OB Golf

The ABC returns to Berkhamsted

The annual golf match between Berkhamsted and Aldenham Old Boys was held earlier in the year than usual, due to full diaries on both sides. The teams met at Ashridge Golf Club on a bright day in April, and it was gratifying to have a full side this year after a disappointing turn out in 2021. Before the match got under way, it was noted that it would be the eleventh time we had fought for the cup, with the score four all with two matches halved.

We welcomed society Captain, David Atkins (Be ’84), Mike Hodges (Co ’85) and Simon Doggett (Na ’99) to their first (and hopefully not last!) appearance in this match.

Messrs Atkins and Hodges led the way and, despite strong opposition, returned victorious winning 1 up. Colin McBride and Michael Webster (Be ’60) followed, and contrived, to secure a half on the 18th. They were followed by Michael Butler (Sw ’72) and Malcolm Hann (Up ’65), who appeared to have an easier time of things, recording a 3 and 2 success. Bringing up the rear were Simon Doggett and Peter King (hero of the 2021 match) who also came in with a 2 and 1 victory. The result made it five – four overall since 2011.

Thus, at a thoroughly enjoyable lunch with much good humour and badinage, Colin McBride was pleased to receive the cup from John Yule, Captain of the Old Aldenhamians. The match in 2023 is scheduled for 12th April and is to be held at Harewood Downs Golf Club, when I hope that we will, yet again, put out a strong side in our bid to retain the trophy. My thanks to all who took part.

Colin McBride (Ad ’65)

Mixed Golf

The annual mixed event for the OBGS and Tudor Rose Societies took place at Ashridge Golf Club on the 25th of July. There were some 16 golfers who played 18 holes, following an excellent two course lunch. The winners were Colin Buckle (Be ’53) and Angela Wallers (née Reddy, NS ’96) with a magnificent score of 53 points.

The runners up were Nick Hall (Ad ’62) and Marjorie Scott (Guest) with Jerry Duncombe (In ’78) and Sue Welch (Guest) taking third place. The individual lady winner was Sue Rodwell (née Collins, Ru ’76) with an excellent 40 points and the individual man was Michael Webster (Be ’60). Pictured are the golfers, plus others who attended evening drinks at the club, including Keith Goddard (Ad ’62), who brought a selection of the items he made from the gravel quad’s famous Acacia Tree. It was a very convivial and enjoyable event. The prizes were presented by Peter Willson (Co ’66), vice president of the OBs.

Peter King (Co ’60)

Cyril Gray

Worplesdon Golf Club, June 2022

Berkhamsted were represented by the following OB Golfers: Robbie MacDonald (In ’74), Mike Atkins (Be ’89), Jim Northway (Ad ’83), Mike Hodges (Co ’85), and debutants Glenn Barrington (Co ’86), David Atkins (Be ’84) and Mark Spooner (Fr ’90). The Senior Cyril Gray comprised of Michael Butler (Sw ’72) and Colin McBride (Ad ’65).

The Club (Worplesdon) hosted, for the first time, a superb dinner on the Wednesday night for many of the competitors from all the schools and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all there – so much so, that we are all sincerely hoping this will become a regular fixture!

Bright and Breezy Berkhamsted were off first on the Thursday, at 8.20am, against Wellingborough, and had won the match 2/1 before 11 am. Back the next day to face Blundell’s and, whilst we were more than capable of beating them, we didn’t and lost 3-0 – with all the matches going to the last couple of holes. Blundells went on to win the competition so we can take heart knowing that we came runners up – ish!

In the Senior Cyril Gray – we didn’t quite hit the heights of the previous year and could not record back-to-back wins but, again, we will be back to compete in 2023. I am now passing on the Captain’s baton to Mike Atkins, and wish him huge success – we should win the CG one day!

Robbie MacDonald (In ’74)

The Silver Tassie

On Monday 23rd May, the Berkhamsted team competed in The Silver Tassie – a ladies golf competition for alumnae of independent schools, who are also members of the Independent Schools Joint Council. The Silver Tassie was founded in 1961 by Gerty Hubbard, who wanted to create an event, similar to the Halford Hewitt, but for ladies.

The prestigious event was held on the idyllic greens of the picturesque Berkshire Golf Club and played over the Blue and Red Courses. The format of the competition was a ‘4BBB’ (handicap) over 18 holes, with a team of two pairs from each school taking part.

Berkhamsted were drawn to play St Felix School. Jackie Kershaw (née Welford, Bu ’81) and Lara Manton (née MacCrimmon, As ’08) played on the Blue Course, while Liz Selfe (née Agate, OS ’75) and Sue Rodwell (née Collins, Ru ’76) took on the Red Course.

The conditions on the day were perfect. The temperature was a very pleasant 20 degrees and the course was, as always, presented in excellent condition. While our pairs’ combined score of 74 stableford points was commendable, and secured Berkhamsted a position within the top half of the table, unfortunately it wasn’t quite high enough to put us amongst the prize winners. Ultimately, The Silver Tassie was won by Sherborne Girls School and the scratch prize (for the team with the best gross team score) went to Millfield School.

Jackie Kershaw (née Welford, Bu ’81)

Schools Putting Competition

The Old Berkhamstedians Golfing Society once again entered a team into the, ever popular, Public Schools Putting Competition, held at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, on 7th June. The OB team consisted of Michael Atkins (Be ’88), Adam Nodder (Na ’99), Toby Morris (Bu ’03) and Charlie Creasy (Ha ’11). Despite playing well, not quite enough putts were holed to make it through to The Finals, held the following week after the qualifying rounds. That said, the team did successfully qualify for next year’s Tournament.

Michael Atkins (Be ’89)

Tudor Rose Golf 2022

The ladies golfing section held their annual Tudor Rose golf day at Berkhamsted golf club, on 10th October 2022.

It was a lovely day. The continuous sunshine showed the course off at its best, with everyone commenting how good the greens were.

We were delighted to welcome three new recruits – and they rose to the challenge Berkhamsted presented. Unfortunately, two of our founders were unwell and unable to come.

The overall winner was Rowena Paxton (née Fletcher, Sc ’70) who last won the cup in 2010 closely followed by Hils Humphrey Baker (née Wright, Ch ’76) who won the salver.

Winner of the front nine was Helen Mines (née Jones, Ho ’73) and the winner of the back nine was Lindsay Fell (née Briscoe, OS ’76).

The day was rounded off by an excellent meal and the players were joined by some other ladies who came to meet up with old school friends.

Earlier in the year Liz Selfe (née Agate, OS ’75), Jackie Kershaw (née Welford, Bu ’81), Lina McKenna (née Hollis, OS ’78) and Lara MacCrimmon (As ’08) played in The Silver Tassie, which is held at the Berkshire Golf Club. The Silver Tassie is a ladies’ golf competition for alumnae of independent schools that are members of the Independent Schools Joint Council. The Berkhamsted team was in the top half of the results but sadly not in the prizes.

Alison Welborn (Harley, Bu ’76)

Golf Match against Berkhamsted Golf Club

The last fixture of the year was the annual match against Berkhamsted Club. After the autumn rains, the course was pretty wet, so it was a “carry clubs” day. As always, the Club were extremely hospitable and it was a most enjoyable day, played in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately, we were not able to repeat the success of the last match and we lost this one 3.5 to 1.5.

Representing the OBGS were: Michael Atkins, David Atkins, Billy Atkins, Michael Butler, Matt Dennehy, Max Fox, James and Stuart Lyle, James Northway and Colin McBride.

Peter King (Co '60)

Halford Hewitt Cup

Thursday 7th April to Sunday 10th April

The tournament returned to its normal early Spring date, for which the draw had condemned us to both start at Deal, for the fifth time in the last six years (and against another strong Scottish school, Watson’s), and to be in the first match out at 7.45 am.

Our prospects were not helped by forecasts of early morning gale force winds and driving rain, which brought little comfort to those squad members who had experienced drenching conditions for the afternoon practice round the previous day.

Fortunately, the rains quickly abated and gave way to unexpected blue skies as our new top pairing of Chris Mach and Bradley Hucker teed off into the face of a stiff wind. They were away to a solid start, narrowly missing a chance for a winning birdie at the opening hole, and had secured a one-hole advantage after the first short hole (4th), where everyone had difficulty holding the plateau green in the gale. Our next pair, Charlie Creasy and Matt McGrory, were also away well, holding a narrow lead at that point. Our fourth pair, Glenn Barrington, together with debutant Tom Irwin, appeared next, as they had played through the third match, having struck back from a missed short putt at the first, with a conceded birdie following Tom’s fine approach to the 2nd. They were to fall behind at the 4th and began to struggle against strong opponents, who were proving adept at knocking difficult chips under the wind tight to the pins. Behind them came Adam Nodder and Ross Anderson, our 19th hole specialists, who were engaged in a tight game, in which they were also one up after the 4th, and Jim Northway partnering Mike McGrory, who had struggled to get going and were three down.

As the matches headed along the run of holes leading to the far end of the links, it quickly became clear to your correspondent and squad reserve, Michael Atkins, that the ever-rising wind, now gale force, favoured our opponents, as they used their Scottish links experience, incessantly, to get down in two on and around the exposed greens. By the halfway hut (reached a little early in the morning for fortifying refreshment), only Chris and Brad still held a one-hole lead, with Glenn and Tom having slipped five down and Jim and Mike, despite a run of pars, having made no headway.

As Charlie and Matt struggled to stay in touch around the far end loop of three holes, it became clear that we needed to press home our (now, two-hole advantage) in the top game. They mounted the 13th tee following Chris’ stout 10-foot putt, for a half saving par to remedy his partner’s “rush of blood” from a similar distance on the previous green. However, the momentum of the match appeared to change when, with the wind having turned 180 degrees on the turn for home, Chris’s all out drive soared over 300 yards into a fairway bunker. And, despite Brad’s well struck tee shot to the heart of the narrow ledged 14th green, Watson’s got down in two – from a seemingly impossible position above the green. With the Watson’s pair getting up and down at the next two holes, the tide had turned, and Chris and Brad finally succumbed to a match winning par on the 17th hole. A stout effort where they more than matched their opponents but were just outthought at a couple of crucial points in the climatic moments.

Behind them, Glenn and Tom had already shaken hands on the 12th green and, with Charlie and Matt unable to make an impression on the deficit, they succumbed to defeat on the 16th green – meaning that the overall match was lost. Ross and Adam also fell disappointingly at the same green, having held a one up advantage after 12 holes, which left Jim and Mike to “agree” a half – despite still being three down.

With the match finishing just before 11.00 am, we had plenty of time to repair to the dining room at Royal St George’s for a sumptuous team lunch ahead of relaxing before our quest to win the Plate for first round losers at Prince’s.

The following morning the selectors chose to put their faith in youth as Brad, playing with Chris, hit the opening drive of the Plate against Downside into the heart of the fairway on a now windless links, at 7.45 am. Downside appeared to have a useful three pairs, including a former Maltese professional still playing off plus 2 handicap in the top match and, although Mike McGrory and Tom were soon well ahead at three up after 5 holes, there was little in it in the other two games initially. However, matters turned in our favour at the long par 5 8th hole in the bottom two games, and with a strong run of holes at the start of the second nine, Mike and Tom secured victory on the 14th green and were quickly followed by Charlie and Matt winning the third game on the 13th green. A whitewash of our opponents was completed with Brad and Chris’s 3&1 triumph on the 17th green.

That left a long wait to identify our opponents for the Second Round match at 1.15 pm, the same day, who eventually emerged in the shape of Bishop’s Stortford. It quickly transpired that their efforts to win their morning match, together with the aftereffects of a near all-night out in Canterbury, had left them with little energy to fight off a now surging Berkhamsted team as Chris and Brad and Mike and Tom romped to victory by 7&6 and 8&6, respectively, with Charlie and Matt also five up after 10 holes, when the match concluded.

We returned to Prince’s the next day for a midmorning quarter final match against Uppingham, with a Sunday semi-final match at Deal beckoning for the winners. This proved to be a gripping encounter, as Chris and Brad overcame a slow start to play sub-par golf to put themselves one up after 11 holes. Mike and Tom, in the second match, were just one down, as were Charlie and Matt, fighting back after losing the first five holes of their game. The loss of the par 5 12th hole by all three pairs seemed to stall our momentum. However, Chris and Brad responded by producing back-to-back birdies to win the 14th and 15th holes and, after narrowly missing a match winning birdie opportunity at the next hole, a stout par on the long par three 17th saw them secure victory. Sadly, Mike and Tom had succumbed to defeat and, despite getting their match back to one down on the 13th, Charlie and Matt were unable to make further inroads and eventually slipped to defeat on the 17th green. A well fought match played in an excellent spirit, and it eventually transpired that, after extra holes in both the semi-final and final matches, Uppingham emerged triumphant to win the Plate.

Michael Atkins

Grafton Morrish Tournament

Sunday 15th May

Our hopes to make a strong showing were literally “holed below the waterline” as a member of our six man team for the prequalifying round at Gog Magog, near Cambridge, suffered an irreparable puncture on his journey to the course. The combination of no spare wheel, an uncooperative rescue truck driver, and the selector’s failure to have a reserve on hand left the remaining two pairs with no chance to achieve a qualifying score.

However, lessons have been learnt! We have secured a move to Denham – a course much closer to home, more familiar to many of our squad (and where we can easily have a reserve on standby!) for next year’s prequalifying.

Michael Butler (Sw ’72)

OB Golfing Society

The Old Berkhamstedians Golfing Society is open to all OBs and staff of Berkhamsted School. We have a Spring Meeting, traditionally held at Berkhamsted GC, and an Autumn Meeting at Ashridge GC. Both are social events with as much focus on lunching well as playing well.

Throughout the year we have several friendly matches against other societies and local clubs. We also enter teams into a number of scratch competitions, including the Halford Hewitt, Grafton Morrish, Cyril Gray and Schools Putting Competition.

The Society is always keen to hear from new members, especially recent school leavers. For those under the age of 30 the society subsidises the cost of attending meetings by up to 50%.

If you would like more information, or would like to be added to our mailing list and receive a copy of the society diary, please email oldberkhamstediansgolf@gmail.com

New Captain

After three fantastic years, Mike Hodges’ (Co ’85) tenure as Captain has come to an end. We have all benefitted from Mike’s enthusiasm for the society and generosity at meetings. Playing off 3, Mike is without doubt one of the society’s most consistent golfers and is always in contention for every trophy.

David Atkins (Be ’84) has taken up the baton of captaincy and is well placed to continue Mike’s hard work. David’s first duty as captain was to present Mike with a small token of thanks from the society.

OBGS Spring Meeting

Berkhamsted Golf Club, 19th May 2022

As we gathered in the clubhouse at Berkhamsted, our first visit since 2019, we were delighted to welcome Duncan Smith (Be ’84) and Anthony Tabor (Gr ’86) for their first outings with the society. We were also joined by Patrick Gallagher over from Australia and John Struthers (Be ’66) who had recently been elected captain of North Middlesex GC.

Berkhamsted is always a tough challenge with gorse lined fairways favouring those who are accurate off the tee. The competition for The Captain’s Bucket (awarded to the best scratch score) was tightly contested between the two bookies’ favourites of Mike Hodges (Co ’85) and James Lyle (SJ ’05). Mike’s wonderful round of 75 (4 over gross) just pipped James, who finished with a 77 – no doubt rueing his run of bogeys around the turn.

Mike’s round of 75 gave him a stableford score of 37, the best of the day, but sadly you can only win one trophy and the beneficiary of this rule was Matthew Dennehy (Ch ’05) who took home the Headmaster’s Cup after beating David Atkins and James Lyle on count back.

In the Keeling Cup, scores from members over the age of 65 are adjusted to reflect their seniority. As so often seems to be the way Peter King (Co ’60) returned a fabulous adjusted score of 39 points to once again win the cup, Bill Lees (Fr ’67) came a close second with a score of 37.

In the afternoon 9 holes foursomes John Struthers and Malcolm Fullard (Ad ’64) thought they had done enough to take home the Baron’s Tankards with a very good score of 20 points. However, there was to be heartache as they watched James Lyle and Peter King make a birdie on the last for an unbelievable score of 25 points (1 over gross).

Whilst the course got the better of some, all agreed in was a lovely day.

OBGS Summer Meeting

Denham Golf Club, 7th July 2022

Following the success of last year’s hastily arranged meeting at Denham, it was decided to have an additional meeting there this year. As we arrived at the club the effects of the hot weather were clear to see, with the fairways taking on a slight hint of links golf. Mercifully, there was a cool breeze in the morning which meant the factor 50 could be left in the bags for a little while longer.

As we prepared ourselves for the challenge ahead, we were thrilled to welcome for the first time Archie Palmer (’21), Oli Holdroyd (Re ’16) and Max Binnington (’21). The standard of golf was much higher this year compared with our visit last year which was, for many, their first time at Denham. Neil Aitchison and Colin Buckle both had great rounds, returning scores of 37 points each, meaning count back was required to decide the winner. As everyone tucked into a Pimm’s on the terrace, the secretary was looking concerned at the prospect of having to decipher both players cards, which bore more resemblance to Egyptian hieroglyphs. After a short delay, it was evident that the winner was Neil who took home an OBGS tankard and golf balls.

In the afternoon, a number of players headed back out onto the course for some friendly foursomes; in truth my recollection of events is quite hazy, no doubt the result of a wonderful lunch, but the results sheet says that the winners were Matthew Dennehy and Mike Hodges.

As always Denham’s hospitality is second to none and was appreciated by all. This early July fixture proved especially useful as a warm up for our match against Denham later in the month.

OBGS Autumn Meeting Ashridge Golf Club, 28th September 2022

With only 18 players in attendance at Ashridge, our lowest turnout of the year, it was clear that the enforced move to a midweek date was not popular with members – please note that a Friday has been booked for 2023.

The view from the Ashridge balcony was as pretty as ever, with the effects of the hot summer almost impossible to spot. The main prize for the day was the Bobby Furber Salver, which is awarded to the best stableford score for players with a handicap of 18 or lower.

The greens were soft and very receptive from overnight rain, and this proved crucial to a field that may have been small but was packed full of quality. Michael Butler was the early clubhouse leader with 40 points, although he didn’t feel that would be enough to take the prize. His fears were proved correct as David Atkins returned a score of 41 before his playing partner, Matthew Dennehy, came in with a truly outrageous 44 points. It wasn’t all bad news for Mike who took home the Veterans Cup. John Struthers was the clear winner of the Captains Cup, which is awarded to players with handicaps greater than 18.

The afternoon fixtures got off to a rocky start when two OBGS members twice managed to hit shots at the group in front. With no harm done, it was James Lyle and John Struthers who combined youth and experience to great effect, returning a score of 22 points to take home the Cork Cups.

Matthew Dennehy (Ch '05)

OBGS v Denham

Denham, 23rd July 2022

With Berkhamsted having won this fixture for the past 3 years, Denham brought the great and the good to this epic affair. As Robbie MacDonald announced the pairings to an enthralled crowd, we all braced ourselves for what is always a great day of 36 holes of foursomes.

Heading into lunch, Berkhamsted held the slenderest of leads, 3 to 2. As always, the lunch at Denham was fantastic, but it was noticeable that the Denham boys were taking things easy, perhaps remembering that more often than not the afternoon matches have been their downfall in previous years.

Sadly for Denham, this new approach didn’t do the trick, with Berkhamsted winning the afternoon 3 to 1, and winning the day 6 to 3.

As always, our thanks go to Denham for hosting us on a Saturday and looking after us so well. This match is always a highlight of the golfing year for those involved.

Matthew Dennehy (Ch ’05)

Match v Old Cholmeleains

Saturday 15th October

Our annual match at Ashridge, where we were set to defend the Spooner Salver, had to be delayed for a week to accommodate a change in the Club’s fixtures, as a result of the Queen’s passing. This left both sides scrambling to produce full teams, and the OCs were further handicapped when one of their team members withdrew late, the night before the match. Thankfully, this proved to only be a minor inconvenience as we quickly agreed terms on which an OB pair would play an OC singleton.

After heavy overnight rain we teed off for the morning round, into a blinding Autumn sun, detecting our drives on the opening holes from the furrows ploughed into the heavy morning dew. The OC’s efforts proved to be straighter, and they maintained that momentum to hold their customary lead at halfway, this time with just a one game advantage.

A traditional steak and ale pie, plus treacle sponge, lunch washed down with fine wines generously provided by Colin McBride, to mark an unmentioned year’s birthday, fortified us for the afternoon round. For the nth time in recent years, a Bacchus inspired OB team rallied to secure a hard-fought overall draw so that the Society’s name could once again be engraved on the Salver.

Michael Butler (Sw ’72)