First Medal

The first medal of the year takes place at The Vale of Leven Golf Club this Saturday and I am looking forward to it. I'm in the 11 o'clock draw means a lie in and a relaxed morning before leaving for the course at about 10.30am. No real pre golf routine for me, just turn up, say a few hello's to those around the clubhouse and pop into the pro-shop to sign in and pay my competition fees, then into the changing rooms to get my clubs.

Before I leave the changing room, I will check I have my competition golf balls and plenty of tees in my bag and put my pitch fork repairer and ball marker in my pocket, I will also complete my scorecard with my details including my correct handicap and competition details and finally pop into the boys room to try and release a few nerves.

It's then time to go outside and wait for my tee time, this is when I will finally tie my shoe laces and have a couple of practice swings before moving onto the tee and meeting my playing partners for the day. Another couple of practice swings, a handshake or two and good wishes and then its time to hit my first shot.

The first shot is the most difficult with the added pressure of a few other players being around the tee whilst waiting for their tee time. Its a case of blocking everything out, pushing your tee into the ground, putting your ball onto the tee and then lining the ball up, take a few steps back and relax. Then walk up to the ball, adjust your stance, look at your target and hope you get that little white sphere past the ladies tee.

2011 My Hopes

Firstly, 2010 was my most successful, having won The Lomond Cup at The Vale of Leven Golf Club which is the Wednesday medal competition. I also managed to get to the final of our clubs 4 ball competition, losing at the last hole was a difficult pill to swallow. Another highlight was travelling across Glasgow to Eastwood Golf Club with my wife Sheila, where we took part in the Eastwood Mixed Open and won the trophy by 8 shots, shooting a nett 60.

My handicap started at 16.4 and went up to 16.6 after two poor medals, but by the end of the season, I was down to 11.6 having had a fantastic run of rounds, which saw my handicap get cut 7 competitions in a row, culminating with a scratch 74 which is my lowest ever score in a competition, to win The Lomond Cup for the first time.

This coming year, I would like to try to get my handicap down to single figures, even if it is for 1 week only. I would also like to play well in the club competitions again and also have a few enjoyable trips to other clubs for mixed competitions with Sheila.