Summer Pairs Final 2023
for the inaugural Ray Firth Summer Pairs Trophy
On a splendid sunny Monday morning, The Captain and Vice Captain ably supported by Mike Clare and Robin Owen, teed off to play the final of the inaugarel Ray Firth Summer Pairs competition. John, being the lowest handicap was giving Malcolm 8, Mike 13 and Robin 24 shots.
John had to be on his A game and duly set the bar by winning the 1st with a birdie.
The 2nd and 3rd were both halved with Robin and Mike putting like demons. The 4th saw Malcolm overhit his approach to end up in the bunker to see John and Mike take another hole.
However, a par from Malcolm on the 5th and a nett par from Robin on 6th saw the match draw level.
The 7th went in Mike's favour and halves on 8 and 9 saw JP and MC turn 1 up.
On the 10th, John took the corner on, only to clatter into the trees and lose his ball.
This opened the door and MN duly obliged and landed himself a favourable approach shot, a par quickly squared the match.
Two monster drives by Captain and Vice on 11th and two good approaches saw them both with small chips on. John was so unlucky not to walk off with Eagle and even unluckier when Robin sunk his putt for a half.
What happened next was magnificent golf from all 4 players, every hole halved which meant the match was all square and one to play.
Robin with his 2 shots went first, despite striking the ball well, it dropped short into the pond. Malcolm next, nicely hit driver ended pin high right of the green, Mike ended up trees right and John just short right.
Robins second ball, having cleared the water was dispatched up to the green and narrowly missed the pin.
Mike played a fabulous shot from the trees to leave himself an uphill putt of 3 feet.
Malcolm chipped on but missed his par putt.
Robin had a go and despite going in the water, walks off with a creditable 4.
With John getting a 4, Mike had a putt to win the match and didn't dissapoint.
The match was played in great spirit amongst friends and was a pleasure to be a part of.