O.C.G.S. Autumn Meeting – Cumberwell Park 2nd October 2022

After last year’s very enjoyable meeting, the O.C.G.S. returned to Cumberwell Park , on the picturesque outskirts of Bradford on Avon, which is becoming one of the West Country’s largest and most successful golf clubs.  A commendable policy of re-investment, to which we have referred in previous visit reports, is being augmented by the construction of a further 9 holes (opening in 2023) to add to the existing 36, plus a 9 hole Par three course. This will enable the club to meet the demands of a growing membership, already over 1600, with a waiting list of 150.

A combination of late holidays, illness, and other commitments, led to a disappointingly low number of O.C. golfers attending this year’s event, nonetheless a star three ball of Steve Tucker, Phil Hill, and Glyn Evans teed off just after midday, followed by an equally galactic fourball of Bob Jennings, Doug Lodge, Kev. Griffiths, and Dave Tooze.

      Weather conditions were perfect, early morning rain had quickly cleared through, leading to a warm and sunny afternoon.

Our first nine holes were on the Yellow Course (holes 10 to 18 on the original layout ), and while, by now familiar, the awkward dog leg 11th,   the 14th with its green protected by a large lake,   the steep downhill par three 16th also over a lake,  and the long uphill 18th,   in particular, continue to present demanding challenges.

      Our back nine featured the Blue Course (nominally holes 19 to 27), which was a first for the O.C.G.S.  The 19th is a 526 yd. par five, followed by the Stroke Index 1, 20th requiring a very good tee shot over a typical Adrian Stiff lake. The course meandered through most pleasant mature parkland, with more water hazards on the 21st., and 24th. holes.   Occasional time between shots permitted views across to the Marlborough Downs, although the par three 26th. demanded total attention, requiring a shot over a large lake with the green and pin immediately on the water’s edge. The final, 27th. was another uphill par five, to the clubhouse.

       Throughout the round, the course was pleasantly quiet, probably due to our early start, and the options permitted by the 45 holes

The consolation of the reduced number of golfers was an early finish, which gave ample time for a relaxing hour in the Wraxall Bar, overlooking the course, catching up with everyone, downing a beer or cider, analysing the day’s event, and generally putting the world to right.  Even the O.C.s had no solution to the country’s political and economic malaise, but a cheerier note was injected by the news of the O.C.R.F.C.s unbeaten start to the season exemplified by a 77pts to 7 win over Aretians the previous day.

A move to the spacious dining room preceded an excellent Sunday roast (pork), followed by fruit crumble.  A television adjacent to our table was showing, by fortuitous coincidence, Aston Villa versus Leeds United, enabling ardent Leeds fan Phil Hill to keep in touch with his team earning a welcome point.

Dave Tooze thanked the participants for their support and customary most enjoyable company. He particularly thanked Phil for travelling down from Leeds to join us, and, yet again, Bob and Steve for organising another first class event, and Doug, back in action with his camera.

Prize Winners were—

1st. Stableford, and Briffett Cup     ---     Bob Jennings                   2nd.   ---       Glyn Evans.

3rd.   ---      Kev. Griffiths,                                                                     4th.   ---       Steve Tucker.

Longest Drive  ---        Phil Hill                                           Over 70s prize  ---      Dave Tooze.

Nearest the Pin    7th. (In one)  ---  Doug Lodge           8th.( In two )        ---      Glyn Evans

In accepting the Briffett Cup, Bob reflected that this trophy would always be associated with Absent Friends, and glasses were raised appropriately, with e few moments of recollection of the many who had contributed so much to the O.C.G.S. over the years.

Meetings will be organised for 2023, and advised in due course, meanwhile it will be good to see as many members as possible at the Annual Dinner, at the School on the 22nd October.

Dave Tooze