A Season Finale to Remember... and One We'd Rather Not Repeat Weather-Wise!
As the curtain fell on another successful OD Golf Society season, members, parents, pupils, and friends of the Society gathered at Tenterden Golf Club for what can only be described as a fitting finale: great company, plenty of laughter, memorable golf, and weather conditions more commonly associated with a tropical storm than a Kent golf course.
Despite forecasts predicting a thoroughly wet and windy day, spirits remained high as players arrived to a warm welcome, accompanied by much-appreciated bacon rolls and coffee before venturing out to tackle the elements.
This fixture marked the Society’s first visit to Tenterden, and while the weather did its best to dominate proceedings, it failed to dampen enthusiasm or the competitive spirit of the players.
We were delighted to welcome Sixth Form students Zac Deekes and Max Mulgrew, along with university student Cameron Mathews. The quartet was completed by yours truly and matched against the formidable team of Nigel Tubman, Howard Tubman, and John Hardy, fresh from our recent encounter against the Old Eastbournians at West Surrey.
The competition format was straightforward: the best Stableford score on each hole counted toward the team tally, while individual honours would go to the player posting the highest overall Stableford score on the day.
Given that Max had generously stepped in at short notice to replace the injured Josh Deekes, the teams appeared evenly balanced on paper. What followed, however, was anything but predictable.
Cameron and Zac possess the enviable ability to launch golf balls extraordinary distances. Unfortunately, accuracy occasionally adopts a “best efforts” approach. Cameron set the tone early on the opening hole when an impressive drive, described by some as an “Exocet missile”, narrowly avoided three unsuspecting ladies making their way up the 18th fairway. Had the ball found its intended target, our welcome in the clubhouse may have been considerably less warm later in the day!
Throughout the front nine, Cameron and Zac continued their high-risk, high-reward approach, producing some spectacular drives alongside a few adventurous interpretations of course management. By the turn, Nigel’s team held a slender advantage, leading 25 points to 21.
When the long drives found the fairway, they were truly impressive. One of Zac’s booming efforts was measured on a Garmin watch at an astonishing 270 yards into both rain and a headwind, leaving the rest of us wondering if he was playing a different sport altogether.
Meanwhile, Cameron appeared determined to discover just how versatile a 21-degree club could be, enthusiastically employing it from the tee, fairway and approach whenever possible.
A personal tactical error on my part came at the fifth hole when I optimistically removed my waterproofs at the first sign of improving weather. Unfortunately, the drizzle had other ideas and remained a loyal companion until the fifteenth. Nevertheless, the conditions seemed only to sharpen concentration rather than hinder scoring
As the back nine unfolded, I finally managed to contribute a little more effectively alongside the excellent scoring being produced by Zac and Cameron. The result was a spirited comeback that saw our team edge Nigel’s side by the narrowest possible margin, winning by a single point.
Individual scoring proved understandably difficult in the challenging conditions:
- Nigel Tubman – 26 points
- John Hardy – 27 points
- Howard Tubman – 29 points
- Zac Deekes – 29 points
- Gilbert Thompson – 34 points
Special mention must also go to Max Mulgrew. Although still relatively new to the game, he demonstrated considerable natural ability with several outstanding shots. Highlights included a beautifully struck 160-yard 8-iron arrowing straight down the fairway and a superb 180-yard 6-iron played over trees and between water and woodland to find safety. The future looks bright, and we very much hope the challenging weather has not discouraged him from joining us again next season.
Following several hours battling wind, rain, and occasionally our own golf swings, sandwiches and chips provided a welcome opportunity to thaw out before heading home to dry clothing, clean clubs, and reflect on another hugely enjoyable day
A Wonderful End to a Memorable Season
This event brings the curtain down on what has been a fantastic 2026 season for the OD Golf Society.
Across the year we have enjoyed excellent golf courses, closely contested matches, the occasional questionable handicap, plenty of laughter, reunions with old friends, and the opportunity to welcome new faces into the Society. More importantly, we have continued to strengthen the friendships and connections that make the OD Golf Society such an enjoyable organisation to be part of.
A sincere thank you goes to everyone who has supported the Society throughout the year, whether by sponsoring events, participating in matches, helping with organisation behind the scenes, or simply turning up with enthusiasm, regardless of the weather forecast.
Planning is already underway for the 2027 season, and we are determined to build upon everything that made this year such a success. There is every reason to believe next season will be our biggest and best yet.
If you would like to join us for a round, reconnect with fellow Old Dovorians, or simply learn more about the Society, please get in touch.
Email: gilbert.thompson@whitelodgedorking.com
We would be delighted to hear from you.
Gilbert Thompson
Captain, OD Golf Society
A Season Closing Quote
“The scorecards may fade, but the friendships forged on the fairways endure.” ⛳