After getting back into golf the past 12 months following a few years off and a new full set of Titleist clubs later, nothing could have prepared me for the events that unfolded over the last month...
A quick 18 after work on a warm July evening. No warm up and straight to the first tee. 1 Over through 9 and I felt like I was finally going to break 80. 2 Over through 11 and the nerves started to kick in. Stood on the 16th tee I was 8 over needing to par out to break 80. Out of bounds either side and the hardest hole on the course, I managed to keep it together with a nice two putt par. My playing partner who was 3 under on the 16th went out of bounds and decided to walk the rest of the hole and sit on the 16th green whilst I walked down to the 17th tee. Scoped the flag, 187 yards. I hit a solid 6 iron but as it is no gone 9pm I can't see the ball in the air past 100 yards. As I put my club in the bag I hear my mate screaming and running down the fairway towards me. In complete disbelief I ran up to the hole to see my trusty Pro V1x sat in the cup. MY FIRST HOLE IN ONE! I still can't believe that I didn't get to see roll into the hole. I managed to keep it together on the 18th and finish with Par for my current best round of 77.
2 Weeks later myself and my playing partner took a Friday afternoon off work to play Stoneham. Currently ranked 64th in the Country, we are both on a 5 year waiting list to get in. We get there early to have some lunch and warm up on the range before heading out for 18. The first hole is a fairly straightforward Par 5 which we both par, before heading to the 2nd tee. We scope 191 yards and joke whether a hole in one would move us to the top of the waiting list. My playing partner hits a 4 hybrid to less than a foot and I honestly thought his was going to drop the moment it hit the green. I hit a solid 5 iron with a bit of draw and in my head instantly thought it was on a good line. It lands in a similar spot, as my playing partner says 'Go In' and within a couple of seconds it did exactly that. Another Pro V1x for the mantle. We are both in shock and couldn't believe my fortune. Unfortunately I couldn't keep it together for the remainder of the front 9 and just about steadied the ship for the back 9. However a very memorable afternoon at my favourite course and even more importantly, I saw this one go in.
What a crazy month, and fantastic year it has been getting back into this incredible sport!
P.S. Getting fitted for the new TSR Driver next week at Woburn. Wish me luck!