The Walton Shield, a mixed pairs match play competition, became the first of the summer knockouts to be finalised when Jude McManus and Paul Stanford successfully defended their trophy against Ange and Bob Smith.
As they posed for the obligatory photo on the 1st tee, barely audible above a gentle breeze rustling the leaves on nearby trees, came the words, “Please, please, please, let me get what I want” from Bob’s lips.
But it was first blood to Jude as she rolled in a putt for a net par at the 2nd. Bob’s imprecation was answered when, after three shared holes, he won the 6th hole. His joy proved to be short-lived as Paul rolled in a birdie putt at the 7th to restore their lead before a par at the 9th extended it.
Although Jude’s tee shots unerringly hit the fairways, it was Paul’s approach play – often from light rough – that proved to be the difference between the pairs. He won both 11 and 12 with pars, at which point Bob said “I know it’s over” to Ange. She, however, was not in “Panic” mode, and a net birdie at the 13th reduced the arrears to four down.
Two shared holes later, and Jude and Paul were all smiles following their 4&3 win while the strains of “Heaven knows, I’m miserable now” could be heard as the Smiths left the 15th green.
As ever in this competition, the match was played in the best of spirits.
Pictured below are both pairs on the 1st tee before the match, and Paul and Jude with the trophy and celebratory drinks after the round as the cover photograph.
(L-R) Paul, Jude, Ange and Bob,
Deryck Hall
Match Referee