The CGS travelled to Ross-on-Wye Golf Club in Herefordshire for the Captains Trophy. This was the CGS first visit to Ross-on-Wye and it was very well received by all in attendance. The journey down was not wasted as the course was in great condition which was some doing by the greens staff considering the rain that we had and which was predicated to make the day a complete washout. There were some areas off the fairway’s which were wet but the course overall was very dry and was the best course the CGS have played for a number of years.

Not only was the course in great condition but the CGS was welcomed by the members, staff and the Pro in the shop who was busy with CGS members finding time to test out some new clubs on the simulator in the shop. No new clubs were purchased but some shaft changes and maybe possible future purchases were tried.

The 38 CGS members and one guest in attendance did what they could to warm up before play by visiting the practice areas for some extra fine tuning before heading out to the par 4 first hole. The first hole eased the players into the round with only a long iron or 3 wood required to a sloping fairway. The first hole is tree lined and this didn’t change much throughout the round, with accuracy off the tee the number one priority to shoot a good score.

With only the top three places able win prizes for the overall Captains trophy the committee always create on-course prizes for nearest the pin, nearest the pin two, nearest the pin in three and longest drive. These prizes are always well received as not everyone’s game peaks for the major events so its always a consolation to win an on-course prize. The winners of the on course prizes were:

Andrew McDonald – Nearest the Pin

Eddie Wedderburn – Nearest the Pin in two

Harvey Lawrence – Nearest the Pin in three

Roan McLeod – Longest Drive

To all those who weren’t successful in winning a prize I’m sure you had a great day and enjoyed the meal afterwards.

The run-in to win the Captains Trophy was very close with the top three places separated by just a single point and the winner being decided on count-back. In third place with his best result since joining the society was George Branch who scored a very good 35 points. In second and loosing on count-back with 36 points was Elford Douglas, a bogey run on the back nine holes didn’t help. The winner also with 36 points was past Order of Merit winner Dale Bromfield. Over the last few years it must be said that Dale is without a doubt one of the most improved golfers within the society. He played as a 14 handicap golfer and after his Captains Trophy win will now play off 12, so will need to continue his improvement to repeat the standard of golf he showed at Ross. So congratulations to Dale in lifting the Captains Trophy very well played.

After the event at Ross the Order of Merit standings has now had a good shake, with George Branch now moving up the ranking into second place. But once again some familiar names are also up there in the standing. The likes of Keith Salmon is now in third and Ian Higgins in fourth, but heading the standing is Eddie Wedderburn who has been in this position for the last three seasons. With an Order Merit title within that period Eddie’s quest as been to be the first to win multiple titles, he fell short last year and is hoping to be the first to achieve that feat this year he’ll need to graft because the society is growing and the competition is getting hot!

So its a big thanks to Ross-on-Wye Golf club for welcoming the CGS, thanks to all the staff who catered for us and to the greens staff for the excellent work done in preparing a fabulous golf course which will be at the top of our list for a re-visit next years.