A win for a first timer: Rotherham Golf Club
Sunshine and a friendly welcome greeted us as we entered the magnificent clubhouse at Rotherham Golf Club. The memorabilia around the bar, celebrating Danny Willet’s 2016 Masters victory, inspired our members as they prepared for the golfing test ahead.
The course was beautifully manicured and the superb greens were true and quick. Another close contest developed with all competitors in with a shout of leaderboard points throughout the round.
The third hole provided the backdrop to our first nearest the pin contest. A tough 170 yard par 3 meant that with the last group to come through, the marker was still a long way from the pin. Seeing an opportunity to get an early prize, Allan Underwood was up to the task and got his name on the board.
As the wind got up, the course began to show its teeth but gave some good birdie opportunities for those holes downwind. The lead was constantly changing as we got into the latter stages of the round.
The second nearest the pin prize was on the tight fourteenth. Once again, it was left to the final group to take the prize. A well struck iron from Michael Goodare got a little bit of help from the slope to leave him only one foot from the pin.
With a tight finish on the cards, the early starters gathered with their drinks on the patio overlooking the 18 th to see the drama develop. As we all gathered there was a four way tie at the top of the leaderboard. On a back nine count back debutant, Lee Hayes, secured top spot with Hugh Spillane taking the runners up spot.
