Sherfield Oaks GC, Hampshire

After 36 weeks, golf is the first sport to hit the 100% for enjoyment, which was partly because of the beer deliveries every other hole, but also because after a rough start I did manage to hit a few decent drives, an escape or two from a bunker and some putts under pressure. This was my father-in-laws stag do, and it was an early start at the Sherfield Oaks GC, with our group teeing off third, and my first shot barely clearing the women’s tee. After the tee shot on the second went into a pond, I was worried I would be in for a long day, but a couple of decent drives between the fourth and ninth holes got me back on track before the beers started to kick in. I managed to par a couple of holes and only take six shots on two of the monstrous par fives, but my best achievement was only to lose three balls, and to somehow win the longest drive competition. Beginners luck is the only explanation, and maybe the excellent clubs and forgiving driver I’d been leant, but it made for a decent day, in good company, and my favourite sport of the year to date.