O. C. Golf Society Meeting – The Players Club – 20th September 2020

It would be hard to overstate how welcoming it was to be able to hold the first O.C. Golf Society event in 2020. Having seen Carlyon Bay, Lansdown, plus other stellar O.C. functions such as the Summer Ball, Day Trips, O.C.R.F.C. matches and events, Cricket v. the School, etc. all fall victim to the pandemic restrictions, it was marvellous to meet up with the “lads” again for an enjoyable afternoon of golf.
The venue was the Players Club, at Codrington, S. Glos. The club had taken very thorough and well organised measures to ensure that all regulations were fully met, -- one-way systems, social distancing, masks in the clubhouse, and liberal spacing in a large dining room for the post-match meal.

Prior to tee-off, Bob Jennings distributed very smart caps, sporting an O.C.G.S. badge and logo, complete with a ball marker held magnetically in the peak, plus an identically marked beanie for colder days. In fact, the weather on the day was perfect, warm, sunny but not overbearing, and an occasional breeze.

The Players Club has two courses, the Codrington, opened in the late nineties, and the more recent Stranahan. Both were designed by the highly regarded Adrian Stiff (of Cumberwell Park, Kendleshire, Oake Manor, and several others, fame), and who is now the sole owner of the Players. The O.C.s played the Codrington which encompasses most of the original holes. Inevitably the course includes an abundance of Adrian’s trademark lakes and ponds, and no less than 9 of the holes feature significant water hazards. In addition, four holes are over or around 500 yds., plus the 5th (581 yds.), and the 15th which at 634 yds. is only 100yds. less than Britain’s longest (738 yds. Westhay G.C. in the Orkneys).

Signature holes are arguably the 3rd. (Par 4), demanding a drive along a narrow fairway, flanked in its entirety by water to the left, and dense vegetation to the right, then requiring a chip over more water to reach the green. A good number of balls were lost on this hole. The 5th (581 yds.) calls for a long drive to reach the fairway, and eventually culminates in a dog leg left with a steep bunker deterring a short cut to the green by all but the accomplished golfer. Finally, as an assault on tiring limbs, the 15th. (634yds.) is an unusual semi-circular hole – a good drive, a longish lay-up, an iron over the lake, then a 9 or a wedge to, at last, reach the green.

At the conclusion of a most enjoyable, and challenging afternoon’s golf, an early clubhouse perusal of the scores indicated that the Headmaster was well in the lead to win the Stableford competition, and the coveted Spring Shield. Jeremy’s well-known long hitting was matched by some good fairway play, and accurate putting, drawing praise from one of his playing partners, O.C.G.S. “galactico” Bob Jennings. Jeremy was first to the bar, generously treating everyone to a celebratory drink.

In the main Medal, only Glyn Evans, Alastair Huckle, and Bob Jennings completed the competition, with Alastair winning the Net score prize, and Bob winning the Gross.

The post-match meal of excellent ham, egg and chips was most welcome, and was served, as previously mentioned, in well-spaced dining arrangements.

Dave Tooze gave his customary thanks to all those attending, pointing out that this was our first meeting since Cumberwell Park, almost a year ago to the day. Numbers were a little down, but fully understandable in these unprecedented times. Dave also thanked Keith Watts for his initial liaison with his home club, and especially Bob Jennings and Steve Tucker for superbly organising and running the event, making sure that frequently changing rules and advice were well understood, and fully adhered to, for the full safety of all participants.
In fact, so successful was the day that it was proposed to hold a further golf meeting in October. Doug Lodge, also in customary good form with his camera, kindly offered to examine possibilities with his club – Lansdown.

Prize Winners were –
Spring Shield / 1st. Stableford. Jeremy McCullough
Medal 1st net Alastair Huckle
1st gross Bob Jennings
Also, in action were – Mike Brown, Glyn Evans, Kev. Griffiths, Ernie Huckle, Doug Lodge, Dave Tooze, Steve Tucker, Keith Watts, and Paul Winterbottom.

Footnote – The Lansdown meeting has now been pencilled in for the 18th. October, Steve Tucker having already issued a preliminary e-mail, prior to finalising details. We look forward to seeing as many golfers as possible on what is sure to be another highly enjoyable day.

Dave Tooze