Douglas Dedicates Back to Back Win at Draycote Whitefields to the memory of the late Ashleigh Merelle Sealy
The CGS 2010 Season continued with the 3rd Major at Draycote Whitefields G.C. on Sunday 9th May 2010. We began proceedings with Vassel Brown leading fellowship and facilitating the remembrance of the sad loss of Ashleigh the 23 year old Daughter of CGS Member Tony Sealy who recently passed away. The thoughts and prayers were with Tony Audrea and Family during these most difficult of times.
This was our first CGS visit to Whitefields; we arrived to a packed car park with the overflow the only option for most. The players arrived, registered and took the opportunity to get a bite to eat, warm up on the range, putting green or chipping area. There were some rigorous routines on display with thoughts focusing on good performances ahead.
It was good to see members challenging each other on the range with target practice and this continued onto both the putting green and chipping area. Our start times were delayed by around 15 minutes this proved to be an omen for the day. The weather was thankfully dry although a little cool for May with enough of a breeze to keep you thinking. The course was not the best it could have been with at least Two Tees GUR resulting in unsatisfactory Tee locations. Pace of play was pedestrian all day with many unhappy that their rhythm was affected.
With the 3Way Team resolved, thoughts have now moved on to the winning of Majors, the Order of Merit, and qualification for the Carib – Morris Team in September. The field although condensed was not diluted and contained nine members of the 3Way Team, this could have been the day for someone to step up and stop the form man of 2010 Carl “Rebel” Douglas becoming the second CGS Back to Back Major winner. If the standard of attire was an indicator we were in for a day of high quality golf.
With a winning score of 39 Stableford Points, extending his lead at the top of the Order of Merit Standings and joining Eric Queely as a Back to Back winner Carl said “I had a steady start with good up and downs for par on both 1 and 2. My group were all playing high quality golf and this would be the last time we were going to play together before the 3Way. Vassel continues to strike the ball with considered authority, but has been refused any of the available good fortune receiving no joy on the greens so far this season, with more lip outs than seems fair. Lloyd “Bugsy” Thomas after losing his tee shot off the first came back into the hunt leading the group by the fourth. Both Lloyd and recent revelation Linton Bell were playing some excellent golf, both putting in solid performances.
Ian Higgins was the Club House leader in every category, he held on to the Longest Drive with a tremendous 274 yarder on the 8th into a decent headwind and came 3rd overall with 37 points on count back to Nick Hukins 2nd who rises up the order of merit on the back of his consistent start to the season. Nearest the pin was taken for the third time this season by David “Deadly” Simon.
Ken Brown displayed some magic with a 30 foot chip in. Balbir “Billy” Banga had one of those days that defy explanation holing three birdies missing a sitter and still failing to put in a good score. New Member Jay Berryman impressed Keith Reilly with his all round standard of play after just 12 months in the game. 12 year old Jumaane Pennant-Douglas became our first junior guest filling a space that became available due to a late cancellation. Playing with Tony Lamont, Winston McLean and Mary Reilly they all said he has promise and a lovely swing. He said he really enjoyed the opportunity to play and pared the first eleventh and last holes surely that has to be a result?
We enjoyed a meal of fish and chips that went down a storm with many commenting on the chips being especially well cooked, hot crispy accompanied with petit pois and side salad.
Thoughts now move on to the 3Way, best wishes to the team, play well play fair and remember you have earned your place. Our next CGS Major is Sunday 13th June at Stoneleigh Deer Park. Please book early to avoid any disappointment. See you there.