Another beautiful evening on the hallowed and fast putting green at Royal Wimbledon for the qualifying round of the Public Schools Putting event.

The putting Gods seemed to be working against us earlier in the day:  Captain car trouble caused late arrival and, more importantly, our key +4 golfer sent a message having to pull out due to a severe work problem (a mispriced ALM trade perhaps?) The City is a relentless place of work in the modern age.  In a bygone era a Partner, on learning you are to represent your alma mater, would take you out for two bottle chop house lunch and send you off to Wimbledon with a Kummel chaser…

Not to worry:  The three Amigos; Adam Walker, Harry Rimmer, and current Captain, Grant Leonard took the strain.  A difficult prospect our goal was to putt freely and aggressively and avoid the shame of a two-year relegation to the wilderness that awaits the bottom two schools.

Adam, sent off as our number one, faced an array of very talented golfers.  His broad shoulders coped admirably and the experienced mind games (not allowing one opponent to take out the flag sticks:  Waste of time and two points secured) did the trick and the man of many club memberships picked up seven points from fourteen on offer.  Harry, debutant and all-round sporting star performed brilliantly and took some great scalps to secure eight points, in particular the Millfield opponent.  Leonard, not quite reproducing last year’s form, scored seven and threw his first match away very poorly against the professional poker player from Marlborough.

A nervous finish to identify the two duff schools ensued.  Wrekin were goners early and as the last match finished a tie was called for 6/7 place and a playoff was announced between the “Havens from the East” and Berkhamsted.  Who to play the sudden death one-man event?  Harry had special dispensation to get off early (three month year old at home and a Golf trip to attend in Portugal three days later.  What a Wife by the way…) and Adam had packed away his putter.  It fell to Leonard.  As dusk descended and a deep breath was taken, a four-footer was sunk at the third hole to clinch the last spot in Eastbourne’s favour.

Great effort, a wonderful venue, and a decent Indian Supper with the seven other schools.

Grant Leonard

Royal Wimbledon Golf Club putting green

Adam Walker and Harry Rimmer

Berkhamsted opponent and a victorious Grant Leonard fresh from their play-off