This week was one of the best of my 2023 golf season. I played in two scrambles and one scramble match play with great results in all the events. Every year I have a week or two like this and in 2023, this was my first. I always look forward to these short periods of lots of golf and it is always better when I play well with positive results. And this week was better that expected!

My first event was the first leg of a Home and Away against Osprey Links. My home course of Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort are defending champions and this match consists of 14 players per team who all have a fun history dating back over 50 years. I was first asked to join this amazing group of golfers three years ago by my friend Mark and the funny thing is that I was asked to play for Osprey Links! Last year, I switched teams (because I moved to Mattawa). For the last two times this event ran, I have been on the winning team. So, this year I am hoping for a three peat.

I was teamed up with Ray, a 70 something player who never stops smiling. We played together last year and make a good team. We both hit some great shots and hit some less than stellar shots. We battled against our opponents without letting up. We did give them two holes because of 3 putts, but other than those two holes, we were in the mix for 16 holes. It was a great time playing with Ray and against our opponents.

Our opponents were strong players. Don and Don (yup, those were their names) were long hitting players with strong short games. They also gave us two holes due to poor shots, but other than that we played head to head for the rest of the match. The kept hitting great shots and we responded. It was a fun two person match play game. As a result Ray and were able to eek out one of two points. We were thrilled to split the match against Don and Don. They were great guys to play against and fun to chat with during the match.

On a side note, I putted in a 12 foot putt on the 18th hole to win the back nine. Also, the meal put on by Osprey Links was delicious. The staff were professional and courteous. I am not surprised as this is the standard I have come to expect from Jeff and his team!

My third match was a typical Men’s Night scramble. This weeks team was made up of myself, Mike, Barry and Hank. We have played together in the past and we know our strengths. We started off with two fantastic shots that lead into a tap in birdie on a opening hole par five. We stepped on to the tee of the second hole and hit it to 12 feet. Mike stepped up hit the perfect put that rattled off the pin and stayed on the lip….we were not happy. But we were hitting the ball well.

After Our nine hole jaunt, we finished five under and should have been more! We had birdie putts on eight of the nine holes and felt we could make very putt. Basically, we hit the ball extremely well and our score was not indicative of how well we played. Basically, it was a great round and I enjoyed playing with my friends.

Both events were great fun. The golf was great and results exceeded my expectations. The other event, which I will write about next, was even better. What a great week of golf.

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