🌤 A Day at Tandridge – Classic Colt, Classic Camaraderie
Tandridge once again delivered a magnificent day of golf, with the course in superb condition. Despite recent tropical temperatures, we were greeted by a blustery, overcast morning that only began to clear as we approached the 18th fairway. Still, the beauty of Tandridge shone through.
Designed by the legendary Harry Colt, the course is a masterclass in strategic golf. Lush, sloping fairways and lightning-fast, undulating greens—especially treacherous on a downslope—kept everyone on their toes. Each hole presents a unique challenge, not least the classic Colt bunkers, which have been beautifully restored following storm damage. I was glad I brought my bucket and spade!
The winning Team Michael, Tony, Cameron & Gilbert
🏆 The Crescent Salver & Team Competition
Today, the Old Dovorians competed for the prestigious Crescent Salver, alongside a team competition format that ensured everyone could contribute, even on an off day.
- Tony Lancaster, a Tandridge member, used his deep knowledge of the course to claim the Salver with an outstanding 38 points.
- Patrick followed with a strong 33 points.
The team prize went to Group One with 84 points, thanks to some seamless dovetailing between Michael and me, and a supporting masterclass from Cameron. Tony L’s steady play anchored the group, while Cameron showed us all how youth and flexibility can send a ball a county mile.
Group Two—Tony R, Richard, and Mark—played impressively consistent golf to secure second place with very credible Stableford scores.
- Longest Drive: Anthony, just edging out Richard’s fine effort.
- Nearest the Pin: Yours truly, with one of my better shots (the others are best forgotten!).
Anecdotes & Highlights
- ⏳ Seven societies were playing simultaneously, leading to a congested course and a leisurely 4.5-hour round.
- 🍽 Lunch logistics went awry: Michael, our President, had generously arranged a starter course, but the message didn’t reach the catering team amidst the dining chaos. Feeding seven societies at once turned the clubhouse into a scene reminiscent of school dinners—but hats off to the catering staff for keeping things moving!
- 🏆 Tony Lancaster’s win marks his third Crescent Salver victory—having previously won in 1999 and 2012. A remarkable achievement!
- 👶👴 The age gap between our youngest player, Cameron (our newest Alumni member), and our oldest, Tony Lancaster, is an impressive 64 years.
- 🎓 We wish Cameron every success with his A-Level results.
- 🛺 Mark has upgraded from his one-seater buggy to a larger, faster model—still boot-friendly, of course.
- 💬 While we’re reviewing the feasibility of returning to Tandridge due to costs, Tony R, Mark, Richard, and Patrick have all expressed a strong desire to continue playing here, even without a subsidy. Discussions are underway with the club and The Worshipful Company.
- 👖 Mark’s lunch attire raised eyebrows—rumour has it he’s bought green cargo trousers and matching tops in bulk.
- 👔 Your Captain, while urging everyone to change into smart casual for lunch, forgot his own change of clothes!
- 🔋 I also forgot the battery for my new electric trolley—clearly skipped a line on my checklist! 😊
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Old Dovorian Club Registered Address – HMS Wellington, Temple Stairs | Victoria Embankment | London WC2R 2PN