O.C.G.S. Meeting at the Kendleshire Golf Club – 27th June 2021

After the disappointing, but inevitable cancellation of the Spring Carlyon Bay meeting for a second year, the first O.C.G.S. event of 2021 heralded a return to the venue of the Colston Tercentenary Celebration Golf Tournament in 2010  , The Kendleshire.

       It had been hoped that the date would coincide with the original timescale (21st June ) for the removal of all pandemic restrictions, but, in fact, their extension did little to inhibit the normal format of our meetings, except for closure of the changing facilities, and the need to be seated while in the clubhouse.

The large, spacious, flagstone patio at the Kendleshire, on a bright afternoon was an ideal location to meet up with other O.C.s, many for the first time since Lansdown in October, and exchange updates and banter.

     The 20 golfers split neatly into 5 fourballs, with Bob Jennings leading off the first group at 1.30.pm.

     The course was in excellent condition, testament to the extensive hard work invested by the greenkeepers, particularly on drainage and the greens, during the winter months.  It is 24 years since The Kendleshire first opened, and it has now matured, and improved into a course which is universally popular with members and visitors alike.     As with all Adrian Stiff designed courses, it features water hazards on no less than eleven holes. Particularly challenging are the (Par 3) ,11th, effectively an island green, and the 16th which calls for a second shot across 60yds. of water onto a small green protected by bunkers on each side.

I am not sure if a secret driving range has been installed at the school, but my own playing partners, Headmaster Jeremy McCullough, Deputy Head Paul Hill, and Head of the Lower School David Edwards demonstrated an array of powerful and (mainly) accurate drives, which made short work of the long fairways.   The catchphrase “peaked to early” described my contribution, - a 40ft. putt on the 1st. was the highlight, followed by an average, but nonetheless a very enjoyable round, in excellent company.

The forecast “sunshine and showers “did not materialise, and apart from a few spots of rain, all of the groups completed their rounds in very acceptable and pleasant conditions.

There was ample time for a beer/cider, and a celebration, or inquest, which ever was appropriate, before a nourishing, and ample roast dinner in the club’s Spring Garden Restaurant.

Prior to the prize giving, Bob Jennings advised that this year was the 50th Anniversary of the O.C.G.S. and he had organised some inscribed celebratory glasses to be given out as prizes.              The society was formed in 1971 over a drink in the Bell Hotel, opposite the School, after O.C.R.F.C. rugby training.  The first event took place shortly afterwards, with a match against the Old Bristolians at Long Ashton Golf Club.

         Founder members Bob, and Doug Lodge were at today’s event, but Bob updated that fellow founder Alan Watson, a Roundway contemporary, and former Bristol Rugby star, had not been well recently. We all wish Alan a speedy recovery.

Dave Tooze thanked the assembled golfers for their support and company, which always guaranteed a marvellous day.      We were particularly pleased to welcome first timers David Edwards, Phil Hill, and James Cloake, and hoping they enjoyed the day, we look forward to seeing them at future meetings.

        Included amongst our loyal “regulars”, a number, such as Pete Boswell, Ian and Neil Crombie, Clyde Paris, and Phil Hill had travelled significant distances to be with us on the day

Prize Winners were –

1st Net,     and winner of the Bob Smith Memorial Trophy,   -- --     Richard Hibberd

2nd Net                                                                                            ----       Kev. Griffiths

1st. Gross          ---     Ian Crombie                        2nd Gross            ---     Bob Jennings

!st Stableford   ---      David Edwards                   2nd Stableford   ---    Rob Green

Nearest Pin (9th)   --- Rob Green                        Nearest Pin(18th)  ---   Richard Hibberd

                                                                                 ( In 2 )   

Dave gave his customary thanks to Bob Jennings who had worked like a human computer to analyse the scores, handicaps and results, and Steve Tucker for co-ordinating, and circulating the members. Finally, Doug Lodge, who despite an arduous 12 hour day organising the huge Chipping Sodbury Classic Car Rally, was able to join us for a meal and a beer, and give us the benefit his professional standard photographs.

In addition to the Prize Winners above, the following golfers were at the event   --   Pete Boswell,  Mike Brown,  James Cloake,  Neil Crombie,  Glyn Evans,  Paul Hill,  Phil Hill,  Mike Humphries,  Jeremy McCullough,  Clyde Paris,  Andy Thomas,  George Thomas,  Dave Tooze,  Steve Tucker.  

Our next meeting will be at Cumberwell Park on the 26th September, and we look forward to another highly enjoyable day at this delightful Wiltshire venue.

Dave Tooze