St Leonards Golf
Our second game of 2026 was at Glorious Gordon.
The forecast was for a hot, fine day. Early on, the air was cool but
in the sun the temperature started to climb. I was glad we got back
to the clubhouse before it got too hot on the course.
Our sixteen starters were all at the course well before tee time of
8.50, keeping us right on schedule.
Given the heat this summer, I think the fairways and greens were in
excellent condition. Gordon can be a very tight course with some
narrow, tree-lined alleys.
The course must have been playing a bit difficult as only five
players did better than their handicaps.
The individual result was won by Ross McDuie on 41 points, followed
by Bubba on 39 points on a countback from Steve Merchant also on 39
points.
The doubles were won by Steve Merchant and Ross McDuie on 51 points.
Second were Phil Liddell and Bubba with 45.
Winning the Bradman was Bomber Balakrishnan.
Captain Bubba reports
to me that, teeing-off on the 13th, the
nearest-in-two hole, Messo topped his drive,
propelling the ball a mere 5 metres or so – just short of the
ladies’ tee. Unembarrassed, Messo made the bold decision to play his
driver “off the deck”. The ball went like a bullet out of sight,
over the hill, to … presumably somewhere near the target. Messo’s
face lit up when, approaching the green, he saw his ball just two
metres from the hole! Unconventional, but good enough to win the
nearest-in-two prize!
And Mr Handicapper reports to me that there was an
error on Darlo’s card. His 13th was scored 5/3, apparently assuming,
incorrectly as it happens, that he got a
double-header. His correct scoring for the
hole was 5/2, giving him 37 points. A totally understandable error,
given he gets a double-header on every other hole!
Indeed, the game was enjoyed by all. A round of golf and great
company! I mentioned to all the players that our 2026 schedule was
now complete and is displayed below.
A golf ball will always travel
furthest when hit in the wrong direction.
– Henry Beard
Hit ’em straight!
Handicaps
