Wow! Another fantastic day of golf with the weather to match! I think it’s safe to say the day will be remembered as one of the best CBGS events so far, the way the team at The Grove looked after us was simply on another level. From the valet parking to the attentive staff, names on the lockers and even cleaning our clubs following the final hole the attention to detail and experience provided was simply top drawer.

The course itself was in great condition for the time of year and even with the greens having undergone recent maintenance it was a fantastic experience. This was reflected again in some pretty solid scoring on the day by most of the field with an overall average of 29.96. In total we had 20 birdies, 192 pars, 335 bogeys, 279 doubles or worse and 38 pickups.

A full house of 48 golfers with an incredible 40 members making the day with 8 guests. Again a really strong showing from the membership so I thank you for that.

STG Mortgage Solutions were the sponsors of the day and Steve very generously provided some fantastic prizes and gifts for those of us who could actually string 18 holes together. Thank you to Steve for your continued support to the society and my charity, Mind CPSL, who are incredibly grateful for the generous offer to match the fines on the day! (More on that later).

Speaking of Mind, we were joined on the day by Lisa Gibson who outlined the many ways in which our support and donation this year will help to support and change lives for those struggling with mental health issues. This includes offering STOP Suicide workshops either through your workplaces or alternatively through a golf club. If this is something you feel that would be of benefit to you or your teams please get in touch and I will arrange an introduction.

On to the prizes:

Skills prizes

Nearest the pin on hole 4 – Dan Stringer
Nearest the pin in two on hole 10 – Andy Turpin
Nearest the pin on hole 13 – Steve Miller (Guest)Team prizes

We had three teams tied for second place in Team Meeks, Team Altomonte and Team Scally with Team Scally claiming the spot on back 9 countback.

And taking first place, with a solid 118 points, were Team Sponsors, STG Mortgage Solutions! Congratulations to Steve Gray, Rich Blount, Martin Harvey and Gary Hanson for really putting in a great, albeit extremely slow, performance on the day.

Individual guests

Guests are always welcome at CBGS events, and once a guest has played one event they’re eligible to apply for membership the following year if they are so interested. It was a good showing from the guests this time with some respectable scoring across the board.

In second place, with 37 points was Neil Bates.

Taking first place, with 41 points, from a handicap of 20, was Pask Benedetto. Excellent golf on the day, congratulations.

Individual members

Strong starts were made by several golfers, including myself before once again collapsing into normality, with the top 9 members recording scores of 35 or more reflecting the excellent conditions on the day.

Again we had a tie for second place with four members scoring 37 points in Geoff Davies, Andrew Abbott, Dan Stringer and Brian Scally with Brian Scally taking the prize again on back 9 countback.

And our winner at The Grove with 38 points was Steve Gray our sponsor! Suspect perhaps however a great performance and his first Order of Merit victory so well done!

Wooden spoon

Our wooden spoon winner at The Grove was Shaun Roberts with 21 points. Sadly not bad enough to receive any shots back.

Cuts and shots back

Slim pickings this time however Brian Scally, Dan Stringer, Andrew Abbott and Geoff Davies all receiving a one shot cut. Our sponsor Steve Gray will be delighted with his two shot cut I’m sure. Just reward for having the cheek to win your own event.

Fines

No CBGS day would be complete without the obligatory fines for daft behaviour. I’m very pleased to say, especially in light of Steve’s generous decision to match the fines on the day, that you all turned in a fantastic performance raising £200 meaning this was doubled to £400. All in good humour and well received for a great cause. Every penny raised supports Mind CPSL, who do fantastic work and are hugely appreciative of our support. Here are a few of the standout fines from this round:

• Dan Stringer for believing he was the third Blues Brother and wearing sunglasses inside the clubhouse
• Greg Butterworth for failing to eat his dinner with his team, instead choosing to sit with Fiona and Tara
• Geoff Davies for requesting a – very reasonable at the time – handicap adjustment due to poor health and subsequently scoring under his new handicap!
• Richard Darler for once again having a temper tantrum. You may wish to set up a direct debit?
• And it just wouldn’t be complete without the obligatory fine for wearing trainers, this time to Brian Scally. When will you learn…

Also a special mention to Martin Harvey for very kindly photographing the prize-giving and providing an excellent selection of photos from the day.

I hope you all enjoyed the day, the season is coming along thick and fast and it is only two weeks now until our next event at Thetford on 29th April. Steve Gray has now thrown his hat in the ring for The Anthony Barnes Award in 2026 although I’m sure that will be short-lived. Who else may challenge David Clark???

A final note regarding Thetford. For several reasons we have ended up with having a larger event than normal so there are 56 places so this should be a fantastic day. Because of this it will also be a rolling carvery in a similar vein to that at The Grove however it shouldn’t impact the day and with any luck we will continue the streak of amazing weather.

Once again, thank you all so much for your support.

2026 CBGS Captain – Paul French