Organiser Mark Green (Al. 1973 -78) writes:
On 2 June, ten members gathered at the picturesque New Zealand Golf Club near Addlestone, Surrey, for a breakfast of bacon rolls and coffee, having fought through local traffic jams and setting the stage for an event filled with both challenges and light-hearted camaraderie. Getting all players together on the first tee proved challenging in itself as several vanished briefly for the pro shop and changing room. Bob Carr’s (Sc. 1973-78) checked trousers were a sight not seen on a golf course since the late 70’s. Fortunately, our spirited starter, Trevor, efficiently chivvied everyone along, ensuring that even though none of the first group managed to land their drives on the fairway we all got off by his appointed deadline of 9.30.
The course was in excellent condition. The greens were elegantly framed by banks of rhododendrons, while the fairways were guarded by sweeping expanses of heather. The natural beauty of these surroundings not only provided a stunning backdrop for the game but also added an element of serenity to the challenging golf and competitive day. At the halfway house, Trevor made a well-timed reappearance to serve refreshments, including his famous “shovril”, a warming mix of sherry and Bovril. His efforts allowed the players a refreshing break before they tackled the back nine, keeping the momentum and spirits high.
As the groups wrapped up on the 18th, a gentle rain began to fall—setting a cool and reflective close to the day’s play. A splendid lunch followed, during which Chris Pett (Ha. 1962-67) delighted everyone with his choice of an excellent bottle (or four) of Bordeaux, sourced from the club’s world-renown wine cellar, perfectly complementing the meal. An additional highlight was the presentation of the Whitmore Bowl. Although Julian Hunt (Du. 1984-87) had promised the Bowl would be cleaned and engraved beforehand, neither task had been completed. Fortunately, the kind bar staff had managed to clean and polish the silver in time for presentation, and the honour went to Julian Tate (Du. 1982-87), who achieved a commendable Stableford score of 36 despite an early setback with an out-of-bounds drive. Special accolades were awarded for the day’s side challenges - For Longest Drive, Julian Hunt demonstrated impressive strength to clinch this challenge, and for Nearest the Pin, Alan Chesterfield (Du. 1973-78) showcased precise control to hit the bunker edge and bounce to within ten feet of the hole.
Our plans are already underway for next year’s gathering! We will reconvene on Friday, 5 June 2026 at the Royal Automobile Club. The invitation is open for more enthusiasts to join us for another very convivial morning of play and a celebratory lunch. We look forward to deepening our community bonds and making even more memories on the greens. You never know, Julian Tate may have even polished and engraved the trophy ready for handing on to the next winner!