Toby Anstis' Blog

I hate golf.

Four of us sneaked in a quick nine holes after work yesterday evening. Beautiful setting down by Chiswick Bridge, sun setting over the lake, long shadows on the greens, but what a mess I made of my round. Started ok, then it just fell apart. And the worst thing as any learner golfer will tell you is when there are poeple watching you tee off. You just know the ball's going to fly off into the water or into the beer garden at the back of the club house, straight into a nice lady's white wine spritzer! Got close to both last night. Rubbish. We all cheered my friend Paul who hit the flag pole from the 7th tee. (Blimin fluke that was!)

And then laughed when I hit mine almost sideways. So frustrating. Did pick up over the final two holes.

But it is such a nice social thing. Wondering around the course in the early evening sunshine, chatting about Carol Vorderman and the price of petrol. Was amazed at how many women were playing last night, cause I guess golf is often thought of as a bit of man's game. Not at all. Equal  number of men and women last night. Good to see. Although newlyweds should look out. It could all end in tears. This couple up ahead of us were having a bit of to-do about shots and who should take their's first.(all this golf ettiquette you see... still a very civilised game). Maybe better idea to really establish the marriage before taking to the course.

I reckon they only put lakes on golf courses to get people's balls. There must be hundreds at the bottom of this particular one. Bet they stick a frogman in there first every morning just to get them all out. Why not just have  more bunkers. Can't lose a ball in the sand. Well I can, but I'm the exception!

Then at the end of the round, there's something quite satisfying about shaking hands with your friends and getting them to buy you a pint of beer and a packet of mini-cheddars in the club house. All very pleasent on a warm summer's evening.

Oh, how thirtysomething!

Have fun

Toby

Posted by Toby Anstis on July 30, 2008 at 09:10AM

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