2012 - Rod Cocks

I had my transplant for leukaemia on 2nd Sept, 2011 and for quite a while things didn’t go well.. I made it home (just) for Xmas after many long weeks in isolation and intensive care.

I slowly recovered strength through the year and after Fitz encouragement, decided to show for MMC 2012. The plan was a social game Sat after arriving about 11 from Huskisson, then back home to Huskisson after the game and think about Sunday .

The faceless men (who are those dickheads) gave me a good handicap and Fitz accompanied me in the cart getting off in the first group. I didn’t expect much but didn’t make as many mistakes as usual at Hilltop and finished surprised with a good score sat....reasonably knackered but Ok✅ to drive home. PF, (as always with the players at MMC) was more interested in me having a nice round and a good time than himself and was very encouraging. (Encouragement Iike this from mates got me through my probs and still does despite all medical forecasts). Off to bed early sat then decided to front sun ..and if needed quit and wait till the finish and go to the prize awards.

I was teamed up with Dave Gray in the last group and looked forward to a fun easy round expecting to crash. Dave started runner up and we sort of stayed that way with me a couple ahead. A civil and chatty time but I was aware of Dave trying hard to knock me off...(in the golf competitive sense. ) It was close company in the cart which seemed to have a very narrow seat!!

We got to the par five 13th down the back and both playing well for our handicaps.

I hit a good long second shot down the hill but it tailed a bit right at the end and ended up short of the creek on the right on a little level grass bank in the shade of trees. I think Dave was grinning but not sure. When we got down to the ball he parked the cart up on the fairway. I got out and climbed down the bank and then realised that a large black snake was playing with the ball almost wrapping itself around it and rearing a bit. I called out to Dave that a f...ing snake was next to my ball. Dave said ‘Bullshit that’s a branch mate’ I said ..If its a branch its got batteries in it... its a f...ing snake and I’m sure I get a drop. Dave said ‘Bullshit...you’re dreaming. No drop’. I thought fmd I’m rooted. I’ll manage and if needed check with the match committee.

I threw a few rocks at the snake and then a small log. Eventually, but slowly, it moved to the edge of the creek.. I still had to go down and hit the ball as it lay, looking out for the snake. It was huge by the way!!!! As big or bigger than Dave’s...................leg!!

Anyway, we finished the round, had fun and I just beat him. One of the best times in my 70 years..There is no better golf company anywhere

Roids

Written by Rod Cocks