Day 104 - Much better weather...

Out of the house by 07:30 again this morning. This time the destination was Malden Golf Club for a friendly game.  This is one of the many matches we have against other clubs in the area: I am trying to find the right mix between playing in as many as I can, whilst also ensuring that others also get the opportunity to represent Burhill.

The weather was very kind - particularly after yesterday- and their course in pretty good shape. It had co-hosted the Surrey Amateur Championship Qualifying Round the previous day, so were treated to the same pins as they had played. My partner for the day, Alistair, and I were pitted against Malden's Captain and President: the same match as last year...but not the same result....

We were giving them shots, which they used most judiciously; this, combined with their stellar short game, meant that we did really well only to be 1 hole down going on to the 18th tee. A glimmer of hope then...which was quickly extinguished as they managed a 4 net 3 on the last to slam the door firmly in our face. Fortunately, some of the other matches went our way and the overall result was an honourable 3 1/2 - 3 1/2 draw.  Everything to play for in the return match in September!

Lunch was a bit later than planned and it wasn't until close to 3 o'clock that we sat down to eat.  This was a bit of an issue for me as I was due back at Burhill by 4, in order to be able assist in the prize giving for the EuroPro tour event there.

This meant that I had to creep away before the dessert course, but I did get back to the Club in time to see the final pairs completing their last holes.  And quite gripping it was too, with everything going down to the final few putts.

All credit to the winner, Danny Wright, whose score totalled -9 versus par over the three rounds: excellent golf in the conditions.
All credit too to the green-keeping staff as the course looked splendid, in particular the greens: and we get to play a competition ourselves on them tomorrow (in the rain...)