The final JT Shield match for 2006 at Ellerslie was competed for on a fine although slightly windy day on Thursday December 14th. As a salute to the original tour and matches, Jon and Dave cracked out the �Uniforms�. They smelt a little better than the last time they were worn but they still looked just as attractive and dapper.
The situation was simple, Gerard had finally struck some form having won the last two competitive matches at Chamberlain, however Dave was the current holder of the Plate at Ellerslie. He was excited about the prospect of being the first person to have his name recorded twice at Ellerslie and also for the last time before it is retired for 2006.
Despite the delayed start waiting for Tim and Rina, the match began well for Dave and Jon beginning with a par. Gerard was feeling the pressure and hit a 5. Dave went on a par Fest for the first 3 holes streaking out to a 2 shot lead over Clinton and Jon and an amazing 5 shot lead over Gerard.
There was a dramatic turn of events at the fourth hole. Dave�s hot streak finished with him hitting a 5 and Jon hitting a 2 meaning a complete swing in their respective placings. Gerard still reeling from his earlier performances was upset when his putter went completely cold and he hit an unprecedented 6. His frustration was evident and in a fit of rage, he unleashed his fury on his putter by sending it airborne. The putter flew through the air, over a small tree and hit the ground. A shattering sound was heard upon impact, the result of the head of the putter separating from the shaft. Fits of laughter embraced the course, (one player even hit the deck laughing). Sanity was regained, by which time Gerard realised he would not be able to putt for the rest of the match as under the official golf rules clubs can not be shared, (which would be a bit of a problem.) Luckily the other players were feeling charitable and allowed him to use their putters, although by this stage, the horse had bolted and Gerard was out of the running.
Clinton, who had been quietly going about his business, began to start showing signs of consistency and drew level with Dave and Jon on the 7th.
There pressure came on all players as the stakes were high heading into the final hole. The pin placement was difficult, and after the Tee shots, every one was in with a chance. (Gerard was no where near a chance so we are only talking about Clinton, Jon and Dave here.) Clinton chipped his second shot only narrowly missing the hole, repeating his performance of a few matches ago when he snatched victory from Dave. He putted in for 3, placing the pressure on Dave and Jon to perform. Jon putted and missed what could only be described as a gettable putt, sinking the follow up for a four. Dave stepped up needing to sink a 4 foot putt, something he has bottled in the past. He hit it straight and true, it never looked like missing and it dropped in. He had tied with Jon and Clinton, though as the current course holder it was effectively a win. Although he was a little disappointed with failing to win outright, it was still two for Dave. Two in a row and his name on the shield, and the second time his name has been added to the shield for Ellerslie.
At the conclusion of the match the four boys, dropped off the clubs, picked up some refreshments and joined the gallery following the next group of Rina and Tim. There was some fine golf being played and Tim showed Gerard how to putt, sinking a number of long range attempts. A fitting farewell to Ellerslie for the year.
Highlights
- Gerard�s putter being retired
- The birdie on the 5th
- Everyone enjoying a beer on the 7th
- Early start, empty course, 9 holes played in under 1 hour.
- Clinton and Tim�s super putt on the 7th
- The BBQ at Jon�s after the match
Scores Dave 31 Clinton 31 Jon 31 Tim 34 Rina 39 Gerard 40
