The annual Cornwall Golf Union Dinner took place at the BW Hotel Bristol in Newquay last Friday with England Golf President Jenny Clink and regional County Presidents in attendance. In total 140 persons were present with 19 of the Duchy's clubs represented in one form or another as CGU President Mike Ellis hosted.

Prior to the dinner Newquay GC had again offered their course to diners and the club were heartily thanked for their generosity. Course Manager dan kendle was praised for the excellent condition of the course. In the day's competition first spot went to the host club's Richard Rundle with 37 points. Second was County Seniors Captain Andy Rowe (Looe) on 36 and third Hugh Christophers (Launceston) on 34.

The CGU Player of the Year award went to George Leigh (Trevose),  pictured above after his County Amateur Championship win in May. Leigh who is currently on a scholarship in America, won the County Championship at Mullion earlier this year and has recently been selected as a member of the England Golf Boys squad for 2020. A live link up to speak with George in Las Vegas was successful to the extent diners were able to see and in part hear George say how pleased he was to receive the award and thank all of those who have supported him to date.

Young Player of the Year was won by Thomas Stephens (Trevose), pictured with CGU Juniors President Alan Lund (left) and Mike Ellis. Stephens first appeared in county events as a 10 year old 24 handicapper from Truro but now aged 16 plays off 2 and has this year made his debut in the full Men's County Team.

Radnor GC picked up their spoils for winning the 2019 Summer Handicap League for the second time in 3 years whilst the Channel League Player of the Year award, sponsored by Rowett Insurance Broking Lt, was won by Joe Reynard (Trevose) with Aaron Stephens (Newquay) second and Richard Jasper (Launceston) third.

The Cornwall Seniors team - pictured below in good spirits - collected mementos and  the Seniors Channel League salver from Jenny Clink and Devon President Richard Pascoe for topping the seven county pile for the first time since joining in 2009. Seniors Captain Rowe paid tribute to the team in his customary style.

In his address to the dinner Mike Ellis thanked amongst others the CGU sponsors, St Austell Brewery, Francis Clark Financial Planning Ltd and Brittany Ferries for their continued support.He also praised the efforts of County Captain Ian Veale whose pride, dedication and enthusiasm in the role had promoted excellent team spirit and motivation in the players. Ellis thanked Mullion GC again for their excellent hospitality and welcome during County Week 2019. He made specific mention of Harry Hall (West Cornwall) who was selected for the GB&I Walker Cup team at Royal Liverpool, before finishing his amateur career with a win for England in the Home Internationals at Lahinch. Having turned professional he then finished 15th  in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship playing his final round with Rory McIlroy - what a finale to his time as an amateur. Hall has since progressed through two stages of the Korn Ferry Tour qualifying with the final stage due in Florida in early December. All those present wished Harry well.

England Golf President Jenny Clink regaled those present with an amusing speech covering her many varied roles in golf at club, county and country levels.

County Captain Veale concluded the speeches during which he made presentations on behalf of the CGU to St Austell Brewery's Mark Stephens and Ace Group's Dave Stephens. Veale thanked those who had supported him in his role and wished every success to his Vice Captain Charlie Phillips as he prepares to take up the captaincy. He also paid tribute to the fantastic year of Emily Toy (Carlyon Bay), which had been topped with a win in the R&A's Women's Amateur Championship.

As a reminder the CGU General Meeting takes place this coming Thursday 21st November 2019 at Carlyon Bay GC commencing at 7.00pm.