Douglas Dominates the Shropshire Scorcher
The second CGS Major of 2010 was possibly the most eagerly anticipated so far with many minds firmly focused on performing well. With a strong turn out it was good to see our new members and some familiar faces present for what was shaping up to be a tremendous day. This was the final opportunity to secure a place on the CGS Team for the up coming Three Way Match versus ACGA (London) and The Titans (Bristol).
Following the soggy conditions endured at The CGS Founders Day event the weather was smiling on all at The Shropshire Golf Centre who were Hosting the CGS for the first time. There was not a cloud in the sky, so with conditions perfect the stage was set for some quality golf. The Gold Course was the first of the two loops of nine to be navigated followed by the Blue. The field set out with hopes high of a sold performance over 18 holes.
Carl Douglas began 2010 on fire, a Quarter Finalist in the Winter Match Play just losing to eventual winner Don Bramble. A 3rd place finish (on count back) at The Ombersley Opener was followed with a 2nd place (on count back) at Founders Day and now the outright win at The Shropshire, securing his place for the Carib-Morris team in September in the process. He now sits on the top of the Order of Merit Table
“I would like to thank Don Campbell for introducing me to Dartmouth Golf Club. The challenging course layout requires a variety of shots to navigate, this I believe has proved to be a major contribution towards my recent improvement”. Carls day however could have been much different had he not remembered while walking up the first fairway, that he had left his putter in the car and had to run back to retrieve it.
CGS Vice Captain Dean Leith put in the performance that earned him 2nd Place by default. Third place was taken by Mary “O`Blimey” Riley making history by becoming the first Female to secure a podium finish at a CGS Event. David Simon demonstrated he has both length and precision following his nearest the pin at Ombersley with the Longest Drive at the Shropshire. This feat was mirrored by Linton Bell who claimed the nearest the pin to add to his longest drive at Ombersley. Brian Phillips won his birdie hole leaving him with sweet taste in his mouth. Denny Senior continues to emulate the likes of Norman, Watson and Couples demonstrating experience is hard to beat.
There was of course the usual raft of tales of “the one that got away” Junior “Earl of Warwick” Harris was ripping the course up as only he can, but was thwarted by his short game, apparently locked up in the dungeons. New member Elford “no relation to Carl” Douglas was also making much hay until the wheels fell of his wagon. Billy Banga had “one of those days!” His reading of the greens was a joy to witness both line and pace, the hole however proved elusive with at least three putts that should have dropped lipping out cruelly. Rodney Dillon was also recording some very good points. Clyde Pile graced us with presence and delivered a strong display as usual and Mr Vassel Brown showed that power can come in small packages by reaching the Par 5 9th hole in two. By all accounts it was a 3 wood from the rough, some 250 yard strike, hit to within 10 feet for an eagle attempt but could only manage a respectable birdie.
Feedback on the day was very positive on the Course the hospitality of all the staff and the accommodation of our members. The final groups were unfortunately left with cool to cold showers. Could this be a whole day venue for a mid summer 2011 event perhaps utilising one loop in the morning and the other two in the afternoon? Watch this space.
The CGS season continues on May 9th with the 3rd Major at Draycote Whitefields near Rugby the venue. With 16 of 18 places for the September Carib – Morris event still available there is much to play for and many twists and turns to come. 2010 is shaping up to be a classic.