First Day Back at School in Oz

As the children in Adelaide go back to school England Captain Jonathan Plaxton continues his daily reports:

“First day back at school for children in Oz today and the weather reports say not to worry as it’ll be a poor day!  I don’t think so!!! A cooler day yes (20 degrees) but still so bright we needed sunglassese and warm with just a cool breeze off the sea. A great day after yesterday’s very warm 30 degrees with a warm wind from inland.

Whereas Royal Adelaide was marketed as the venue for The Eisenhower everything is actually focused around The Grange where all admin is located and facilities are of a scale capable of accommodating bigger numbers.  As a member’s club where many are acting as volunteers to assist (Ladies’ Capt was our starter yesterday) the reception has been very good even after last week’s loss of their playing rights when The Ladies took over the place! The course (Grange) is resiliant and in excellent condition despite all of last week’s ‘traffic’. Both courses are slightly inland with a good sandy base but surrounded by residential properties with gazebos and sun screens as opposed to decking or conservatories!!! We are told to take care when venturing ‘off piste’ but there is little in the way of rough ground as its mostly pine straw or sand waste land. 

One conversation between players will be of interest. When asked how many golf courses there are in The Cook Islands the young player replied in broken English there were nine. It subsequently transpired he meant holes as opposed to courses!!!!!

Once on the course (10th tee at 11.30) we had absolutely no problem following the ball in flight against such a blue sky! Following a five hole warm up some sense of more purpose / increased focus was required so a round robin match play event was hatched with each player pitting their wits against the others. Luke (who had not played the course previously) was on the receiving end of both his opponents 2 and 1 whilst Sam came back from two down to beat Dale 2 up. The two courses are similar but the two clubs differ emmensly with RA being akin to Royal Birkdale and The Grange along the lines of Foxhills for those who know it! I.e more corporate bias. After food we had a comprehensive debrief and discussion about the course with planners updated and notes added. Each player now has a detailed plan and course strategy which we will put to the test in our final practice sessions over the next 2 days. Good news that Paul Waring finished 6th at Madrid as we watched TV whilst eating. Team putting practice for 1 hour and then a return to the apartments in our hire car (a big Ford 4×4 as opposed to the Passat we booked!) Despite a couple of wrong turns no problems driving over here (on the left) but the car park is tight to say the least!! Evenimg dinner at The Tap Inn which is a golf themed pub/restaurant incorporating an indoor driving range! Strawberry milk shakes all round and a trick shot session on the range followed by an early night for all. Night! JP”

Follow the official news and updates from the Eisenhower Trophy that starts Thursday morning local time in Adelaide on the official website of the International Golf Federation.