By David Waters
A high overcast greeted players for round five of the Eastern Suburbs Senior Pennant. No one stayed under the blankets, and everyone gravitated to the Box Hill golf club for the now customary 7.30am start. A few coffees and light pullovers were needed until the warming sun and swinging arms had the blood moving.
The well-manicured course was set up for great contests to be had regardless of handicaps. Fast greens were commented on by many players and well grassed and clipped fairways gave value for good shots. Quite a few shots which were not good also benefited from a good long roll.
Casual observation of matches saw some remarkable highlights.
Terry Payne (Heritage) scraping the hole with his tee shot on the par3 ninth.
Bob Morgan (Yering Meadows) hitting the flag and stopping 30cm away to get in the hole and match on the 18th over Terry Payne.
The hoo doo on Dave Martin (Heritage) watching his ball enter hazards on different holes.
Graham Cush (Box Hill) putting in from 10 meters several times to win holes from Rod Ashton (Eastern).
Joe Sykes (Box Hill green manager) did an excellent job preparing for the day. Joe was rewarded for this with a 2 and 1 win despite hitting the hazard with his first shot off the first tee.
A terrific golfing day was topped by a generous lunch and lots of gossip. The leaders are being challenged with two rounds to go before the finals.
Gold group has a race between three for the top and in green group the top four are separated by 3 points. Good luck and good golfing.
