There are times when it is justifiable to play the 19th hole twice,
and Sunday 31 January, our first monthly game for the 2010 calendar
was one such day.

The temperature was already 27o when I awoke at 6.00am to prepare for our 8.30 tee off with a forecasted 37o. By the time that our group was ready for the challenge ahead, most had already visited the 19th
watering hole, and frankly, who could blame them. Those who played
here previously, know well that with an ACR of 73 and length of 6185
metres (not counting the huge gaps in between holes) the Growling Frog is not a walk in the park, so proper liquid preparation is vital. (ask
Zak?)

As usual, our day began in good spirit with plenty of jokes and laughter. (Little did we know what awaited us!)

Considering the weather forecast, we had a great turn up of 38 players and were fortunate to be permitted to play off two tees.

This not only helped to speed up our game, but also allowed us to return to the 19th hole without delay. Some members in fact chose to do this sooner than later. I must admit that the beer went down faster than I could read the bottle label. Now let’s talk about the rest of the day.

Have you ever noticed that often when we have high temperatures for some reason we have high winds? In addition, this weekend I personally noticed that if you combine excessive heat with high winds and an open
links course like the Frog you in fact get gale winds. Now doesn’t that make golf interesting?

I never knew how delightful and vast the Growling Frog rough was until Sunday. I never knew that I could complete a round of golf in such a frustrating and foul language mood which is definitely not appropriate to my true character. How do you play a golf ball directly into a gale and stop it from coming back or doing a boomerang loop into the rough?
How do you putt it up to a hole only to see it come straight back, sent on its merry way off the green, or make a 90o turn? (Ihor can you please help us?)

They keep telling me that everyone has to play under the same conditions, which may be so, but I do want to enjoy the game, not just provide laughing opportunities for my playing group.

Nevertheless, there is always someone, who either has the right mental attitude in these adverse conditions, or perhaps just gets lucky. Unfortunately, I was not one of the lucky ones, nor could I find the right mental attitude to last 18 holes.

Withstanding the nasty conditions, some of our members still managed to get birdies. Wally Orfini for one, had an unexpected turn of form which lasted 3 consecutive holes scoring par, birdie, par. Was it mental attitude or just luck? (I doubt if Wally knows?) Steve Kohut Jnr was obviously true to form winning 3 feature holes, while Steve Kowalczyk scored best with 35 Stableford points.

As usual, the after game presentation and socialising was enjoyed by those that found time to stay back and unwind. It was good to welcome a new member in Paul Teres, and also catch up with ex member Jim Petrie who made a special effort to see us.

Until we meet again in February at The Dunes - good health and good
golfing!

George Makohon
Acting Captain