A Small White Ball and Several Big Sticks: Wed 5 Mar 2014

With R. This is the first weekday game of golf in 2014. Its been a long time since we last played Paultons (Dec 2013).

It was 16 quid each, not a bad price. There were no temporary greens and mostly the tees were off grass. The course was boggy in places but not too bad considering the recent weather. The weather was kind, warm enough to avoid a coat at too hot for a hat when the sun came out.

We were following a good 3 ball 2 guys and a girl. The 2 guys took a bit of extra time as they seemed to be videoing each other on every shot. Apart from the videoing they easily kept ahead of us. We had no-one behind and it was a close call to see if we would finish before dark. In the end we got round in 3.5 hours, no trouble.

We had a minor rule change this year. Mulligan allowed off 1st tee, but after that there is a maximum of 3 off the tee. This should prevent panic after a lost tee shot. (Last year we had one mulligan to be used at any hole).

My score was less than 110 so I was reasonably pleased, especially because I had no recent practice. My score is click here.

I messed up 6 holes which is a lot for me. I also had 12 duff shots and one 4 putt. So my score could easily have been 6 less on another day. I messed up the long 2nd due to a duff left off the tee and then I hit a tree with my second shot. I messed up the long 7th with another duff off the tee and then a couple of duffs in the soggy ground. I messed up the long 9th with a poor 2nd shot. I messed up the downhill 11th with a duff off the tee and a duff near the green. I messed up the narrow 14th with a 4 putt after getting to the green in 3 (I was a long way from the hole). I messed up the long 17th with a duff near the green after 3 great 5w's.

On the plus side I think we drew on holes which shows the difference in out handicaps is still OK. Also I managed 2 pars 3's on on the long 6th and one over the pond on the 15th. I also managed a par on the narrow 13th.

Funny old game. Great fun though!