The ODGS returned to Lee‑on‑the‑Solent for our Home Fixture, and the day delivered everything we love about these gatherings: sunshine, camaraderie, competitive spirit, and — thanks to our host Michael “Mick” Donnelly — a steady stream of stories from St Martins that were as sharp as his iron play.
A Reunion 61 Years in the Making
This fixture offered a rare and rather heart‑warming moment: Charlie, Scott and Mick reconnecting after six decades. Within minutes, they were deep into tales of masters, boys, sports, and college mischief, proving that OD friendships age like a fine single malt — stronger, smoother, and occasionally responsible for questionable decisions.
The Course & Conditions
The sun was out in force again, prompting immediate regret from anyone wearing long trousers… namely me. Mick, who lives just a few miles away and apparently has a private contract with the local microclimate, arrived perfectly attired for the warmth.
The fairways were still recovering from the summer drought, but the greens and bunkers were immaculate — which I discovered personally and repeatedly.
The Match Format – We played a split 6’s match:
- Winner of each hole earns 4 points
- Second place earns 2 points
- A split hole shares the points
Simple in theory. Less simple when your ball keeps finding bunkers that your playing partners swear are “normally unreachable.”
Front Nine – Charlie Sets the Pace
Charlie came out firing. His chipping was razor‑sharp, his putting annoyingly reliable, and he quickly reminded us why he’s one of the ODGS’s leading golfers. By the turn, he had built a solid lead and looked in complete control.
Back Nine – Mick Finds His Rhythm
After a two‑week break from golf, Mick took a few holes to warm up — but once he did, the transformation was remarkable.
Long, straight drives. Crisp iron shots that nestled into the centre of greens. Two‑putt finishes that looked effortless.
Slowly, steadily, he reeled Charlie in. By the 17th, Mick had overturned the deficit, and a confident finish on 18 sealed him a well‑earned victory.
OD Golf Society Captain Role – The Enthusiastic Spectator
As for me… well, even my best drives and sweetest 5‑wood strikes seemed magnetically drawn to bunkers. Mick kindly pointed out that these traps were “normally unreachable,” which was comforting until I realised he was being entirely serious.
A Word from Our Host – Mick Donnelly
Mick’s reflections deserve their own spotlight:
“It was great fun to host this match and I thank Gilbert and Charlie (unmet in 61 years) for making the long trip south. Both played frighteningly well off slightly higher handicaps and I was lucky to find some late form. My course tips were an open book but Gilbert insisted on hitting longer drives to normally unreachable traps. He was also a little miffed to find his very small entry on page 215 in the 1971 Centenary Register (copy on request). Hopefully dates will align next year for me to make the same trip north for an OD meeting not too far east. Best wishes to all, Mick D.”
Looking Ahead
We very much hope to see Mick at more ODGS fixtures next year — particularly West Surrey and Betchworth Park — where we can enjoy his company, his stories, and perhaps even avoid those “normally unreachable” bunkers.
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