A fantastic weekend.
Welshpool was great fun but, as advertised, extremely hilly. Some really good golf there but a couple of holes that just felt like a hike up the hill (3 and 4). Obviously my enjoyment of the course was improved enormously by recording the best Stableford score of the morning, to see the North take an early lead, albeit a slime one, that was never relinquished. Two convincing wins for the North in the afternoon's matches.
Kington was every bit as good a host course for BUDA as I had thought it would be. It's easy to assume that Kington is all quirk but, in fact, there's some really, really excellent golf there. It calls for intelligent play and deft touch but offers the opportunity for heroic shots, too. The greens were, without any doubt, the best greens I have putted on this year, firm, quick (really quick) and incredibly true.
A few highlights: Tony's eagle (net albatross) at Kington's 8th in our match on Saturday morning. Gregor driving the 17th at Welshpool and then not only carrying a driver onto the 18th at Kington into the wind but holding it there, too (shame about the 3 putt). Lighthouse Bill's 4 birdies as he and I demolished Conrad and Robin yesterday (and they played pretty well). Fin making three birdies in the last two holes at Kington yesterday (the first two matches were over by then and both groups played 18 twice).
One final thought about Kington's 18th. We all know that The Yank thinks it's the best 18th hole in golf and I wouldn't argue with him. But is it also true that the view from the clubhouse, watching tee shots from the 18th tee is as enjoyable a place to drink a beer and watch players finish as there is anywhere?
Both clubs were incredibly hospitable and the cost of the trip (5 rounds of golf, bacon rolls and sandwiches and chips and Welshpool, soup and sandwiches then sandwiches and chips at Kington for £122) must make it the best value golf trip I have ever been on!
Thanks to Sean for all his efforts in making this happen. My only regret is that so many couldn't make the trip because of this damn virus.