The 15th tour of the Hunter Valley is over and it turned out to be one of the toughest tours ever with the scores reflecting either how tough it was or how weak and fragile we really are when seriously challenged. 

With an overall tour average of 24.4 we really didn't show much resilience as a group, although it must be said that we were terrorised at Cypress Lakes by the greens and the fact that it took between 6 hours 20 minutes and 6 1/2 hours to get around - that is just a disgraceful fact for which the course administrators cannot be excused.

All 3 courses were in great condition and are a credit to the efforts of the greens staff although the pin placements at Cypress Lakes were in some cases, simply ludicrous - particularly for a resort course on a Sunday. The greens at all 3 were very quick and difficult to judge for pace but at Cypress Lakes they were almost unmanageable with the ball rolling right out leaving many difficult 4 and 5 foot putts. I heard of one experience of 49 putts and personally I had 44 after having had 27 the day before at Hunter Valley. By Monday at the Vintage we were mentally and physically scarred and offered little resistance to the tough conditions, although the pace of play was not a problem and the first 2 groups got through in 4 1/2 hours.

The accommodation at Potters Brewery was good although some of us had to shower in a bath which I personally hate for safety reasons. The bistro food, in my experience, was excellent and we were well treated by the staff.

Garry Ashford won his first tour championship after two great rounds to open the tour but had to work hard at The Vintage to hold off Geoff Herbert to win by a point. Angus Cox won the special Ray Rutledge Memorial event donated by Peter McLoughlin and Trevor Porter collected his 2nd tour NAGA.

The RED team won the teams event for the second year running.

Peter McLoughlin and Dennis Ashford shared the Social Director's duties when Dennis was forced to withdraw from the playing group after injuring his shoulder and Trevor Porter did his usual superb job handling the money. Peter also generously donated the hot finger food at the presentation before the drive home on the last day and that was very much appreciated by all.

The efforts of Peter, Dennis and Trevor make my job much less stressful and I appreciate their help.

Despite the scoring difficulties, John Vallins registered a rare 5 pointer on the 12th hole at Cypress Lakes and received just a $30 skin for the feat. There were a few 4 pointers over the 3 days but the biggest skin of the tour ($70) went to a 3 pointer.

The tour was still a success, but I strongly suspect that three days was enough this time for most of us.
   
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