Summer League at Temple

From our correspondent:

“The Summer league took another swing at Temple, although almost everything about it was unpredictable. The weather forecast was perfect, with sunshine from late morning, 100% dry all day, tee times booked, and off we went. Firstly it was raining lightly as we left Cookham, a strong breeze greeted us at the car park, and those who were dressed for the forecast found themselves a bit nippy around the kneecaps in their shorts as the temperature was still quite cool.

The strangest thing was that the course was almost empty of players, the whole way around. This did give more time for ball searching, which proved useful on more than one occasion. So at the first tee we assembled, with Nick having dropped out, and Stuart joining Alan, Peter R and Rob, we had a perfect four. The course looks exceptionally well manicured, with the rough now having grown to a foot or so, but the fairways looking pristine. The greens were running very fast.

The first nine went fairly well, but on the 8^th par 3 Rob played a blinder, having over hit the green, and then chipping from near the hedge straight into the hole from about 50 feet. This initially seemed to generate a level of abuse from the opposition of Stuart and Alan, but eventually there was a degree of congratulations shared between us all. For Rob this was a five pointer, and Peter & Rob ended up ahead at the turn.

The second nine went in favour of Rob and Peter, as Stuart seemed to lose a few balls, and succumbed to the long grass on several holes. As the match was closing Peter and Rob brought home the second half to win overall with 40 points to 33. Individual scores were Rob 34, Stuart 27, Peter 26, and Alan 25.

The lunch was kindly donated by Peter Forrester, whose bar card was expiring today, which was much appreciated by all. We are assured the remaining balance would be taken home in liquid form.”