MASTERS PENNANTS 2025 – First Round, MGC v Oatlands GC at Oatlands– Sunday 18.5.25
Today our fearless leader – Phil Kells – was away on work duties in the US. So I – Julian Jackson – filled in as Team Manager / Coach / Motivator. And if my performance was to be judged on the team’s success, I’ll never be offered this role again.
The day started out under the umbrellas with wet conditions across the golf course. Our numbers 8 (Paul Volck) and 7 (John Gregory) started us off. Paul took his match all the way to the final hole, fighting to the very end but losing it on the green. John won his match on the 17th hole (2 and 1) – a win that stood alone at the end of the day (well done John!).
Our next two players out were Fred Charette (at 6) and Sean Collins (at 5) – who both played strongly, fighting all the way. Fred lost on the 17th hole (2 and 1) and Sean took his opponent to 18th, only to find defeat on the green (losing 1 down).
Then came our numbers 4 (David King) and 3 (myself). David, under the umbrella and wearing rain gear, did not feel he was having his best game from the first swing. His opponent was a putting machine…sinking everything in sight. David went down 7 and 6 – and was pretty happy the day was over. I had a better time of it (but only just) – going 5 and 3. Enough said about that round.
Our final players of David Brown (at 2) and David Watkins (at 1) carried the team’s hopes on their shoulders. Brownie took the match all the way to the final hole – but like so many of the team before him, losing it on the 18th. David W was up over the whole match, only to have his opponent sink a 15ft putt to square the match. No shame in a square! Well done David W.
So, a pretty wet and rough day out on the course for the team – losing 6.5 to 1.5. Hoping for better results – with superior leadership (welcoming Phil back) – at home next week.
Julian Jackson
Team Day Manager
