2006 Season Summary
25th March 2005 Champion of Champions
After years in the wilderness Frank Fevrier came starts off the season by winning the Champion of Champions title at Magnolia Par GC on Sunday 26th March 2006
9th April 2006 – Major 1 Merrist Wood GC
In conditions reminiscent to something out of Arabian Knights Mark Cato overcame the poor conditions of the greens to secure the ACGA first Major for 2006 with a fantastic score of 40 pts and captured the coveted DeCosta Edwards Memorial trophy, which is played for at the first ACGA (April) Society Day every year in memory of our dearly departed friend and ACGA founder member, Decosta Edwards.
Keeping to tradition it was the honour of ACGA Captain Tony Johnson to officially kick off the season by hitting the opening shot. What took place next may have had something to do with Ex-Captain and playing partner Wilf Solomon constant reminders that that it takes nerves of steele to hit a good shot and that only but the coolest of Captains had ever achieved the feat but the cold truth was he couldn’t handle to pressure and proceeded to advance his ball 20 yards off the tee into a water hazard. In the true ACGA style, TJ saw the funny side and prepared himself for the onslaught from his adoring membership.
12th May 2006 – Major 2 Hemsted Forest GC
What time is it? "It Nick's Time"
In 2005 the discovered the ACGA one of the toughest course they had ever experienced, with scores averaging in there teens and golfers being as they are were determined to settle a few demons.
As the morning scores started echoed around the course only 3 players managed to break 30 pts, Ray Maginley lead the way with a superb 35pts, Nick Baptise 34pts and Steve Lee-Sang 32 pts. But Nick is an Old wily fox who loves a good battle and he held his nerve to post a credible 30 points in the afternoon to hold off a charging Roger Goddard who came through the chasing pack with an afternoon score of 34pts. This was Nick's second ACGA Major title and one that he will cherish for a long time, especially as he won it on probably one of the toughest course the ACGA will ever play.
9th June – Major 3 Abridge GC
Henry Leville beat the biggest field of the year to capture his first and long over due Major at Abridge GC in Essex. The day was sponsored by Andy Ferdinand, making this one of the most exciting events for some while with some big prizes on offer for a hole in one on all the part 3's (top prize was a new Lexus). There were some good scores in the morning but it was Henry who lead the way with a great score of 36pts, closely followed by Steve-Lee Sang (34 pts), Cornelius Joseph (34 pts) and Roger Greenidge (33 pts). But the shock of the day was that of our Treasurer Aldyth Gardener-Ball who scored a magnificent 33 pts to beat 57 harden male golfers. Sadly Aldyth couldn't maintain her form in the afternoon under the blazing sun. With the chase pack setting out in the afternoon Henry held his nerve and closed with a creditable 34pts to secure his first Major by comfortable six shot margin.
14th July 2006 – Major 4 Muswell GC
Playing in his first event as an ACGA member Colin Parsons with a 1 shot victory over 4 players including defending champion Ray Maginley in one of the closest events this season.
Notable names were James Noel who captured 3rd Place, Best Seniors and Red Bull final 5, 4th place Reggie "2 shot" Leigh and in 5th place none other than the butcher from the north Tony "1 Finger" Irish.
18th August 2006 – Major 5 Gatton Manor GC
Ray (the quiet man) Johnson finally delivers the game he had always talked so eloquently about in the passed ten years. Ray holed a twelve foot putt to win his first Major at Gatton Manor over Keith Murray. At the 19th Ray praised his playing partners who were very generous in their encouragement, guidance and praise, especially when the wheels started to come off.
Well done Ray ….finally, others who fell at his feet were Tony "1 finger" Irish in third place and Roger Goddard and Malcolm O'Garro in fourth and fifth respectively..
17-18th Sept 2006 – Major 6 Meon Valley GC
Malcolm O'Garro played out of his skin on the first of this two day event, scoring an incredible 43 points to leave the rest of the field playing for second place.
Malcolm is the 4th first time winner this year and now leads the Order of Merit race going into the final event. Well done Malcolm.
13th October 2006 - Major 7 Silvermere GC
The season’s most improved player Cassius Browne capped off the season with a one shot win over Austin Simmonds. The was Cassius’ first Major win after joining in 2004. Will this be the first of many. The Handicap Secretary will be doing his best to ensure it isn’t. Cutting time!!!!!!