Friday
Didn’t sleep well Thursday night — bed after 10:30pm and alarm set for 1:15am! Up and out on time though: picked up Paul Creed in Kennington and then Wayne in Risinghurst before heading to Gatwick. Great airport pickup — smooth and easy — and we were soon through security and in the pub having a pint and breakfast at 4:30am.
Short flight and picked up by Paul and Pauline. Nice catch-up on the way to the villa. Me and Creedy sharing again — I brought earplugs this time: strong tactical move.
Straight up to Son Parc for golf: paid for 9 holes but managed to sneak another 9 — success. Sadly no t-shirt available this year which was disappointing. Tough course with different grass, and I struggled more than I hoped. Tried to stay positive but truthfully felt a bit deflated after looking forward to it all year. Wayne and I played the full 18 while the two Pauls left after the 10th.
Back to the villa, quick shower, then down to BJ’s for 6:00pm for the official start and team draw. Nice to see familiar faces. Paired with Jack Everton (excellent golfer), plus another Adam West (Batman!!) and a lady called Sue Rogers. Fish and chips, a couple of beers (first fish was still frozen — typical!). Early-ish night.
Saturday
Slept well. Up early, breakfast, and off to the course. I teed off about 90 minutes before my slot, so had plenty of time to practise and watch the earlier groups.
Our team for the main event: me, Jack, Adam, and Sue. Putting challenge first — no one holed out unfortunately. Then onto the first tee: I hit a solid drive down the middle which set Jack up to properly go for it — that became our pattern. I was “steady Eddie”, letting Jack take the hero shots. Felt good that a lot of my shots counted. Sue struggled but she was great company and we had a laugh in the buggy.
We made a lot of pars but not enough birdies. Played better than Friday though, so happier overall.
Finished around 4pm and I bought the first round at the bar. Then back to BJ’s where everyone gathered, beers flowing, great atmosphere. Quick dash back to freshen up then back out — got properly drunk. Wayne & Amanda arrived and joined in. Ate next door then back to BJ’s until closing (well, me at least!).
Walked home alone and, once back, stuck headphones on and had a private “afterparty” with a couple more beers. Apparently I was singing now and then and Paul and Pauline could hear me — they were in stitches. Absolutely steaming. Bed after 3:00am.
Sunday
Woke late. Lads went for a walk but I tried to sleep off the hangover. Eventually went for a wander to the beach myself, grabbed a coffee, very windy — storm coming.
Then down to BJ’s for presentation day. Started drinking again (topped up quickly). Results were incredibly close — we came SECOND! Only half a point behind first. Very happy with that. Creedy’s team won and Wayne’s came third — big day for the Oxford lot!
Tapas and more beers served. After that, the memory gets hazy… I know there was pizza and a bit of pool. Back around midnight. And yes — another late headphone session outside by the pool.
Monday
Rough morning. But no day off, so set myself up in the front room and worked all day while the others went out. Wouldn’t have been able to do the trip without working, so fair enough. Maybe next year I’ll book the Monday off too.
Power nap (not much sleep). Group meal out in the evening — I stuck to shandy/coke and couldn’t face food. I paid as a thank you to Paul and Pauline. Back to villa and bed. Fingers crossed I didn’t make a total idiot of myself the previous two nights…
Tuesday
Home day. Up early and left at 7:30am. Smooth airport experience. Skipped food — didn’t trust my stomach and the paninis looked awful anyway! Slept most of the flight. Car collection easy and dropped Creed and Wayne off before heading home.
Reflection
Just a brilliant weekend — great golf, amazing company, loads of laughs, a strong finish for our team… and perhaps a touch too much celebrating! Would absolutely love to do it all again next year.
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