Day 58 saw us take on Mollymook golf course on the south coast of NSW. After an early start and farewell to the Wilsons it took about an hour to drive from Nowra to Mollymook. Once there we were greeted by the local mozzies who quickly started feasting on our fresh kiwi blood. Fortunately, we were also joined by two local school teachers, Jeff and Ian, who after watching us itch and squirm for a couple of holes helped fend off the crowds of mozzies with a spot of repellent. Crucial.
Mollymook GC is a long and testing course carved out of gum trees. When I say carved out of gum trees, they did not cut down any more than needed and the course played pretty tight. It was fair to say that Jamie hit his fair share of trees today particularly on the first few holes. After playing a few short courses so far in Australia, Mollymook was refreshingly long and required good ball striking to score well. There was no fudging it. Coupled with the length of the course (6200m) it was also very hilly and come the 16th â?? a par four with a 30m deep gully short of the green - Jamieâ??s chicken legs were starting to feel the pinch. My putting stroke had also started to feel the pinch as my 4th three putt of the day on the prior hole had sent my blood pressure a few notches north. Golf can be an infuriating game.
Mollymook is a very natural golf course. It capitalises on both the gum trees and creeks (which is these parts of the world are called dams) that have been on the property a long time. The back nine has a great stretch of holes from 11 to 13. The 11th is a par four which features a very long green that slopes off on the right to a huge lake (dam) which undoubtedly catches many a weak slice hit by the local club golfer. The 12th is a picturesque par three over the aforementioned lake (dam) where today whilst standing on the tee amongst the bush we could hear the Kookaburras yacking away. And the 13th is a great par five which chicaneâ??s through the trees. An accurate and long drive will catch a down slope and leave about 220m into the green which is protected by water short and right. The green has a severe slope from back to front. Fair to say it was the home to another of my dreaded putting escapades â?? use your imagination.
The match was hard fought with JP and Ian taking on Jeff and I. Through 9 it was square but following a number of pars to Ian playing off a 22 handicap it was quickly all over 4/3. The locals were great company yarning about the local area and their other passion â?? surfing.
After the round we jumped in the car and boosted to Narooma where the last round of February will occur.  I think I am really struggling in the monthly stableford competition despite sneaking in today with 30 points against JPâ??s 28. I am finding that I have started to make a lot of bogeyâ??s but am not having many shocking holes. I donâ??t know what that says about my golf but it seems to consistently result in unsatisfying scores in the low 80â??s. I am very much in the swing of golf now â?? canâ??t imagine NOT playing golf for a day. In the groove and it is great.
M
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Chisholm Park
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