So, I got roped into this golf calcutta thing the other week. It wasn’t my first time hearing about it, happens at the club now and then, especially around the bigger member tournaments. Usually, I just watch from the sidelines, see who buys who.
This time, though, Dave from my usual Saturday group was really pushing it. “Come on, adds some spice to the weekend,” he kept saying. Figured, what the heck. I’m here anyway, might as well see what it’s all about firsthand. Put some skin in the game, they call it.
First step was getting the list of all the teams playing in the member-guest tournament. Two-man teams. Looked over the names. Recognized a few good players, a few hackers I wouldn’t bet my lunch money on. Tried to do some homework, you know? Asked around a bit, checked recent scores if I could find ’em. But honestly, golf is golf. One day you shoot 75, the next day you can’t break 90. Predicting amateurs? Forget about it.
The Auction Night Buzz
Then came the auction night itself. Held in the clubhouse bar. Place was packed. Definitely more about the beers and the banter than serious analysis for most guys. The auctioneer starts things off, reads out the first team. Bidding starts low, then suddenly jumps. You see guys getting competitive, egos getting involved. It’s funny to watch.
My strategy? Well, I didn’t really have one, not a solid one. Avoid the big favorites – they always go for way too much money. Too much pressure. I was looking for a sleeper team. Someone decent, maybe flying under the radar. Maybe a team where one guy’s really good, but his partner’s a bit shaky, hoping the good player carries them.
- Saw Team A go for crazy money. Nope.
- Team B looked interesting, but bidding went too high for my liking. Passed.
- Then Team C came up. Knew one of the guys, solid player. His partner? Bit of an unknown. Took a punt.
Got into a small bidding war with another table. Went back and forth. Ended up winning the bid. Didn’t break the bank, felt okay about the price. Shook hands, bought another round. Felt like part of the action now.
Watching the Scores… Closely
The tournament started the next day. Suddenly, I cared a lot more about how Team C was doing. Usually, I just focus on my own terrible shots. Now I was checking the leaderboard constantly. Asking around, “Anyone seen how Smith and Jones are doing?”
Day one, they were… average. Middle of the pack. Okay, still in it, I thought. Need a good second day.
Day two. Started checking scores again after my own round. Looked like they were making a bit of a charge on the front nine! Got my hopes up. Maybe my sleeper pick was waking up? Then came the back nine. Disaster. Heard one of them put two balls in the water on 15. Just like that, hopes dashed. They finished well down the list. Not even close to the payout spots.
Watched the guy who bought the winning team collecting his winnings later. Big smile on his face. Good for him. My wallet was a bit lighter.
So, the whole golf calcutta experience? It definitely makes the tournament more engaging, I’ll give it that. You’re invested beyond your own game. The auction night is a good social event, brings people together. But man, it’s gambling. Pure and simple. And golf gambling is tough. You can’t predict this stuff. My “solid player” had an off weekend, the “unknown” played about as expected. That’s how it goes.
Will I do it again? Probably. It was kinda fun, despite losing. But I’ll go in knowing it’s just for laughs, entertainment budget only. Don’t get caught up in the auction fever. It’s easy to overpay when the drinks are flowing and everyone’s yelling bids. Just another part of the game, I guess. Learned my lesson – keep the stakes low and enjoy the ride.
