Today was the day for the highlight, in many respects, of the Comiston Centenary celebrations ie the hickory challenge. And Anne certainly picked the right day for it - 19C and balmy sunshine 😎. The players gathered well in advance to get their mashie niblicks, spoons, baffies and jiggers sorted out (oh, and to enjoy the cans of G&T and other drinks brought by Anne) and to admire each other's Ryder Cup gear. Some (Diane and Karina) were very disappointed that we weren't doing the challenge in authentic period golf garb so maybe we need another hickory event when we can go the full "roaring twenties".
The challenge was 8 holes Texas Scramble with one compulsory drive per player. Somewhat surprisingly, everyone made solid contact off the first tee. Looking around during the 8 hole round, it looked pretty competent! No one was in the shrubbery and bushery and, speaking from my own team's point of view, I can only wish I played my own ball straight up the middle in competitions with as much ease as we did today!
Our group caused a bit of interest amongst the other golfers out on the Braids. Whilst going to collect a ball that went slightly too far left on the 3rd, we had a wee chat with three young guns going up the 7th. They were admiring the classy pencil bags that had come with the clubs and asked what the special event was. After explaining that we were having a hickory club challenge, one of them said "it's great to see all these beautiful old bags out today". Probably the best compliment any of us has had for a while 😆.
The scores were pretty tight but the winning team (gross 35, I kid you not!) was Karina, Sue F (the secret weapon but dressed, somewhat disloyally, in US team colours) and Janet. Runners up were the team comprising Anne B, Viv C and Lesley. A great event - thank you, Anne.
