MATCH PLAY, ROUND 2

We were warned.

The BOM threatened 3 degrees overnight, and a chilly start to the day.

They weren’t wrong.

However, things warmed up as we got going.

Keith demonstrates his putting technique while waiting for the 18th green to clear.

By the time we’d reached the tenth tee, it was positively balmy.

Meeting of minds on the 18th. 

Blue skies from horizon to horizon.

The three big hitters waiting for the green 

And, like any good SOS Saturday

The rain stayed away.

Gary takes cover from Keith

Have you paid for the Gala Food and Fun dinner yet?

Names to Frances, payment to Peter.

Beef Wellington, anyone?

Match Play.

The format that brings out the best, and the worst, in us.

As in, is my friend in the bunker..

Or is the bastard on the green?

Group selfie, still friends at the end.

Is there strategy?

Gary's drive on the first,not quite as planned

Remember, your primary objective is to win individual holes rather than post the lowest overall score. The core strategy is aggressive conservatism: play safely to apply pressure, wait for your opponent to make mistakes, and only become aggressive when you are trailing late in the match.

You’re advised to avoid hero shots: If your opponent is in trouble, do not take unnecessary risks. Simply advance your ball into a safe position and let them dig their own hole.

Interesting and intriguing. A different game to Stroke and Stableford, and well done to all of those who manned up and played the game (girls included). You’re all winners!

There were of course, novelties.

Men’s longest drive on the 5^th: Derek, Tom, Gerry all beaten by Coops.

NTP in three on the 8^th: Kristian.

NTP in three on the 11^th, Coops, outpointed by Kristian.

Ladies’ longest drive on the 12^th: Birgit.

The Golden Holes remained unclaimed.

Gerry using a backhanded 7-iron to get back on the fairway on the 11th.

And birdies:

Colin on the 15^th

Kristian on the 12^th and 13^th

Gardy on the 14^th.

That's what winning feels like

There were some Stableforders:

James with a very creditable 36, and

Frances with a nothing wrong with that, 30.

We wished Dave Millar a Happy Birthday

Yesterday's results?

So,if you're wondering how the points are going: 

Birgit shows the way out of trouble

Our esteemed treasurer calculates that this leaves the competition in this state:

So, Gardy and Earle looking like the leaders at this stage. (Errors and omissions excepted - it will all be checked before the finals)

Also expect to see some wild spending from the following this week:

Roland, Andrea, Roland, Coops & Earle. 

What's the point of having the same number twice, dearest?

They were all winners at the raffle!

Thanks to all this week's photographers, Peter, Gerry, Birgit, Paul - some great shots to choose from.

Next week, it’s pairs aggregrate Stableford. Add your and your partner’s Stableford score together for your team score.

And if you’re the sort of person who worries about your ability to get out of bunkers, let Rory show you how it’s done: