Around 120 Crawley Town players, management, backroom staff and fans congregated at Hassocks Golf Course last Wednesday for the eagerly awaited CTSA Golf Day. Right from the outset CTSA would very much like to thank Richie, the boys and back room staff for making the day so special especially as most of them were securing 3 famous points at Bramall Lane the previous evening.

After coffee, bacon rolls and a briefing by scorer Keith Robinson the 1st of 20 foursomes got the day rolling. Travel Ken, Stephen, Dave and Craig Brewster all drove away effortlessly. It then took around 2 hours to get the remaining 19 groups away. We have first tee photos of each which are available on our Facebook page- see below. As you would imagine there were some nerves around and a lot of friendly banter.

Early on, in group 4 four GK Paul Jones asked his young caddy Rachel, “what club to you think?” As quick a wink she replied, “I haven’t a clue!” In group 7 I noticed that Matt Sadler choose the safety of a 4 iron and calmly drilled it down the middle. Assistant club pro Alex played off the white tee and smashed an incredible drive to ripples of applause.

Next, Owen’s group needed a wide angled lens to get them all in. An incredible 9 people strolled off down the fairway including Mark Connolly who was wore some distinctive orange strides. Silpa, in group 10, was the only lady in the field. Playing her first ever 18 holes she got off to the fine start when driving around the water hazard with the ball miraculously clinging to the edge. She said, “I am happy with that- at least I can still see it!”

Moving on, Richie B teed off with an imperious drive down the first. Up stepped Sergio, looking stylish in his yellow sweater, blue strides and cool trainers. The self confessed novice made a nervous start as his ball ended on a mound a few yards past the ladies tee. That said his 2nd made it past the water. I believe he ended up on 132, not bad for a first attempt.

Dan, Ash and Joe along with Dannie Bulman had the pleasure of Reggie the Red for company. Dannie casually speared one down the middle and then nonchalantly tossed his club to his caddie Sarah Moylan who dutifully picked it up. Mike Jones, eventual winner of the medal competition, started in a less than convincing fashion as his drive headed for the pond. He said, “great strike but in the wrong direction!”

As the last of the group were going out group one were coming down the 9th. Craig Brewster is an obvious golfing talent. He had made the perfect start by paring the front 9. He then went on to par the 10th before dropping his first shot on the tricky 11th. As he came past me on the 17th it was revealed that the putter had become a bit wayward but he still shot a low 70’s score. Quite brilliant!

At the other end of the scale spare a thought for Sussex Carpets rep Imran Ibrahim who turned out in a thick overcoat and a nice pair of brogues. He hacked down the 1st and continued hacking for the next 5 hours ending up on 169! Still, even Rory Mcllroy has a bad day occasionally!

As the groups progressed I stationed myself on the short par 3 17th. The wind got up and it started raining which is probably why only three people actually hit the green. It was our goal keeper Paul Jones who got closest. He smashed a mighty tee shot with-in 8 years of the pin.

The comfortable clubhouse provided excellent shelter from the rain and whilst I didn’t see her myself I understand that the lady singer was quite charming. The Ham Egg and chips all went down well along with some mighty fine beers. Thanks to Cat, Richard and Eugene for looking after us.

Chairman Prendergast said, “thank you to everyone who turned out today especially all the club representatives- I hope you have all had a great day out. I would also like to thank Owen, Keith, Barb, Ian and Matt for their hard work in getting this day up and running. Also many thanks to the guys at Sussex Carpet Centre for their sponsorship.We have made around £2,500 which half will be going to the Chestnut Tree and half into CTSA Community Projects.”

Chestnut Tree Representative Terrina Barnes said, “what a brilliant day, on behalf of Chestnut Tree I would like to thank you all for your support not just today but over the past three seasons. Our relationship with Crawley Town is very important to us and as we go into our 10th year birthday celebrations we hope that our bond will continue to flourish.”

Event sponsors, Sussex Carpet Centre, also had a great day out, Mo said, “we have really enjoyed ourselves and have been happy to sponsor this event- and would be happy to be involved again.” It can revealed that golf novice Mo dumfounded himself and his playing partners by winning the closest to the pin 13th. He said, “I got the driver out and smashed it as hard as I could, the ball seemed to curl towards the green and I was amazed when it landed 4 foot from the pin!” That one shot earned him 4 tickets for a pre season friendly at the Broadfield. A nice prize I am sure you will agree.

The main competition winners, picking up a lovely Urn to be housed at the football club, and some glassware, were our mid field dynamo Mike Jones (scoring a net 63 in the Medal) and fan Richard Merry (scoring 46 stapleford points).

For more pictures- and there are lots of them- please visit our facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/CTFCSA and don’t forget to hit the like button! The all important results, courtesy of Keith Robinson, are below:

Golf Day Results

Words and Pictures from Colin Bowman, CTSA Press