The course at Saffron Walden looked in superb condition as the field of 53 County seniors prepared to tee it up on a sunny but breezy day.
The greens were running at around 11 on the stimp meter and proving tricky for many as the early scores suggested.
Taking an early lead on 78 was former champion Kevin Diss of Gog Magog who was dashing off to Ganton after his round to compete in the British Seniors Championship. A triple bogey on the 3rd hole spoilt what was otherwise a good round.
Defending champion Jeremy Baldwin of Nene Park was playing well until a double bogey on the 5th hole but he soon recovered with an excellent birdie on the par 3 7th hole. With pars at 8 and 9 he was out in 39 and steady golf on the way home gave him the lead on a respectable 76.
This lead was not challenged until late in the day when home club member Gerald Collins holed a 15 foot putt on the last green to save par and tie for the lead on 76.
At the end of the day only 3 golfers broke 80 which was disappointing but understandable considering the speed and difficulty of the greens. Once out of position it wasn’t easy to get up and down in 2 shots from around the green.
It was all done now to a sudden death play off to decide the Championship. Gerald hit 2 lovely shots onto the 1st green whereas Jeremy missed the green left and chipped up to 8 feet. Surprisingly Gerald proceeded to knock his 1st putt 12 feet past the hole and then missed the return. Jeremy then missed his putt for the title and was still left with a 3 footer to stay in the play off which he duly holed.
Two good drives and 2nd shots left them both facing 20 foot putts on the second green. Gerald going first, hit a great putt which just shaved the hole and he tapped in for a par. Jeremy with the harder of the putts as it was straight downhill, rolled it straight into the hole for a birdie 3 and the Championship.
Jeremy will now go forward to represent CAGU in the County Champions of Champions finals at Woodhall Spa GC in September.
The winner of the Super Seniors Trophy (65 to 69 yrs) was Steve Plumb of the home Club with 82.
Finishing 4th overall in the Championship and retaining the Masters Trophy (70 years plus) was Neil Hughes of Gog Magog with a score of 80.
The best net was won for the 3rd time by Roger Tacq of Ramsey Golf Club with an excellent score of 88-18=70 net.
It was great to see Mark Harvey, Captain of Saffron Walden, finishing 2nd in the net competition with a 73 net.
Many thanks must go to the Saffron Walden Golf Club for their fine hospitality on the day and to the Course Manager Ian Cambridge for preparing such a great course and challenge to the old boys of the County.
Next year’s Championship will take place at the Ely City GC on the 4th July.