This year, the ODs and Old Eastbournians (OEs) were joined by a team representing the Old Reedonians (ORs) (after Old Honitonians withdrew).

We were incredibly lucky that the course was open having been closed the day before due to our glorious weather. However, we really must thank David Burt (OE) and Tony (both members of West Surrey) not only for their organisational skills in putting on this event but for their incredible forward planning to enable us to play on a dry day. The temperature even rose sufficiently for Tony to wear his favourite golf shorts and for the entire OD team to show off our stylish red short- sleeve jumpers. We would definitely have secured the prize for the best dressed team!!

Sadly, I had an Ollie Pope Day, (a full description of my excuses has been posted on my home website should anyone need a cure for insomnia).

My pathetic contribution to our team score (every player counting) made little difference to the final outcome given the ORs notched up an impressive 206 points from their team of 6. This score being 35 points above their nearest chasers (our own OD’s) in second place.

A clue to their success was explained by Jeremy (OR) over drinks on the patio after golf (the sun appeared!!) who is the current West Surrey Club Captain playing off 6 who scored an impressive 38 points. The ORs benefit from currently fielding 3 OR rugby teams, a cricket and hockey team and sixty active golfers many under the age of 40. The OR golf teams are supported by Reeds School which has a golf academy which directly facilitates the OR golf succession plans, as does the school’s employment of 2 full time staff engaged to manage & develop the OR network, social & sports events.

Jeremy even had to keep this Triangular event a closed shop in order not to disappoint too many other low handicap players however he had clearly brought the A team with none over an 11 handicap. Andy Macharg was their star of the day recording a remarkable 40 points.

In an attempt to keep pace with the ORs impressive scores, Richard playing off 13 achieved an excellent 36 points, with Richard also winning the nearest the pin in TWO on the 16th hole.
Tony (31 pts ) and Jarle playing off 13 recorded a solid 30 pts helping their cause towards securing the OD Bruce Johnson Trophy.

Even though David (OE)and I might want to forget our scores and our unexpected divots, we had a thoroughly enjoyable walk and were given a phenomenal display of power driving by Peter Griffin (OR) and how to hit the green in regulation (to secure 36 points). 

Even if we could not match the ORs, the West Surrey  catering team enabled us to forget our woes with their sumptuous buffet after the golf. Given we now have a West Surrey Captain joining the organisational team of David and Tony, we may surmise that the future for this fixture is secure.

For more information about the Old Dovorian Golf Club, then contact via email Michael Walter (ODGS President) or  Gilbert Thompson (ODGS Club Captain)

Gilbert Thompson ODGS Club Captain