Test Valley Golf Club Wednesday 23 March 2022

by Terry Harmsworth Jnr

It’s been a while since I even got close to having to write one of these reports, so I am surprised to be in this position, especially after my last score at Downshire in December.

The weather forecast was good especially for the time of year, lots of knees on display by the Cavaliers more hardy participants. The morning competition was all about avoiding trouble which I normally do not do, however myself and Alan Papps both played steady golf and we managed to win the morning competition with 7 penalty points between us.

As we walked off the 9th I said to Alan someone will come in with 40 points plus today, as the course and weather were set up for it I felt. Although I had played well in the morning I didn’t think it would be myself.

After a nice meal at lunchtime on the patio we teed off, myself, Alan Papps and Phil Faulkner. I started with a par on the first, I thought I have carried on from this morning. The next hole bought me down to earth as my drive hooked into the trees, I thought that’s more like it, luckily it came out onto the fairway, perhaps it was a sign! The rest of the front nine I played steady without finding any trouble, picking up 2 and 3 points consistently. I ended up pleasantly surprised with 22 points on the front nine

I had read on the golf course website that the back 9 was more difficult than the front 9 so I was expecting it to be more difficult to score. We have all been there with a good score on the front 9 and thinking to ourselves don’t blow up, your in with a chance. My first goal was 30 points and I had said to myself to use my handicap and just pick up my 2 points a hole, which would give me 18 points and 40 overall. I was confident it would give me a chance of being somewhere up there. I managed to hit 40 points on the 17th using my 2 shots on that hole, so anything down the 18th was a bonus. Despite hitting the fairway bunker I managed to scramble 2 points to get to 42 points. It was now a sit and wait game for the other four balls to come in with their scores. Even with a good score you always think someone will better it, but thankfully Tim was next with 38 points.

I can’t forget to mention Barrie’s nearest the pin on the 9th finishing up 7” from the hole. Nearly a round of drinks there Barrie! Well done.

Thanks to Ray for picking Test Valley, only played it once before but it’s one of those courses that gives everyone a chance on every hole to score some points. It also drains well and was really dry for the time of year. Also to Tim for keep coming up with games for the 9 hole competition. Hope to see you all at the next outing before the weekend away.

Stay safe everyone.

RESULTS

Winner              Terry Harmsworth Jnr     42 pts

Runner up         Tim Houghton                38 pts

Third                  Warwick Pearce             37 pts

Nearest the pin           Barrie Smith     7 inches!

Nine holes Trouble     Alan Papps and Terry Harmsworth Jnr           3.5 pts per player