My golf season was wright with ups and downs; as most of us experience. Through the 80+rounds, my driver and putter were the best clubs in my bag. They were my great equalizers during most rounds and during the last round of the Coldwell Cup this week, they did not let me down. They were steady clubs that set up the rest of my game for success.

The North Bay Golf and Country Club requires solid shots off the tee and accurate putting to even have a chance to score well. The Country Club is a shooters course. It is not designed to bang away and let distance rule the day; hitting the ball far will help, but you better hit it to the proper side of the fairway and distance to set up your approach shots. During our round, Mike and I hit 12 of 14 fairways in the right location to set up easier second shots. Our length and accuracy kept us in play and relieved the pressure of trying to manufacture something out of nothing.

Our approach shots were average. We hit about 12 of 18 greens, but were able to get up and down 5 of 6 times to half the holes. The one hole we missed was for birdie on a par 5 and I take total responsibility for a poor chip shot. I left us 10 feet short and considering we were beside the green in 2, it really was an unacceptable shot.

The great advantage the Country Club players had is their ability to putt on their very subtle undulating greens. We were lucky becuase the greens were aerated about 10 days ago, so they were slower and less challenging. Regardless, there were many sharp breaks and speed was king to putting on the greens.

During the front nine, we putted very well. We made all but one clutch putt, but our first putt averaged about 25 feet from the hole. Our poor approach shots were saved by great putting. On 6 putts, we sank 3 with a one putt, we were left with ‘tap ins’ for par. The back nine was completely different.

The first 4 holes on the back, my putter was on fire. I made two putts from above the hole that broke at least 2 feet. It started on the 10th hole when I sank a 15 footer for birdie and halved the hole. I did the same thing on the next 3 holes enabling Mike and I to walk off the 13th hole 1 up. This lead held for the rest of the back nine because our putting was on fire. Our flat sticks were really the great equalizer on the back!

Mike and I played very well. We needed to because Pete and Gord would not let up! He continued to press us with consistent play and solid approach shots. It was a great match and it took our best game to stay slightly ahead. I do want to mention that they gave Mike and I advice on where to hit off the tee on many holes. The Coldwell Cup is as much about camaraderie as it is about golf; Pete and Gord’s kindness really helped us keep pace and eventually lead to our win. Thanks Pete and Gord!

Driving and putting were our strong points for the day. Both skills helped us win 1.5 out of 2 points for our team and it was great to contribute to the team’s win. Mike and I complimented each other very well and I hope we have a chance to play as team again in the future.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!