The broad smiles on the faces of 21 OC golfers said it all…Carlyon Bay at last!

The visit scheduled for 2020 had been cancelled due to the pandemic, and a further postponement in 2021 with the emergence of the Delta variant, hence, four years after our last trip, we had finally made it to this idyllic corner of Cornwall.

The group comprised a good number of “regulars”, eight of whom had been on the initial visits of 1996/98, including Pat Bowrey, who liked the location so much, he and Sam have moved to a delightful property a few yards from the 18th.green.  We were also very pleased to welcome debutants, Paul Winterbottom and Phil Hill.

After meeting in the clubhouse, which overlooks the long 1st. fairway, with panoramic views across St. Austell Bay and enjoying a snack and a recuperative drink after the journey, the afternoon commenced with the Friday Bowmaker.      

Teams of four comprising the Good, the Bad, and the Middling teed off from 1.30pm, in very pleasant weather, the morning rain having cleared away as forecast. The course was in fairly good condition, despite, as the locals advised us, frequent heavy showers throughout the week and intense use from hotel guests in addition to club members. A team of Filton stars, plus guest Glyn Evans, just shaded first place after a most interesting competition. The shot of the day was Kev Griffiths tee on the par three 18th finishing a mere 6 inches from a hole in one.

 A short 150 yd. trip to the hotel, booking in, and transferring to our rooms, presented the opportunity for a perusal of the hotel after four years. The layout, furnishings and décor were, as always, in pristine condition, with a significant addition being the development of a Spa/Fitness Centre.  Undoubtedly a good business move, appealing to golf widows while husbands are away on the course. The rooms are excellently equipped, some with views out to sea, and the occasional schooner sailing across the waves.     Throughout the weekend we found the menu and food to be of gourmet standard, complemented by attentive and friendly service at all times. It is hardly surprising that, since our last visit, the Brend Group has won further South West, Cornwall, and A.A. awards.

The Friday evening drinks party, was held courtesy of Alastair and Peter Huckle, in whose spacious double room, an extensive range of beverage had been donated by the golfers.                                       A top class dinner, with at least four choices on each of the three courses, plus excellent wines, or beer, selected by our very own “sommelier”, Bonze Jennings, preceded a night cap or two, relaxing in the O.C.’s private (unofficial ) lounge, catching up with everyone, putting the world to right, and watching, with a degree of awe, the Masters Tournament in Augusta.

Fully refreshed after a comfortable night’s sleep, a Carlyon Bay breakfast is guaranteed to set any golfer up for the day.  A wide selection of the healthy option fruit and muesli, or a Dutch style multi meat and cheese,   a fish choice, or a really mega full English, spoils the guest for choice.

The first group of the Saturday leg of the Cornish Championship teed off around 10.30 in superb  sunny conditions, and an immensely enjoyable day of golf ensued, and when results were in, Steve Tucker had just pipped Andy Thomas on countback.

 The eagerly awaited party, chez Sam and Pat Bowrey, sadly, had to be cancelled.   Pat had played in the Friday Bowmaker, but succumbed to Covid the following day, while Sam had tested positive in the week but recovered enough to play in a club event on the Sunday.   Most thoughtfully they provided very welcome sandwiches and refreshments at the 18th.green viewing area, and it was a great pleasure to see them, albeit on a curtailed basis, during the weekend.

While some of the tourists needed to recharge their batteries in the clubhouse, a hardy group of eight formed two teams for a brief match on the par three course in the hotel grounds.   Although short, the liberal proximity of trees and bushes, and long grassed, erratic greens provide a challenge and a close match was only decided by the last putt of the day.  Throughout, Doug Lodge plus camera was on hand seeking vantage points from which to produce an exciting array of images.

 As if further exercise was needed, a walk to Charlestown was proposed and a group of ten set off along the cliff top walk to see the picturesque harbour, with sailing ships, and where much of the “Onedin Line” had been filmed.  Unfortunately, barely past the halfway point the path was closed, due to soil erosion following heavy rain.   The walk was curtailed, but fortuitously, right outside the Porth Avellen Hotel, and within a few minutes, the group were ensconced in the sunny conservatory, overlooking the bay, enjoying a cool beer.  The landlord, a fellow golfer, joined us, and clearly recognising “Officers and Gentlemen” assured us that the O.C.s would always be very welcome visitors.

The evening followed the time honoured  pattern, - Drinks Party,  a superb Dinner, and coffee or beer in the lounge catching up with Premiership football, and the day’s highlights from Augusta .    Happiest man of the evening was Leeds Utd season ticket holder, Phil Hill, after his team’s vital win to move clear of the relegation battle.

Our final day commenced with another sumptuous breakfast, before packing and checking out of the hotel and moving the few yards to the Golf Club for an initial tee off at 10.15. Sunday’s weather was still dry, but colder than the previous day, with a strong breeze blowing off the sea, being especially prevalent on the early cliff top holes, before descending to the more sheltered 13th. onwards .  This in no way prevented another excellent day’s golf, the final outcome showing Richard HIbberd just heading Paul WInterbottom, again on countback. Shots of the day were Mike Humphries’ longest drive on the 10th and Jeremy McCullough reaching the green in two on the long 17th.

 Having played in the first three ball, Doug Lodge was strategically placed at the 18th. to capture on camera the final shots of the day, and the smiles, or despair, of the golfers.  

 First into the clubhouse was Bob Jennings, analysing scorecards, enthusiastically assisted by an indentured apprentice, brother Bonze, who, in the words of the famous 18th. century gardener showed much capability.

At the Prize Giving Dave Tooze gave his customary thanks to every for their attendance and company, guaranteed catalysts for a fabulous week end.  He particularly pinpointed long distance travellers –John Perry (London) Phil Hill (Yorkshire) Clyde Paris (Winchester) and Paul Winterbottom (Worcs.), and paid tribute to our senior member, Peter (Ernie) Huckle, who had played most creditably throughout the weekend.   Bob Jennings clearly shared this view and presented Peter with a bottle of wine.

Dave announced that following discussions over the weekend it was the unanimous wish of the golfers that in recognition of his massive contribution over many years, Bob should be elected to the coveted role of President of the O.C.G.S.  To resounding applause, Bob accepted the post ,modestly downplaying his own workload, and giving generous praise to his predecessor-“Mr Carlyon Bay” the late Dave Briffett.

Prize Winners were—

Cornish Championship    1) Alastair Huckle (74 pts.)    2) Bob Jennings (61 pts.)  3) Mike Brown (60 pts.)

Saturday (Round 1)          1)  Steve Tucker       2)  Andy Thomas

Sunday ( Round 2 )          1)  Richard Hibberd       2)  Paul Winterbottom

Bowmaker                        1)  Glyn Evans / Ernie Huckle / Andy Thomas / Steve Tucker

                                         2) Kev. Griffiths / Dave Tooze / Bob Jennings / Mike Brown

Nearest the Pin        Mike Brown,     Kev. Griffiths.     Steve Tucker              all on  18th.

                                    John Perry        5th.

                                    Doug Lodge      14th.

Longest Drive            Mike Humphries      10th.

In addition to prize winners above, also on tour,  and clearly saving themselves for Filton  in July, were Pat Bowrey,  Phil Hill,  Bonze Jennings,  Jeremy McCullough,  Alan Morley,  Clyde Paris,  and Keith Watts.

Dave concluded by especially thanking Bob Jennings,  Steve Tucker, and ace photographer  organising, and making the weekend as successful and  enjoyable as ever. ( A sentiment heartily

endorsed by a number of e-mails, in the days following the tour.)

Forthcomng  Events        O.C.R.F.C.  Dinner  ( At the School)             29th. April

                                         School Summer  Ball                                      25th. June

                                         O.C. Golf Meeting  (At  Filton G.C ).              10th. July

                                         O.C. Trip to Weston Cider (Much Markle)     3rd. August

Dave Tooze OC  April 2022