Round Norfolk summer golf round 16 at Bury St Edmunds

The Sunshine Invitational

Round Norfolk summer golf round 16 took place at Bury St Edmunds on Thursday. It was an all male affair with a small field of four. It was good to welcome back John H who has been playing on the European tour.

He hadn't lost any of his usual form since he has been away with 4 blobs in the first 7 holes. This led to some fruity language and a few clubs being thumped and thrown. However 5 points in the last couple of holes got his front 9 score into double figures with 11 points.

Johns opening drive ends up in the trees on the way to an opening blob

Having John back took the pressure of Kevin who was able to keep calm without the added pressure of being chief club abuser. After starting with a tidy par he was unable to make much progress with a series of bogeys. This included an embarrassing air shot when his club got stuck in the branches of a tree on his back swing. His 14 points kept him in the running.

Kevin manages to hit the ball despite a white butterfly fluttering past

Bob was playing off his shiny new handicap of 17. Kevin kindly reminded him, frequently, that he wouldn't be getting a shot on the short par 3 9th. His mind game tactics backfired when Bob sunk his putt from the edge of the green for a birdie to give him 16 pts at halfway.

Bob gets out of a bunker as the players all went in several

Vince was in top front 9 form again and after an opening hole blob went on to score 2 or 3 points on the next 8 holes for 20 points before we approached the trickier back 9. He is already looking a strong contender on the best front and back 9 competition, at least on the front part.

Vince hits out of the trees on the 3rd

Although he had a few wobbles on the back 9 and no 3 pointers, Vince had done enough and his total of 34 was clear of the field. His win has also put him well clear at the top of the money list but the fat lady hasn't sung yet.

The competition for the minor places was much more exciting as John came with a strong run and no more blobs whereas Bob started to fall away as he surprisingly abandoned his 5 wood strategy and opted for the driver again.

John putting for birdie on 11th (he missed)

Kevin was also going along nicely and after a birdie on the short par 5 14th even had a sniff at a win. However a only 2 points over the next 3 holes put pay to that.

Kevin putting for birdie on 14 (he made it)

With one hole to play Bob was on 26, John 27 and Kevin 28. No one gave an inch as first Kevin got his par for second place, then Bob holed a slippery 10 footer for his par leaving John a testing 6 foot putt to secure the 50p third place prize. As he struck the ball it was always heading for the middle of the cup and for once his swearing and club throwing were in celebration.

After another excitings days golf (except from Vince) the tour moves on to Cromer for the British Open where the £5 first prize could really shake up the money list.