On arriving at the club 1100 hrs I was met by Carol in the pro shop. Having introduced myself and explained the challenge to her.

Matt Parsley, the professional was out on the practice course teaching a number of juniors. I requested if there was anyone available to play the course with me, Carol asked me to go into the clubhouse whilst she made some phone calls and arrange for someone to be available. I was then introduced to the Junior Captain, Liam Reed, who plays off 3 who kindly offered to play the round with me.

The weather was very windy, 30 mph gusting, overcast with some blue sky in the distance. As the round progressed the conditions became a little more difficult with the prevailing wind into your face on the majority of holes. The highlight of the round was when the juniors surrounded the 12^th green to watch us play it into a strong headwind, normally 163 yards but playing more like 190 yards. Liam was on the front edge of the green, and I was 3 feet short, leaving myself a 30 foot uphill putt. It was pin high and off to the right. This left a difficult 6 foot putt across the green which was sloping back to front with a following wind. If I missed the hole, then I could see it rolling off the front on the green. Now I know what pressure is like for the professionals, the wind, the slope, and the children watching with baited breath. Aiming 3 foot to the right of the pin, my knees knocking and heart pumping this had to go in. Then there was a big cheer and clapping from the children as it dropped into the hole. A photo was taken with the children on the green to mark the occasion.

On arriving back in the club house I was greeted by the Captain Mr. Ian Smith. Refreshments were laid on for myself, Liam and his vice captain Luke Pilkington-Smith.

The Captain presented me with a donation for the charity, as he was unaware of the challenge, and also said he would be offering the charities his Captain’s bottle on the bar for the duration of the challenge.

An invitation was extended to the Junior Capt. Liam Reed and his V/Capt Luke Pilkinton-Smith and club Captain Mr Ian Smith to play at my club for their courtesy they have shown me and the “Penny challenge”

Result:

Out: 51 In: 51* Total:102

Handicap 13

Nett 89

Stableford points: Out:9 In: 11 Total: 20

Par 70 – 13 over handicap – LOST to course.

Wind factor: Servere

* NDB net double bogey to count on Stableford points

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