The course had dried out a lot since last week and this helps. I am not sure the greens are in the best state yet and perhaps this was to blame for some of the putting problems!
We were following a few quick 2 balls that accelerated away and we never saw them again. We managed to keep ahead of a 4 ball never closer than 2 or 3 holes. This meant the pace was perfect!
For myself, what a difference a week makes! I thoroughly enjoyed being out playing golf, no tiredness and no where near the same number of disasters. On the first tee M got to the green and I went in the bunker but we still drew with 4 each. On the 2nd I went on the fairway to green in 3 and sadly 3 putted but still won the hole. Its been a long time since I have been in the lead. The 3rd over the lake was into the wind but we both managed to get over then both put balls over the back... My ball went too far and it cost me the hole (with a penalty). So all square after 3. M had the best start ever on hole 5 way down the fairway, but I managed a respectable tee shot over the pond. My 2nd shot was good enough to make a challenge but Ms good start gave the advantage and he won the hole, NOTE: 5 and 6 is probably one of the best combined efforts on this hole. On hole 6 I decided to risk my 5W for the first time in ages and it worked well enough to win the hole. At the end of the front 9, M was up by 1 hole, but it was very even. On the 10th I have an extra shot which I converted to a 'won' hole and followed with another to go 1 up after 11. Then hole 12! I set off OK but my 2nd was hooked and my 3rd was in the trees on the left. This cost me 10 and M won with a poor 8. We have both played this hole better recently. So back to all square. M played a great hole on the easy 13th and managed a par to go 1 ahead, We drew the next 2 but M won the 16th after a long drive from the tee. With 2 to play I was 2 down. Ms tee shot from the 17 was well right and he landed in the bunker before the green, this cost him the hole. So on the last hole I was playing for a draw. I had a lucky brush with the tree from the tee and M hit a blinder almost to the green. It was close but the 3rd par of the day was enough for him to win by 2. I am sure the Geller trophy is gathering dust not up North.
So it was close! My score is click here.
My putting was 1 over but only 2, 3 putts so not so bad really. My scoring was not terrible with 15 holes at 6 or less but there were only 4 proper golf scores all bogeys. (need to convert 6's into 5's). I was not too bad off the tee with 10 FIRs. I messed up 3 holes. The 3rd with the poor chip and a penalty. The 9th I blame on use of my 5W setting off right into the trees. The 12th must have been lack of concentration I hit a few good shots into trouble with a few duffs to get out.
Contrast this with M who won on all scoring methods. Only 3 FIR (10 right). Putting minus 5 with 4, 3 putts. 7 proper golf scores (3 pars). He also messed up 3 holes. And still won! If there problems were sorted out I would be in real trouble!
One stat that is unusual is that there were no lost balls and only 1 penalty (me).
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| The 5th is drying out nicely! |
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| Nice even before we started |
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| Oh dear not one for the sky sports shot analyser |
