From our correspondent:
Roger, Nick and Pete encouraged Bill out of semi-retirement (and after multiple procedures) to Wycombe Par 3 on a glorious wednesday afternoon. With a matchplay format and even handicaps Pete and Bill took on Nick and Roger. To spice things up each player could use a mulligan, a throw and a kick with no penalty and not counting as a shot. We also each had 1 reverse (where we could send an opponents excellent putt back to its starting position). Roger and Pete were particularly keen to do this to hone our ruthlessness in preparation for the Ryder Cup next week.
After 4 holes Pete and Bill were 3 up with all the wins by Bill! Roger and Pete halved the second with successful kicks from a short distance. (It’s not as easy as it sounds). From just under the canopy of a tree Nick elected to use his throw. Which went straight up into the canopy of the tree and fell limply a few feet in front of him. Opponents and partner alike had to turn away but with our shoulders in convulsions it was clear that solace was in short supply. Later in the round Nick was relieved to see Bills throw go in a ditch.
Bill and Pete went on to win decisively 6 and 5! We did finish the course but for the last few holes it was difficult to keep count of how many mulligans, throws and kicks Nick and Roger awarded themselves.
Bill and Nick won’t be on tour next week but Roger got Pete to promise not to gloat when in Portugal – or even mention the comprehensive nature of this stunning victory on Bill’s first day back after such a long absence. Pete gladly agreed to comply – knowing that this report will be written and circulated before then!
