Cirencester Golf Club

Mixed Winter Stableford

CHRIS BRUTON, refreshed by a recent holiday in the Caribbean, made a spectacular start to the new season with a victory in the first Mixed Winter Stableford of 2020 at Cirencester Golf Club, writes Danny Hall.

Chris had not picked up his clubs for four weeks but signed for 43 points making it an even better round then his nett 66 which earned the runner-up spot in last season’s Hospital Cup.

The highlight of his round on Saturday was undoubtedly an eagle two on the par 4 16th hole.

“I played a 3 wood down to the area where the temporary green is on 16,” said Chris, who was disappointed that he remains on his mark of 17 as the event was a non-qualifier for handicap purposes.

“With the pin on the front it was puttable and I was delighted to see it drop. I have had one previous eagle on that hole.”

It was one of 19 twos in the field of more than 90 and was matched by ‘new senior’ Dave Gardiner who also got an eagle on 16.

Both Brian Kelly and Nick J Brown posted a couple of birdie twos, while Brenda Taylor was the only lady to hole out for a birdie, hers coming on the 2nd.

Runner-up spot went to James Gore with 42 points and Steve Sweet gained third place on countback with his 40-point total, pipping leading lady player Emma Brereton and Paul Godding.

Such was the strength in depth of the competition that almost a quarter of the field played to their handicap or better, which was an exceptional effort given the very windy conditions.

Ladies’ section

Ladies’ Stableford

THIRTY FIVE ladies played in the non-qualifying stableford competition over 14 holes last Thursday with 2019 captain Fiona Fyfe coming out of top.

Fiona played really well for her 30 points but countback was needed to separate her from runner-up Jane Muncer, who also had 30 points.

Third place went to Emily Gorman with 27 points.