With thanks to Adrian Wood (Al. 1971-76), we present our golfing review of the year:
The Old Brightonians Golf Society enjoyed another active and successful season in 2026, with members representing the Society across some of the most prestigious fixtures in the amateur golfing calendar. With impressive performances in the Halford Hewitt to a strong showing in the Sussex Cup, the year combined competitive achievement with the camaraderie that continues to make OB golf such an enjoyable way to stay connected with fellow alumni.
The Halford Hewitt
The season began with the Halford Hewitt, staged from 9-13 April, with all Old Brightonians matches played at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club in Deal.
Building on the momentum of an excellent 2025 campaign, the team recorded a first-round victory over Highgate before producing a particularly notable second-round win against Epsom, former champions of the competition.
The reward was a place in the last 16 against Berkhamsted. In one of the closest matches of the week, the tie was decided by the narrowest of margins, with the decisive point only settled on the 23rd hole! A 3-2 defeat brought the run to an end, but the performance underlined the growing strength and depth within the Society's golfing ranks.
The Halford Hewitt Team: Dylan Christie (Du. 2005-10) (Captain), Mark Budd (Du. 2004-09), Andy Sweet (Du. 1986-91), Julian Hunt (Du. 1984-87), Bailey Carter (Le. 2010-17), Ben Roberts (Al. 2009-11), Roly Ainsworth (Du. 1992-97), Elliot Cloy (Al. 2002-05), Riaz Rattansi (Ch. 1985-90) and Jack Joyce (Ax. 2019-24).
The Whitmore Bowl
The Whitmore Bowl provides an opportunity for members of all abilities to compete in an individual Stableford competition, and this year's event was held at the RAC Club on 5 June thanks to the generosity of OB President Mark Green (Al. 1973-78).
The day also welcomed new member Rob Callow (Du. 1988-93) from Dyke Golf Club, who made an immediate impact by winning on his debut with an impressive 36 points. It was a promising first appearance, and one that has already sparked hopes of seeing Rob represent the Society in future team events.
The Cyril Gray Tournament
This year, the premier event for golfers aged over 50, took place at Worplesdon from 24-26 June during one of the hottest spells of the summer. To protect players from the extreme temperatures, organisers revised the format so that competitors played no more than 18 holes per day during the opening stages.
The Old Brightonians opened strongly, overcoming Epsom 2-1 in the first round and carrying confidence into their second-round match against Taunton. This time, however, fortunes swung the other way, with Taunton securing victory before the final match could affect the outcome.
Despite an early exit, the team competed admirably in demanding conditions.
The Cyril Gray Team: Adrian Wood (Al. 1971-76) (Captain), Robin Colbourne (Ha. 1960-65), Julian Hunt (Du. 1984-87), James Bell (Ry. 1982-87), Julian Tate (Du. 1982-87) and Chris Gates (Ry. 1985-90).
The Secretary's Cup
The Secretary's Cup took place on 17 July at West Sussex Golf Club, with players representing either the President's Team or the Secretary's Team in a friendly but fiercely contested singles matchplay competition.
Following a traditional full English breakfast, members enjoyed a day of golf, good company and healthy rivalry. The President's Team ultimately emerged victorious, claiming the honours in what continues to be one of the Society's most enjoyable fixtures.
The Sussex Cup
The final major fixture of the year was the Sussex Cup, held on 20 September at West Sussex Golf Club. The competition brings together teams from Brighton College, Lancing, Hurstpierpoint and Eastbourne, each fielding six golfers in a day of foursomes matchplay across 36 holes.
Arriving as defending champions, the OBs mounted another strong challenge. After a closely fought day's golf, the team finished as runners-up, narrowly missing out on retaining the cup. While the result was slightly disappointing given how close the contest proved, it was another excellent performance and a fitting conclusion to a year in which OB golfers consistently competed at a high level.
The Sussex Cup Team: Roly Ainsworth (Du. 1992-97) (Captain), Riaz Rattansi (Ch. 1985-90), James Joyce (Al. 1996-01), Julian Hunt (Du. 1984-87), Julian Tate (Du. 1982-87) and Alex Hunt (Du. 2013-18).
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Looking Ahead
The Society's continued success relies on a healthy mix of experienced competitors and new participants, and 2026 provided encouraging signs on both fronts.
Whether competing in national school golf events, enjoying Society fixtures, or simply reconnecting with fellow Old Brightonians through the game, members continue to demonstrate the spirit that makes the Society such a valued part of the alumni community. Any Old Brightonians interested in joining future fixtures or learning more about the Society are warmly encouraged to get involved!
Please email golf@oldbrightonians.com and introduce yourselves.
