The Member's Scramble

As previously recounted, the club's Captain, Patrick Lougue, invited us to play in the member's nine hole scramble on Friday evening.  This was a great opportunity for us to meet members, as well as to see the course in the evening light.  I play a ton of evening golf when home, and was interested in whether there was an equivalent evening culture here.

The separated T and I in order to maximize our exposure to club members, and Patrick placed us in the first two groups out (important in order to maximize the bar time afterwards).  As we awaited people we were concerned that turnout might be so low as to result in cancellation, but they ended up wtih 51 participants, solid turnout on a Friday evening.

Theresa practicing those dastardly 4-footers awaiting the start of the scramble.

Team Ollie:  My teamates on the ninth tee and walking up the night fairwya, Dan, Keith and Ollie, from left to right.

Since we were on the Old Links, I also used the evening light to improve the images of the wild contours of the fairways.  Not sure it helped all that much, but judge for yourselves.

Not a level lie to be found.

Team Thersa in the gloaming (top), and waiting on the 9th tee (bottom).

Our team made two birdies and Theresa's made only one.   The winners made six in nine holes, good shooting regardless of the format. We had good craic (an Irish word meaning fun) over a couple of pints afterwards in the bar, and I had a chance to speak at length with Ollie, our team captain.  He's a Swede who like us has fallen in love with Ballyliffen, and comes here several times a season.  He's a strong player, plays off a 6, and was kind enough to agree to play with me again on Tuesday morning.

I only found out the next day that Ollie is staying with Captain Patrick this trip, and the good Captain will be joining us for our Tuesday game.