Old Colstonian Golf Society – Spring Meeting 7^th May 2017
 
One of the National Trust’s most popular and spectacular walks is the “Bath Skyline” with its panoramic vista over the Regency City, and the lower reaches of the Cotswold Hills beyond.  Many of these views can be enjoyed from a number of holes at Bath Golf Course, or “Sham Castle” as it is equally known, after its adjacent landmark.

 
The O.C. Golf Society was making a welcome return to this excellent venue after a break of 4 to 5 years, and the 24 golfers were greeted by warm sunny weather, with a light cooling  breeze,  in short, perfect conditions.
 
 After pre match socialising over a coffee or beer, the afternoon quickly moved on, with the first groups proceeding on the long uphill, ( par 4), 1^st,  with Dave Shaw performing adroitly in the role of Course Marshall. It was also good to see founder member Dougie Winstone, who looked in on his way to a bowls championship.
 
The course was in very good condition, with the dry ground leading to fast greens, and long runs on the fairways. The holes are very diverse, taking advantage of the location’s topography giving a mix of hilly, wooded, and a parkland course.    Particularly challenging are the 1^st,   the 533 yd. (par 5) 6^th,the (par 3) 14^th across a deep gully, and the 17^th adjacent to a long, out of bounds, dry stone wall.  However each golfer will have their own favourite, and stand out holes, from a choice befitting a course rated No.2 in Somerset, by Golf World.
 
The O.C. golfers took advantage of the generous conditions, with some very creditable scores being recorded.    The winners were as follows—
 
Overall 1^st                        - Keith  Watts                 39 points


1st with 39 points Keith Watts 
                 
2^nd                       - Martin  Tayler              34 pts.


2nd with 34 points Martin Tayler

3^rd                        - Paul  Winterbottom   33 pts. (Just shading Ian Gunn, and Clyde Paris by virtue of the back 9 score.)


3rd with 33 points Paul Winterbottom

   Best score - Front 9          -Pat  Bowery


Pat Bowery - best score on front 9

                       -Back 9            -Doug  Lodge

Doug Lodge - best score on back 9

    Best score –Under 30s   -Ian Crombie


Ian Crombie

                        -Over 70s       -Ian  Gunn
 

Ian Gunn

    Nearest the Pin (14^th)      -Andy Thomas


Andy Thomas
 
After an excellent dinner of chicken curry, followed by apple and rhubarb crumble, O.C.G.S. Captain  Dave Tooze  presented the prizes, and gave his customary thanks to a number of people who had ensured yet another highly successful and enjoyable day –
 
Bob  Jennings, and Steve  Tucker  who had set up the event, and it’s efficacious running on the day.
Doug Lodge  - our superb cameraman.
Dave  Shaw - for his marshalling, and liaison with Bath G.C., his home club.
Also his playing partners for the day Alastair, and Peter Huckle,  plus caddy Jeff Savage.
 
Dave thanked everyone, many of whom had travelled significant distances, for their attendance and support, particularly welcoming newcomer Clyde Paris, and “youngsters” Ian Crombie, George Thomas and Rob Green.  He also passed on the good wishes to everyone from Roger Fry who had completed a long course of chemotherapy, and was targeting the July meeting for his comeback.
 
Next meetings are – Minchinhampton (9^th July), and Royal North Devon (10^th September); both O.C. favourites.  Pat Bowery circulated a list of hotels and B&Bs for people who might wish to make a weekend of the R.N.D. event.  He also mentioned that the Golf Club might organise a Saturday evening meal, and perhaps people would let Pat know to gauge support.
 
O.C. President, Bob Jennings, highlighted other forthcoming events – notably:
 
Wednesday, 17^th May – Trip to the Welsh Heritage Museum, St Fagans
Friday, 23^rd June – O.C.’s Open Day plus Cricket Match
Saturday, 1^st July – Summer Ball – (Rapidly becoming a sell-out)
Saturday, 14^th October – O.C.’s Annual Dinner
 
We look forward to seeing as many O.C.s as possible at all these unfailingly enjoyable events.
 
Members attending (in addition to prize winners mentioned above) were Pete Boswell, Sam Bowery, Glyn Evans, Rob Green, Kev Griffiths, Richard Hibberd, Alastair Huckle, Peter Huckle, Mike Humphries, Bob Jennings, Paul Moore, Clyde Paris, Andrew Smith, George Thomas, Dave Tooze (plus caddy, Jeff Savage), and Steve Tucker.
 
Dave Tooze

Click below for gallery of Doug Lodge's photos of the day.