Soft 'n' Soggy

It is obvious that the monsoon/summer is now here. The numbers playing are dropping rapidly. We had 9 mongrels on the 1st tee box this week and next week there will be even fewer but............. I can assure you, the show will go on !!!

It was very humid out on the course but I am told that the temperature was kinder yesterday compared to the previous week. This is reflected by the scores which were generally good despite the slightly soggy conditions. It would appear that 'preferred lies' help !!! At the rear end was Ian Wright who came in with 18 points to lay claim to the 'Doodoo' trophy. New Dog, Diane (?) of Belgium also managed 18 points but beat Ian on count back. Graham Mackenzie came in with 21 saving a movement in his handicap !!! At the head of the pack Pascale missed out on the balls on count back from Gary on 32 points ( aren't we lucky we chopped her last week after all !!!). In 2nd place we had Curly Whurly with 33 points and Leader of the Pack was Philippe on 35 points !!! A staggering effort considering that after his performance on Friday he was a serious contender for the Doodoo and had to be threatened with dire consequences had he failed to turn up to play !! Well done Philippe. As will be announced shortly by Matahari there will be handicap adjustments !!!

For those of you still in the country, we will play again next week at the same time at the same place. I look forward to seeing you there. For those of you who have escaped.... we do hope you are having heaps of fun... honestly !!!

Tarry toasted

With a return to near normality on the golf course I can only put the low scoring down to rust after a one week lay-off – apart from Pascale who might have had a one day lay off. Before I get to the mediocrity of the many I want to mention a couple of points. With the high turnover in caddies and ballboys at present some of them may not be aware of the quirks of the DOGS. So please let them know at the first tee that during DOGS rounds only DOGS should touch the ball (other than when giving up at a hole). So please ensure you make any adjustments due to preferred lie etc or even marking the ball on the green by yourself and not by them.

Having been bullied all week by Kate to introduce a new format I fully resisted her endeavours but suggest that we consider having a couple of other formats occasionally – bogey competition – Texas scramble – fourballs in the winter might help us get round faster in the early nights – I’ll leave it to individuals to lobby top dog on their preferences.

To the action – and action there was – Mike Tarr(d)y spent so much energy getting to the course to avoid a fine (which he got anyway) he completely ran out of energy on the 18th and took an impromptu 40 winks – as Kate was not to hand there is some uncertainty as to whether Phillipe applied the kiss of life – or even a French kiss – o.k. enough of that lets not go there. Congratulations to the DOGS who immediately mobilised themselves to help recover the distressed pup and return him to a safe kennel for re-hydration (Mike - I’ll have a shandy) and especially to Curly Whurly who gave up the ice for his drink for the good cause. A word of warning from our HSE maestro is that we should be looking to consume around 3 litres of fluid (excluding alcohol) per round – please keep this in mind and start drinking early even if you don’t feel like it – you can always go to the toilet if there is any excess at the end.

To the scores – and there are some who would like to reach that magical figure. After much dedication to the cause but with a more than unjust amount of bad luck it is with regret I have to say Brian resumed acquaintance with an old friend [Dog Doo Doo] with a score of 15. However that selfless act saved Rob Jones from his first visit from that unwanted guest who lost on countback to Ian Wright both with 19. As I found myself comfortably in the middle of the pack of 16 pups with a massive 22 it should come as no surprise to learn that the balls start being awarded in the twenties as well. Step forward OK with a lowly (for her) 28 and 3rd place. Now to the real shocker of the week – Mr Tarry comes second with a very decent 31 and no return on the 18th which could have pushed our one and only Pascale into second as she picked up leader of the pack with 33. However, not that she needs any more new balls, she grabbed an extra couple for nearest the pin.

Given her runaway success under such conditions there was much barking for a 2 stroke cut for her but she requested that it be referred to that old softy top dog in the hope she can keep that down to one on the basis she is already below 20. We’ll see whether the old mongrel has had successful swishing on his return and feels generous enough to grant her wish.

I have also had a first go at setting a separate stroke index for the lassies and would be willing to have a discussion about it at sometime if there is a consensus it would be useful. Lets talk about it next time you see me as I may be away for the next couple of weeks (Gus)

Monsoon Mutts

It is the morning after the night before..... a big thank you to Lisette and Ian for a great Dogs dinner... a fun night, great food and as always wonderful company. The only problem is some of us have to work today and for some peculiar reason I am having a wee problem focusing the mind !!!

The golf was a bit of a wash out.... the pack was spread around various locations on the front 9 when the storm hit and we were drenched. After enduring the torrential rain for half an hour or so 10 of the 17 dogs packed their bags and walked, much to the chagrin and dismay of 7 mutts who opted to continue wading around the course. Curly Whurly showed what the Irish are made of by producing the best score he has had in many a long while..... 35 points. [Hence he is Leader of the Pack for this week.] This was a fantastic score in such conditions. My understanding is that the others didn't fare so well [, but this doesn't matter as the non-Monsoon Mutts share the Dog DooDoo of the week for non-completion].

I will be out of the country on business for the next 2 weekends but the golf is booked at Kurmitola for this coming Saturday at the usual time. 3 Putt Pete has kindly agreed to be Top Dog.