Dave Starts 2007 with a Bang
Starting back at school was a bit of a shock for a number of the participants of the JT Shield.  As rough as it was having to get up before lunch, the side effect was, that it organised us into playing the first game of the year for the JT Shield.

On a brilliantly fine day, we headed off to Chamberlain Park to compete for the Shield for the first time in 2007.  Over the break, the decision was made to rejuvinate the shield.  (Or more acurately replace it before it was dropped).  So a new Shield was developed by Dave and Jon. 

Gerard, Tim, Jon and Dave were the first to play for the new shield, it was a competitive and hard fought game.  There were some great shots although time moved on rather quickly and we were lucky to finish before it was dark.  Before all was done, Dave came out on top shooting an 83.  Easily his best ever round and a full 9 shots better than his handicap.

"It was exciting to play for the new shield, It gave me a little extra incentive to be the first name on the shield." Dave said in his post match interview, he went on, "It was important that a statement was made during the first game of the year, I think I did that today." 

Highlights
On a stinking hot day, it was enjoyable to watch lots of people stuck on the Motorway in a traffic jam while we were playing golf.  Luckily we provided some entertainment for the motorisits while they crawled along.  There were 4 honks and 2 "get in the hole's" yelled out from frustrated travellers..
Dave getting a phone call on the 4th hole from Michelle, (Clintons' wife) asking if he was playing because he was supposed to be home.  Clinton was stuck in the afore mentioned traffic. Clinton had earlier accused other players of being under the thumb which made this even funnier.
The BBQ after the game at Dave's house.  Super Hamburgers and not a bad effort as Dave was cooking in the dark.
Gerard telling Dave how good his round was and that he could score lower than 80 if he played the last 3 holes well.  Dave then hit is next shot into the trees, in what could only have been described as a Greg Norman moment.  Luckily unlike Greg, he went on to win.
Dave Recieving the Shield, (It was dark by the time we had finished.)
Fantastic Friday for Four
Ellerslie International Golf Links was reaquainted with the JT Shield on Friday after a long interlude.  The course had dried up and the greens were playing a little inconsistent.  The golf however was hot and all players produced some low scoring holes.  Rusty made a rare appearance and as usual the 7 iron worked a charm.

Jon got off to a blinder and led through to the 5th hole.  Unfortunately for the other players, however, Dave continued his dominant performance from the previous Friday and won the Shield for the second consecutive week. 

In anticipation of Dave's win a gathering was organised by work. This provided collegues the opportunity to congratulate Dave on his win and to also appreciate the craftmanship that had contributed to the development of the Shield.  

Highlights
Dave's Navigation to the Golf Links.  He managed to turn a simple 20minute drive into a 40 minute journy. Made all the worse because the Lada was following and relying on him to find the best way to the course.
The complete failure of anybody to manage to land anywhere near the green on the 7th hole.
While leading by 1 shot on the last hole, Dave managed to land his ball 2 metres from the hole.  Game over.
Mr G Watson (Principal) presenting the Shield to Dave at the specially organised aftermatch function.
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