A strong front 9 from Malcolm and intermittent contributions from Kevin gave the challengers an early 2 hole lead, however this was eradicated by the turn, where the match was all square. A very steady performance throughout from Captain Pete and a stunning back 9 from Karl led to victory being closed out for the Captain and Pro on the 16th hole. More about the back 9 later!

The course was in great condition, despite being quite dry and the greens played well, once we all became used to the recent sanding.

Having won the toss, the challengers opted to tee off first where Malcolm matched Karl for a well deserved half. Pete stole the second with a 4 nett 3 after an excellent chip and putt.

Birdie putts for both Malcolm and Kevin (neither of them made)were enough for a win on 3 as Karl was blocked out with his second shot. Malcolm’s superb birdie on 4 gave the challengers their first lead which was doubled on 5 with a 3 nett 2 from Malcolm. Hole 6 was halved as Malcolm’s par, with a shot, matched Karl’s birdie. 

Pete and Kevin’s turn to contribute on 7 with a hard fought half in 5 nett 4. Pete followed it up with a win on 8 after a regulation 3 with a shot. Wayward tee shots on 9 by the challengers, resulted in an easy win for Pete and Karl to leave the match all square at the turn.

After some on-course coaching, Kevin recorded a 4 nett 3 on the 10th to give the challengers a one hole lead again, however this was short lived after a poor 11th hole from Messrs Price and Norton. Then the fun started, as Karl recorded 5 successive 3’s on his card!

Firstly a stunning drive on 12, followed by a wedge to the green was enough for a birdie for Karl and a win. A 3 on 13 was matched by Malcolm for a half. On 14, Karl drove over the trees. The initial search for his ball in the long grass was halted as a ball was spotted on the green, pin high, some 393 yards from the tee! (As per the card) A birdie 3 was enough for the hole, despite Pete’s  superb 4, nett 2.

On 15, Karl and Malcolm were side by side at the bottom of the hill. Karl’s scuff and run limped it’s way to the green where he took full advantage of his fortune to record an eagle 3, this was almost matched by Malcolm who narrowly missed the birdie for what would have been a memorable half.

Karl’s last in his run of 3’s, came at 16. Despite a slightly pulled tee shot, a chip to 4 foot was enough for another birdie to close out the match 4 & 2.

A thoroughly enjoyable match and despite losing, the challengers could only watch Karl’s back 9 with admiration.

Captain Pete would like to thank Malcolm and Kevin for their company and donations to his charity.