With a decidedly ropey weather forecast, it was great to see 48 golfers arrive at our eighth event of the year. The society hasn’t visited St Ives for many years and with all the work recently done to the course and the clubhouse, I thought it would be great for the members to see and play it. We also feature at least three St Ives members within CBGS, and Mark Upton of Ensors was pleased that we chose his home course and sponsored the day.

We started off with dry, if rather breezy weather. There was a short shower, which for the captain’s team arrived just before the halfway point, so we paused for a sausage roll and a quick drink at the clubhouse before heading back out (still ahead of the team behind us). We thought we might get away with it, but around hole 15, the heavens opened, accompanied by thunder and a flash of lightning. This prompted the klaxon to sound, immediately halting play and sending everyone to take shelter. Some headed to the clubhouse, whilst yours truly and 3 other groups huddled in the hut at the far side of the course. Fortunately, the storm subsided and we were able to get back out playing after a delay of around 40 minutes. Despite the two showers, everyone seemed in good spirits in the fantastic clubhouse and the day was thoroughly enjoyed.

The rain before our round and on the day itself softened the course. We found it an enjoyable course with plenty of thought required to plot your way around. The average score was 27.38, which was the lowest of the season so far. Across the field we recorded 1 eagle, 13 birdies, 159 pars, 312 bogeys, 312 doubles or worse, and 66 pickups. Thank you to my team of Steve Hollis, Andrew Corey and Paul French.

Ensors were our sponsor for the day, providing excellent prizes plus paying for towels and range tokens whilst providing me with helpful advice in the run up to the event. 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 – One of my playing partners, Steve Hollis
Nearest the pin on hole 12 – Mark Winchester
Nearest the pin in two on hole 13 – Mark Upton – he couldn’t be beaten because he Eagled the hole!

Team prize

In third place with 107 points were Team Gray: Stephen Gray, Will Thomas, Jason Smithers and Alan Wright.
In second place with 115 points were Team Egan: Kenny Egan, Ray Cawston, Richard Waters and Hugh Blake.
And taking first place with 117 points were Team Ensors: Mark Upton, Ben Croston, Mark Winchester and Charles Curtis.

Individual guests

Guests are always welcome at CBGS Events, and once they have visited, they can apply for membership next year.
In second place, with 31 points, was John Gourd.
In first place, with 34 points, was Charles Curtis.

Individual members

There were three members on 36 points. On countback, Geoff Davies came third.
We then had a tie for first place with two members on a very impressive 40 points. It had to be decided on a back three countback, with Steve Gray coming second.
Congratulations to the individual member’s winner, Kenny Egan.

Wooden spoon

Peter Fielder struggled on the day with 14 points and wasn’t able to stay for the dinner humiliation. Therefore, the wooden spoon was awarded to Brian Scally on 17 points.

Cuts and shots back

Kenny Egan and Steve Gray – 2 shot cut

Peter Fielder, Brian Scally, Leigh Smart, Bill Dastur, Simon Whitmore and Dan Stringer all scored less than 22 points and therefore gained a shot back.

Fines

As tradition dictates, the day wrapped up with the eagerly awaited round of fines, shining a light on the full range of golfing slip-ups, dubious choices, and unforgettable moments that help make CBGS events so enjoyable. All proceeds go to our chosen charity, Little Miracles, whose team are always grateful for the continued support. Here are some of the highlights from this round:

• Andy Turpin for trying to bribe the Captain before the event.
• Gary Hanson’s team playing up while Tristan’s team were still on the green.
• Steve Gray for bringing waterproofs, but leaving them in the car.
• Kari Sewell also left his waterproof jacket in the car, despite bringing two of them.
• Our sponsor, Mark Upton, for wearing sandals at the bar.
• Andy Turpin for wearing trainers for dinner (it was pointed out to me afterwards that others were also guilty of this offence).
• There was slow play from Geoff Davies and Bill Dastur’s team.
• And my personal favourite was watching my teammate, Andrew Coury, chase his umbrella for 40 yards up the fairway, catching it, then it escaped him again and he had to continue chasing after it again.

Thank you to Paul French for the photos plus I took a selection of clubhouse photos below as the storm returned during dinner.

I hope you all enjoyed the day, and I look forward to seeing you at Essendon.

2025 CBGS Captain – Kari Sewell