Post-Op Martin Chidgey makes a splash to win the 2nd Major on a wet Shropshire Golf Course
It was one of those days when we had no control over the weather, and throughout the day on the golf course we experienced all the seasons, we had rain, sunshine, more rain, and hailstones. However, this did not affect the spirits of the golfers who all completed the eighteen holes of golf, although a little wet at the end. Certainly for three individuals the change in weather conditions did not affect their standard of play. Two of the guests who came along were visiting from abroad one from Canada chairman Junior Harris Sister Joan Harris and a non-playing guest from Jamaica a family friend of Dr Josh Johnson. They must have wondered what on earth they were doing walking around in those conditions.
It was interesting standing on the first tee watching the first three groups drive off because we knew it was going to be a day of good golf play. Some of the higher handicaps were looking really good firing 230 yard drives splitting the fairway in the process and leaving themselves little more than a short iron into the first green.
Around the course there was some very good golf being performed, 2012 captain, Elford Douglas with a very steady game had at least eight good birdie attempts having reached the green in regulation but would come up short every time.
Playing in one of the early groups was Emmanuel Sylva who came close to winning the CGS Founders day event a few weeks earlier had it not been for a mathematical error. Determined not to let that happen again Emmanuel would post an early 41 points with some great driving of the golf ball, a mark that was thought would be the winning score. At no point would we imagine that he could be beat especially in the conditions. A much improved golfer whose handicap was adjusted prior to this event based on a “what-if” result at the founders day. His overall position at the Founder’s day did not warrant an adjustment however the player insisted that whatever the adjustment would have been had he won but for the error in adding up his card should still be applied. This meant his handicap came down from 22 to 20. It’s ironic for Emmanuel that this event could have come down to another “what-if” because if it had not been for the adjustment he would have scored 43 points also. It is however very refreshing that a player wants to bring his handicap down rather than for it to go up, I hope CGS members are inspired by this and will come forward in such a way has Emmanuel did.
Lloyd ‘Bugys’ Thomas had his own private battle with the course also posting 41 points pushing Emmanuel into eventual 3rd place on count-back. Playing some excellent golf and paring the last three holes scoring 9 stableford points in the process. Some say it’s not right that he should be playing from a handicap of 22, however Lloyd doesn’t always make full use of his 22 shots and we all know that everyone will eventually have a good day when things come together, today was that day for Lloyd who’s now down to a 19 handicap.
Having missed most of the winter preparation for the new season with a hip-replacement Martin Chidgey did fantastic job to get back on a golf course so soon and to post a winning stableford score of 43 points. Looking slimmed down and feeling fitter and stronger Martin is now able to get through a full round without feeling tired and fatigued on the back nine. To return so soon shows how Martin enjoys his golf with the CGS. To score 43 points in rain and hail is a great round and deserves to win the 2nd CGS Major. Maybe we should call him “Robo” Chidgey or “Bionic” Chidgey – anyway isn’t it against the rules to receive artificial assistance!
The conditions favored the high handicap golfer, bogey golf was the order of the game so all those lower handicappers it would be a very difficult challenge to score 43 points or 44 to beat Martin. Spare a thought for Eric Queely playing off 5, for Eric to win he would have to score a 68 gross score. Eric scored 31 points and that’s with 3 no scores, he played very consistent knocking in 20 footers like he was shelling peas. It’s true when they say this game is mostly mental, you have to be mentally strong to play off 5 in the same event as 27 handicap golfers and still keep your focus.
The longest drive down the 18th on the gold course was won by Frank McCook who beat a previous mark set by Elford Douglas. The nearest the pin on the 135 yard par 3 3rd on the gold course, was won by our guest from Canada Joan Harris. Joan hit her iron to within two feet of the pin almost recording a ‘hole-in-one’ from all accounts; unfortunately she missed the next two putts to record a bogey on that hole. However, that did not take the smile off her face, so well done to Joan, who can proudly take her winning trophy back to Canada with her.
Special thanks to those guests who came out and enjoyed the day with us, Tony Brown who played in the 3rd group and scored a credible 30 points for his first round with the CGS. In his second outing and now a fully paid up member was Trevor Lammy who scored 35 points.
Thanks to all our newest and oldest members who as usually behave impeccably on and off the course and to new captain Elford Douglas who’s presentation was very professional and well received.