The Winners Final Story: Ashby Decoy

It was not looking good when we were travelling down from Scunthorpe on the Friday morning for a practice, with Him upstairs opening the heavens to try and dampen our spirits.

After an hour’s trip, the gods smiled on us as we started our practice round in bright, sunny weather.

None of our team had played the course before, and we were in for a pleasant surprise as the course opened up to us.

We had played eight holes when the rain returned, but it didn’t last long. It was very clear to us that this course was going to be a challenge. Only one of our players adapted well, scoring three birdies and plenty of pars. The greens were very tricky, but in great condition.

We were up bright and early on Sunday, looking forward to a good match. Breakfast was put away and what a great one it was.

All the games were played in the true spirit of this great competition and were very tight. Our team gave the chaps from Brierley Forest 58 shots overall, so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

I went out last, and it wasn’t until the 11th hole that we started to get some feedback—the games were going even-steven. I would like to thank the Brierley Forest team for a great match, played in the true spirit of golf.

I was the last match out, playing against Stuart, who kindly supplied me with a rangefinder before we started, I had left mine at Brierley in the semi-final. It proved to be a very tight contest. Ashby went four up after six games, but no one told us. As Stuart and I reached the 18th tee, the match was still in the balance. Stuart won the last hole, and neither of us had any idea how things stood, I was upset at losing, and Stuart was hoping his side had won.

My team were stood on the veranda with sad faces, giving nothing away. and when I saw my team standing outside the clubhouse looking a bit gloomy, I thought we had lost. But to my surprise, our result wasn’t needed. What a relief and what a surprise! It wasn’t until I asked how we had got on that they finally let on—before bursting into laughter because we had actually won!

All the games were played in the true spirit of this great competition and were very close throughout. Our team gave the chaps from Brierley Forest 58 shots overall, so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

This was our first experience of the finals, and it lived up to everything we had been told—an excellent experience all round.