The CGS 7th Major pulled up at Telford Golf club formally known as Telford Q Hotel. With some 39 CGS members and guests arriving to do battle it was very disappointing to find our tee-time had been put back 45 minutes and with several large groups in front of us it was going to be a long day.

Although the wait was long spirits were high and all were looking forward to the challenge ahead.

After plenty of driving range practice the first group were off and running, with big hitting Ian Higgins in the group.

The course was in great condition and a true test for all, the greens were some of the best the CGS have played with many a three putt being had. The greens were true and only required a subtle touch which would result in a longer putt coming back should you miss the hole.

Everyone enjoyed the challenge, some more than others, the scores were a mixed bag with the first place score coming in at 40 points and coming up the rear was a 10, no names mentioned. Surely it’s about the taking part, isn’t it!

Anyway the usual in round contests were still in affect being the Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin and Nearest the Pin in Two.

The Longest drive, well it’s really starting to become a bit of a show. They say you putt for dough and drive for show, well this person really does drive for show and he’s showing us all how it should be done. Going out in the first group and leaving a mark on the par 4 18th which was never beaten was Ian Higgins yet again.

The nearest in two prize was on the dogleg 8th which required a second shot over water to a front pin on a sloping quick green. The first marker was set at some 14ft but was beaten by a 13ft shot by Keith Salmon. The Nearest the Pin went to Ronald Ross on the Par 3 11th.

The 40 point winning score went to a man who really had no idea he’d made such a score and that’s how we should play this game, our competition is the golf course rather than each other, we should play each hole the best we can and add up the score at the end. With 20 points front and back and for his second win of the season pushing him to 2nd in the order of merit was CGS chairman Junior Harris. Without the 3 putts the score would have been higher. Playing off 10 handicap 40 points on that course with those slick greens was really good golf.

The runner up spot went to Micky Taylor with a solid 36 points, 3rd place went to another Soundwell Club member Paul Ramsey with 34 points.

Amongst the 39 players were three guests which included first timer Ricky Edwards, playing off a 22 handicap Ricky scored 19 points. Returning yet again as a guest was Dean Ebanks, playing off a 13 handicap Dean scored 29 points. Former CGS member and returning after several years was Winston McLean. Playing off a 14 handicap Winston scored a very respectable 28 points.

Thanks to everyone for your patience it really was a long day, congratulations to all the winners and to all the losers sees you at the final major.

Thank you to Telford Q Hotel, a shame about the late start; however we did enjoy the golf course and the meal wasn’t too bad either.

Next stop the CGS 2 day Open at Breadsall Priory, the final major. With Howard Browne having the title all but won it will be a last chance for someone to pick up a major win prior to presentation night.