Golf - South East Golf Day 2022

Conversations at the last Harris Cup match led to a series of 'get-together' rounds of 'London' based OB's which ultimately grew and led, on Friday 20th May, to the resurrection of the OBGS London and South East Golf Day, previously so wonderfully hosted by the irrepressible Martin Nichols. Martin was, sadly, unable to attend the event (due to a clash with the Cannes film festival) and so the re-incarnation was hosted by Dylan Kelly at Coombe Wood Golf Club, Kingston-upon-Thames.

Ten OB's, with a satisfyingly broad range of ages;

Mark Wilson DHB, 74-77), Ian Wilson (DHB, 74-79), Dylan Kelly (SHB, 79-84), Kevin Noble (DHB, 79-84), Llyr Raw-Rees (ORC, 03-05), David Harries (ORC, 04-08), David Layton(SDA, 03-05), Alfred Smith (ORC, 11-13), Iolo Morgan (SDA, 07-13) and Osian Morgan (SDA, 10-16)

turned up on what was, to start with, a wet and murky afternoon. Thankfully, by the end of bacon rolls, coffee and other beverages, and typical OB chat and banter, we arrived on the first tee in sunshine and blue skies. The course was in great condition and we were probably grateful for the morning downpour taking at least some of the sting out of the greens.

The golf was an eclectic mix of fabulous golf shots and self-torturous inconsistency; due mainly, perhaps, to adventurous shot selection and the vagaries some powerful, but slightly rusty and/or lubricated golf swings ??. This was no better highlighted by the inability of any of the group to find the green on the allotted 'nearest-the-pin' hole!

On a day of some really powerful hitting, the longest drive competition was won by Ian Wilson, (a bit, I suspect, to the chagrin of some of the younger attendees!).

Scoring was spread fairly evenly through the groups, with the better-ball bragging rights going to Dylan Kelly and the Wilson brothers with 86 points, despite 'blobbing' the last!

The individual honours were taken by Kevin Noble with 39 points. (Kevin, who has recently retired, is currently working part-time in the pro shop of Fulwell Golf Club and has seen a sudden inexplicable improvement in his game, was met with predictable derision when he said that he would be riding home, on his bike, rather than a bandit's horse despite the production, and examination, of his handicap certificate ….!)

In contrast to the inconsistent golf; the chat, camaraderie and general good-humour was as consistent and enjoyable as ever and went on for several hours after the end of the meal, with the last few to leave being politely ushered from the building with last of the bar staff.

A good day was had by all. Strong representations were made for it to be repeated next year, with expressions of hope that the very narrow catchment area of the attendees would be expanded with greater notice.

To that end, next year's OBGS London and South East Golf Day was set for Friday 19th May, and has been provisionally booked at Fulwell Golf Club.

It is hoped that venues outside of the 'A3/M3 corridor' will be adopted as the attendance grows and widens.

Further discussion also led proposal of an additional 'wanderers' or 'exiles' day to be held at any courses across the country with connections with OB's and where OB's would be happy to hold a golf day. Several venues were proposed and suggested and Kevin Noble would be glad to hear from any OB with further proposals or suggestions via email at: kev.noble@yahoo.com.

Upcoming OBGS fixtures are :

The Heads Cup at Cradoc G.C. on 24th June.

Old Llandovarians v Old Breconians at Carmarthen G.C. on 2nd September.

The Harris Cup at Royal Porthcawl G.C. on 30th September.

The Spring Meeting at Ryal Porthcawl G.C on 20th April, 2023.

OBGS London and South East Golf Day on 19th May, 2023.