So day one practice at Essex County Club has gone well...goodness me how the course has transformed from when Mary, Susan and myself were here just 4 weeks ago! The rough has now got a mind of its own and there are now "scary hairy bits" where the ball just sinks below sea level, just feet from the pin...those shots around the green are going to be vital to the girls this coming weekend...really need to have a plan that works to ensure success from there. The course is in magnificant condition and very quickly the girls appreciated the treacherous contours on the greens. By the time each group had passed through the 4th hole today, everyone expressed their love of the course and were fully aware of the challenge ahead of them. Landed at the course via a silver Ford transit van, which will be our team vehicle for the week, with Mary and myself sharing the driving. Arrived at around 6.15 am to an absolutely awesome choice of breakfast buffet....yep the girls were happy little bunnies....they just love to eat! Lunch was just as awesome...more happy bunnies! Entertained tonight at the superb home of Bill Van Fazan and his wife at their superb home in Manchester by the sea....heated swimming pool.....BBQ to die for (yes more happy bunnies!) and gave the girls from USA and GB&I a chance to have some chilling out time with each other before things start to get serious!. Serious we did not do!....suffice to say that I drove the van back to the hotel with a dripping wet team member, wrapped in towels......Did she jump or was she pushed?....well the jury is still out on that! All good clean fun and an excellent way to break the ice.....really hope the girls remember the fun and the friendships they will make this week. So laundry done.....(neat little piles left at my door when I returned tonight.....aaw, bless them!)....uniform laid out for tomorrow....white trousers, pale blue shirts and navy slipover......very smart.... alarm set for a 6.15am lie in.......Blog done...time for land of nod......zzzzz
Tegx