With the quality of golf improving each week and the importance for those to be recognized as contenders we set out. Playing in 2 groups set a new challenge to today�s golfers, each group anxiously watching one another�s every shot, no one quite sure of the scores being posted by the other group.
With pars and the occasional birdie from each of the groups the scores were once again geared towards eclipsing Dave�s course record of 32.
Going into the last hole scores tied at 28 between Buckley and Duncan, and Ely a further shot back, the pressure was on. Ely paring and equaling the course record 32, Duncan folding under the pressure shooting a double bogey 5. Buckley playing in the final group then stepped up to the tee and hit what might be to date the best shot of the JT Shield Tournament, narrowly missing out on a hole in one and a pitch invasion from the previous group.
Buckley then calmly stood up and stroked in a nice birdie putt and in so set a new course record 30 and claimed his first victory.
Highlights:
1. Rina�s 2 pars in the last 3 holes and the dance that went with it.
2. John equaling course record even after a triple bogey 6 on the 5th.
3. Clinton setting a new course record moments later.
4. Clinton�s near hole in one in front of a crowd on the last hole.
Scores: Clinton 30 (CR), Jon 32, Gerard 33, Dave 34, Tim 37, Rina 46, Talli 51, Alex 54
Friday afternoon, there was nervous energy all day, school finished and we all took off briskly to Ellerslie. Clinton would later describe this day as the second best day of his life (the first being his wedding day). As the current holder of the shield the other players went all out to prevent him from making it two and therefore becoming only the second player to have his name etched on the shield forever. In what could only be described as questionable weather conditions the hardy four set off. We had to contend with rain, wind and plenty of chat from Jon.
The game was still played in an extremely competitive mode with concentration and seriousness the par for the course. The scores did not reach the high standards and records of the previous week�s game but it was still a hard fought affair. Things were tight all the way through the round. Dave started poorly and improved as he became used to the weather, Jon was up and down, Gerard was solid and Clinton was leading the pack for most of the match.
The scores were added at the 8th hole, Dave was in front by one, and the pressure was on Clinton. On the eighth hole, Clinton blew a potential birdie chance and an opportunity to even the game up. Onto the ninth and Dave decided to play it safe. Unfortunately, safe involved playing a rubbish shot that rolled into then out of the bunker and being short of the green by a great deal. Clinton stepped up and hit a shocker to the left of the pin and behind another bunker. Dave thought he was in, especially when he hit a chip within 4 foot from the hole. Clinton calmly hit his chip, the ball flew over the bunker, it hit the edge of the green which drew the speed of the ball and it rolled to within centermetres of the hole, (it should have gone in it was that close). So Dave had a 4 foot putt for par for the out right win. Unfortunately, for him, (but fortunately for Clinton) he missed and could only tie the match. So as the rules state, the holder of the shield retains it, Clinton was the champion and his name, (only the third new name) was added.
Highlights
Crappest weather ever when the shield has been played for.
All players within 3 shots going into the last holes.
Dave and Clinton tied at the end of the match
Record time around the course 1hr 9mins.
Clinton, the second person to have his name added under Ellerslie, just like Dave needed to rely on a draw to win the second match.
Scores: Clinton 33 Dave 33 John ?? Gerard ??
