A Spectacular Finale to the 2026 Golfing Season
The Old Dovorian Golf Society concluded its 2026 golfing programme in outstanding fashion with a memorable visit to the stunning Sene Valley Golf Club overlooking Hythe and Sandgate.
Blessed with glorious autumn sunshine, stunning coastal views and our largest attendance of the season, the day provided the perfect finale to another successful year of golfing competition and camaraderie.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the event was the fantastic mixture of generations represented throughout the field. We were delighted to welcome current Dover College students Zac, Josh and Fred, together with recent school leavers Cameron and Oakley. They were joined by a youthful contingent from the Old Dovorian Cricket Club, with Zac, Matt and Mike answering the call to sample life in the golfing fraternity.
Whether they were attracted by the quality of the course, the promise of friendly competition, or the generous quantities of food and refreshments strategically deployed by the organisers remains a subject of ongoing investigation. Whatever the reason, we are hopeful that all three cricketers enjoyed the experience sufficiently to return for future events.
We were also delighted to welcome Darren, father of Oakley, together with Sam Page, a friend of Tamara. Both Tamara and Sam have only recently begun their golfing journeys through coaching at their local Canterbury club, making their performances all the more impressive.
Breaking Records and Lowering the Average Age
The day marked two significant milestones for the Society.
Firstly, the event achieved our highest attendance of the year, surpassing even the excellent turnout at Betchworth Park.
Secondly, and perhaps even more notably, the average age of participants once again dipped below forty years old. Aside from the hugely successful Dover College Fun Day at Etchinghill, this represents another encouraging sign that the Society continues to attract a younger generation of golfers while maintaining the warm and welcoming atmosphere that has always been at its heart.
Mastering the Challenges of Sene Valley
Our sincere thanks go to Stephen Allyne, member of Sene Valley Golf Club, who acted as our host for the day and generously shared his buggy with Robert.
This proved particularly valuable given the famously undulating nature of the course. Early concerns that buggies might be restricted to the front nine holes would almost certainly have resulted in several participants being forced into lengthy and highly strategic sessions in the clubhouse bar while others tackled the back nine on foot. Thankfully, the restriction was lifted, allowing everyone to experience the full challenge of the course.
And what a challenge it is.
Sene Valley is unlike almost any other course in Kent. Carved dramatically into the hillside overlooking the English Channel, it combines breathtaking scenery with a layout that regularly tests local knowledge, confidence and optimism in equal measure.
Many holes feature blind drives or hidden approach shots where golfers must commit fully to the shot despite having little idea where the ball may eventually appear. For visiting golfers, a Garmin watch proved invaluable. Even then, a degree of faith, crossed fingers and perhaps a brief prayer were often required as tee shots disappeared over distant horizons.
The course’s dramatic ravines, steep slopes and unforgiving natural hazards also ensured that not every golf ball enjoyed a successful return journey home
Sunshine, Competition and Plenty of Golf
The day began with a welcome breakfast of bacon or sausage rolls accompanied by coffee or juice before players headed out onto the course under clear blue skies and unseasonably warm October sunshine.
Participants were divided into five teams of three or four players and competed in both front and back nine team competitions, alongside the individual Stableford event.
As ever, the competition proved incredibly close.
Team honours were secured by Team 1 and Team 3, while Team 2, featuring the cricketers, and Team 4, led by Nigel and competing with only three players, pushed the winners all the way. In both competitions, the difference between success and near miss was a single point, highlighting just how competitive the scoring was throughout the field.
Zac Hussain Claims the Turnpenny Jug
The individual competition produced some outstanding golf, with Zac Hussain taking top honours with an excellent score of 37 Stableford points.
Naturally, the fact that Zac runs his own golf holiday company was deemed entirely irrelevant to his success and certainly played no part whatsoever in his victory.
His reward is the prestigious Turnpenny Jug, although there remains one small logistical challenge. The trophy is currently enjoying what can only be described as an extended continental holiday in Belgium with its previous custodian, Jack.
Once trophy and champion are reunited, a formal presentation will be arranged at a future Old Dovorian Golf Society event.
Notable performances also came from:
- Robert – 34 points
- Nigel – 33 points
- Cameron – 33 points
- Oakley – 32 points
Moments to Remember
Special mention must go to Zac Deekes, who claimed Nearest the Pin on the 2nd hole with a superb short-iron shot that finished just a few feet from the flag.
Equally impressive was beginner golfer Sam Page, who successfully found the green on the notoriously challenging 11th hole. Judging by the accompanying photographs, Sam was understandably delighted with the result and had every reason to be.
Throughout the day, our alumni produced countless memorable shots, many of them accompanied by drives of remarkable length that left some of their older playing partners simultaneously impressed and slightly concerned.
One player who particularly caught the eye was Fred, the youngest alumnus in attendance. Playing off a handicap of 10.5, he demonstrated considerable talent and composure and is undoubtedly a golfer to watch in future ODGS events.
Looking Ahead
As another successful golfing season draws to a close, events such as Sene Valley provide a powerful reminder of what makes the Old Dovorian Golf Society so special.
Competitive golf is, of course, important, but equally valuable are the opportunities to strengthen friendships, welcome new faces, connect different generations of Old Dovorians and enjoy some of the finest golf courses the region has to offer.
With record attendance, outstanding weather, excellent golf and a growing number of younger players joining our ranks, the future of the Society looks extremely bright indeed.
Our thanks go to everyone who attended, supported and contributed to another memorable day.
We look forward to seeing you all on the first tee again in 2027.
Gilbert
Captain
Old Dovorian Golf Society
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Old Dovorian Club Registered Address – HMS Wellington, Temple Stairs | Victoria Embankment | London WC2R 2PN