first putt and then again from about 3 feet. 5, no points!!!
His a good drive on 3rd, but scuff my second just short, then proceed to duff a simple bump and run shot into the bunker, a good up and down saves more embarresment. A solid drive on the 4th and it felt like I was going to get into the groove. Good second and I've got about 50 yards to the pin. Duffed chip and 3 putts later I walk of with a point!
Striking the ball better, but missed par puts on 5, 6, 7 and 8, with the one on 8 another bad 3 putt!!!
Still I was playing to my handicap and a par on 9 would put me on 16 points. Poor drive, but 2nd shot recovers the position, but a duffed chip ends up in the left hand bunker and just missed an up and down and just the point for 14 points!
Start the back nine afresh, forget all that's gone before...............Good drive on the other hole I don't get a shot on, but an awful 2nd leaves me way left and short. A duffed shot into the front bunker, 2 to get out and it's a blob again!!!!
The 11th and hit a good shot, only to duff a chip from off the fringe and 2 putt, but a run of bet pars that stretches to the 13th followed by a solid par on 14 and it's looking good! Well good in restoring some respectability to the score, maybe crawling into my buffer zone.
Chance of a par on 15 as well, but miss a fairly easy putt. How many times have I been bang on line today and pulled up short! Then I miss from a foot!!! 1 point.
Bogie on 16 with a good up and down and another 2 pointer on 17, could still make 17 points if I par 18.
Hit a reasonable drive and ok second, but still got a way to go. 3rd is just short, with the pin at the back.
I duff yet another bump and run and leave myself a very long putt, which I read completely wrong\nd end up with a single point...............not a good day!
Still we got a draw, but I found that a round full of school boy errors, or "doing a Robert Green" in a major is not a good idea!
It was the Wychwood Bowl, a stableford competition, which after scoring 39 points the previous weeks, I was in an expectant mood.
Pulled my drive on one a little, but an easy 2 points and then onto the 2nd, no shot again, pulled the tee shot left and with a reasonable chip I had a chance of a 3, but a cast iron 4. Wrong, mis hit first putt and then again from about 3 feet. 5, no points!!!
His a good drive on 3rd, but scuff my second just short, then proceed to duff a simple bump and run shot into the bunker, a good up and down saves more embarresment. A solid drive on the 4th and it felt like I was going to get into the groove. Good second and I've got about 50 yards to the pin. Duffed chip and 3 putts later I walk of with a point!
Striking the ball better, but missed par puts on 5, 6, 7 and 8, with the one on 8 another bad 3 putt!!!
Still I was playing to my handicap and a par on 9 would put me on 16 points. Poor drive, but 2nd shot recovers the position, but a duffed chip ends up in the left hand bunker and just missed an up and down and just the point for 14 points!
Start the back nine afresh, forget all that's gone before...............Good drive on the other hole I don't get a shot on, but an awful 2nd leaves me way left and short. A duffed shot into the front bunker, 2 to get out and it's a blob again!!!!
The 11th and hit a good shot, only to duff a chip from off the fringe and 2 putt, but a run of bet pars that stretches to the 13th followed by a solid par on 14 and it's looking good! Well good in restoring some respectability to the score, maybe crawling into my buffer zone.
Chance of a par on 15 as well, but miss a fairly easy putt. How many times have I been bang on line today and pulled up short! Then I miss from a foot!!! 1 point.
Bogie on 16 with a good up and down and another 2 pointer on 17, could still make 17 points if I par 18.
Hit a reasonable drive and ok second, but still got a way to go. 3rd is just short, with the pin at the back.
I duff yet another bump and run and leave myself a very long putt, which I read completely wrong\nd end up with a single point...............not a good day!
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