CGS The Players Trophy

The Players Trophy at Handsworth Golf Club marked the penultimate major of the CGS season, and the tension was palpable. With the Order of Merit standings tighter than ever, every shot carried weight.

Course Spotlight – Handsworth Golf Club

Founded in 1895 and redesigned by the legendary Harry Colt in 1920, Handsworth Golf Club is a mature parkland course located just three miles from Birmingham city centre. With its rich history and scenic layout, it’s widely regarded as one of the Midlands’ premier golfing venues.

Course Highlights:
– Par 70, stretching 6,362 yards from the back tees
– 4 Par 3s, 12 Par 4s, and 2 Par 5s
– Over 70 bunkers and several water hazards
– Undulating fairways and greens of varying size and slope
– Stunning views of the Staffordshire horizon from elevated points

Playing Challenges:
– Tight tee shots on several holes demand accuracy over power
– Strategic bunkering forces smart course management
– Sloping greens test putting skills, especially under pressure
– The opening hole is a dogleg right over water, an intimidating start that sets the tone for the round
– The 5th hole, a par 5, tempts big hitters to cut the corner of a dogleg but punishes misjudged aggression with tree trouble and a tough uphill approach

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a rising star, Handsworth rewards thoughtful play and punishes lapses in concentration. It’s a course that’s as beautiful as it is demanding, perfect for showcasing competitive golf at its finest.

Golfing

With 36 players in attendance, the day was blessed with sunshine and a light breeze, making for ideal golfing conditions. The tree-lined fairways and immaculate greens, the best we’ve seen this season, were a real credit to the greens staff.

Results
🏆 1st Place – Keith Salmon (a member of local rivals Sandwell Golf Club) – 36 points
🥈2nd Place – Ron Ross (also a member of Sandwell Golf Club) – 32 points
🥉 3rd Place – Simon Dixon – 32 points (lost on countback)

Nearest the Pins
Hole 4 (in one): Keith Salmon
Hole 17 (in one): Ron Ross
Hole 11 (in two): Carlton Donalds
Hole 18 (in three): Carlos Wallace

Order of Merit Standings

Keith Salmon’s composed performance earned him the trophy but more importantly, catapulted him into joint-first with Andrew McDonald in the season-long race, setting up a thrilling finale for the season. His nearest-the-pin on Hole 4 was the icing on the cake.
The Birdie Hole Challenge added another layer of excitement, demanding both skill and nerve. Roan McLeod held his composure to birdie the mystery hole, No. 5, keeping his hopes alive for back-to-back Order of Merit titles.

With just one event remaining, the leaderboard is finely poised:

1st Andrew McDonald – 638 pts
1st Keith Salmon – 638 pts
3rd Roan McLeod – 624 pts

Season Finale – The Caricom Trophy at Mickleover

The CGS Tour reaches its dramatic conclusion at the Mickleover Golf Club, where the final major of the season, the prestigious Caricom Trophy, will decide it all. With the Order of Merit standings locked in a dead heat, the pressure couldn’t be higher.