The Golf Society returned to Weston-super-Mare after a break of over 10 years.  Weston was traditionally the venue for the Bob Smith (OC) Memorial Trophy, and a highlight of our visits was the generous welcome and hospitality always extended by George Smith, Bob (and Andrew’s) father.  Due to pressure of numbers, and holiday visitors, the Weston G.C. were obliged to curtail availability to Societies, until this year, so it was good to renew acquaintanceship with this excellent links course.

The continuing very warm weather greeted 22 O.C. golfers, plus Paul Winterbottom who, despite being unable to play due to injury, was appointed Deputy Chief Photographer to assist Doug Lodge.

The fairways were scorched to a light brown colour, and the hard surface guaranteed long roll and substantial distances for an accurate drive.  Greens were well watered and manicured, and by general consensus had encouraged good putting.  Although the generally flat course has few topographical hazards, the long grass off the fairways, and the odd rhyne (ditches to city folks) presented demanding challenges, and a number of golfers were observed looking for lost balls.  The famous caravan site, previously encountered on the walk to the 5th and 6th holes, is no longer used for that purpose, but the rewards for the perambulation to these holes, are panoramic views, encompassing Brean Down, Kewstoke Woods, Weston and its piers, and inland to the slightly mysterious abandoned St Nicholas Church on a cliff top promontory. Conversely the close proximity and tight layout of the 1st, 9th and 10th holes still demand a concentrated assessment.

With a deft combination of local knowledge and meteorological prowess, Andrew Smith had forecast a cooling sea breeze later in the afternoon.  This duly obliged with remarkable precision, and created near perfect conditions, especially on the back nine for the later three-ball groups.

All clearly stimulated an event of excellent and competitive golf with an array of very commendable scores.

The afternoon concluded with a shower, a well deserved beer or cider, followed by a superb carvery, and dessert selection in the Weston Clubhouse dining room.

Prior to the prize giving, Bob Jennings paid tribute to our great friend and O.C.G.S. stalwart Ian Gunn whose untimely demise, less than three weeks earlier had been a sad shock to the entire Colston’s world, and a great many beyond.  All present stood for a toast to Ian and his family.

Dave Tooze augmented that the Golf Society’s tribute was, appropriately added to those already eloquently given by the O.C. Society, the Headmaster, the O.C.R.F.C. and Martin Tayler’s excellent and moving eulogy at Ian’s funeral.  Ian had been a founder member of the O.C.G.S., an inaugural  tourist at Carlyon Bay, and all visits since, and had hardly missed a meeting in many years.  He exemplified the O.C.G.S. ideology of good golf, good courses, good socialising, and the unbeatable company of O.C.s.  Ian was always immensely enjoyable company and will be very sadly missed.

Dave gave his customary welcome to everyone attending the meeting, many having travelled appreciable distances.  It was especially gratifying to see an excellent number of younger members, and thanks are due to George Thomas for encouraging his peer group.  It seemed that they enjoyed their day, and we look forward to welcoming them to future events.  We have said on many occasions that if the younger golfers, obtain even half the enjoyment for the O.C.G.S. that the older members almost take as automatic, then they have some great times ahead.

In conclusion, Dave thanked Bob Jennings for his immense contribution to the day and its seamlessly smooth running, Steve Tucker for organising attendance for the event, Doug Lodge, aided by Paul Winterbottom, for an excellent photographic record, and Andrew Smith for his welcome and liaison with his host club.

PRIZE WINNERS

1st Net/Winner Bob Smith Memorial Trophy    -    George Thomas
2nd Net    -    Doug Lodge

1st Gross    -    Andrew Smith    2nd Gross    -    Bob Jennings

1st Stableford    -    Tom Mannion    2nd Stableford    -    Archie Witter
(decided on Back 9 Score)

Nearest the Pin (3rd Hole, Par 3)        -    Rob Green

Nearest the Pin (in 3) (17th Hole, Par 5)    -    Andrew Smith

Under 40’s Prize                -    Rob Green


Those attending (in addition to Prize winners already mentioned above):

Pat Bowrey        Rich Jennings            Steve Tucker
Sam Bowrey        Ian Parks            Keith Watts
Mike Brown        Simon Rendell        Matt Webley
James Cloake        Martin Tayler            Paul Winterbottom
Richard Hibberd        Andy Thomas
Peter Huckle        Dave Tooze


Forthcoming Events

Golf Society Meeting – Sunday, 23rd September 2018 – Cumberland Park, Bradford-on-Avon.     Venue of a most successful meeting in 2016.

O.C. Society Annual Dinner – Saturday, 20th October 2018 – School Dining Hall.     Always a fabulous evening.


We look forward to seeing as many O.C.s as possible at these events.


Dave Tooze