Following major course maintenance works at our originally planned venue for the ninth event of the year, the fixture was moved to Essendon’s New Course. We’re extremely grateful to Essendon for stepping in at short notice and providing not only a superb course but also their team were excellent before and during the event. Once again, we enjoyed a full house of 48 golfers, with the good weather returning just in time. The clubhouse proved to be a real highlight – stylish, welcoming, and even equipped with a hot tub and sauna, which a few of us made use of after the round to ease the strains before dinner.

The average score came in at 32.3, a strong showing for a CBGS event, reflecting the excellent course conditions after some recent rain and the fine weather on the day. In total, we recorded 22 birdies, 233 pars, 346 bogeys, 257 doubles or worse, and 58 blobs. The highlights included two eagles, one of which was a superb chip-in from my Vice-Captain, Paul French.

Sunstreet Travel were our sponsor for the day and they provided some excellent prizes, including some of the most unusual gin bottles I’ve ever seen. Thank you for your support of the society and our charity this year, Little Miracles.

On to the prizes:

Skills prizes

Nearest the pin on hole 7 – Neil Hoskins
Nearest the pin on hole 13 – Andy Phillips
Nearest the pin in two on hole 13 – Andrew Coury

Team prize

In third place, with 121 points, was a tie between Team Turpin and Team Sunstreet Travel. Team Turpin took third on countback, represented by Andy Turpin, Lee Fraser, Simon Vowles, and Paul Smith.
In second place, with 122 points, was Team Mills, consisting of David Mills, Andrew Coury, Andrew Abbott, and Richard Darler.
And taking first place, with a whopping 129 points, were Barclay’s Bandits. Congratulations to Craig Salisbury, David Clark, Gary Hanson, and Stuart Davies!

Individual guests

Guests are always welcome at CBGS events, and the scoring was particularly strong this time! Once a guest has played, they’re eligible to apply for membership the following year.
In second place, with 42 points, was Gary Neil.
Taking first place, with 43 points, and I’m assured, a real handicap, was Stuart Davies!
Fantastic rounds from both of our leading guests today.

Individual members

We had a staggering six players finish on 37 points at Essendon, and even that wasn’t enough to make the podium!
In third place, after a tie on 38 points and losing out on countback, was David Clark.
In second place, also with 38 points, was Paul Smith.
And our winner at Essendon, with an impressive 39 points, was Craig Salisbury!

Wooden spoon

Our wooden spoon winner at Essendon was Ray Cawston, with 23 points (so he doesn’t even get a shot back).

Cuts and shots back

Richard Darler, Paul French, Geoff Davies, Simon Whitmore, David Mills and Robert Hall all get a 0.5 shot cut.
David Clark, with 38 points off a handicap of only 4, also gets a 0.5 shot cut.
Paul Smith, off 20, gets a 1-shot cut.
And Craig Salisbury, off 22, gets a 3-shot cut.

Fines

No CBGS day would be complete without the legendary fines session, where we relive the day’s dramas, disasters, and dodgy decisions, all in good humour and for a great cause. As always, every penny raised supports Little Miracles, who do fantastic work and are hugely appreciative of our continued backing. Here are a few of the standout fines from this round:

David Mills for not staying for dinner and having his driver cover fall off his buggy.
Due to the change of venue, we had several fines for those who didn’t pay the supplement in time.
Craig Salisbury – for his bag falling off the back of his buggy. However, it later emerged that Simon Vowles had undone the strap, so he can expect a fine at the next event for this dastardly but amusing behaviour!
Paul Smith for coming to an event, but not having paid his membership fee.
Tom Meeks’ group for hitting the ball onto the green of a short par 3, while the group in front were still putting!

Thank you to Jeremy Wager for capturing the prize-giving and providing an excellent selection of photos below.

I hope you all enjoyed the day — I’m already looking forward to The Gogs on 16 October. The Anthony Barnes Award is up for grabs, with several golfers still in contention and the current leader unable to make the event! Take a look here:
https://cbgs.co.uk/society/order-of-merit/

2025 CBGS Captain – Kari Sewell