O.C. GOLF SOCIETY MEETING at LANSDOWN G.C. 18th October 2020 

By popular request, following the success of the 20th September event at the Players Club, it had been proposed to hold a further meeting before the uncertainties of inclement weather and rapidly encroaching dark evenings curtailed any further feasibility.
Time was of the essence, but thanks to sterling and expeditious work by Doug Lodge, Steve Tucker, and Bob Jennings the meeting was arranged, and 18 O.C. golfers duly arrived at Lansdown Golf Club for a pre-match coffee and bacon roll.

As at the Players, Lansdown had a comprehensive range of precautions in place,- Test and Trace signing, sanitising gel, masks in the clubhouse until seated, and waiter only service, all ensuring a safe and enjoyable afternoon.

In addition to our regular stalwarts, we were again pleased to welcome Headmaster Jeremy McCullough, and Paul Hill , from the School, plus George Thomas’ young contingent including debutant Ding Yang.

There was some conjecture as to when the O.C.G.S. had last played at Lansdown, general opinion being that it must have been well over 20 years, and for some of us, it was our first visit.
The course commences with a long Par 5, and meanders through a most pleasant parkland setting, with the adjacent Bath Racecourse much in evidence. Located on top of a southerly Cotswold escarpment, the course drains very well , and the greens were in prime condition A criss-cross of footpaths was, unsurprisingly, a favourite venue for a Sunday afternoon perambulation, and occasional care was required to avoid walkers , and the odd cyclist. Spectacular panoramas of the Severn vale as far as Wales are to be had from the 14th. and 15th holes, although the overcast weather on the day slightly obscured the best of the view. Other notable holes were the 5th (Par 3) with the pin largely hidden by trees and a wall, and out bounds immediately to the right of the green. The following 6th (Par 4 ) and stroke index 1 was a long sweeping right hand bend with a dense wooded slope all along the right of the fairway. The 18th , an equally long Par 4 completed the round, and in the case of the final fourball, as visibility was deteriorating with the fading light.
The on course “grapevine” was indicating that 2019 Cumberwell Park winner, George Thomas, was again on top form, and clearly inspiring his playing partners, as evident at the subsequent prize giving.

The post match meal of gammon steak, fries, and side salad, followed by a generous portion of cheesecake was superb, with thanks to Doug for his liaison with the Chef.
As a prelude to the prize giving, Dave Tooze thanked everyone for their attendance and great company. He particularly spotlighted the younger contingent, and hopefully they will form the nucleus of the Golf Society in years to come. Dave also thanked Bob Jennings, Doug Lodge, and Steve Tucker for arranging the meeting, and Doug again for his dextrous camera work. Unfortunately, Steve was unable to be with us, being in quarantine following his recent return from Portugal. We were again hugely indebted to Bob, who diligently worked through his meal time to analyse scorecards, and compile the list of prize winners, who were as follows—

1st. Stableford - George Thomas
2nd. - Tom Mannion 3rd. - Ding Yang
Best Score – Front 9 - Glyn Evans Back 9 - Kev. Griffiths
Best Under 30s - Simon Rendell Over 70s - Paul Winterbottom

Other golfers participating were -- Mike Brown, Richard Hibberd, Paul Hill, Alastair Huckle, Ernie Huckle, Bob Jennings, Doug Lodge, Jeremy McCullough, Andrew Smith, Andy Thomas, and Dave Tooze.

Paul Winterbottom advised the gathering that he had been in contact with our old friend, (and Roundway contemporary) , Roger( Teddy ) Fry, who extended his best wishes to the O.C. golfers. Teddy has not enjoyed the best of health over the last 2 years, but is managing to play a few holes, and we hope to see him, and his charming wife Sally, back in action with us in 2021.

Our next meeting is scheduled to be the eagerly awaited return to Carlyon Bay in late April 2021, possibly dependent on the, hopefully, forthcoming success of the medical experts. However, our two recent meetings have clearly demonstrated the feasibility of a great afternoon of golf, and undoubtedly Bob, and Steve will organise some exciting events and venues for next year.

Dave Tooze