Shanking it at Aberdour

Posted by Ed Bayley on 19 August 2010 | 0 Comments | Tags: , ,

Jamie and Mike have afforded me an opportunity to write a guest blog…I hope I don’t disappoint. Aberdour Golf Club was on the agenda for day 224. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by the Club Captain, Frank, and the Club Secretary, Brian. Making up the fourball with the boys were Jamie and Sam, the respective Mens and Ladies Club Champions. Aged only 19 and 17, Jamie and Sam appear to have a promising golfing future in front of them. After a few photos were taken for the local rags, it was down to business. The Jamies were to take on Michael and Sam in an off-the-stick bestball matchplay.

Despite being nestled against the water, Abedour is a parkland course. A number of the holes offer magnificent views of the Firth of Forth and across to Edinburgh. The par 67 course is by no means long but is nonetheless deceptively challenging. Many of the approach shots appear straightforward but the greens are undulating. A two putt is by no means guaranteed and a missed green will therefore make for a difficult up and down. I also don’t know of any course that opens with two par threes and finishes with a par three – a rather unique attribute. The second [below] is especially demanding, requiring a shot over the water and enough club to clear the steep bank short and left of the green. Sounds easy but anything long leaves a slippery chip or putt back down the slope. Most should be pleased to escape with a three.  

There’s a taboo word amongst golfers. I’m loath to use it, but I feel I must…Shank. It brings tingles down the spine. And I’m sure it brought tingles down Mike’s spine (and fingers) when, in front of the local press photographer and a small crowd of onlookers, he managed to shank an eight iron off the first tee. Needless to say, it was an awkward moment for all involved. It didn’t help that Goldy lost his ball or that he accomplished the same feat of golfing blunder on the par three seventh. Perhaps it was karma for all the abuse that has been dealt my way in these blogs regarding my putting abilities.

Shanks aside, some reasonable golf was played by all (but not necessarily simultaneously or consistently). The Club Champions lived up to their name. Both had sound all round games and Jamie was particularly accurate off the tee whereas Sam impressed with the sheer distance she could nudge the ball. She played off the same back tees as the boys and usually wasn’t far behind them in length. The match remained tight throughout but Mike and Sam managed to pip the Jamies on the last to win one and none.

After the round, we were treated to a few pints and dinner in the Club House overlooking the Firth. The curry, pie and fish and chips ordered by each of us went down well. Cheers to Brian and [ ] for their warm hospitality. We certainly left Aberdour conversed and content!

On a more personal note, I would like to thank Marc Gentiles (more commonly known as Gents) and his better half Jamie for having us to stay at St Andrews and inviting me to play on the Castle course. I really do hope Gents can join the boys in the latter stages of their adventure. He’s certainly a quality golfer and I’m sure he’ll keep them on their toes. I’d also like to acknowledge John and Phillipa Low for generously having us to stay for a few days and allowing us to raid their pantry, particularly at a hectic time when their son Hamish was getting married. Likewise, I must thank Jamie’s Aunt and Uncle, Gillian and Ian, for housing us in Edinburgh at a time when, due to the Edinburgh Festival, accommodation in the area is few and far between.

I’ll be sad to leave the boys. It’s been over a year since I last saw them and I’ve enjoyed every second of the fun and banter that I’ve had with them whilst I’ve been staying. I cannot wait to see them back in New Zealand in the latter stages of the year.    

 

 

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