Sunday 26 June 2011

A birdie in the hand ...

So how did the golf go, I hear you ask?

Actually, it went entirely to plan. I only embarrassed myself moderately. Had one air shot, several scuffs and when I got the ball in the air it often went in the wrong direction. On the plus side, I hit two what I would class as good drives (in the air AND towards the hole), two chips that ended up a foot from the cup and earned the applause of my team mates, and I sank an eighteen foot birdie putt.


Jedburgh Golf Club, on the lower slopes of the Dunion Hill overlooking the town, is a wonderful setting. My fellow team members were three of the best amateur golfers I've ever witnessed in action; Harry Hogg, who used to stay three doors away from me in Allerley Crescent, his wife Pauline, the ladies club champion, and their son Connor, the youth champ. Team Hogg were unlucky enough to get me in the ballot when they could have had any of several members of the 1984 Scottish Grand Slam side, two former pro footballers or the local MSP. Young Connor hit the ball so far on the long par five that Gavin Hastings, who has a handicap so low that it's almost below freezing, called it obscene.

Thanks entirely to my playing partners we ended up just outside the prizes in fourth place. But it wasn't the winning that mattered, it was the taking part and raising money for the club, which is a wonderful asset to the town. It was a real pleasure to be asked and a bigger one to take part.

If you play golf and ever get the opportunity, do give the Jedburgh course a try. It's a glorious place, a real test and you're guaranteed a warm welcome from the very best of Border folk.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well done Doug and must get back into golf one day.

Eileen said...

Thanks for your positive commemts it was a great day enjoyed by everybody, I'm also pleased you enjoyed our new 18 hole course all the hard work has been well worth it. Jethart is a great little toon "but I don't need to tell you that" it's amazing what can be achieved when you all pull together,I look forward to seeing you again on our fairways maybe a hole in one next time.

Thanks again Eileen

Gabriele Campbell said...

I don't play golf (in Germany, it's very much a rich people sport) but judging from pics I've seen Scotland has some of the most scenic golf places in the world.

Doug said...

You're right Gabriele. You'll have noted I'm no golfer, but even though I've never had a round that comes even close to adequate, I've also never played a round that I haven't enjoyed. Fresh air, great views, exercise and one decent shot to talk about in the bar is all I ask!

Eva said...

I only wanted to tell you I've just finished reading your Caligula, in spanish "Bestiarius" and i've really enjoyed it Thanks.
Please, forgive my English.

Doug said...

Thank you, Eva, I'm very pleased you enjoyed it. And your English is excellent!

Doug