On 1st March 2023

McMillan Shield Report at Thaxted Park

Sunday, the McMillan Shield was played at Thaxted Park. Once again, the weather was perfect. We had a couple of new players in our team and it was great for them to experience match play.

This week we were up against the Country team and although they had to give us quite a few shots the competition was extremely close finishing in a draw.

We have a new weekly ritual for the players with the titles of Mr. Happy & Mr. Grumpy (and matching mugs) awarded each week.

Brandon Van Den Berg played at one for us against Tom Quinton. Both Brandon and Tom played some fantastic golf and although Brandon fought hard to the end, Tom eventually took victory 3&2. 

At number two we had Campbell Hossack against Lucy Keylock. Again, both players played some great golf but both battled reading the greens. With a constant smile on his face and incredibly positive demeanor Campbell came out on top winning 2&1 and also earning the Mr. Happy mug for this week!

Riley Trimmer played at number 4 against Imogen Burgess. Riley played well and had the advantage of a caddy who is very good at reading greens securing our second win for the day 5&3.

At number 5 we had new comer Jayden McGrath playing Hudson Seidel. Hudson played incredibly well having several birdies and taking the win for country 10&8, but despite the loss Jayden had an excellent attitude and learnt a lot on the day.

Charlie Leonard was our reserve for the day playing against Victor Duval. He managed a 5&4 victory and kept us laughing throughout the day.

I have left Mitch Munn until last even though he played at number 3. He played against Brady Gray. Both players struggled with the difficult greens and it was an up and down match all day. Winning the 17th to get back to all square Mitch made a clutch up and down holing a 20-foot putt on the 18th to put the pressure on his opponent who then managed to also hole his putt to square the match resulting in a draw.

We were unable to award the Mr. Grumpy mug this week as attitudes were exceptional (and we decided caddies were not eligible).

The boys answered questions again for me this week;

  1. What did you find challenging about the course?
  2. What did you like about the course?
  3. In one word some up your day today!

There responses are below;

Brandon

  1. The greens were challenging, they sloped a lot.
  2. It was a nice walk – I enjoyed the length of the holes.
  3. Exciting.

Cam

  1. Reading the greens was very difficult.
  2. I enjoyed how open the fairways were.
  3. Good.

Mitch

  1. The greens were very hard to read.
  2. I liked the fairways and loved the par 3, 15th hole.
  3. Rollercoaster.

Riley

  1. The amount of out of bounds fences!
  2. The shortness of the course and the layout generally.
  3. Enjoyable.

Jayden

  1. The greens.
  2. It was a challenge.
  3. Educational.

Charlie

  1. There were lots of trees.
  2. It was very different to Glenelg.
  3. Fun.

The boys once again represented the club with determination, sportsmanship, and a supportive team attitude. It is a pleasure week after week to be involved with this fantastic team.

Christine Trimmer