Unusually, it was a wind free day, overcast then drizzly rain from about the 6th hole onward; it got a bit heavier once or twice then quickly settled again. Played with Bob (turns out he's LiamGolf (from OOBGolf)'s Dad!) and Norman, two mid handicappers I'd be delighted to play with again.
Niblick (42 degree hybrid scoring club)
Tried to play a running draw into the 5th green, but didn't swing to the right and thus had a pull hook into some mid to deep rough around the 15th green, in front of the 14th tee. The players from thje 14th tee pointed out my ball as they passed, and as I thanked them, 3 of them commentd that I wouldn't thank them once I saw the lie. Sure enough, it was a down lie in long tufty grass. Made the decision that first focus was to get the ball out, and if I were to get onto the green that would be a bonus. (it's a large green as shared with the 13th. Played ball back in my stance (just in frontof right foot), gripped down on the club, and concentrated on hitting down on the back of the ball, whilst looking at the front edge of the ball. Made 2 good rehearsal swings then played. Not only got out, but onto the green 20 feet away from hole (a great outcome from the lie) and nearly made the putt. Delighted to be down in 3 with a decent look at being down in 2 from where I was.
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Niblick
9th hole, after a topped 6iron approach had about 90 yards to the pin. Played a half swing with the niblick, after taking dead aim, and it flew straight and true at the flag, hitting the pin and then bouncing 8 feet to the right. I made the putt for an up & down for par.
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48 degree wedge
Had ended up in a bunker off the tee on the 12th, with a long bunker shot to the green. I overcooked the shot slightly, boucing off the green to the right. Because of the raised green and the slightly patchy grass between me & hole, I decided that ol' faithful (the hybrid chip) wasn't suitable here, and I played a delicae chip from a tight lie with my 48 degree wedge. I really got the feel of a gentle finesse swing perfect here and accurately reproduced my rehearsal swing. The ball looke like it was going to fall, but (just) touched the edge of the hole before stopping inside 1 foot, another easy up & down for par.
I had 4 up & downs for par this round, and 1 for bogey. This is great as getting it up & down is my new focus (seems to be one of the main differences between the 13 handicappers and me)
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