Fix-UP Trophy Winner - Dale Bromfield
It seems like 2016 was only yesterday as the new 2017 season began at Longcliffe Golf Club in Leicester.  As usual a CGS event was well attended and on this occasion included our first guest of 2017 Adrian Swaby who also brought his family along to experience what the CGS had to offer and maybe become members – you never know!

Longcliffe was first experienced by the CGS back in 2015 and was well received at the time, also due to the dry nature of the course as experienced back then it was deemed to be a great location for our season opener for the Fix-Up trophy.

Unfortunately for whatever reasons the greens weren’t the same as what we first experienced; they were pretty soggy which resulted in a few additional bumps and lumps due to foot prints being left behind after every step.  It’s not to say that we won’t be back but unfortunately it wasn’t the same experience as the last time.

Apart from the greens the rest of the course was at the level first experienced and with 20mph winds to go with what was already a testing course the weather only offered even more of a challenge.  Almost every hole required a driver from the tee and those that were into the wind a cannon would have come in handy to prevent a long shot into some of the greens. 

It was a tough challenge for all but as usual someone will always separate themselves from the rest of the pack and emerge with a good score, it’s inevitable!

The early thoughts were if anyone could shoot par or 36 points in this stableford format that would be good enough to win.  That would have been the case with second place being shared by Rhucha Ford and Ian Higgins who both scored 34 points, however the winning score was beyond 36 points, the winning total was pushed out to 39 points by Dale Bromfield who for the first time in 2016 entered the winners circle to pick up his first CGS major title.  Dale was so overwhelmed by his victory last year it affected his night’s sleep, no doubt he was reliving the victory. 

Not even twelve months later and Dale had his second major since joining the CGS, however on this occasion it may have been more nightmares affecting is sleep, since after winning the event by 5 points from the 2nd place man Rhucha Ford who took second on countback, Dale had played seven under the competition scratch for the day which was 32 points, the result was a four shot cut from 24 to a playing handicap of 20.  Although Dale thought it was a bit harsh, he has accepted the adjustment and said he would put in more practice on his game to compete for the rest of the season.  It’s a credit to Dale for all his efforts paying off with a great win and also accepting the adjustment by getting out on the practice field to improve his game even more.  That’s the attitude I like to see, this game challenges you and you can either let it run over you or push through and face it head-on, so congratulations Dale keep practicing.

For the Longest drive the 17th hole was used and out in only the second group was Carl Cunningham whose early effort was never beaten, not even the long hitting Mr Higgins could pass the mark laid down by Carl.

The nearest the pin was held on the 15th hole and was won by Dean Ebanks who’s effort on the signature hole was too close for the rest of the field but just little too far for birdie.

The nearest in two held on the 18th hole was won by Eddie Wedderburn who’s second shot landed beyond the hole and spun back to within an inch of the flag, it was reminiscent of the players you see on the PGA tour, the tap in birdie was his second of the day.

So the season is now underway and thanks to all those who attended and helped to make the day a success, also to the staff at Longcliffe thanks from the CGS for having us and we hope to return again next season.