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It’s been a long season for the Caribbean Golf Society starting at Wyre Foerst in March and finishing at Bransford Golf Club for the final major of 2011. Attendance this year as been outstanding, with an average attendance of 38 golfers, culminating with a record attendance of 43 golfers attending the final major. This year the CGS has seen a progressive increase in membership and a massive attendance of guests. The final major was a classic example of the numbers that are attracted to the quality of the events staged by the CGS, a total of 9 guests attended the final major with 7 of those guests coming from Bristol. Members of the Bristol Titans traveled up early to sample the hospitality and organisation in which the CGS is starting to be recognised.

Bransford was in excellent condition for this time of the year, a time when most club green staff are starting to prepare for the winter months by dressing the greens. This course was exceptionally dry and the greens running quick and true. With plenty of water hazards on the course and a rare layout consisting of 6 par 3’s, 6 par 4’s and 6 par 5’s this was going to test most of the golfers.

This seasons Order of Merit title was up for grabs with 4 golfers with a chance to lift the title. For most of the season Dave Brown was the man to beat with several consistent rounds keeping him at the top of the table. Another consistent year saw Ian Higgins move with steady progress up the table and after several good results CGS Chairman Junior Harris moved within range to strike for home. One of the most improved golfers of the year Ronald Ross produced a late charge after two exceptional wins this year including a hole in one at Swindon Golf Club moved him to the top of the table with only the final major remaining. It was surely going to be a dramatic finish to yet another successful season.

It was an early start for all, the large numbers attending force a 10am tee off time, the earliest this season. Even with the large attendance from Bristol arrived on-time and were ready to go. This was the last chance for all CGS members to get their name on the list of major winners and also book their spot in the Carib-Morris Cup 2012.

The day wasn’t producing the scores that were expected especially with 6 par 5’s on the course, the early scores were a testament to the difficulties being experienced, maybe it was the early start! Most of the early scores recorded were in the twenties with a few in the 30’s. The highest scores recorded early on were two 37 pointers, Dean Leith and attending guest Gary Miller also produced some quality golf to post an early marker.

It would be a long wait in the club house for a score that would beat 37 points. Eventually there would be a 39 posted by Ian Higgins, however a 40 pointer would beat that score.

It’s been an up and down season for Rhucha Ford, persuaded by CGS Chairman Junior Harris to play this event it would prove to be a winning decision. With some excellent ball striking and quality play, Rhucha posted 40 points to win his first CGS major and in the same feat booked his place in the team for the 2012 Carib-Morris Cup. Congratulations Rhucha.

Winning Longest Drive along with the overall runners up prize was Ian Higgins; the Nearest the Pin prize would go to CGS Captain Jacko Powell.

Thanks to all members and guests for making this a great climax to the CGS major’s season. Also the staff at Bransford for their service and warm welcome not to forget the buffet lunch that was laid out.

Event Result: