Reports

2010 Reports (For previous years click on year above)

Winning Captain's Report - Rest of the World

Well - where do I start. I don't think I could have asked for it to go any better. If I'd have scripted it I wouldn't have taken it to the last group on the last hole with both sides still able to win as I wouldn't have thought anyone would believe it. More of that later but lets recount the weekend.

First there were the drop-outs and the late arrivals. It's difficult getting any emotion out of Terry but I could see this came as a blow to my opposing captain. It also made my life a little difficult as I was relying on Terry to supply me with a commentator every day over the weekend as he had a man extra each day but this was now clearly not gonna happen. Terry had been extremely accommodating to the Rest of the World side all throughout the build up and I was determined to repay the compliment at his time of need. I have to say my first idea was not a great one; I apologise to Dave Silvester for asking and thank him for his reply which was (in your best Dave accent) "I'm not being funny but I haven't come here to commentate". Anyway that idea over the solution was fairly obvious so I asked Rob to take my place up front and asked Dave Marshall to play as a neutral at the back so Mick Wass and Dave Silvester could take on Penny on his own - a match which I thought we'd lose which is probably why I asked Dave to commentate. Thank god he told me where to go and once again well done you guys - easily the performance of the day.

So in the end I commentated - or rather I got on everyone's tits whilst they were trying to play golf - quite a few apologies here but especially to Jamie Waugh for interrupting him just as he was about to putt on the last hole for a half by saying "Hold on Jamie! - lets get this on film................. if that's okay with you". He obviously missed the putt when I eventually allowed him to take it - no pressure at all. Sorry Jamie.

Anyway we finished the day 4 1/2 to 2 1/2 up (which Dave later changed to 5 to 3 even though I told him not to - bless him, he can't help himself) and then we came back to all the room allocation problems. I place the blame here firmly on the shoulders of the hotel and their staff; not because I'm trying to avoid any blame myself - if it was my fault I'd hold my hands up but it wasn't my fault, not even a share of it. I'd laboriously dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's with the hotel on the wednesday before we went. I'd spelt out with them exactly how much everyone was paying and how much deposit each of them should have deducted off their bill. I don't know what else I could have done. It wasn't until I arrived on the Friday that they even mentioned that some of our golfers were allocated to what they called a penthouse but in essence sounded to me like a posh dormitory in which 10 guys were expected to share. In fact they had originally allocated Mr. And Mrs. Dave Marshall to those shared facilities and when I asked them to move them the reply was "Are you sure - it does meaning changing the rates as Mrs. Marshall isn't a golfer!" I knew there and then that I was going to have trouble over the weekend and once I'd made sure they changed Dave and his Mrs. to their own room I basically decided to just hope for the best for the rest.

However the thing that made me laugh most over the weekend came as a result of these room cock-ups. Rob Walsh had always wanted a room to himself but because of the hotels original room cock-ups (I should have guessed then) when they'd lost 2 of the rooms I'd booked I was unable to accommodate him and roomed him with Superstar for the first night and then into a room by himself for Sunday and Monday. However, my sister, whom I'd asked to come and hand out beer on the 7th tee (as I wasn't expecting to be there myself to do it) decided not to stay in the room I'd booked for her on the Saturday night so I told Rob he could sleep in her room for that night. Whilst dealing with a different rooming issue on Sunday afternoon the Rooms Manager told me that he'd had to move one of our golfers clothes out of room 310 (which I remembered was now Rob's room) as someone was due to check into it that day. I asked them who was due to move into that room and when they said "a Mr. Walsh" was I told them to put his clothes back where they got them from.

Anyway I apologise to evryone who had room trouble but I honestly don't know what else I could have done - and finally on this point I owe Grumble £25 so if I don't see him before I'll pay his deposit for next year.

Okay so day 2 - the draw was good and as I've said many times now the only match that I thought would be in the balance was the one with Ian Foster and Kev Scott against me and Griff. I'm not sure how we lost it. We did everything right. We came back from 3 down to go 1 up after 16 and then we just blew it down the last two holes. I think it's the perfect example of how the Wyder Cup can make a golfer do strange things. The first thing I did wrong was put Griff in the bunker from the tee on 17. I'd told all my old thorns rookies to go left of the sand on the 17th as from the back tee I didn't think we could hit it long enough down the fairway to get round the dog leg (and I have to say that's the way I saw the club captain play it on the last day so feel fairly vindicated by that). On the practice day I went well left which caused no problems at all really except I was a bit far away so I tried to get a bit closer on the day which I regretted when I saw it land in the sand. However Kev went down the fairway and sure enough did not leave Ian a shot round the dogleg so we were pretty even. Griff and I discussed that we'd still be able to get there in 2 from the sand but Griff only just got us out which left me about 200yards to the green. It didn't even occur to me to change the plan of getting there in two that I'd just made with Griff and take a safe club so I got my 5 wood out and some positive mental attitude and pictured myself bouncing the ball short of the green and watching it roll on and taking the point there and then. Instead I must have got nervous half way thru my swing because I faded (sliced) the ball about 150 yards into the water on the right and after Griff's fluffed chip we were then all square going down the last. And what a last. Griff and Ian both tee'd off fairly well and Griff was longer so we got to see what Kev did first. I was waiting with the 5 wood that I'd just put in the water on the previous hole so was pretty pleased when Kev returned the favour and stuck his ball in the water down the left. Griff then said just leave me an 8 iron in which I understood because it was his go to club and he'd been hitting them perfect all day. I asked him to go and stand where he wanted me to put the ball and then proceeded to put it exactly where he wanted it which I think was a mistake. If I'd have been 20 yards short or 20 yards long or even 2 or 3 yards out Griff's mindset would have been different but because I'd put it perfect it moved all the pressure back onto his shoulders. I have to say though I still didn't expect such a dreadful shot from an A grade player who'd been hitting them for fun all the way round. The pressure of The Wyder is the only explanation for that and his and my subsequent putts on the green which cost us the point. Congratulations to Kev and Ian who thoroughly deserved the win none the less and it was nice to meet Ian properly for the first time who took the time out to have a chat and open himself up a bit with everyone on the 5th tee. Another great new member for the Wyder. And we all know what a lovely guy Kev is so the day and the match was a pleasure to be a part of as per usual - Apart from the losing bit.

Anyway we finished the day still 2 up and the draw would be crucial. I wanted to do the draw before we teed off in the morning so my players would not have time to dwell on the task. I'd also prepared a motivational piece entitled Operation Testicles (Terry Edmonds Should Turn In Circles Losing Eighteen Singles - poetic licence as there were only 16 singles matches played) which I think would have worked better if it was used just prior to teeing off. But I understood people were looking forward to it that night and had there have been a vote I think my hand would have been the only one up voting for the morning. So we had the draw that night and once done I have to say I was pleased. I had us down (admittedly optimistically) for an 11 - 5 victory the next day and an easy cup victory. I should have learnt from previous years because as per usual when I predict the singles I was miles out...

So Day 3 and the first thing I have to do is apologise to Bri. I was probably dreadful company and certainly did not provide any competition for him. The first mistake I made was to turn down a share in his buggy. Originally I had planned to share with Robbie (who was going to be in my group but because I'd let that slip to Bob Blair I changed the order) so when Bri asked me to share I said yes but forgot that I'd replaced Robbie with Chris who would have walked had I not shared a buggy with him. Plus, I have to admit there was a small part of me that didn't want to get too chummy with Bri in case it detracted from trying to beat him - a pointless thought as it turned out. Then I got off to the worst start possible, I forgot to count a penalty drop in my score which meant when I got to the green I told Bri I'd had 4 when I'd had 5. There was no damage done as Bri corrected me but he must have thought I'd done it on purpose (I know I would have done had it been the other way round). I then compounded that by taking a provisional off the second tee when I was the only one in the group that thought my first ball might be in trouble. Sure enough my first one was fine (by a long way) and it must have looked to Bri like I was trying to get some practice in. I hope that was the end of my misdemeanours but I think the damage had already been done for the rest of the round so I'd like to ask Bri to chalk that one up to the fact that as Captain I had lots of other things on my mind and I promise to be much better company the next time we play...and if you'll have me Bri I'd love to share a buggy with you then.

I'd also like to make a special mention for Robbie in his singles debut. He was not one of my 11 predicted wins so I thought his half against Terry was a great result. Rob can play (better than me on a regular basis) but I knew he'd be nervous and thought Tel would be 3 up before he got going and I didn't think he'd be able to recover from that. Rob tells me I was right about Tel going 3 up but wrong about him recovering. In fact he said he should have won it on the last but made a rooky error of going for the green when Tel had put his in the water and paid the price by following him in. Then some great results came in before the deluge of poor performances that followed. Superstar lead the way as per usual with another fantastic result over Mike. There's a bit in the video where Superstar misses a putt to win his match on the first day and his reaction tells you all you need to know about him. He shrugs his shoulders, walks to pick up his ball and says "All Yam can do is try, can't ya" thereby proving what a superstar he is. Rob and I now say this everytime we cock up any shot so we'd like like to make it the Wyder Cup motto. On a genuine note I have to say, if I had half of Superstar's Ability I'd be happy but if I had an ounce of his Attitude I'd be much happier cos things just wouldn't bother me. It's also why he's got a penny in his pocket. Next, I'd like to mention Ian Serle who was not feeling well at all but still managed to beat Ian Foster on the last hole and Darren Moulden who did the same to Bob Blair. Dave Silvester had a great result against Rob Walsh but after that points came slowly and we looked dead and buried for a while. Fortunately you can rely on Mick Wassel when the chips are down, Andy Toal came up trumps and we all saw what the dog did. That leaves me with the Wardy, Pete Martin match and having seen the video I can see that some of you feel hard done by with what happened on the 17th. I would too, so I'll now explain my part in it because it would horrify me if any of you thought that I'd tried to steal the cup by false means. Hopefully the three Long Marston players will back me up with what I'm about to say.

Firstly, I know nothing about rules (something which I intend to address before the next Wyder ) and always defer to the more experienced players. Hopefully Brian Francis will attest to the fact that he told me on the 12th after I'd picked my ball out of a ditch that if I'd have cleaned it I would have lost the hole. So on the 17th when I saw Pete about to clean his ball I shouted at him to stop (ie I tried to prevent him from cleaning it, not penalise him for it) but was too late. Then, Pete said "So what do I do now". I said nothing at all but instead looked at Jamie to defer to his judgement and it was he who said that it was loss of hole. Hopefully both Jamie and Pete will attest to that state of events too. Perhaps I should have protested at that juncture, but put yourself in my position, if I had have done, what would Wardy have thought.

Finally, I'd like to say that I was grateful for the opportunity to Captain this year and the reason for the extras was so I could thank you all for your support last year during Mart's passing. Some of you wrote to him, some of you came for a drink with him, some of you came for golf and to see him, most of you came to his funeral and I know all of you were thinking about him. Mart left this earth kicking and screaming to stay, and I guess that's because he had a lot to stay for, not the least of which was you lot. Thanks.

All that leaves me to do is thank Terry once again for being a superb ambassador for Long Marston and the Wyder Cup and to wish both Mike Jeffries and Darren Marshall all the best for next year. Can't wait to see the kiss guys!

Dave Winkle

Captain

Rest of the World

2 times.

1 time winner

Ya Bastards!

My Wyder Cup Memories by Scott Walters

The Wyder Cup starts for me the night before, every year I spend time looking at the old results, scorecards and pictures. It’s nice to see what people looked like before they had grey hair!!!, also to remind me of the great times we’ve had, and also to try to get myself up for the fight ahead.

This is where I came across the headlines:

“ Its No Good looking on here for information, Dave Winkle told me F**k all !!!!!!!

Dave had told me in simple terms by text “arrive at 11”, and that was it.

So the anticipation of arriving early and waiting while the teams arrived added to the atmosphere of another comp. Dave had said that the cup was going to be memorable, and we all know what those reasons were going to be. I didn’t know what he’d planned, but was shocked, surprised and sweating at the thought of us being filmed; I now wish I’d had a shave the night before.

Round 1

Partner: Carl Griffiths

Opponents: Mick Jeffries & Peter Martin

Our team started great and the anticipation and the nerves on my part in the pre-match build up weren’t to disappoint. We were 4 up after 4 with 3 pars, first hole was mine and the next 3 from Griff, hole 5 was halved, and we won hole 6 to go 5 up, 7 & 8 were halved with Mick winning 9 with a par, Griff had a great front 9 and was only 3 over par. We both went missing in action, which allowed Mick to win 2 of the next 3 holes to squeeze us back to 2 up, there was a stern look in the buggy, with the words “come on” and with Griffs “don’t worry son it’ll come back” we then went on to win 2 of the next 3 to go back to 4up, A half on 15 gave us the win 4 & 3. As always when Mick hit the ball it went miles, and Peter with his clunking driver wasn’t far behind him, what a great knee lift and pivot on the spot. Griffs blinding start had blown them away, and it proved impossible for them to come back from. Thanks Griff it was a pleasure to partner you as the last time in Portugal I seem to remember you scored a 119, which I think you saved for your singles match with Jamie.

Round 2

Partner: Stuart Whitehead

Opponents: Charlie Longbottom & Rob Walsh

Having gone to bed at 5.05 am, I didn’t expect much, but hoped my partner would be understanding, with only Toalie this year & Kenny Aston last year, the only 2 people to outlast me in the bar on the first night in 9 years, not a record I’m proud of but you’re all a bunch of shandy drinking pufters, or just serious golfers!!

I wasn’t feeling at my peak when I arrived at the first tee it has to be said. We worked out the night before which holes were going to best for us, and therefore Stu took odds & I took the evens, the plan was for me to have the long shots into greens & the 3’s, leaving Stu with the short game to try to get the advantage. It worked pretty well with Stu being as consistent as ever, and I let him down a couple of times, with Stu having to re-load of the tee. I know we won 3&2 but that’s your lot, for more detail you need to ask Stu, I simply can’t remember, we definitely gelled and hopefully this could be a similar partnership to me & Sniff for the future. Thanks Stu, our record is played 2, won 2, and the Ralgex on the 6^th tee certainly helped me warm my hands up in the cold conditions, definitely something to add to the bag for next time.

Round 3 – Singles

Opponent: Mark Glover

Playing partners:

Dave Hodges & Andy Toal

Again having been last in the bar when Terry went to bed, I found Griff eating a sandwich in reception, he ate it and went, leaving me to finish my drink. I climbed into my pit at just gone 2am, not bad I thought since we were on it from about 3ish, lovely pint of pride or 8 in the pub & lots of singing, which I have recorded if anyone wants to listen to it. The rugby teams naked Haka in the pub certainly made the landlady somewhat flustered for a few minutes, maybe that’s why she’s invited them back again next year.

Down to the business end of the comp

My match with Grumble was evenly matched with us both being similar in handicaps

My thanks to Toalie who kept the scores in our group, which means I can give you a blow by blow account of all the holes. If you get bored by this at any point, please move straight to hole 18.

Hole 1 - I drove into the trees on the left, which was definitely ugly, I had to chip sideways, chipped onto the green in three & three putted. Grumble was at the front edge in two, chipped on for three and two putts.

Hole lost to a 5 - going 1 down.

Hole 2 - Grumble ended up in the trees with his second, and had to take a penalty drop, he chipped onto the green in five. I was on the front of the green in regulation three next to Grumbles ball, hole conceded without him getting out of the buggy. Hole won – All square.

Hole 3 - I hit a great drive right to the bottom of the hollow, leaving me a short wedge to the green, I chipped onto the dance floor in two. Grumble chipped onto the green in three. I three putted again, Grumble two putted.

Hole halved in 5 – Level.

One of the funniest moments for me was looking back and watching DJ attempting to knock a bit of rabbit shit from behind his ball, only to end up shaving his ball with his fairway wood and sending the ball trickling under his buggy twenty yards sideways and further away from the hole. What a great shot!

Hole 4 - I hit a sweet nine iron just outside the nearest the pin, leaving me a tricky six footer down the hill. I didn’t want to three put again that’s for sure. Grumble was at the side of the green, and chipped on in two and two putted.

Hole won with a 3 – 1 up.

Hole 5 - Probably the signature hole for this course, and what a great view from the white tee. I took an easy 5 iron to the middle of the fairway, and hit my second right into the trees, I had a clear shot to the pin, but thinned my 3^rd through the green, and thought it was wet, it was in the hazard but playable, I chipped back onto the green in 4 and 2 putted. Grumble diced with water and subsequently conceded the hole. Hole won – 2 up.

Hole 6 - We both hit our balls OOB left, and both reloaded, I was on the path left, and Grumble was right, with a very friendly drop, I then hit my fourth in the trees on the right and bounced out onto the fairway. Grumble played his ball far better and with my short game again being very poor, the hole was won with an 8!!!!!. Hole lost to an 8 – 1 up.

Hole 7 - Both tee shots on the green, and both two putted. Hole halved in 3 – 1 up.

Hole 8 - Having gone in the water the day before I hit a conservative four iron off the tee and was left and short, Grumble was close to me on the right, then put his second in the water, and at that point I laid up short. I was on the green in 3 and 2 putted, Grumble played onto the green in 4 and 2 putted. Won with a 5 – 2 up.

Hole 9 - I hit a good drive left of the fairway, but quite short. Grumble had hit a low squirting slice to the right but managed to avoid the rough, I walked ahead to find his ball in a good position. I then hit my second onto the front edge of the green 30 feet from the pin. Grumble chipped onto the green in 3 and 2 putted, I again 3 putted and my short game was letting me down again. Hole halved in 5 – 2 up.

Hole 10 - It was a long hole against the wind, and I hit my hybrid 3 wood 10 foot from the pin but just off the back. Grumble put his in the water off the tee and conceded the hole. Hole won – 3 up.

Hole 11 & 12 - Both these holes were halved in bogeys, the half on eleven was mutually agreed, both having tricky 2 ½ footers. This then left me 3 up with 6 to play, and game on. Holes halved in 5’s – 3 up.

Hole 13 - Both of us hit reasonable drives, I ended up left with no clear way to get to the green, consolidation was my idea, not to do anything too adventurous, if I could keep my nerve I should be plain sailing from here, so decided to lay up 50 yards short of the green in 2, Grumble did the same. I then played a fanny of a chip shot into the bunker in front of the green, it plugged in the lip of the bunker with no shot out, I played it with the ball going behind me still in the sand. I chipped out and 2 putted, Grumble managed to put his 3^rd short of the green, chipped on and won the hole with a 6. 2 up with 5 to play. Hole lost to a 6 – 2 up.

Hole 14 - Dave appeared, and inspirational words followed,, “come on dog its tight” I knew what that meant, but I didn’t know how close. Toalie was dormy 5, and Dave jumped on him and rode him like a Blackpool donkey, nearly breaking Toalie’s back.

I hit a spanking drive 80 yards in front of Grumbles, and with my second I tried to reach the green in 2, consolidation had gone out the window. My 3 wood went a long way but ended up under the tree 40 yards short of the green, Grumble did what he’d done all day and worked his way up the fairway and onto the green in 4. I had no shot out from behind the tree, with the bunker in front of me; I tried to play past the hole taking the bunker out of play, but only managed to end up directly in from of it. My flopped SW from an impossible position ended a few feet from the hole, and I saw Grumbles shoulders drop, he thought he had another one back, hole halved in 6, 2 up with 4 to play.

Hole halved in 6 – 2 up.

Hole 15 - Dave was loitering again so I knew our game was pivotal to the result. Pressure was on, Grumble was coming back at me. He drove first, and was short and right, I hit a great hybrid wood and was just at the bottom of the hill, if anything I’d hit it too well and too close, Grumble put his in the bunker. I had a chance, my ball was in and old divot and you can guess the rest, the divot went further than the ball and I was half way up the hill, Grumble chipped out of the bunker and onto the right level of the green in 3, I was making hard work of this, I then fluffed my chip short to the front on the green, and chipped on in 4, my putt lipped out giving Grumble the hole in 5, 1 up 3 to play.

Hole lost to a 5 – 1 up.

Hole 16 - My favourite hole, both days I had pars, Grumble ended up on the wrong side of the path in the rough to the right of the green. My 8 iron was a dream again and I left an 8 foot putt, Grumble played a great shot and was inside mine. Pressure was getting to me and I ended up 3 feet past, at this point I should have gone back to 2 up with 2 to play, but I missed the one back, hole halved in four, 1 up 2 to play.

Hole halved in 4 – 1 up.

Hole 17 - Grumble’s drive was short and just made the fairway. I was long and left and in the bunkers, but luckily just on the lip of the furthest bunker, my 4 iron was short and left leaving me about 120 to the flag. Grumble bumbled his way up and on to the green in 4, my 3^rd went long and I was through the back in the rough, my thinned chip ended back up the fairway 20 yards, I chipped on and Grumbles 6 won the hole. 1 hole left and it was all square, everything to play for. Hole lost to a 6 – All Square

Hole 18 -

Well this was it in our game and 1 hole left. We shook hands on the tee, and wished each other the best. Grumble had the momentum as he’d won 3 of the last 5 holes.

Grumble’s honour, his drive went short right. My tee shot was horrible high, right and sliced, but I was used to that, I’d been there before a few times in the last 2 years.

Grumble was on the path so he had a free drop, he advanced leaving himself a shortish iron into the green, again I thought Grumble had the advantage and I had to get inside his ball. Luckily Toalie went and found my ball and I was just beside the 1^st green.

Dave was loitering again with the ever inspirational words ”come on dog its tight, do you want me to get lost”. At that point I was conscious I had to get this close to the hole, my choice of hybrid 3 was a bad one and clipped the top of the trees flopping just through the other side in the rough. Course planner out and me and Toalie tried to work out how far I had left. I think I had about 170 / 180 and my trusty 4 iron came out, I drilled it left, and my first thoughts were its too long its OOB, but it came to rest in the rough on the hill at the side of the green, I was relieved. Grumble’s 3^rd ended up in the sand, leaving him a 35 yard chip out, maybe I had a slight advantage. I got in the buggy and Toalie drove towards the green, just before we go to the broken grid on the path I turned to him and said, so what’s the score what do I need to do, Toalie stopped the buggy just in the broken grid and said” its down to you to win it”. I physically shook, I’d been tangoed, I sunk, I shook, I gulped, you could have knocked me over with a feather, this is the first time I knew it was down to me to win the Wyder cup, thank god he told me. He stopped the buggy at the back of the green, I got my sand wedge & putter out of the bag, and at this point I got a mixed reaction, some saying come on and others saying you’re going to lose, I then changed my mind and was trying to get my 8 iron out when Toalie rode off with me running after him. So here we are we’ve both played 3 I’m in the rough, Grumble’s in the sand and he’s first, his shot out was very good and left him about 10 foot short, it was me, I don’t remember what I did but I knew I had to play a bump and run like I’d done on hole 12 the day before, a few practise swing’s and bonk I hit it, and it was perfect it bounced through the rough and past the hole just missing, but it left me 6 foot past. Grumble first, I remember Bobby Blair shouting “It’s a good putt to win from here”, he putted and it was past but not a gimme. My turn, 6 foot for the win, Dave shouted “2 for it” but it didn’t register as Toalie had told me I had to win it, so in my mind I had to hole this. I was shaking like a shitting dog literally, I read it slightly right, I hit it and it didn’t move I was 2 inches to the right of the hole stone dead, I wasn’t sure if that was enough, Dave shouted “that’s it well done dog”, I asked if that’s enough, and the answer was yes, I gave Grumble his putt and we’d halved the hole. We shook hands, we’d shared a half and ROW had won the cup back, I was so relieved it was all over. The last putt, on the last green, in the last match. What a way to finish, and all magically recorded on video for ever.

Then for me to win the Player of the Tournament was an absolute surprise, and you can’t imagine how honoured I am to have receive this award.

It was an all round great event yet again. My thanks go to both teams, because we can’t make this event without all of you, and long live this brilliant event. Year on year we better the previous, and so should it should be. I’m already looking forward to next year,.

Dave you were a tremendous Captain for us this year, and in organising the Wyder Cup as you did. For one reason you wanted this win really badly, and I’m so glad your side could give you the cup back for ROW. Congratulations on your first win as Captain. Even though as Capitan you still seek a winning point.

God bless Marty, I’m sure he was watching us live in high def.

"The Dog"

My first Wyder Cup by Robbie Winkle.

Well what a great weekend it was! But it didn't start off that well.

I arrived an hour before tee off time with Chris and The Dog and was devastated when the draw came out and i wasn't playing. I had been waiting for six months for the Wyder really looking forward to it and to get there and be told i wasn't playing wasn't good. Five minutes later i went outside and was told by Dave that i was playing because he was commentating. This cheered me up and i got ready to play and went to the first tee!

I was playing with Toally against Terry and Charlie and was the first group off. It was my turn to tee off and i was very nervous with lots of people watching. I stepped up to the ball and hit it miles left, but i was off. After 3 holes we were 3 down but i was really enjoing myself and started to make a good friend with Toally who i coudn't stop laughing at with his funny attitude to the game. Also i really enjoyed speaking to Charlie and Terry who were fantastic especially on the golf course. At 3 down i kind of lost my confidence in my partner when on the 15th he thought we were still playing the 9th.We got to the green and Terry holed another solid putt to win the match 4 and 3. Although we lost, it was such a great day with Toally guiding me through brilliantly, so thanks Toally.

With a nice meal that night i woke up on Saturday and was told i was playing with Darren Moulden who is a great player, It was a cloudy wet day and this effected my golf. We played against DJ and Mike Jeffries who hit some faboulus drives. But, never fear Darren Moulden his here, and was really on form and kept us in a tight match. On the 14th DJ holed a great 20ft putt which me and my partner enjoyed as much as DJ who holed that for a half. We got to the 16th and Darren Moulden holed the putt for a good win and I was happy to have my first point of the Wyder cup.

The last day was important and i was ready for it and played against Terry again which i thought would be a tough match. We tee’d off first and I felt that I was in good nick. We were playing with two great golfers Mike Pennington and Steve Luker which was a great match to watch. Both matches in our group went to the 18th and it was extremely nervous. I had a par on the 17th hole to stay in the match against Terry which was all square going to the last. Terry tee’d off and went out of bounds, I tee’d off and went into the rough. Then Terry was playing 3 off the tee and went right and then played his 4th shot down the fairway. I made the rookeys error of going for the green in two and i hit into the water. I dropped and played my 4th shot short of the green and we both played on to the green for five. I missed my first putt and then Terry secured at least a half with a two putt which left me with three foot putt for the half which I holed. I don't think I've ever been so nervous and I was happy to come away with a half.

I had to leave early so I didn't see what happened during the rest of the day but when I heard we won the Wyder cup I was delighted. I had a great time and met some great people and cant wait till next year.

Robbie