September 2012 ~ Christian Golf Society | Church Golf | National Church Golf Cup in partnership with CVM

CGS Kent bring home Premier National Church Golf Cup for 4th year


The Christian Golf Society moved the Premier National Church Golf Cup for 2012 to the beautiful county of Oxfordshire and the impressive Heythrop Park Resort.

The weather was kind to the six pairs, winners of their respective county qualifier days as Marion Gatland and Lesley Blythe (representing the ladies winners of the Surrey event) got the final underway. Although the course wasn't particularly long, the damp summer had left the course quite soft, and such long playing conditions was not conjucive to Marion or Lesley in their quest. In fact it was Lesley's husband Mark (who won surrey's mens event) paired with Dave Holmes who started the best and two net birdies and a net eagle led them to 22 points at the turn. It was good enough for a one point lead over Paul Dunton and Cliff Britcher, representing Liberty Church in Kent and Frank Vinas and Steve Tucker playing for Leigh Road Baptist Church, Essex.

Paul Evans and John Dadd (Banners Gate Community Church), Steve Fox and Barry Cleveland (Grace Community Church) and Marion and Lesley were closely bunched just a further point adrift.

The inward nine saw Marion and Lesley struggle to match their front nine and the gap started to grow between them and the rest of the field. The excellent start made by Dave Holmes and Mark Blythe was also starting to come unravelled as they could only put 16 points together to add to the outward total. Paul Evans and John Dadd were able to go one better than Dave and Mark with a fine, consistent performance by the team. Nevertheless it in the second nine Cliff Britcher started to contribute to the wonderful play of PGA professional Paul Dunton and they accumulated 24 points to add to their 21 points for a total of 45, culminating in an impressive victory by six points.

It was a thoroughly deserved victory and meant that Kent churches had won the last four Christian Golf Society National Finals. The post-match prize-giving was accompanied by a sumptious meal and an entertaining and thought-provoking talk by Rev. Jon Stannard from Viz-a-Viz. It was indeed a fabulous event and the golf and camaraderie was enjoyed by all.

The Christian Golf Society would like to thank Jon Stannard for coming to the final and speaking after dinner. Also to Richardsons Cycles in Leigh-on-Sea for their valuable and welcome sponsorship. Finally our thanks go to Premier Media for tieing up with the Christian Golf Society to bring fun, competitive and entertaining golf days across the country.

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