For the second year in a row, I was invited to the home and away golf tournament between the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort and Osprey Links Golf course. The format for this friendly match is a two person scramble match play. Each team has seven pairings with one point awarded for each nine holes won. Half points are permitted. Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort hosted the first leg of this year’s tournament. Yesterday, converged at Mattawa to start the fun and create a whole new set of golf stories. It was a great day had by all.

I was fortunate enough to be teamed with Raymond. He is a funny person who takes golf just serious enough to want to be a better player. But, he does not let mishits dominate his thinking; he generally makes a joke and moves on. Raymond hit many great shotsespecially when we needed him to the most. He and I compliment each others play and we hope to have the same results at Osprey Links as we did yesterday.

Our opponents from North Bay were Peter and Gerry. They, like Raymond, are seniors who took advantage for playing from the forward tees. Both had smooth swings and were able to keep up for the most part when trying to reach the green in regulation. The challenge they both had was adjusting to the very wet conditions that inhibited and restricted the effectiveness of their bump and run game. Regardless, they gave us a great match.

The best shot of the round was made by Peter. On the par 3, 6th hole, Peter hit his shot to pin high left only six inches from the hole. We all thought that it was going in, but alas it curved away from the hole at the last moment. He won the closest to hole prize for his fantastic shot.

As I eluded to earlier, we battled the weather for the entire front nine. The rain was coming down starting on the 9th hole that we had to call the match after 10 holes. Actually, everyone called it quits and we convened to the 19th hole to some lively conversation, a few libations and a fantastic meal. Many of the players have know each other for years this yearly home and away event is a great way to get reacquainted. I am grateful that they have invited me to join the group.

Because of the shortened round, the organizers modified the scoring. They only counted the front nine scores. As it sits, Mattawa is leading the first let 5 1/2 to 1 1/2. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I played for the Osprey Team last year (and we won) and this year I am playing for Mattawa. Not to be a turncoat, but I hope Mattawa continues with its current success during the last leg of this tournament at Osprey Links on 23 August.

Finally, I want to thank Mike and Brenda for hosting the first leg. As always, they put on a great event that made everyone fell like they were home again. Also, Brenda and her kitchen team made a delicious prime rib dinner that did not disappoint. Their contribution to the this yearly event is always greatly appreciated.

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