Result: 2-3 Loss

Team
Martin & Tracy Wright
Ian & Julie Smith
Kerry Sergeant & Di Jackett
Jon Cooper & Doreen Dolby
Jason Loubser & Veronica Mitchell

The Richmond Park team traipsed miles up the M1 to Milton Keynes to play Abbey Hill in the first round of the Hawtree. This is a mixed competition consisting of 5 mixed pairs a side playing foursomes match play. Each pair alternate tee shots and then take turns to play after that until the hole is finished. Shots are decided by taking half the combined handicap differences.

Excitement started early with one carload of three team players understanding that the tee off was an hour later than it was. Fortunately they are conscientious team members and got there early for the later incorrect tee time. This meant they arrived in the nick of time and rushed off to play their match. Probably not the ideal start and I apologise if my instructions were inadequate.

The first pair out were Tracey and Martin Wright who met a tough pair of opponents and found themselves 5 down after 10. They dug deep and clawed back to all square standing on the 18th tee. They feel justifiably peeved that Martin’s drive found a hidden pond that their opponents had not mentioned existed. I suppose all is fair in golf but it seemed a rotten way to lose the match – one down after a terrific fight back.

Next off were Ian and Julie Smith who had to give 7 shots. They too ran into tough opponents and ran out 3 and 2 losers. Jason Loubser and Veronica Mitchell paired up for their first taste of Hawtree golf and a fine job they made of it, pulling out an easy 4 and 3 victory to put Richmond back in the chase.

Kerry Sergeant and Di Jackett tore the course up. They played a brother (off 1) and his sister but never looked like losing the match. Kerry and Di were some 4 over par when they won the match on the 13th – 6 and 5!

This left the match all square and gave your captain another chance to make a name for himself. Unfortunately it turned out to be ‘pratt’. I partnered Doreen Dolby who carried me pretty well but we spent most of the match one down. We pulled back to level with three to play, one up with two to play – and knowing the outcome of the match rested with us I could see glory coming our way. Unfortunately I couldn’t see the green on the 17th and so we stood all square on the 18th tee. To cut a long story short – their 2 handicapper hit a magnificent shot some 220 yards for 2, leaving an uphill 8 foot putt. Doreen hit a fantastic iron over several bunkers and onto the green leaving yours truly a tricky 20 foot right to left downhill putt. Needless to say, Doreen missed the 12 foot uphill putt to tie the game and Richmond exited the Hawtree by the narrowest of margins.

My opponents were great to pay with – as I believe all the Abbey Hill team were, and we wish them the best of luck in round two.