OC SPORTS
The Old Cheltonian Golf Society By Simon Collyer-Bristow (BH, 1977) Highlights of the year for the Old Cheltonian Golfing Society (OCGS) were the inaugural Cheltonian Golf Day and some remarkable scoring at the Autumn Meeting. The Cheltonian Golf Day was played at Minchinhampton GC near Stroud in super weather. OCs, spouses, parents and friends enjoyed 18 holes of golf followed by dinner. The individual winner was Henry Keeling (Xt, 2006) on an excellent score of 37 stableford points with other prizes well spread amongst the field. The number of players was lower than hoped for but it is planned to move the event away from the peak holiday season in 2017 to attract more entries. The Autumn Meeting at Huntercombe GC is the major event in the OCGS calendar and the quality of golf did not disappoint. Simon Eaton (BH, 1980) won the individual Lysaght Cup with a remarkable 43 stableford points. The Miller Hip scratch trophy was won by John Watts (Th, 1968) with a gross 74. But perhaps the round of the day was a gross 75 by Jeremy Caplan (Xt ,1959), just one month short of his 75th birthday, which captured the Young Cup. Other silverware was won by Jack
Arundell (NH, 2012), James Tucker (NH, 1985) and Christopher Griffith-Jones (Th, 1963). Simon Eaton won the Jumbo Trophy for the best aggregate score on the day. Four College boys participated and the Prospect Cup for the best College golfer was won by Jamie Orme (U6th, S). Elsewhere OCGS results were mixed. The Halford Hewitt team won their first round match against King Edward’s Birmingham but were then well beaten by Radley who went on all the way to the final. Our thanks to Peter Richards (Xt, 1988) who has captained the Halford Hewitt team for 10 years and is succeeded by Andrew
Matches were won against the Old Wellingtonians and Old Shirburnians (thus retaining the Peter Currie Cup) with losses to the Old Radleians and Old Decanians. The match against the Old Marlburians was halved enabling us to retain the Peter Gale Salver. The match against College has been moved into 2017. ■
The OCGS is open to Old Cheltonian golfers of all standards and both sexes and has a varied fixture list of elite and friendly matches including participation in all the major public school old pupils’ tournaments. It is not necessary to have an official CONGU handicap to play in OCGS matches and events. Membership includes all age groups from recent leavers through to those well into retirement. The Society is very keen to encourage younger OC golfers and subsidises Under 25 year olds who represent the Society in OCGS teams or play in other fixtures. The major event of the year is the Autumn Meeting at Huntercombe GC. OCGS golf is played all over England on many outstanding golf courses with a good balance of elite scratch singles and pairs competitions and the camaraderie of more social and relaxed golf played off handicap against other old school societies. There will again be a full list of fixtures in 2017 and details can be found on the Association and Society website.
Max Arthur (L, 2010), Hugo Snell (L, 2010), Will Unwin (S, 2010) & Alex Pickard (H, 2010) on the 1st tee at the Cheltonian Golf Day 66
Morris (Xt, 1992). Cheltenham did not qualify for the Grafton Morrish finals. The Mellin Salver and Peter Burles teams for senior golfers both got through one round before being beaten by strong Oundle teams. For the first time the OCGS team was not amongst the leaders in the annual Harris Cup for Welsh and West of England schools. We fielded a full team of foursome pairs for the Public Schools’ Midland Meeting event played at Little Aston GC.
Cheltonian Golf Day Individual Winner Henry Keeling (OJ & Xt, 2006)