Originally Published on July 29, 2017 by ranchomurieta.com

Diaries written by: Don Thames

​​​​

FINAL DAYS:

​
Bridgend, Wales – British Open Tower

Cutting the TV tower's coverings to keep the wind from carrying it away.

To neglect reporting on the highest score of my career would not be very sporty. To call it ghastly would be an extreme understatement. The wind-swept sheets of water from the sea and rain from above managed to buffet and soak all in their forceful path. At times the wind speed reached 60 mph. From the ninth hole forward the rain and wind increased and the ball oscillated and moved on every green that was at all exposed. 

​

After a four-putt on the second from 150 feet and a wait of a half-hour on the fifth tee, I knew the day would be long and punishing. We were in the last pairing of the day at 3:40 and without a doubt suffered the worst draw in the field as it rained all day and the wind increased in speed hole by hole. The most important putt I had all day came on the 18th.  Purely from a numbers standpoint, the nine-foot downhiller was for an 89. The putt itself was straight but played directly into the fierce wind.  I had to play the putt to a spot some five feet beyond the hole in order to reach it. Unfortunately, it failed to find the calm and cold bottom of the cup. 

​

Even after a slow start, I rallied with a string of pars and a birdie before I approached the ninth hole. It is a par five of 468 yards for the members, converted to a par four. The tee was sheltered and all three of us misplayed the wind and sailed our drives into the gorse on the right. I went on to make a quadruple bogey 8, and from there it did not get any better. Carole informed me after the round that I went some 10 over par in a stretch of four holes. Another example of the extreme conditions came on the 15th hole, a par four of 458 yards into the wind. I had 115 yards for my third and played a small five iron. At one point on the 15th green, the television tower shuddered so hard with the wind that the material covering the scaffold had to be cut to allow the winds to blow through. Still quivering, one of the players stopped play and summoned a referee to ask for a drop out of fear for his safety. Eventually the marshals asked all his mates who were following the round to stand on the scaffolding until we had finished putting out. Enough of the bad news, as it pains me slightly to think about it. “Crying’s not for me, cuz I’m never gonna stop the rain by complaining.”

​

Thus, taken in perspective, I can be proud that I did not give up. Carole was there every step of the way and did her best to encourage me and served me something that was foreign to my caddie and playing companions: celery and Skippy Peanut Butter. This may start a new craze across the pond. She also fortified me with three nips of Jack Daniels Honey when things got especially tough. A long time ago, I learned to not get embarrassed about golf. With that in mind, the whole experience from start to finish was something that I only could dream of until now. The people we met were fantastic and I believe some will become lifelong friends. The golf courses were amazing. I have never played true links golf until now.

​

The round ended in darkness and was drawn out for 10 minutes shy of six hours.  My caddie and concierge/agent, Dan and Kieron, led us back to the Vale resort in the night with a proper cocktail in mind. Both of the boys were entertaining and turned a regrettable scoring result into a fun and memorable evening.  We all swapped stories over some pints and Jack.  Finally, Dan played the piano and Carole and I danced. A good deal later, around 2 a.m., we retired. 

​

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our friends, RMCC members and the entire Rancho Murieta community for all of your well wishes and support. 

​​

Cheers,
Don and Carol​