Roan Returns to Winning Ways” at the Ombersley Opener
We began this year with our first CGS Major the “Fix Up” Cup. Ombersley Golf Club located in rural Worcestershire with views of the Malvern Hills providing the back drop. 34 members and two Guests made up the field with many members seeing each other again for the first time this year. There is much talk of securing a place on the CGS Team for the eagerly anticipated inaugural 3 Way competition with the ACGA and The Titans coming up in May. Someone even left their calling cards to alert the field of their intention to defeat the “John Wayne’s and the Sharks”
The weather was overcast but dry which is always a blessing the wind however had a definite bite. Our reputation is growing as evidenced by the Starter having a CGS group photo pinned up on his door which was nice to see. Following the pre “tee off” formalities every one shook hands wished each other the best and the 2010 season got under way. The first hole always provides entertainment with the full range of shots on display.
The course was very playable for March well presented with receptive greens. There was as usual some very good golf played with many players putting together some very respectable scores. This was confirmed with the field setting the par score for the day at 38 points. Lots of positive feed back regarding good sporting behaviour was received this is good to see. Golf as we know is a fickle game that will flatter and frustrate in equal measure.
Tony Sealey playing off 28 had a tremendous start almost chipping in for a birdie and with 2 shots on the first hole sank the tap in par for four points. Carl Douglas also hit the flag on the first and then sank the first of a string of excellent putts.
Vassel Brown had one of those nearly days burning the edges of holes with no reward, however sinking three birdies for the round must put him atop of the Birdie Table.
Nick Hukins had an uneventful but fruitful round clocking up 39 points. Denny Senior made much hay returning a (CGS) career best 39 points and still did not get on the rostrum, it appears he has got used to his new tools at last, surely a man to look out for.
Count back secured Second place for Ken Brown returning 40 points and his first CGS top three finish, he also books his place for the 3 Way Match.
Third place went to Carl Douglas who went out well scoring 22 points including a no return also returned 40 points.
After a lean 2009 the Winner of the “Fix-Up” Cup for the second time was Roan McLeod (Pictured on the left) with a score of 41 points and securing his place on the 3 Way team. Roan playing off a 9 handicap had a very good round shooting a gross four over par dropping only one stroke on the front and three on the back. His playing partners also mentioned that his score could have been even better. The gauntlet has truly been thrown down for the 2010 Order of Merit.
Nearest the Pin:
David Simon won the Nearest the Pin.
Longest Drive:
Linton Bell our new Treasurer emerged as the unheralded winner of the much coveted Longest Drive. Several others claimed to have put in a challenge but it was not to be their day.
Note of thanks to all the team at Ombersley for accommodating us so warmly. The feed back from the players was very positive with many saying the course was perfect for a season opener as it was relatively open and not too long.
Our guests Martin Chidgey and Elford Douglas were very complimentary of their first experience with CGS and are looking forward to many more to come, we enjoyed their company also.