A much-anticipated season opener took place today at the ever-dependable Ombersley Golf Club. In the course of this winter, we’ve seen unprecedented rainfall and the water tables around the midlands has been incredibly high. Nevertheless, we were all appreciative of Ombersley’s long-held reputation for having the best course drainage in the midlands. Ombersley golf club is located to the north of Ombersley village in Worcestershire, and on a clear day offers stunning views of the Malvern, Abberley & Clee hills. 

This quaint family course is tucked away just outside of Droitwich and remains a family run business. The course opened in 1991 and in the 33 years since the golf club’s inception, Ombersley remains one of the best all year weather courses in the midlands. 

 The Founders Day event not only represents the CGS’ season opener but also the formation of the CGS in 2007.  While golf is the common denominator that brings us together each month, we come together for more than the love of the game. Many of us share much in the way of social culture. True to our name, our Caribbean heritage flavours much of what we say and do. Our coming together also provides us with the opportunity to renew acquaintances and bond together as a group of men predominantly (I think).

We approached the day on the fairways with some trepidation while silently praying we might avoid more rain and end up getting completely soaked. While we had a couple of brief showers, we had good weather for most of the day, for which we were most grateful. In view of the very high-water levels, the course played extremely well and the greens were pretty decent to say the least.

It will come as no surprise that for many of us, the early season rust was very much in evidence. We will certainly expect to see some improvement in general play as the season progresses and we get the opportunity of playing more golf.

The ‘bogey competition’ against the course was the chosen format and this often causes some unrest among golfers. Primarily because, we’re not used to the format and scoring becomes slightly more challenging than the familiar Stableford scoring. Nevertheless, the old adage is true in that ‘cream always rises to the top.’ On that note here’s a quick review of the movers and shakers on the day.

These gentlemen showed little sign of early season rustiness and produced the best performances of the day.

 

1st Michael Taylor +3 

2nd Ansel Pottinger +1 

3rd Lloyd Thomas +1 

4th Lecint Smith +1 

 

Guests on the day who had good showings were Raphael Richards (+3) playing off a handicap of 10. I had the privilege of playing with Raphael and he is a great guy and a very good player. Simon Dixon (0) playing off 12 handicap 

 

Those who featured well in the ‘minor prizes’ were

NP 1 Michael Taylor 

NP2 Carlton Tomlinson 

NP3 Junior Harris 

LD Carlton Donalds 

 

Birdie Hole was won by Junior Harris and Carlton Donalds.  

The positive showings of Micky Taylor and Ansel Pottinger means two things.

  1. There is clearly life in the old boys.
  2. There is certainly hope for the rest of us if this pair can still finish in the top two

So, on we go to Druid Health GC for the first major of the new season. Time to start practising ladies and gentlemen……………..!