2013 Champion of Champions The Grove
‘CAMERON GRABS GROVE GLORY’
In more ways than one, history was made on Saturday 9th March amid 300 acres of prime Hertfordshire real estate. As quintessentially English as they come, The Grove GC played host to the season opening Champion of Champions event which heralded the start of 2013 ACGA fixture list. Historians take note, the venue for the season’s opening salvo served as perfect back drop to the society’s history making exploits. In the first instance the Kyle Phillips designed, 7000 yard championship course was the ACGA’s first event of the year under the stewardship of its first lady Captain, Jacqui Harbor. We wish her all the very best endeavours. In the second instance the event sees the society enter its twentieth year which represents a significant milestone and achievement of some note aptly reflected in the society’s ambitious 2013 programme which includes an end of season ‘extravaganza’ to celebrate its twenty year existence.
Of Augusta National the three times masters champion Gary Player is attributed with the phrase “if this course doesn’t inspire you, your playing the wrong game”. The same euphemism could well be accredited to The Grove which belied the inclement weather to present fairways in pristine condition, ruff like gnarled spinach and greens as slick as Elvis Presley’s sideburns. But despite cautious sound bites from head professional Kevin Merry, the 24 man field set about the task with high expectations and very little consideration for inhibition or conservative approach.
It would not take long for before early season optimism fuelled by idyllic surroundings and a winter of golfing discontent would be replaced by the reality of close season inactivity and the demands of a fully fledged PGA championship course. Upon a course which saw the ubiquitous Tiger Woods lift the 2006 WGC title by eight shots, many of the pre-tournament favourites saw their hopes dashed by running up significant numbers on the holes which offered opportunity to prosper. 2012 champion Cassius Browne saw his hope of completing an extraordinary treble crumble by recording eight scores between 6 and 9 during the course of his round. Newly appointed vice Captain and ‘man-in-form’ Keith Murray fared little better. An 8 on the par five seventh which played the easiest hole on the course summed up his contribution and the remaining holes would bring little cheer. Yet surrounded by golfing suicide and mediocrity, the much improving Gary Cameron applied himself to the cautious approach which would eventually serve as the catalyst for his well deserved victory. Having played the first seven holes in 3 over par (gross) Cameron remained steadfast despite an untimely 8 at the innocuous par 5 ninth. Bookies favourite and ACGA stalwart Tyrone Carter played sterling golf but was undone by an ice cold putter. Carter playing off scratch shot a commendable 3 over par 75 which saw him claim a well deserved place in the top three. Outside bet Danny McCleod maintained his winter consistency by carding a well played 74 (nett) which owed much to resolve and sheer determination having carded an untidy 7 on the opening 312 yard par 4 and an equally gung-ho 8 on the submissive par 5 sixth.
Despite the carefree carnage around him, Cameron would not be denied. Indeed, his victory could well be attributed to the nous he applied in completing the last 6 holes in 2 over par (gross) which all amounted to a consummate 72 (nett) and a well-deserved victory. During his speech which did not resemble the quality of his golf Cameron could not camouflage the sheer surprise and delight of his unexpected triumph. “I can’t believe I’ve won” he quipped, “I really can’t believe I’ve won” he again reiterated during a speech which might have cost him a two shot penalty in draconian times gone by. And so the drama was played out and as wounds were licked and dust settled all thoughts turned to retribution and the East Sussex National. Upon this showing, it is a fair assumption that expectation will once again give way to the harsh vagaries of this unfathomable game.
Footnote
If only. If but golfers could be bestowed with the predictability and foresight of mystic Meg or the oracle which is Paul the octopus. On that premise, spare a thought for newly appointed ACGA financial guru ‘gentleman’ George Grant (3G to his confidants) who got his signals horribly wrong by shooting an untimely season best 65 net. Ineligible to compete in the ‘official’ competition 3G commendably made up the numbers but now faces the guillotine of general play. I doubt transfusions will be required for all those bleeding hearts.