Sat 28 Dec 2013 - 4th Xmas Challenge (Stoke Rochford)

At the start of the day M was up by 2 holes with 2 matches to play.

We had an early start booked at 9 so it was an early breakfast at the hotel (they opened early just for us!). Not the best breakfast in the world but it was warm and there was plenty. The night before had been a family gathering in a bar... never the best idea before an important golf tournament but at least we were both in the same boat. M choosing Bombardier and myself choosing Peroni.

The journey to Stoke Rochford was much shorter than we had planned and we were way early for our 9 o'clock tee. I paid 10 quid online and M paid 40 at the desk for the record. Needs to be sorted out by our respective other halves. The man in the shop took our money and made no comment on our 9 o'clock tee time. We were early and it was cold but sunny so we decided to sit in the club house in the warm before going to tee off.

We could see the first tee and we could also see a big queue developing but we sat inside waiting until about 8:50 when we set off to the first. As we walked to the tee I asked another chap what time his tee was..... I was informed that there were no tee times, it was first come first served. The chap having told me this marched in front to claim his 4 ball place in front of us. Miserable git!

Anyway we were happy to stand and watch several groups go off the first tee with varying degrees of success. We were stood in the shade and the ground was frosty so we were cold. We did chat to the group behind us who said that the turn up and play often caused problems. The atmosphere in the queue was good and we were not even particularly scared to go and take our place on the first tee (only 40 minutes late!). M did a bit of a duff and I hit an easy 5i just short of the fairway but we were both safely on our way. In the end we had 4 in front playing normal rules and a texas scramble behind. We never waited long or held up the group behind.

On the first hole M played very well ending with a 5 against my 8 (I gave away one shot here by rushing an easy putt because M's ball was where my feet should have been.. must try not to do this in future!). The sun was shining and as soon as we were out of he shade we were plenty warm enough and the views were impressive. I would say that Stoke Rochford is in very good condition considering the recent rain and time of year. I cant remember any boggy ground, the fairways were close cut and solid and the greens were great. The bunkers were wet but we ignored them with free drops out.

Thanks to a mistake by M going right into the trees just before the 2nd green I managed to pull one back. We both did a nice 4 on the par 3 3rd. I managed to win 2 in a row on the 4th and 5th bringing it back to all square. We both had a nightmare on the 5th up the hill into the sun. Coming down the hill on the 6th I had an unlucky bounce off a tree branch so instead of getting to the green I went left and then over giving away a few shots. Again M was 1 up.

The 7th is a scary shot over a stream to a green in the ditch. M went right of the green and I had a lucky short, M took 1 more shot here but with handicap this was a drawn hole.

The 8th has always been a problem but this time we both managed to get over the stream and to the hole with no fuss (another drawn hole).

I am always scared of the 9th and as usual tried too hard. First I used my mulligan and then hit one into the stream. M made a great start landing on the fairway but had trees between him and the hole. After my penalty I landed nicely on the fairway with a great view of he hole. No problem for me, but M had a spot of golfers luck and hit a tree, putting him in trouble farther away from the hole and behind several trees. In the end this was another drawn hole. (Should have been M's)

So after 9 holes M was 1 hole up.

On the 10th we were into the sun again. I did a steady tee shot and M never saw his ball go right. An orange ball in a million orange leaves is difficult to find. We took several minutes looking and just was we gave up I spotted it behind M. Great (as the 4 behind were just coming off the previous tee). I played a shot down the fairway and M hit his ball. We both saw it hit a tree and bounce towards the fairway. When we went to find it, it had vanished. In the end M had to take a penalty as the 4 behind were waiting. This hole was mine. So it was back to a draw.

On the 11th I played my best tee shot ever (on this hole) as I got a lucky roll to the 150 marker, green in 3 and 1 putt. M played well but the chip onto the green landed in a bunker and I was 1 up.

The 12th is a simple par 3. I went right and M went in a bunker. M played out onto the green and I went over and into a bunker. This was a mistake as the green was long and thin. I took a free drop out of the bunker but failed to get on the green and took 5 to get on the green. This was a terrible 9 so M won taking it back to all square.

The 13th has been a problem in the past but M did a great shot over the valley and my shot just hung onto the edge of the fairway. M did a duff on the way to the green and that cost him the hole. It was back to 1 up for me.

The14th, 15th and 16th are long holes over rough ground going back towards the clubhouse. These have been a nightmare in the past but I was having some luck with my 4r off the tee and I had 3, 1 putts in a row. Most of the shots on this stretch were "social golf" where it was close, but in the end M lost a ball in the leaves over one of the greens and took an odd shot more so I went 4 up.

With the pressure off I got onto the green on the 17th from the tee (It was a long green so I 3 putt).  It was good enough to go 5 up as M went right onto the 16th fairway and then in an old bunker on the way back to the green. This was the other hole with a handicap advantage for M.

On the 18th M pulled one back ending with me 4 holes up with 1 more match to play. As I said before we are both serious about winning and each hole is an important ... playing on both our minds. Good job there are not thousands of pounds at stake!

My score is here.  I messed up 4 holes (zero sp). The 1st (with a rushed putt) should have been 1 less. The 6th where I hit the tree and then went over the green, should have been at least 1 less. On the 10th I went down the left and did a bad chip landing on the edge rather than the green. (1 more). On the 12th I should never had ended up in the bunker and wasted 4 shots. Thats 7 less on a more luck day. My putting was +2. I think it is my best score to date at Stoke Rochford. I am not complaining.

We must remember about the queue for tee times if/when we return next year!

For now I am 4 up with 18 holes to play... sticks cleaned and bags packed ready for Dummer!

NOTE after M put his score in the results were changed a little. Instead of drawing hole 9 M won. Instead of S winning hole 15 it was a draw. So going into the last game S was only 2 holes up! NOT 4!

On the road early

Waiting patiently in the warm

The Queue!

On our way (The 2nd tee and first view of Stoke Rochford Hall)

On the 2nd fairway (Nice weather)

On the 9th I can see the hole.

M on the 9th ready to hit the tree,

Nice tree near 9th green

Stoke Rochford Hall

M heading for the flag on the 15th

16th tee

Better view of SR

Into the sun.

Best view of SR?

Sun 22 Dec 2013 - 3rd Xmas Challenge (Paultons)

Going into the 3rd Day M was leading by 1 hole.

Was this to be the deciding day..?

We arrived in plenty time as we planned to have a golf club breakfast before play. However the golfing gods were unkind to us (and the Chef) as we heard he was visiting A&E. We assume he was OK as we were told he might be back by the time we got to the 9th hole. Anyway the compromise was we had a couple of slices of toast with coffee/tea and were charged 7 quid. ;-(.

The round was also the most expensive I have paid for some time. at 29 quid each (for the record .. I paid).

As I drove to the course the weather was terrible but we were lucky and it cleared up before we started.
and stayed sunny(ish) until we finished. The low sun was only a problem on the 4th but luckily we managed to find each ball...

We were told that we could set off early and that sounded like a good idea as we could see no one in front. (Or behind). I made a great start winning the first 3 holes as M had some trouble finding his swing. I wondered if it was due to the missing breakfast. All this changed on the 4th as his swing returned (with a par) and by the end of the first 9 I was just 1 hole up and therefore we were drawing. At the 6th we caught up with a 3 ball that were taking their time (you know the sort of thing we all do from time to time, looking for balls, writing scores down on the green and generally taking no notice of other golfers.) I understand that you want to enjoy your round without rushing at 1 pound 50 per hole but its easy to let folks through.  Rant over!

On the back 9 it went pretty even until M got 2 holes in a row on the 15th and 16th. In the end I pulled one back and we ended with M up by 1 (no change on the day). One big problem for both of us was that the 3 ball in front turned into a 4 ball on the 10th. Playing especially slowly on the 10 and 11th. They had several chance to call us through but none were taken they were oblivious.

But ... back in the bar there was some discussion about a couple of doggy incidents that have been referred to the rules committee.

The ruling follows..

S took a practice putt on the 9th green and hit the ball by mistake, no penalty was taken at the time. 1 penalty point has been added to S's score on hole 9. On the 11th M hit a great shot that bounced on the road. This was technically out of bounds, however he was not given the chance to take a mulligan. 1 penalty point has been deducted from M's score on the 11th. On the15th S hit a tee shot that went in the ditch. M found the ball and S took an illegal drag shot out of the ditch instead of taking a drop penalty. 1 penalty point has been added to S's score for hole. On recap it turned out that 1 ball of M's had been found by S and 2 or 3 balls of S's had been found by M. No adjustment was made to the score as mulligans cannot be carried over from game to game. Finally it was noted that M did not need a mulligan, again this did not affect the final score.... (as it was not a draw).

After adjustment M hole 11 was a draw the other 2 holes did not affect the outcome. This means that M is in the lead by the narrow margin of 2 holes with 2 matches yet to play.

For myself I was a little disappointed with my score being over 110 and 10 shots worse than in the week.  I messed up 5 holes. The par 3 8th I went short (ok) and did a poor chip and was still short (bad) then went over. So thats 2 shots wasted. On the 9th I did a poor tee shot right but got short of the green in 4 so should have been 7. Instead I did another poor chip short then over then messed up my practice putt for a 10. Thats 3 shots wasted. On the 10th I did an unforced duff another point wasted. On the 15th I had my worst disaster I hit the first into the lake (mulligan) then did it again. Then took a drop shot and put this in the lake, then 3 putt. at least 3 points wasted. Finally I lost a ball and did an illegal shot on the 16th (2 more points wasted). So thats 1 possible 11 points... Next time! On the other hand I made my first par on the 13th with 2 fairways and a green and 2 putt. My putting was also ok! My adjusted score is here.

This blog is serious as there is a trophy at stake! ;-)

The sun just making an appearance on Hole 1

The path to Hole 2

M waiting on the 7th

M in action on the 9th

Waiting at the16th

The 18th!

Sat 21 Dec 2013 - 2nd Xmas Challenge (Downshire)

So M is 4 holes up with 4 Matches to play...

Meet in time to play about 20 practice ball each. The range at Downshire is techno and even has an app. I am not much keen on the ball feeder as I like to practice at a slower pace and putting the ball on the tee slows things down. In the end it did no harm but I did not hit many good warm up shots.

M paid for game and balls so thats for the other halves to sort out.

Today was the shortest day so it was always going to be a challenge to finish in the light.
The weather had been poor on the drive to the game and was pretty poor the whole way round. I had a cover for my sticks but M had forgotten his. It rained/showered for most of the way round especially on the dreaded 16th.

We were almost the last off for the day only a 3 ball behind that never caught up (perhaps didn't finish). We were following the last couple in a competition but they stopped after the first 9.

M played with irons only which is always a problem for me as he plays better. He started with a par on the first, but the rest of the first 9 was pretty even. On the back 9 it was a different story and I managed to win by 3 clear holes (will check when all scores are in). If so its M up by 1 hole after 2 matches.

The course was very boggy in places and we both found this to be a problem, bring back the hard summer fairways! On the back 9 the weather turned pretty horrible and it was getting quite dark as we got back onto the 18th green. We both had a nightmare on the 16th crossing the brook (made worse by the wind and rain). Given the conditions I was pleased with my score just on the 110 boundary. My score is here.  My putting let me down by a few shots (1x4putt) and I had a penalty on the 7th when the wind stopped my nice shot from carrying over the pond. On another day my score could easily have been 5 better.

I make a note here that another 2 of my Titlist balls from Lakeballs cracked thats the 4th in this batch.

Once M's score is in I will confirm that M is 1 hole up with 3 matches left to play.

Rain!

Its Christmas!

Waiting for the wind to die down on the 7th

A break in the rain.

Tue 17th Dec 2013 - Xmas Dash 18 Hole at Paultons

Instead of a works Xmas dinner with R.

We booked for 1 pm and set off on time. 16 quid each, a fair price. No one in front or behind at any time. I set off very relaxed as we agreed a simple rule I would have 2 shots on all par 4's and 5's. It was probably not a fair handicap but it made me relaxed and put the pressure on R.

I used a traditional stance throughout with no real problems. Towards the end I hit my 3W off the tee in a straight line. Whatever next? I was very happy with my score of 102 and with a bit of better chipping and putting it could easily have been 4 less. My score is here. I messed up the 10th with a old style chip then went right when it should just have gone straight and then a duff. I also messed up the long 17th after a great tee shot and getting onto the edge of the green in 4, I followed this with green and 3. We will have to wait for the scores to come in to see if I really did win under normal handicap rules.

Setting off at 1 o'clock at this time of year makes it a challenge to get back before dark. However neither of us lost or spent any time looking for balls and we walked quickly between shots. In the end we got round in 2 hours 50 minutes which must be a world record for me. So we were easily able to see the ball on the last hole.

Great fun! I took one photo at the end but it was rubbish so none make it to the blog.

Sun 15 Dec 2013 - 1st Xmas Challenge (Chichester)

With M.

The 2013 Xmas Challenge is over 5 matches.

1. Chichester
2. Downshire (M to book)
3. Stoke Rochford (S to book)
4. Paulons Park
5. Dummer



These venues have yet to be agreed and confirmed. We hope to complete this early in the New Year if not before.

The starting handicaps are M29 and S26. If 2 matches are won in a row by the same person the handicaps are adjusted in favour of the loser.

We will count holes won over the 5 matches and there will be a trophy (to be organised by me..). Click here to see the trophy.

There will be 1 allowed mulligan from the tee on each game to be taken on any hole.

New rule....(to be agreed or not)  Extra mulligans can be obtained by finding an opponents lost ball. (what do you think?). This would encourage helpful opponents.

Winter bunkers are C%^p!, therefore... Bunkers must be played but no matter how many shots either record Bunker (if straight out) or Bunker Mulligan (if more than one shot). If the bunker is full of water then the ball can be dropped not closer to the hole.

Today was a quick zip round the 9 hole before breakfast. Neither of us played very well mostly 4's. I think I won by 1 but as we know this does not count for much.

Breakfast was as usual the best!

Todays fee was 20 quid each. We payed for our own. The weather was dirzzle but not too bad, not very cold. When we set off there was no one in front or behind. By the end we had a couple of golfers behind but they never really caught up. I started well with a par. For some reason my putting today was poor from 4 feet. I can count at least 6 shots that I would usually have expected to get. My first 4 holes went very well. I has a double nightmare on the 7th after a good tee shot. I took 2 penalties hitting fences and trees. At the end of the front 9 M was up by 2 holes.

M was playing using irons only which improves his game and I was using a traditional stance which was good and bad in equal measures.

On the back 9 M sealed his first victory winning by a clear 4 holes (wait for results in to confirm). I played my worst back 9 and ended up well over my normal 110. On the plus side I managed to get round hole 16 avoiding the lake. On the negative side I took 11 on the 17th after a good tee shot. I also had 4, 3 putts. My score is here.

So M leads by 4 holes but there is a long way to go! His handicap is also reduced to 28 as he has won 2 in a row.

For me its an hour a day putting practice!

Only a couple of snaps today as the weather was not great (not terrible either!)

I had gone right off the tee at the 6th

M was left in the trees

The trophy has arrived!

Sun 8 Dec 2013 14 balls + 18 Holes at Dummer

With M. Earlyish morning round with no breakfast at club. Never tried the breakfast at Dummer yet! I paid for both and it was 27 each. (wives need to check the running total) Wow? Still it was a nice morning and the course was in good nick.

We had our usual 2 quids worth of balls 14 each. For me this works well as I can try out my sticks in order to get a bit of confidence off the first tee.

We quickly caught up with a 4 ball who were playing off white tees. On some holes they were slow I suppose thats what competition does. On some holes they were quick. Obviously good golfers. We were finally called through on the 11th. A bit of stress. M went left into the trees and I got nicely into the hole in 5. Thats good for me!

From the first hole it was evident that M had finally decided that he could hit an iron off the tee and it would go miles but not far enough to lose it! For the 1st 9 I never won a game At best I managed to draw a couple. I did not play terrible just not good enough to beat M on any scoring system.

On the 2nd 9 I did quite a bit better. I don't know why but I felt confident enough to use a more traditional stance and take a bigger swing. It seemed to work, lets see how it goes. M won easily in the end and so took home the trophy. On the 16th he showed great ball control as it headed for the lake, he shouted "Hit the tree" and it did (preventing loss in the lake). Next shot was into the lake but thats golf.

My scores are here. I messed up 1st (bad chipping), 3rd(more bad chipping), 7th (4 putt) and 18th trying too hard off the tee. It seemed like they had placed the flags in awkward positions leaving me with some very long putts. I must practice my putting I think! Also as usual I am often short of the green.

Nice Sunny Day waiting for the off

M gets some putting practice

Just right for golf

Good sun at 2nd tee

On the 8th fairway

Great sun

More great sun

M heading for a dip in the pond on the 18th

Fri 6 Dec 2013 18 Holes out of order at Quindell

At lunchtime n Friday with R. Its not Quindells now its Skylark.

We had a 12:20 tee time but we set off a about 12. We paid 20 quid which is a price rise of 5 quid. The twilight starts at 1 o'clock which would be pushing it to finish before dark.

As we started a 3 ball turned up and we were under a bit of pressure. Rob went right and left and I did a duff onto the fairway. We never saw them again. By the 6th hole we had caught a 4 ball that were going slow so we took an alternative route 12th to 16th then 7th to 11th then 6,17 and 18.  This was confusing but it meant that we only had to wait at the 17th for a lone golfer who was in no rush.

The weather was great and only jumpers were required. I played OK not great and not terrible. On another day I could have had a bit more luck and done a few less duffs. I only messed up the 16th and 18th, both down to duffs. I am struggling off the tee at the moment although I did manage to get off the tee on the 6th onto the other side. My score is here.

On the 4th fairway

Think this is 8th tee

Golfing Christmas tree

Sun 1 Dec 2013 9+18 Holes at Chichester

No weekend golf with M for several weeks this is not good. Especially as he has the trophy. Anyway meet at 9 for a quick zip round the 9 hole before breakfast. A group of learners were getting tuition on the first so we started at the 2nd and did the 1st last. M won by at least 1 but we are quite a lot better at this than we used to be so thats good. Also its free as we have members cards, yippee!

Breakfast at Chichester is always great. An open sandwich with 2 bacon and 2 sausage. Our tee time was just after 10 30 and we knew we were behind a golf society. No one on the first hole but we found the 4 ball in front on the 2nd. After this it was very slow as we had to wait at most holes. The 4 in front were good so it must have been the ones in front of them. For the record M paid for breakfast and golf so its down to the ladies to sort out who owes what to who.

M had a handicap reduction since he won that last 2 times.The first half was pretty much to handicap and we were tied. On the back 9 M won the first 2 holes and was feeling pretty pleased with himself. On the long 12th hole he was tempted by a coffee from the nice lad in the buggy. I don't know if its significant but he never won a hole after that. So as a result the trophy is back with me for at least a week.

I was pleased with my scores of 50 + 53. I had a lot of puts that just skirted round the hole and for some reason I messed up the 9th/10th and 11th. The 9th was just a bad putt. The 10th I went short and then onto the edge of the green. The 11th was a duff off the tee then 2 duffs on the fairway. My score is here.

The 2nd green, here in 3 thats good for me!

Waiting at the dreaded 5th. I went right and M went in.

Nice tree.

M about to go for the 17th green.

Beeches Brook on 18th, tricky shot, brilliant recovery!