By David Waters
The Eastern Suburbs +55 Senior Pennant season kicked off, or we should say swung into action on Friday 31 January at Gardiners Run. A few managers and spectators watched 96 players smacking balls around. The ground staff have done a terrific job in preparing the course for the occasion. The greens were quick and took some adjustment for speed and borrow and the fairways were well grassed with plenty of run available. Conditions for the day could not have been better for golfing and win or lose, playing well or just average, everyone appreciated the smiling “God of golf”.
High clouds, no wind and high teen temperatures excited the boys as they arrived. Old friends met and new ones were introduced as dues were paid. Some engaged in putting practice, a noble effort, while others had coffee and swapped stories about their holidays.
The siren sounded and combat began, although at a gentle pace. There weren’t many low lights and only two matches were finished quite early, both had six holes left to play. Both were in the Heritage vs Eastern green match. Lionel Richards (Heritage) won 7 and 6 then Graham Mackay (Eastern) won 8 and 6.
Two highlights on the day were witnessed by Kent Davey (Gardiners Run). The first was Steve Plunkett (Churchill/Waverley) who, from on top of the hill, looking down the 18th towards the club house launched his second shot. It hit the flag and plopped straight in the hole for an eagle two. Steve continued on to win his match two up with one to play. The other may be a misnamed as a highlight, a skinny shot along the ground 158 metres from the hole. It bounced and bobbled and dodged trees to end up just a metre from the hole, very lucky. Joe Sykes (Box Hill) had a good start with a great birdie and the par 3 sixteenth. Fading slightly towards the end, Joe held on to close out the match two up one to play.
Overall results from day one.
Host Gardiners Run green 6 def Box Hill 2 and start on top of the group. Gardiners Run gold 5 ½ def Box Hill 2 ½.
Heritage gold 7 def Eastern 1, Heritage green 5 def Eastern 3.
Eastwood gold 4 ½ def Churchill/Waverley 3 ½. Churchill/Waverley 5 def Eastwood 3.
The next round will be played at Box Hill, Friday 7 February.
Come and watch some Oldies play. We reckon we should be on tour.
