From our correspondent Rob:
“Bad backs, bad wrists, bad knees, holidays and away days, left us with only three lonely Ball Bashers on Wednesday.
Temple was booked for a Novelty Match and the assembled trio of Bill, Doc. John and Rob chewed over the cud to decide how we could make a round of golf, a fun Novelty game.
Rob came up with the idea of teeing up the balls on every shot. Bill mentioned “Skins” and John suggested playing off the “Green” tees. So, we did all three.
All our drives from the first “green” tee went straight (well almost) down the fairway, where we all tee’d up again for our chips onto the green. With various degrees of success. Bill and Rob halved the hole but because of Bill’s outrageous handicap it gave him the first skin.
Onto the second hole and with two drives onto the green (well almost) Rob was down in 5 (via the bunker) to win the next skin.
The game continued in similar vein, with points and skins being awarded on each hole, until the 7th hole. After Rob’s 262yd. drive, John was heard saying to Bill (sotto voce) “when do his wheels come off”. Needless to say this affected Rob’s little chip onto the green, as the ball decided to go via the bunker and turned an expected 4 into a 7.
After this little hiatus we settled down, regained our composure and Bill and Rob halved the 8th so that the “skin” carried forward to the 9th which Rob won after another two huge drives, to go down in 4 + 2 skins
The scores at the halfway stage were: Rob 23pts + 7 skins, Bill 16pts. + 2 skins, and John 12pts. With no skins.
However, all was going to change as that’s when Rob’s wheels did come off and where John’s rescue club went swinging into action.
Resulting with points at the 18th as: Rob 37pts. + 10 skins, John 31pts. + 6 skins and Bill 22pts. + 2 skins.
Afterwards, on the terrace, over tea and tea cakes/jam, plus beers, a lively conversation ensued. Firstly about Stars (both stage & screen and also the cosmic variety) followed by a discussion on flora and fauna and the advantages/disadvantages of “yellow rattle” and the abundance of “pyramidal orchids” in the Temple rough.
A very enjoyable afternoon.
We departed, wishing all our brother Ball Bashers well, wherever they may be.”
