It was a slow start as there was uncertainty that the match would go ahead due to questionable weather conditions. Despite a slight amount of precipitation, Dave reclaimed the trophy while setting a new record at Ellerslie. It was a close match with a great deal of pressure exerted upon all players. Dave managed to do what Gerard was unable to do last week and sunk a 2 metre putt on the last hole to win the match.
Highlights of the Round
1) Alex a student teacher at school was invited to participate. There were a few nerves at the first tee when Alex asked how to hold a club, but after a clean tee off (although it was a little hard) he improved through out the match. He settled well into the routine of hitting the ball, giving the other players a hard time and he even found time to sink one par and narrowly miss on another. Not bad for his first game of golf.
2) Alex managed to play the ball out of the bunker using a putter.
3) The nice ladies at the Pub afterwards. (They wanted a piece of the trophy, I am sure)
4) Dave and Tim both claimed a birdie on the 5th hole
5) Team Tim, Jon & Alex beat Dave & Gerard 2-1 in the teams match.
Result Jon 33 Gerard 35 Dave 32 Tim 33 Alex 48
The game was played in low wind and reasonably fine weather. The boys had a strong start on the first hole, teams were established with Gerard and Jon taking on Dave and Clinton.
As the game advanced it remained tight. At the start of the ninth hole there was only one shot between the four players. Every one was on the green and putting for the win. The last putt of the match was with Dave. Jon had done his best to apply the pressure and Clinton chipped in with a solid 3. A four foot downhill putt was all that separated Dave from an outright win and to make History with the Shield. Unfortunately the putt was missed, but the resulting Gimme, meant that Dave, Jon and Clinton were all tied on 33 and Gerard was a long way back on 34. This was enough for Dave to retain the Shield however, and he was proud to earn the right to be the first entry under Ellerslie. The win was some what shallow due to the fact it was not outright but none the less he was still well stoked.
Highlights
As the quality of the golf improved the jocularity and banter has reduced. Lots of serious golf was played and we were concentrating far too much. Questions have been asked about if this is a good move for the game.
Jon and Gerard moved out to a three shot lead on the teams� competition with three holes to play. Gerard started talking it up and explaining how much he was looking forward to a free beer after the match. He mentioned that there was no way they could lose from there. In true rusty style the Clinton and Dave came back and managed to tie it up.
The worst score for anyone was four, that�s pretty good golf.
Score: Dave 33 Jon 33 Clinton 33 Gerard 34
Team Dave & Clinton 3 holes, Jon and Gerard 3 holes.
