Cassius Comes of Age..

Cass Browne reaches a birthday milestone and celebrates with a major win @Windlesham GC…

The ACGA returned to the leafy Surrey Stockbroker belt for the 3rd Major of the year. Windlesham Golf Club was the venue, and it was for the first time in over 20 years that we had been back to this course. Back then, Windlesham was a fairly new course, which was hilly, windy and sparsley populated by trees. Now it has matured into a tree lined and challenging layout with many a hazard. It was alsowas presented in excellent condition. Unlike last May/June when the Heavens opened at the corresponding Majors, the weather was warm and dry, so well suited to the sartorially elegant players who make up the ACGA membership. Looking across the course from the club house, you could see many a hill, trees and the dreaded water hazard, so this was not going to be a walk in the park and a smash it around the park kind of course. And so it transpired..

Following breakfast and the usual Paddy Power session, Captain Mark opened proceedings, established the rules of engagement and wished the field good luck. For the first time, the ACGA made use of the Club’s online scoring application Golf Genius, which allowed for each player/group to view live scores and see where they lay in the field. This added an element of excitement to the day may and may well be something that we factor into future seasons if available/practical. I suspect it also had an effect on some of the scores, as a higher number than usual players faltered in the last few holes. No doubt pushing for a score at the business end of the round…

For anyone who observed the scoring throughout the day, there was never a clear leader, as many a shot ended up in hazards and places where it was impossible to work out how….. Scoring was definitely not easy and the usual “higher 30’s, low 40 points” score looked increasingly unlikely. At various times, the clubhouse lead stayed around the 34 point mark with Mark Henry and Mike Woodstock tied on that score. This was surely going to be beaten. Sure enough, George “ Mr Consistent” came in with a score of 35 points, which lead for quite a while. Ultimately, Cassius Browne, who was fresh from celebrating receiving his 60+ Oyster Card in May came home with 36 points and held on for the win.

1st Cassius Browne 36pts

2nd George Grant 35pts

3rd Mike Woodstock 34pts - countback

4th Mark Henry 34pts

After the meal and presentation, George led a lively debate re: the move to the WHS handicap system. I’m sure this subject will remain a hot topic for the foreseeable future, but ultimately once it settles down, it can only be a move for the good.

Overall a very enjoyable day, excellent course and hopefully the ACGA will be back in the coming years.