Our sixth event of the year took us to a firm favourite of the society, Wellingborough Golf Club. We were blessed with great weather, with a light breeze complementing the 25-degree temperatures in the Northamptonshire countryside. Wellingborough had their Club Championships scheduled for the following day, so the course was in superb condition — although the pin positions were challenging, to say the least. The team looked after us brilliantly, and the dinner was delicious.

We had 36 members and 12 guests in attendance. The average Stableford score on the day was 29.5, with 10 birdies, 138 pars, 308 bogeys, 358 double bogeys or worse, and 50 blobs.

Rathbones were our sponsor for the day. As always, our sponsors play a vital role in making society events a success. A big thank you to Mark Winchester and Simon Whitmore for their generous support and for providing excellent prizes for the winners.

On to the prizes:

Skills prizes

Nearest the pin on the 4th – Neil Hoskins
Nearest the pin on the 11th – Simon Whitmore
Nearest the pin in two on the 18th – Simon Vowles

Team prize

In third place, with 114 points, was Team Karl with Karl Gjertsen, Stephen Gray, Dan Stringer and Ray Cawston.
In second place, with 119 points, Team Thomson with Tim Thomson, Simon Vowles, Robert Hall and Richard Peel.
And in first place, with 121 points, Team Butterworth (although I’m led to believe the team captain didn’t contribute as many points as his teammates would have hoped for).

Individual guests

In second place among the guests was Robert Couch with 36 points. The winning guest, with 37 points, was Richard Peel.

Individual member

In third place, with 38 points, was Jake Gibbs.
In second place, on 40 points, was Adrian Grant.
In first place, with an excellent 41 points, was Karl Gjertsen.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Wooden spoon

Commiserations to Philip Gilbey, who came in with 19 points to claim the wooden spoon.

Cuts and shots back

Mark Winchester – 1 shot cut
Richard Pilsworth – 1 shot cut
Jake Gibbs – 2 shot cut
Adrian Grant – 3 shot cut
Karl Gjertsen – 4 shot cut

Stella Parker, Benjamin Storey and Philip Gilbey gain a shot back.

Fines

As is tradition, we wrapped up the day with a round of fines dished out for the usual mix of mishaps, misjudgements, and moments of madness. All proceeds go to our chosen charity this year, Little Miracles, who are most grateful. Here’s a selection of the best fines:

• Martin Claxton for booking the wrong event
• Adam Fernandez for asking for his tee time when he hadn’t booked for this event
• Richard Devoy for having to leave on the 14th hole
• Several fines were handed out for incorrect use of the flashing light system to alert the group behind that the fairway is clear
• Peter Fielder’s group for nearly hitting Steve Gray with no shout of fore
• Steve Gray for missing Greg Butterworth by 2 yards
• Paul French for hitting a 320+ yard drive and narrowly missing the group in front
• Tim Thomson and Simon Vowels for sitting with those having a wake on the terrace
• Peter Fielder asked me for permission to wear sandals for dinner. I said that was OK with me if it’s within the club rules. He checked with the Pro, who hilariously replied, “Fine”.
• Ray Cawston for enjoying the chicken after he had specially requested a vegetarian dinner
• Chris Beaumont for actually hitting Stella Parker with his drive
• Philip Gilbey for booking his guest, but forgetting to book himself

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

2025 CBGS Captain – Kari Sewell