It's here. After many weeks of anticipation, build-up and excitement, 10 intrepid golfers were ready to take on whatever challenges La Quinta could throw at them. The 2014 Harey Cup was underway.
Much speculation had surrounded the all-important running order so, once the whole party had arrived late on Thursday night, the matches were announced ahead of Friday's play.
In Match 1, Richie (2013 losing captain and keeper of spreadsheets), representing Team Spy, took on Mark from Team Tom. Richie started strongly and was 3 up after 4. It then fell apart a bit, Mark playing very solidly to win the next two holes and peg Richie back.
The last three holes of the front nine were tight but, with some characteristically wayward play from both, the lead remained slender at the turn. With the bit between his teeth, Richie accelerated to reopen a three-hole lead and, despite Mark battling back, the inclement weather didn't help matters and Richie eventually triumphed 3&2 to get the first point for Team Spy.
Match 2, the first of the fourball games, saw James & Andy renew their golfing acquaintance for Team Spy against Charlie and captain Tom. Tom started very strongly with back-to-back pars, taking advantage of sloppy hungover play from Andy & James to be 3-up after 3 holes. A turning point was the 5th, both Charlie and Tom leaving tee shots short of the red tees, resulting in short droppage. Andy's fine par on that long par-5 sparked the fightback; a near ace from James on the short 6th followed by two straight pars brought the match back to all square.
Despite good golf from Andy & James after the weather turned for the worse, the lead was never more than 2 holes and fine play from Charlie on the 15th threatened to make the final holes nervous for Team Spy until James drained a birdie on the 17th to guarantee a half point. The long par 5 final hole was too much for the high handicappers, a par from James securing a 2-hole win.
In the third & final match, debutant Geoff carried captain Phil against Nick (obviously) and Simon (Immodium's marquee signing for the tour). Nick decided his opening tee shot from last year's singles was a benchmark to aim for, an ugly shank leading to an early lead for Team Spy. With Geoff playing solidly, Nick struggling for rhythm and Simon still suffering from the night before, Phil's lack of participation wasn't really a problem, the match ebbing & flowing around a 1-hole lead. Phil found some form on the back nine, coincidentally at the same time that the driver & hybrid were locked away to ensure a tense finish. Simon shook off the bowel issues to nearly drive the green on the 300yd 16th followed by Nick pipping James to the nearest the pin on the 17th. Luckily for him, the failure to convert the birdie chance wasn't costly and the match was all square on the final tee. Geoff's luck ran out on the last hole and, having not let the earlier club breakage affect his play, it was left to Phil to keep the game alive. An aggressively celebrated putt forced Nick or Simon to hole out and, under some considerable pressure, Nick drained his Dennis Wise to secure a point and prevent a whitewash for Team Spy.
So, as predicted by your author, a 2-1 lead for Team Spy and the contest is very much alive...unlike many of the team this morning after last night's excursion to Puerto Banus. Day 2 awaits and, thankfully, afternoon tee times to allow the requisite recovery.
I am the Part-Time Golfer
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