2015 - Taupo

The Golf

Jesse Ryder Cup Winners: Slicks

Jesee Ryder Cup Runners Up: Hicks

Winning Margin: 8.5 - 7.5

Gold Jacket Winner: Patty

Winning Net Score: by a canter

Courses: Taupo; Wairakei; Kinloch

Date: 16-20 November 2015

The Kapitulation at Kinloch

The Hicks had it in the bag until the unthinkable happened. Going into the singles with a 5 point lead, the Hicks had the Slicks on the ropes and were really to deliver the final, lethal blow. But the Slicks were having none of it and won 6 of the 8 singles matches to complete a famous come-from-behind victory. It is safe to say they were pretty happy about it too, and rightly cel ebrated in style.

Aside from one of the great sporting comebacks, Taupo will be remembered for the "Jesus ball", with Crash peforming something akin to a miracle by skimming his ball across the lake back to the safety of the fairway. The kind of shot that dreams are made of.

Course Ratings

Taupo was a lovely little track. Nothing special, but delivered all we wanted. Good value for money.

Wairakei is one of the best courses I've played and definitely the best Grim has played. A magnificent course in the heart of a nature reserve, it really has it all. Top notch stuff.

Kinloch was bloody hard. So. Many. Bunkers. At times it felt like we were playing a giant minigolf course. That aside there were some great elevated tees affording some memorable views and overall a pass mark for the course, but maybe best left to those after a pure golfing experience rather than a day out with the boys.

2015 Taupo

The Not Golf

Places of interest

- Wairakei golf course. I'd happily spend the night in its warm embrace.

- We seriously didn't get out much this trip.

Highlights included

- Having no grasp on the concept of how much Jager for the awards ceremony meant a massive over-indulgence and a premature end to the night with most of lads succumbing to being grossly intoxicated.

- Hardly leaving the house. There seemed to be little nightlife so many a good time was had back at the house. It's amazing how something as simple as a low-hanging light can amuse 16 guys for hours.

- The surprise reveal of t-shirts for the winning team, with the Slicks really giving it to the Hicks upon presentation of the cup.