Rossi makes it two for 2011
The course although not long had its own version of “Amen Corner” A selection of three challenging holes from 3 to 5 where accuracy was paramount. Any stray shots on 3 and 4 would most certainly require a “re-load”. One of the most notable holes was the 4th hole called the “Snake”. A winding right and left tight par 4 which required precision accuracy, so as to give you a clear second into the green without being blocked out by large trees.
Those who managed to get through the front nine with a good score would be on track for a good round.
The 2011 season has been very encouraging with the amount of guests and new members attending. This event was no different with new Guest Keith Warrington and new member Franklyn John who travels down from Gilford. Frankly, returned a credible 36 points playing off 13. Keith however struggled but showed he has ability to compete, hopefully he will decide to join and improve on his score for the next event should he attend.
As usual with CGS events there is a lot of banter between players and generally a very good and enjoyable day is had by all. There are many stories of mishaps, good and bad golf shots and other notable experiences. One that springs to mind is the case of the runaway trolley. This trolley belonged to Tennis Russell who travels down from Southampton. With the blustery conditions it was very difficult to keep your brolly steady in the gusts, so you can imagine what would happen if an open brolly was fastened onto a trolley – “you know where I’m going with this”! Well we were putting out on the 11th and Tennis had just taken out his putter and was on the green about to putt when he looked round to see his trolley start to roll down the fairway, anyway a call to Dean Leith to stop the trolley was returned with one step before a “no can’t stop it” Dean realising that there was absolutely no way he would catch it. I tell you not even Usain Bolt could catch that thing; If Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren had that kind of speed the championship would be all over – there’s got to be something said for wind power! Hey McLaren, check it out, remember you heard it hear first! It was a majestic site, I was expecting it to turn over but it just kept on accelerating, it had some nice alloy wheels too. It was such a funny sight, all four golfers on the green just waiting to see where it would end up.
Considering the conditions and the layout of this course it was not expected that a high score would win. Ronald Ross yet again proved us all wrong by posting one of two 40 point scores and winning on count back. As Rossi would say “I love these tight courses because they make me focus more”. He also proved his focus earlier in the year winning at Swindon another tree lined course. I say “let’s play courses with wide open fairways and large greens” hopefully this will trip him up. Just joking Rossi! 40 points playing off 12 was a cracking score. A mention also for Mr Ross whom also won his clubs championship a few weeks earlier; Sandwell, another tight tree lined course. This now makes it two wins this season for Rossi and the lead in the Order of Merit.
The other 40 point score and missing out on the victory was Alan Ferguson. Congratulations to Alan for a great round of golf, the conditions weren’t favorable to the high ball hitter, Alan like Rossi hits a low ball and was able to keep it under the wind.
In third place was CGS chairman Junior Harris with 39 points. Junior has come close on both occasions where Rossi has taken the trophy. He also likes the tight courses, something that certainly benefits his game. He’s able to focus more on line rather than getting out the driver and hitting the long ball which he’s known for.
Having struggled on the front nine with a few wayward shots the back nine provided much better opportunities for Roan McLeod who was able to open his shoulders and launch a long bomb to take the long drive trophy on the par 4 10th.
Nearest pin went to Chad O’Grady, on the down hill tight par 3 14th called “Gorse Valley”. This was one of the most testing little par 3’s on the calendar this season and Chad who’s won two events this season was able to hit a precise shot to take the prize.
This season’s race for the Order of Merit title is shaping up to be a very close encounter. Dave Brown who as led for much of the season as now found himself in 3rd place behind Junior Harris and the charging Ronald Ross. With your best six scores going towards deciding the title anything can happen. Rossi is in pole position with Junior Harris only 50+ points behind. The final event at Bransford will be a cracker; the top four in the order will be paired together. Let’s see who can handle the pressure, this will be one group to watch.
The CGS would like to thank Bewdley Pines for their warm welcome and mostly to the catering staff who stayed behind to look after our needs into the early evening.