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 One golfer took a 24 on a hole and was the low man in his foursome. A former club pro shot a 104. A 15 handicapper posted 112 give or take a few strokes. He stopped counting after a while.
No, they were not playing Carnoustie or Augusta National.
The annual “Hardest Day in Golf” was played last Saturday at Sara Bay Country Club in Sarasota. It was open to members, guests and club reciprocals. Possible future members of Sara Bay were discouraged to play.
Why?
The course was set up to play it from way back - about 7,100 yards. Plus, Sara Bay is a classic Donald Ross-designed course where the greens are crowned. The pins were placed at the edge of the drop off. The superintended had to be laughing after every pin placement. Most putts would roll up and back, or over or somewhere other than in the cup.
“We have done this tournament for about 10 years,” said general manager Gavin Darbyshire. “It breaks up the monotony of a long, hot summer. Most of the golfers played 30 or 40 strokes over their handicaps.”
The 588-yard No. 7 hole proved to be a monster. Sara Bay member Jim Turner, a 14 handicapper, had a nifty 31 on the hole, the highest score of the day.
“One of our members actually parred the hole,” said Darbyshire. “And, he got a stroke for a net birdie.”
Because of the greens, if you can play Sara Bay and come away with a good score, you can play just about anywhere. On a normal day, it is a fun course to play but you have to keep the ball below the pin.
More than 100 golfers participated in the “Hardest Day of Golf.” Members John Kochevara and Earl Ingarfield finished first and second. Kochevara, a 2-handicapper, shot an 85. Ingarfield, a 3-handicapper, recorded a 94.
Golfers came away humbled but not embarrassed.
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