OW Golf Society Report
Six of our better golfers, under the captaincy of Matt Webster, played in the Grafton Morrish qualifying at Royal Wimbledon on 13th May. This is serious stuff, one of the scratch competitions that the society enters. The team finished fifth out of 13 schools, thereby winning a place in the finals, which will be played in early October, at Hunstanton and Brancaster in Norfolk.
The OWs combined with school staff in a match against the schoolboys on 16th May, at Croham Hurst. In recent years, this match has proved to be a chastening experience for the old boys, but not this time around. Winning 4-1 overall, the combined team’s shock of the day was society Captain’s John Butler’s partnership with Oliver Fernie. Taking on two +2 handicappers in the school’s top pairing, they ran out winners by 9&8, using every advantage of the difference in handicaps. Never to be forgotten …. if the Captain has his way! Our thanks go to the school for providing some much needed refreshment after the game.
Our second meeting of the season took place at Banstead Downs, on 23rd May. It was a new venue for most of the 21 who participated, and more than a few of us were daunted by the prospect of crossing the A217 twice during our round. Dodging traffic travelling at 60 mph whilst carrying a golf bag or pushing a trolley is not the easiest of tasks, and soon puts a tricky pitch shot over a bunker into proper perspective. Nonetheless this was a very enjoyable day; the course was in good condition and we were well looked after, all at a very reasonable price. As for the golf itself, Neil Robertson came all the way from Lincolnshire to put the rest of us in the shade; he scored 40 points and thereby won the Hornsey Walker trophy, which is the oldest in the society, having first been contested in 1927. Don Anderson scored 38 points to finish 2nd on countback – his second 2nd place finish this year – but he is simply too young to take the Veterans’ Trophy, which went to John Butler (also 38 points).
The next open meeting is at The Addington on 18th July. Do join us if you can.
Anyone wishing to play with and/or join the society should contact the secretary at peterbgale@sky.com.
Peter Gale OW (1964-69)
Honorary Secretary
