By David Waters
A fantastic day for golf welcomed guest golfers to the Heritage golf course. The temperature started in the mild mid-teens and eventually achieved 27. The rise was steady and manageable.
As the sun rose higher the picturesque views became brighter. The kangaroos watching proceedings didn’t mind the warmth, extra people traffic or stray balls. They didn’t understand the English language or the descriptions of bad shots, but they did understand the accompanying body language. Unfortunately, they moved away too quickly for a photo to be taken.
The Heritage course was in fabulous condition. The fairways were green but provided plenty of run for worm burner shots and good shots were also rewarded with extra length. The large greens should have been easy targets. Unfortunately for many senior golfers, the sandy bunkers in the surrounds defended them doggedly. Many a high lob fell just short to be swallowed by the sand. Some players escaped the sandy clutches with ease to be close to the flag while others had two or three swings/swipes/slashes and then conceded the hole.
Greens as mentioned were large. Once on them speed, according to some, varied. The old stories came out, ‘Gee it’s a fast green’ as the ball went past by ten feet, or ‘Why didn’t I hit it’ as the ball pulled up inches from the hole. A few or more adjectives were used to describe the putts rolling gently over the edge of the cup. An opportunity to win or halve a hole missed. One John Wilson, took his chance on the par three eleventh, tapping in a two-footer for one of the few birdies of the day and winning the hole. Some great shots were on played during the competition. Dave Matin from Heritage pitched to three feet on the ninth on the third shot two-putted for 5 Peter Godwin (Eastwood) was certain to halve but missed a short one. Herb Trobbiani (Box Hill) unsighted behind a hill and a tree plunked a majestic shot to six feet only to miss his putt and halve the hole. On the first hole four terrific drives well past the bunkers on the fairway. Unusual for a group. One player still in a puffer jacket. John Wilson (Yering) easily made his birdie as stated above while Alan Patterson and Adrian Giffin both splashed in the pond on the signature hole eleven. Kent Davey (Gardiners Run) had a tough day playing Eddy Goodsir and John Mc Carthy (Eastern going down in both games. Fatigue took hold with three holes left. For the second time only for the season a tied match was recorded, this time between Heritage and Eastwood Gold.
All play finished at 12.30pm and weary golfers climbed the stairs to drink, eat, grumble and share stories of their day. Announcements were made and scores read out. Enough said players departed to miss school traffic.
Next week Eastwood is the host club. Enjoy reading the results below. Try to better next time.
Green group. Heritage 6 ½ def Eastwood 1 ½ Yering 6 ½ def Box Hill 1 ½ Eastern 5 def Gardiners Run 3.
Gold group. Gardiners Run 5 def Eastern 3 Yering 4 ½ def Box Hill 3 ½ Heritage 4 tied with Eastwood 4
Stay cool and play well.
