The 13th edition of TML saw our happy band of brothers head north once more, this time to Western Gailles in Ayrshire. Not many of the Gentlemen Members could honestly profess to have even heard of this links before but it turned out to be one of the best we’ve ever played and witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes in TML history.

 

We stayed at a local hotel which you could walk home to from the golf course (if you were brave enough). Despite the continuing Covid-related restrictions we managed to entertain ourselves between the twin-bases of the hotel and the golf course. The staff at both were great and we basically had the run of both. It would be remiss not to mention the traditional mince dish that Woodsy ordered one lunchtime. It’s fair to say that no one of us had ever seen, tasted or smelled anything like it before.

 

Out on the links (as far away from the mince as one could manage) we witnessed a battle royale that will stand the test of time. Darren Hayward-Rodgers (aka Dazzler, aka DHR, aka Stavros) blew the field away on the first day with a fantastic 36 points. Those present attested to one of the most solid rounds in TML history, with barely a mis-step. However, the night between the first and second rounds often does funny things to a man and so it was to prove once again. By the time the final group reached the tee on the 36th hole the tournament was wide open and it was quite literally anyone’s game. Dazzler held a one-shot lead over Bazza and both left themselves with mid-irons into the green. Neither of them acquitted themselves as they might have wished but crucially Dazzler found the front apron whilst Bazza found the front left bunker. From there the latter possibly tried to be too cute and took two to escape, meaning that the former could afford to 3-putt from about 40 feet. The relief on our new champion golfer’s face was palpable as he graciously accepted the claret jug, praising his opponents for their brave challenge and forcing him to raise his game. As a footnote: if Rolfey had secured a point on the 36th he’d have forced a play-off. Oh, and if he’d secured 2 points he would have won outright. At least I think that’s the case. I could be wrong. It’s not like he mentioned it.

 

Scores:

1. Dazzler: 36, 29: 65

2. Rolfey:  29, 35:  64

3. Barry: 31, 33: 64

4. Daver: 27, 36: 63

5. Gaz: 32, 30: 62

6. Flex: 30, 25: 55

7. Bryn: 24, 30: 54

8. Woodsy: 21, 29: 50

9. Ant: 28, 20: 48

10. Beast: 19, 28: 47

11. Richie: 25, 17: 42

12. AJ: 13, 11: 24