There were very few fair young maids out and about this morning wanting to be kept from the foggy, foggy dew that enveloped the course to varying degrees until nigh on midday when the sun finally battled its way through the murk and some of the layers could be removed. Other than by those hardy types who still ventured out in their shorts and tee shirts. The numbers were down a bit, probably not solely due to the fog, being a long weekend and all (Happy Birthday Queenie), but they were boosted by the presence of Papa who put in his third card and two new faces in David Mullenger and Matt Nichols. David and Matt both have GA handicaps and so were able to walk straight into competition although David does claim to be a bit rusty after a break from the game. The fog might also be able to take some credit for the fact that there were only 5 birdies today and the ProPins on the 15th and 18th have jackpotted yet again. Except that the fog had pretty much cleared by the time the field got that far around the course so maybe it was just below par golf though there was obviously little of that. The BallPin on the 12th did go off however and Michael added another Titleist to his growing collection
After the disappointment of his performance in his match against Damo last week, Rob came back with a vengeance and, except for a glitch on the 6th had a pretty impressive card to street the field by 7 points with 41 of the Stableford variety to play with. And, to top is all off, Rob had to shout a round for a draughtie on the 17th, which he managed to par and score three points on. When you’re hot, you’re hot. Rob has a nice new handicap to work with and he has an extra incentive to go even better when Chrispy swore he would retire from the game if Rob’s handicap ever got below his. That’s brotherly love/rivalry for you.
Dale had something of a sinister look about him today with a black hat/beanie that closely matched his, seemingly bushier than ever, beard in colour and texture. But, the look did absolutely no harm to his game as he was able to put together 34 points to take second place while doing his handicap no harm at all. As always, it could easily have been better. Just a point behind were Michael and Chrispy who both owned to expecting maybe a point with 33 on the card but they both accepted the three on offer with alacrity. There were no reports as to whether Michael has mastered his No1 iron or that he is planning to reclaim his ‘Collingwood’ putter from Chrispy. Maybe the new ‘Essendon’ putter went OK.
Blighty took a while to get his range in the fog but he smartened up considerably on the back nine to come home with 32 into 4th place. On Thursday, Simon reckoned he had ‘cracked’ it and was looking forward to repeating his five pars and three birdies in the ‘real’ world of competition. Maybe Thursday was number 20, Simon. There’s no telling what Noodles might have cracked during the week but he was able to equal Simon and take away a point as well.
When asked how he went, Jason opined that it was a good walk spoiled which could easily summarise the feelings of a few others as well. There was one suggestion that players should carry one of those flashing LED lights when it is foggy so that those behind can better gauge when they are out of range as the grey shadows visible on some fairways could have been anywhere from 50m to 150m.
Simon’s score might have been better if at least five of his putts had rolled another centimetre. Keith had a few similar experiences but he was loath to blame it on the ‘volcanoes’ around the holes that cause so much distress for some. Harry had no such problems on the 15th when his second putt was longer than his first which was a mere metre and a bit. The third was marginally shorter. Matt, being a new player, was appraised of the ‘draughtie’ rule when he shanked his drive from the 12th back up the 11th fairway. Simon had his theodolite out to establish the line through the red markers but it was ultimately determined that the ball probably was ‘just’ in front of the line though Matt reckoned at least a metre.
Next week could be a good week to hit the fairways. There is a heap of money up for grabs for the double jackpot ProPins and there will be quite a few absences due to a weekend away down the Bellarine. So, a good chance to get some much needed points and a wad of the folding stuff as well. That should bring them out of the woodwork. And, no, the ProPins won’t be held over just because Chrispy will be away.
Results for Saturday, 10 June 2017
1st Robert Priems(41) 2nd Dale Webb(34) 3rd Michael Gourlay(33) 3rd Chris Priems(33) 4th Andrew Blight(32) 5th Stephen Butterfield(31) 5th Simon Powell(31)
Seniors Results: 1st Andrew Blight (32) 2nd Simon Powell (31) 3rd Dennis Ward (30) 3rd Keith Delzoppo (30)
Nearest the Pin Results: ProPin No 1 15th Jackpot ProPin No 2 18th Jackpot BallPin 12th Michael Gourlay