Day 203 - Song of Solomon

Up bright and early this morning: had an 08:08 tee time and, with all the schools back in session, I wanted to make sure that I didn't get held up on the way to the Club.  This meant that I arrived far too early for the competition - the Vets Championship or Solomon Cup.

I was partnered today with friends Fred and Wayne. They played very solidly throughout, despite the occasional wobble, and both have long games plenty good enough to allow their handicaps to come down in the future.

For my part, I was very solid, alternating 4s and 5s for the first 8 holes, including one horribly treacherous putt down the 4th hole...  Then a miracle birdie on 9 (way left, chip out, chip in!) meant that I was +3 after the first half and sitting pretty.  Unfortunately, I couldn't maintain the good progress and two doubles on 11 (lost ball right) and 16 (ball plugged in green-side bunker) put the mockers on my round.

As a three ball, we had been pretty slow but were still back in the Clubhouse a long time before all the other competitors made it in.  Once they did, it transpired that we had a playoff - not two, nor three but four players had all tied on nett 68. 

Mike, Fred, Mike and Steve

Whilst we were trying to decide on which course to hold the play-off, I wandered down near the 18th of the New and was surprised to meet up with two former Shell colleagues, who were playing in a society event at Burhill - and I shall see them again on Friday week at Woking!

The play-off proved to be a longer and more exciting one than the others we have had this year: it wasn't until the 5th extra hole that we are to separate Mike and Fred - cracking stuff and congrats to Morino-San!