Roller-coaster experience for Malta duo in Greece

Daniel Holland and J.J. Micallef have just figured in the qualifying event of the 2011 Faldo Series Grand Final at the Dunes Course in Costa Navarino, Greece.

The two players’ experience can be described as an emotional roller coaster.

After a confident practice round of two over par for the course, Holland, playing in the under-18 group, started with four pars on his first nine holes interlaced with three bogeys and two double bogeys.

His back nine had a similar result with yet another four pars, four bogeys and a double bogey for a 13-over par and, perhaps more importantly, in second place albeit eight shots behind the leader.

Holland was despondent after his first 18 holes and his three-over par on the first hole of the second day should not have helped to calm his young nerves.

But golf, being a game of opposites, works in a funny way sometimes and Holland eliminated multiple bogeys from the rest of his round and replaced them with four birdies.

Seven pars and six bogeys on the other holes turned his card to a gross 77. This equalled leader Rokadadi’s score from Day One.

But, in yet another twist of faith, the Greek boy shot an 84 on Day Two thus denying Holland a first place by one solitary shot.

Micallef, playing in the under-21 group, recovered from a shaky start and led his group after Day One, a gross 79 and one shot ahead of his nearest rival.

The Dunes’ first hole showed its mettle to Micallef yet again on Day Two – a triple bogey – to immediately wipe off his slight advantage.

Micallef’s hopes were further crushed when this was accompanied by two double bogeys, two bogeys and four pars on the front nine. Although the back nine were somehow easier (seven pars, a bogey and a triple bogey), the end score of 85 contributed to a third place for Micallef – eight shots behind the winner.

In the overall list, Holland tied for eighth place with a gross 162 (+18) and Micallef 10th with a gross 164 (+20). The tournament was won by Vasili Kartos.

Kartos played a gross 152 (eight over par for the course).

The participation of Holland and Micallef (both Royal Malta Golf Club players) was made possible through the sponsorship of M. Demajo (Wines & Spirits) and the Malta Golf Association.