The Long Awaited and Much Anticipated Match Report For Thursday 23rd July 2026
The Old Dovorian Golf Society was treated to a truly memorable day at Tandridge for the Tony Lancaster Invitational, an event that continues to embody the very best of OD camaraderie, tradition and sporting spirit. While many courses across the country are struggling with the prolonged dry spell, the Tandridge greenkeeping team have achieved something close to miraculous. The course was presented in magnificent condition—lush, immaculate, and a credit to the dedication of those who care for it. As the saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words, and the accompanying photographs capture just how exceptional the course looked throughout the day.
Demand for this fixture was understandably high, and I extend sincere apologies to those who might have wished to join us. Owing to limited availability, our fourball comprised: Tony Lancaster – celebrating an extraordinary 60-year association with Tandridge, Patrick King, Tony Robin, Mark Rumble
This group had specifically asked during the 2025 Tandridge OD Invitational lunch whether they might return in 2026, even though the main OD Invitational Day had since moved to Betchworth Park GC. In recognition of our long and distinguished relationship with Tandridge—and undoubtedly helped by Tony Lancaster’s remarkable standing at the club—the office kindly allowed our fourball to play on a society day.
When the green fee unexpectedly rose to £175 per person, Tony stepped in with characteristic generosity and offered to host the day as a “home” fixture. It was a gesture that set the tone for what became a wonderfully uplifting occasion.
Due to a late withdrawal due to hospital treatment meant I unexpectedly joined the group. Having recently played with the younger Alumni at Littlestone, today’s match represented the opposite end of the ODGS age spectrum. Our two most senior active members—Patrick at 85 and Tony at 84—brought not only decades of golfing experience but also a lifetime of OD friendship and rivalry. At 71, I found myself affectionately labelled “the youngster”, a novelty that added humour and warmth to the day.
Despite their years, both Patrick and Tony produced golf of enviable quality.
Their drives were consistently long and straight, their approach shots controlled and confident, and their course management exemplary. Patrick, finding a beautiful rhythm on the greens, posted an outstanding 39 points—a superb achievement on such a demanding course. Tony, demonstrating that his trademark finesse remains firmly intact, returned a very solid 34 points.
One moment in particular deserves special mention. A photograph shows Tony strolling onto a green where his approach had finished six feet off the putting surface. With calm assurance, he proceeded to sink the resulting 40-foot putt—a stroke of pure artistry.
The day was rich with conversation, humour and reminiscence. Patrick and Tony shared memories of their Dover College days, recalling the friendly rivalry that shaped their youth. Patrick told the wonderful story of attempting to beat Tony—an exceptionally talented runner—in the mile at Farthingloe. His strategy was to sit directly on Tony’s heels for the entire race, hoping to outkick him at the finish. In the end, Patrick crossed the line exactly where he had spent the whole race: right behind Tony.
On the course, their wit was equally sharp. Patrick chastised me—quite theatrically—for laying up on the notoriously treacherous 17th rather than attacking the green.
My ball sat awkwardly in the first cut, a foot above my feet, 165 yards out. I missed my par by an inch, but redeemed myself moments later with my best strike of the day: a 210-yard blind shot from the 10th fairway to the 18th green. Patrick’s faith was restored.
It is difficult to overstate the admiration we all feel for Tony Lancaster. Few people could play such composed, elegant golf so soon after undergoing 18 hours of major life-saving surgery, with further reconstructive surgery scheduled for the following Monday. Yet Tony not only played—he hosted, encouraged, and uplifted everyone around him with his positivity, humour and unwavering spirit.
His hospitality was boundless, his company a joy, and his resilience an inspiration to us all.
On behalf of the Old Dovorian Golf Society, I extend heartfelt thanks to Tony for his extraordinary generosity and friendship. The day at Tandridge was one of the most enjoyable and uplifting rounds I have ever had the privilege to share.
Our thoughts and best wishes are firmly with Tony as he undergoes his next stage of treatment. We look forward to seeing him back on the fairways in due course, continuing to inspire us with his remarkable character and love of the game.
Gilbert Thompson, Old Dovorian Golf Society Captain
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