By David Waters
Friday 3 February saw the first game of individual match play in the eastern suburbs +55 senior golf pennant begin under cloudy and very cold (for February) conditions.
The Eastwood course was in very good condition and all the players commented positively on the first shotgun start.
Greens slowed and drives didn’t run as well after a rain belt hit about 10.30am.
All the contests continued with holes halved at seven shots and even won 8 vs 9 in some cases. Only three contests were squared on the day.
The 100 players were back inside the well-appointed club rooms by 12.15pm.
Mike Rawlinson the Eastwood teams managers organised the catering and players had meals by 12.30.
At the conclusion of the day the results of the matches were declared. The host club has ended on top of the ladder in both green and gold groups.
Green group results
Eastwood 6 def Heritage 2. Box Hill 4 ½ def Yering Meadows 3 ½. Eastern 4 ½ def Churchill/Waverley 3 ½.
Gold group results
Eastwood 5 ½ def Heritage 2 ½. Yering Meadows 4 def Box Hill 2. Eastern 4 tied Churchill/Waverley 4.
Round two followed on Friday 10 February with The Heritage golf club hosting this round.
The shotgun start which proved so successful in our first round is to be continued.
Two start times of 7.30am and 7.38am had all competitors back in the clubhouse by 12.30pm.
The day began with light fog and high overcast skies. Everything cleared to brilliant sun by 9.30am and the temperature climbed to the high 20’s.
These conditions were in contrast to the very cool and damp conditions of round one at Eastwood.
The St Johns course was in excellent condition, though many players found water hazards and bunkers a problem, speed of play was not affected.
Several matches finished with 5 and 6 holes to play and only 4 halves were recorded.
At the completion of the days play everyone enjoyed a meal and genial conversation and some rehydration.
Next round will be played at Yering Meadows golf club Friday 17 February.
Happy Golfing.
