Our first competition of 2021 was played on Monday 4th January at El Valle Golf Resort. With clear blue skies and low temperature, it was obviously quite cool, but as the sun rose so did the temperature, making it more amenable until late afternoon.
27 members and one guest turned up to play an Individual Stableford on a course that was quite obviously in tip top condition. The fairways were like walking on a deep pile carpet and the greens were extremely fast. All we had to do was avoid the numerous bunkers and putt a little slower. Easier said than done! Within our membership, we have someone nicknamed ‘The Sandman’ due to his affinity with bunkers. It has to be said, as the competition progressed, several players tried their utmost to relieve him of that name. The 18th hole is a Par 4 and, providing you get over the lake, a good location for a ‘longest drive’ event. There is more water on the left, but not a real problem: making Par or even a Birdie is not ‘mission impossible’ and a nice way to finish the round. One member, Nigel Harding, made an excellent drive of 270 metres; not too shabby for a 28 handicapper!
Results:
1st – Gordon Nielson with 37 points. An excellent round.
2nd – Lee Fisher with 29 points, on count back from
3rd – Eddy Harrison with 29 points.
Nearest the Pin:
Hole 6: Gerry McRobert at 7 metres 3 cms.
Hole 9: Martin Hill at 2 metres 7 cms.
Hole 12: No result recorded.
Hole 15: Gordon Nielson at 12 metres 10 cms.
Although most of the post-game comments were about the numerous bunkers and fast greens, everybody seemed to have an enjoyable day at an excellent course.