Following a hectic working week that I was entirely happy to see the back of, Saturday morning's club comp round was nothing more than a Par round of no significance whatsoever. I was grouped with 3 of my closer mates at the Club and I knew "no pressure, practice round" was the theme for the day...

This was pretty much borne out when after 2 holes I was 2 down and all for only 2 poor shots.

My 3W opening tee shot was for all money going to split the fairway, until on landing it took a "Shane Warne wrongun" inspired break right (presumably hitting one of the many cracks that cross this fairway) and finished in amongst the trees. On arriving at my ball, I found I did have a shot to the green over the dam, but, would catch that fat and finish in the water. On taking my relief, I just missed the putting surface with my 4th and when my chip from the fringe lipped out, it was a tap in 6 for a loss.

Driver on the second hole was well struck, but drew left into a large Gum that overhangs the left half of the fairway, hit something solid and finished cantre of the fairway only some 80m from the tee. My 3I second was a beaut, rifle straight, finishing centre right of the fairway only some 60m away from the green. PW 3rd found the dance floor and when my par attempt from about 20 feet "did a lap" and stayed out, it was only thru frustration and not adhering to my routines that I would miss the 1 foot putt I had left. Another 6 and another loss.

Played some reasonable golf over the next 7 holes, including a tap in birdie 3 on the short par 4 6th hole, to get to the turn all square again.

The back 9 was consistently inconsistent and I would finish the day 1 down.

84 or 85 off the beater and the thing that sticks out in my mind is that 6 months ago, I would have been as pleased as all to have shot 85. Funny how time and some good scores can change your own perception of self.

This is one of the reasons I love this game. I am constantly re-evaluating myself as a golfer and an individual.

Thanks for reading
Cheers