Mike Firkin Makes a Comeback

Once again, the day started hot and tiring, and that is before we boarded the buses to Treasure Hill. However, conditions did cool slightly later on.

We had one of our smallest fields for quite some time as, after one no-show and two non-competition players, we started with 30 players in two flights with the cut at nineteen.

We were told that this course was in excellent condition presently and, after playing today, there is no argument about that. Although the rough and beyond has started to brown, the fairways are kept green and in great condition. The renovations on the tee boxes has pretty much settled and the greens are superb, running with good pace and true.

The “A” flight saw a return to Links, after a long absence, of John Holmes who immediately made his presence felt by recording a very sound 40 points to easily win the flight. From the same group, his buddy, John Chelo, had a good result to take second place with 36 points.

It seems that this trip there is no keeping Chris Barker out of the placings and he took the only remaining spot in the flight, scoring 32 points to beat last week’s Green Jacket winner, David Bibby on countback.

“B” flight provided the star of the day, Mike Firkin.

After being plagued by frustrating injury/injuries, he came back to the front with a power game and do what very few have done at Treasure Hill, that is to score more than 40 points. His 41 points was way ahead of the rest of the flight and gave him his third Green Jacket.

A big gap then to a three-way tie on 32 points which saw the resultant countbacks going to Richard Dobson in second, 21 points on the back nine, and Tip Briney sneaking ahead of the unlucky Bryan Barrell.

Bryan didn’t miss out though, as he was then the winner of “best front nine” ( non winners) with 17 points, while Len Jones came home stronger to nudge out John Anderson to take “best back nine” (non winners) on countback.

Near pins: John Holmes (2), Colin Service (6), Jim Ferris (13), David Bibby (17)

 “A” Flight (0-19)

 1^st  Place – John Holmes (16 ) -40 pts

2^nd Place – John Chelo (19) -36 pts

3^rd Place – Chris Barker (11) – 32 pts c/back

“B” Flight (20+)

1^st  Place – Mike Firkin (25) – 41 pts

2^nd Place – Richard Dobson (26) – 32 pts c/back

3^rd Place – Tip Briney (26) – 32 pts c/back

As he handed in his card, David Heyes was worried if he had the lowest score of the day. He need not have worried… he did, and Phil didn’t even bother to tease him. But of course, he took it in great spirit as the “wig” was fitted.

Graham Cole deserved the “silly hat” but disappeared before presentations. It’s waiting for him.

Another fine day out, this time at beautiful Treasure Hill.