Micky takes it at Henley In Arden Golf Club
Various reports from the players stated that the course was very severe if you happen to push, pull, hook or slice a shot. For that reason, it was a day of ups and downs and to hear players saying, “if only I had committed to that shot” or “I should have taken a step back, and then may be I would have scored on that hole”. However, CGS players are made of strong resolve so despite some poor drives and poor iron shots, golfers were still chipping to make pars and birdies. Remember it is not how you start a hole but it’s definitely how you finish it!!
Speaking of finishes, Lloyd Thomas, a 26-handicap player was out of bounds on the first hole with his first shot, and then duffed the second, ending the par five first not scoring a point. On the second hole he drives his tee shot into the deep rough on the right, chips out into the rough on the left then hits a shot that rolls down the hill stopping short left of the green, he then chips in for par and 4 points, Great stuff!
Another notable scene was walking around with a great bunch of guys who really cheered and supported each other. Ian Higgins playing off 11 handicap played the front 9 nine holes two over par which could have easily have been two under par. There were other notables – 22 points being scored on the front nine holes by some players and 22 points on the back nine by other players, Denny Senior reported saying he had a good round and will not be picking up the wooden spoon this time round, good on you on Denny! (I wonder who picked up the wooden spoon this time, was it YOU?)
There was no soup and sandwiches this time, but a few pints of larger, Guinness and orange juice along with a few bags of crisp did quench the thirst of players coming off the course.
One of those 22 points for nine holes was scored by Ian Higgins, who played some excellent golf, on a course which demanded accuracy off the tee. However Ian wasn’t the only one to score 22 points for nine holes, the other player to reach an excellent score for nine holes was Michael Taylor and along with his 14 points for the front nine scored a total 36 points to win the event on count back from Ian Higgins and Jacko Powell, whom all scored 36 points for the day.
Michael a 16 handicap golfer and member of Swindon GC, first played with the CGS in 2007, playing only one event as a guest. Michael’s now a member of the CGS playing in this, his second event of our 2008 season. Well done to Michael, great back nine.
Longest Drive:
Along with his excellent short game, iron play and putting the man can “lic ball” too!……Ian Higgins rose to the occasion, he took up the challenge to dispose Junior Harris who has won the longest drive on the last two occasions! Ian hit a huge drive on the 16th just short of the green. Ian’s drive was a pleasure to see! It was a long ranging drive with a touch of fade! Ironically Ian was drawing the ball all day. Well done Ian.
Nearest The Pin:
Combined winners Dean Leith and Keith Salmon, both shots measured the same distance from the Pin. The two guys showed great skills and judgment to get close to a tricky little par 3.