A NEW driver has changed the fortunes of an Ivinghoe Golf Club member – helping him to rack up a remarkable run of three consecutive competition victories since the end of April.
Chris James, who plays off 14, recently changed his driver and, inevitably, took a little time to feel totally comfortable with the new club. Now, though, it is clear that he is firing on all cylinders.
“After a few near misses in competitions through February and early April, everything suddenly just seemed to click”, Chris said.
“I was fortunate to narrowly edge the April Stableford by one point, but felt really on my A-game when I carded 4-under to win the May Midweek Medal.”
The icing on the cake for Chris was when he made it three wins on the spin when coming home level in trying conditions to win the club’s May Medal.
“It’s certainly one of the best hot streaks I’ve enjoyed for quite some time and so much of it is down to just how much confidence this new big stick has given me – it’s probably the best golfing investment I’ve ever made!” he said.
As if that terrific run of wins wasn’t enough, Chris came tantalisingly close to making it four in succession when he narrowly failed to clinch Ivinghoe Golf Club’s first major of the season, the prestigious Committee Cup.
In the event, Chris finished third on countback behind runner-up Alex Groom, and just two behind winner Neil McKerrel.
Neil has been on a hot streak of his own in 2012 – winning the January Medal and finishing second in both the February and March Medals, as well as sandwiching another runner-up spot in the monthly Stableford.
But, understandably, his triumph in the Committee Cup was his proudest moment.
He said: “I’ve had a great little run, and for the past few weeks or so I’ve felt a bit like I’ve almost been playing on auto-pilot, everything has seemed so smooth.
“But, we all know that golf can feel easy one minute and the next it can seem almost impossible to play!
“So, to bag a major here, against fine fights from Alex and Chris, is a really great feeling.”