One who did not pussy out was Molenaar, owning second place and in "hot" pursuit, only 777 points and change behind the swaggering Flavin. Looking to make a statement alas, he stumbled. His hopes of slash and burning the points gap were scuttled like the stands of trees around the course, decimated by the reason storms.
He was not alone, the bulk of the field struggled around the course which although in reasonable condition and with the sun shining, is a consistently tricky lay out with golf ball hungry ravines and water hazards, not to mention some of the malevolent beasts encountered by Donnelly, deep in the pines where the sun don't ever shine.
One pro looking to make a move, secreting confidence with his local knowledge was angry Josh McAlpine. Perhaps he was over confident, trying to have his was with the course like he was a Roastbuster on the front nine, his grip it and rip it approach came unstuck and some big numbers were scribbled on the score card. Pressure off, he came roaring back with a sizz-a-ling 3 over, 22 stabey back nine to get in the prizes.
The leader in the clubhouse by a country mile was Turtle after he turned in a magnificent 42 points, including a by all accounts sensational birdie 2 for 5 points on the long par 3 5th. But as the last group ascended the stairs it was obvious, we had a new contender, when dapper Dave Eddington came in grinning like himself when reviewing his most recent payday. His whopping (by anyone other than Matt Taylor's standards) 43 point haul taking out the honours. From memory, it was then daylight back to the also-rans on 35 points.
Bring on Wainui, The Jeff Schermers Memorial December 6th, party at Dempsey's after.
(Thanks to the substitute Mole for the report... far better than the