Treasure Hill proves a real challenge

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From left: Rob Brown, Tom Herrington and Dave Cooper.
From left: Rob Brown, Tom Herrington and Dave Cooper.

The Tropical Golf Group

Friday, Dec. 8, Treasure Hill – Stableford

We’re winding down the year but things are heating up at Tropical Golf.  Numbers are creeping up and many old friends are back in town, so twenty five hopefuls signed up to head to tricky Treasure Hill.

Last week the group played difficult Mountain Shadow, but there was no rest as Treasure Hill is every bit as difficult.  Many holes have an “hour glass” shaped fairway that narrows down to dangerous territory, requiring a decision to lay up or try to thread the needle. There are also quite a few “dare” holes over hazards that define risk/reward.

Playing off the yellow tees, the course was in very good condition and the greens played quite fast.  Upon arrival there was much concern and confusion since other large golf groups were also there. What was shaping up to be a long slow day self-healed when some groups, with no help from the Starter, decided to tee off on #10. No one broke handicap this day, but several that met or came very close.

In A-Flight (0-16), the returning Rob Brown (c/h 11) had the fewest strokes of the day with 36 points off his enviable handicap.  Andre Van Dyk (16) came second with 35 points and Richard Kubicki (16) rounded out the flight with 33.

Tom Herrington (18) continued his improved form with 36 points in B-Flight (17-24), earned in part by removing his shirt for one mud-splattering shot and sending the caddies running.  Dick Warberg (19) took second on count-back over Mick Coghlan (23), both turning in fine 35 point performances on this tough layout.

Dave Cooper (26) and Barry Elphick (26) both had scores of 36 points from their matching handicaps in C-Flight (25+), with Dave winning on count-back.  Karen Brown (43) added some class to the roll-call by scoring 31 points and earning the third spot in the flight.

Best nines from non-winners again came from Brian Parish and Graham Buckingham.