Nine starters on the October road trip to the South-East, with two nights at Kingston. Well done to Bronte for all the arrangements which went very smoothly (as expected) and his wonderfully accurate 'form guide'' - listing Damien (the reigning Vinnie holder) as clear favourite. He will undoubtedly provide a more detailed and eloquent report on the trip - the following is merely a summary with a couple of highlights:
Friday 16/10/15: Kingston (SE)
Wonderful weather with the course in excellent condition (and some aesthetic upgrades since the previous visit).
Damien demonstrated his clear intent to go back-to-back and the benefit of months of careful handicap management. Leaders after Day 1 were Damien (34) from Ross (32) and Kevin (31)
No four point holes or birdies.
Highlight: The group of Steve White, Bronte and Greg found a brown snake next to the flag on the fifteenth green. It eventually slithered off the green. As Steve was about to hit his putt, someone called out (falsely) "it's coming back !!!!"" Steve's vertical and lateral movement is remarkable for a man of his age and condition.
Saturday 17/10/15: Millicent
Another perfect day with the course in its usual excellent condition. Damien simply stamped his authority over the field with another victory - Damien (33) from Steve & George (31). These 3 were the Vinny leaders after Day 2, with Damien increasingly confident and cocky by midnight.
Four point holes:
Damien: Par 4 fourth
Kevin: Par 5 first
Highlight: Ross fulfilled Bronte's form guide prediction of an alcohol-fuelled collapse on Day 2
Sunday 18/10/15: Lake Albert
Another perfect day, with the fairways good, but the greens in very poor condition (not mown after coring and sanding). Fortunately, this only affected the good putters.
Best on Day 3 were Greg (38) from Bronte & Kevin (32), George & Steve (31), Ross & Noel (30). In the team event, the 'average golfers' (Kev/Ross/Greg) destroyed the threesomes of 'good golfers' and 'NAGA candidates'.
Birdies:
Noel: Par 3 twelfth
Greg: Par 5 seventh
George: Par 4 eighth
Steve: Par 4 eleventh
The tension was palpable as Bronte tallied the final Vinnie scores. Kevin almost pulled off a miracle, finishing just half a point behind Damien - with George & Steve also on the podium.
In his acceptance speech, Damien asked whether he gets to keep the trophy after he makes it three-in-a-row next trip. We all wish him well !!!!
