El Bandito

After a four hour drive (accidents on the M40) and feeling somewhat sleepy after getting up at 5am I finally arrived at a fog bound Pine Ridge anticipating a fine day of golf, banter and catching up with old friends. Having wolfed down a lukewarm breakfast, which had been kept aside for me, I headed to the first tee without the benefit of a quick warm up on the driving range. Despite not being able to see much more than 50 yards down the fairway I managed a birdie on the first and managed to play some other good holes as well. To my amazement, the points kept on coming and I played one of my best rounds ever. This was the first time I have played to my handicap and for those who are interested (and understand these things) I shot a gross 88 and managed 41 points playing off a handicap of 21.

It was obviously my lucky day as I also managed to win the nearest the pin competition on the par 3 seventeenth. I won a Christmas hamper for the overall competition and a bottle of bubbly for nearest the pin.

It was great to win but the highlight of the day was catching up with old footy friends from Duke Street days and being reminded (once again…) of my penalty which was saved (not missed) during a sudden death shoot out in a cup semi-final. A great breakfast, Christmas dinner and some bowling rounded off a good day. Thanks to Paul, Chris, Dazza and Mike (the strike) for organising such a good day and Mike, I still think cutting my handicap from 21 to 16 is still a bit harsh…