After weeks of preparation the eagerly awaited inaugural CTSA competition is now only a few days away. Colin Bowman (CTSA Press) has been out and about meeting some of the people who will hopefully make it a big success. Winners of the various competitions will be presented with some lovely trophies care of 101 Trophies of West Green. Two beautifully crafted urns are up for grabs, and these will be engraved and housed at the football club but the winners will take home a wonderful piece of glassware. Thanks to brothers Reg and Steve Coward at 101 Trophies for donating the pieces. Reg said, “we are very happy to support the club and CTSA in this venture and pleased to donate.” He added, “one of us will be there on the day to see how things pan out but wont be playing.”

Event sponsor, Sussex Carpet Centre, based in Crawley are also looking forward to the event. We caught up with owner Mohamed Shugaa to find out how they are gearing up for the day. He explained, “we got speaking with event organiser Owen Pickering who asked if we wanted to get involved, it was an easy decision, not only will it be a fun day out but we will be raising funds for a very worthy cause”.  Imran Ibrahin and fitter Chris Bignell will be joining him on the fairways. Mohamed revealed, “I might have played a bit of amateur football in the past but as a golfer I am a complete novice, it could be very scary teeing off at the first hole!”

The golf course are looking to make it a day to remember for all our guests.  Club pro Mike Ovett said, “we are very much looking forward to the CTSA day and welcoming Crawley Town players, staff and fans to Hassocks Golf Club. The fairways and greens have stood up well to the poor weather and everything is in great shape, it should be a pleasure to play.” He added, “I wont be playing myself but will be helping with the running of the day.”  By now most of you will have seen who you have drawn in the fourballs. If you haven’t, see below!

The club house will provide an excellent retreat both prior and after the round. Catrina Smart and assistant Eugene will be looking after the meal catering. She said, “it should be good fun, Eugene is a football nut and is looking forward to meeting some of the players.”  Bar manager Richard Hall said, “it’s the first time we have had over 80 in an afternoon for a long while, we shall make sure the bar is well stocked and manned.”

For the decent golfers amongst you there are opportunities to make a very good score and for the hackers you might be OK if you miss the traps. The tricky par 5 11th might cause some to sweat. There is water 100 yards ahead of the ladies tee before going right and water again before the green. Walk away with a 6 and you are doing well!

Club Marketing Manager Ryan Murrant is (loudly) confident,  he said,  “I play off 27 usually but I’m capable of being a bandit and scoring 40 points or above, so I’m massively confident of a victory. My biggest challenge is the weather, if it’s cold it could affect my ball flight significantly which is naturally a concern but more importantly it could affect my hands. They are usually protected by office warmth and Atrixo!

Our own Travel Ken is teaming up with his brother John and Stephen North, and with Jonte Smith front nine and Craig Brewster back nine. He said, “this is a really excellent idea and it should be great fun, may the best bandit win!” Ken plays off 20 and added, “a few years ago I could well have been in with a chance!”

 During the day fans will be pleased to see Reggie the Red up to his usual tricks plus Crawley News will be on site to cover the event and take some photos. There are also some exquisite raffle prizes up for grabs.  Event organiser Owen Pickering said, “I am hoping for a cracking day out with some good golf to be played and for everyone to have a great time, Hassocks are a very friendly club and have arranged a very good deal.” He added, “we are looking to make over £1,500 for Chestnut Tree and Community projects, to help build that fund we have some fantastic raffle prizes to be won so please dig deep to buy tickets!”  It can be revealed that Owen is no mean player himself, if his dodgy back stands the strain he could well be in the running!

CTSA fully understands that most of the Golf Day participants well be in Sheffield the previous evening. We have moved the tee time back an hour (10.30) and lets hope we can go into Wednesday off the back of a positive Bramall Lane result !  The one thing we can’t control is the weather.  Whilst there are hints of double digit temperatures there could be some wet stuff in the air. BRING WET WEATHER GEAR !

See all you intrepid golfers and caddies on Wednesday!