We looked at the forecast this morning and were uncertain if we were going to experience afternoon thunderstorms. We decided to go for golf and hope that there would be no storms. Everyone we have spoken to here says that they are desperate for rain and we have seen the very dry conditions particularly on the golf courses. Ben has said they could have some of our rain from Lutterworth!

Today's course was at The Preserve Golf Club which is near Bradenton to the south of us. The drive involved travelling on a 4-lane highway with a 70mph speed limit.  It is fair to say that we were the only car obeying the limit and it is routine for local drivers to under and over take - not for the faint hearted!  When we arrived at the course the temperature was 89ᵒF and during the afternoon it went above 90ᵒF degrees. On the plus side we were provided with ice and water before we started and after the 9th.  It was a typical Florida golf club layout with the  fairways wending past past single storey houses - many of which were very smart with swimming pools attached.  There was little grass on the course, with the main sign of green being one type of weed which was able to survive the dry weather. When we arrived at the first tee we were faced with a hedge and and scrub and bushes in front. As we went around the course there were several more holes like this. After 6 holes I had lost 3 balls so decided to move forward and play from the green tees. Ben was playing off the white tees and ended up with 10 penalty shots - to say it was a very difficult course was an understatement, with not only the scrub to hit over but also lots of water down each side of the fairway to avoid.  A local golfer advised that many visitors have to break after the 9th to buy more golf balls from the Pro Shop!

another ball heading for a watery grave!

We decided it was a challenging course and in very hot temperatures were relieved to finish and get a welcome cold drink in the palatial Clubhouse afterwards!

As a postscript - as this is being written at 10.30 pm there is thunder and lightening around us and it is pouring with rain!!