If a tree falls in a forest...

Having taken up golf only three years ago at the age of 29, my average score is something between 90 and 95. A par is an achievement and a birdie is a rarity. So imagine how happy I was recently when I managed to eagle a par 4 on my local course.

I crushed my drive some five yards short of the green and then sank a 30ft putt from the fairway. The only problem was that I was playing by myself.

I was excited to tell my usual playing partners at the pub that weekend, but my tale was met with some scepticism. The philosophical thought “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” was mentioned and indeed discussed.

Fast-forward a couple of weeks to my next round with these guys. Teeing up my ball on the 13th hole, determined to repeat the feat and prove them wrong, expectation got to me. My drive flew way right. With no chance of finding it, I hit another. I ended up threeputting and carded a seven. I suspect my friends will never believe me, but I know the truth. Golf is such a cruel sport.