July 2025 Newsletter
OEGS Summer Highlights
This summer has been full of sunshine, friendly competition, and fantastic golf. From a resounding win against the Common Room at Royal Eastbourne, a scorcher of a day at Piltdown, to solid wins at Rye and West Sussex, members enjoyed memorable rounds, standout performances and great camaraderie.
Looking ahead, we have expanded the 10 August Meeting at the top-rated Kent course, Wildernesse, Sevenoaks, so that any OEGS member with an official handicap can now enter the singles stableford event. The green fee is only £65. If however, you are under 30, we have heavily subsidised the green fee and you’ll only pay £30. Book online today.
Also don’t miss the popular OEGS Autumn Meeting at Cooden Beach on 7 September—18 holes for the Crosse Trophy, plus a Full English Breakfast, all for just £50. Spaces are limited, so book early via the OEGS website.
Finally, I’m looking for one or two more players for our matches against Lancing on 18 September and the annual Triangular event against Dover and Reeds School on 9 October, with both events being held at the picturesque West Surrey course. Click HERE to apply online.
And don’t forget to browse our expanded OEGS clothing range – stylish, high-quality gear with free UK delivery!
Have a great summer of golf.
David Burt (Gonville 1966-70)
OEGS Hon. Secretary
Blazing Heat Fantastic Golf at Piltdown : Summer Meeting 2025
With the sun high in the sky and temperatures soaring, Piltdown Golf Club delivered a truly memorable day of summer golf on Monday 16 June. The conditions were testing, with firm fairways and fast greens, but the course — in superb shape despite the heat — provided a spectacular stage for some excellent play.
Taking top honours with an exceptional team score of 93 points were Claire Patterson-Snell, Sarah Crawley, and Patricia Seath. Their consistency, communication, and clever shot selection paid off handsomely across 18 tough holes. The trio worked in seamless harmony, and it was clear from early on that they were the team to beat.
To cap off a sensational day, Claire Patterson-Snell also claimed the Best Individual prize, racking up an outstanding 39 points — a remarkable achievement given the testing conditions.
Not far behind in second place were the strong combination of Nigel Wheeler, Jonathan Winchester, and Peter Matthews, whose team total of 89 points was a testament to their steady play and teamwork.
Third place went to Carolyn Oldham, Iryna Photiou, and Andreas Photiou, who posted a solid score in the heat but the team stuck together well to complete their round with determination and good humour.
The day also featured some notable individual achievements:
- Nearest the Pin on the 7th was won by William Hawes, thanks to a beautifully judged tee shot.
- Longest Drive went to Andreas Photiou, whose effort was described as “ridiculous” — in the best possible way — as he sent the ball soaring deep into the distance, drawing cheers from nearby groups.
Players enjoyed a lovely light lunch in the relaxed atmosphere of the clubhouse — a chance to cool down, swap stories, and relive the best (and worst!) moments of the day.
A big thank you to the Eastbournian Society for their help in organising the event and for their generous donation of prizes, which added an extra layer of excitement and appreciation for all involved.
Despite the scorching conditions, the day was a resounding success — full of great golf, camaraderie, and some standout performances. Next year we may find a slightly less challenging venue!
The 2025 Piltdown contestants
OE’s v’s Old Tonbridgeans – Sun Breaks Through for a Swinging Success at Pulborough
The weather forecast for Pulborough early yesterday was far from promising. Despite this, many players made the long journey from Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and London, braving torrential rain along the way. Play began promptly at 9:00 AM with five matches scheduled, and players prepared in full waterproofs. Fortunately, the dark skies soon cleared, and although a stiff southeast wind added to the challenge, the round remained dry. After the morning session, players enjoyed drinks on a sunny terrace, with Eastbourne taking a strong lead at 4–1. A delicious buffet lunch followed, perfectly timed as a brief heavy shower passed through. Play resumed at 2:00 PM for the afternoon matches.
Tonbridge rallied with determination, securing a 3¼–2 win in the afternoon to avoid buying the drinks for another year. However, it wasn’t quite enough to overcome Eastbourne’s lead, with the overall result standing at 6–4¼ in Eastbourne’s favour. It was especially encouraging to see a good turnout of younger players this year. Across both sessions, some excellent and highly competitive golf was played, with many matches going right down to the final hole.
The course itself was in outstanding condition, with well-maintained greens and fairways. The heather was just beginning to bloom, adding to the beauty of the setting. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day of golf, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. Everyone is already looking forward to next year’s fixture, scheduled for Sunday 19th July 2026 at West Sussex Golf Club.
Group photo of the OEGS and Old Tonbridgean players
OEGS vs King’s Canterbury : Sunshine, Swing, and a Solid Win at Rye
The annual OEGS vs OKS fixture returned to the beautiful Rye Golf Club on 29 June, delivering everything a summer golf match should—perfect weather, a pristine course, and friendly competition.
Twelve players took to the fairways under clear skies and a toasty 26°C sun, with barely a breeze to interrupt the day. Rye lived up to its reputation, offering fast fairways and quick greens that rewarded sharp play and punished anything less.
The OEs got off to a flying start in the morning round, racking up an impressive 5-1 lead by lunchtime. Spirits were high as players tucked into a hearty roast and a well-earned glass of claret, the clubhouse buzzing with good humour and sporting tales.
With the sun still shining, the afternoon round was a relaxed affair, with the OE team keeping their cool to secure the overall victory. The day wrapped up on the terrace, with drinks in hand and smiles all around—just as a summer match day should end.
A special thank you goes to Andrew Hynard for his efforts in organising the fixture from the OKS side, and to the ever-welcoming team at Rye Golf Club for their hospitality and excellent lunch service. Their contribution helped make the day smooth, enjoyable, and thoroughly memorable.
Here’s to another successful chapter in this friendly rivalry—already looking forward to next year’s rematch!
Upcoming Meetings
Looking Ahead to the OEGS Autumn Meeting at Cooden Beach
We’re just two months away from one of the highlights of the OEGS calendar—the Autumn Meeting at Cooden Beach Golf Club, taking place on Saturday, 7th September.
Organised by Andrew Langlands, this much-anticipated day of golf offers 18 holes of individual Stableford competition, with players vying for the prestigious Crosse Trophy. The event is set on the beautiful and testing coastal layout of Cooden Beach GC, known for its fast-running fairways, subtle contours, and sea breezes that add an extra layer of strategy to every round.
The day begins with a Full English Breakfast at 10:45am, followed by tee times from 12:06pm. The all-in cost for breakfast and golf is approximately £50, offering great value for a day of competitive and social golf in a scenic setting. We have space for around 15 to 18 players, so early sign-up is encouraged to secure your spot. Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy a friendly round, reconnect with fellow OEs, and take on a classic English seaside course! To enter, please visit the OEGS website and apply online.
Shop the New OEGS Branded Glenmuir Clothing Range
We’re excited to remind members of the launch of an expanded range of top-quality OEGS-branded golf clothing, now available to purchase directly online! In partnership with Glenmuir—renowned for their premium golf apparel—you can now browse a wider selection of stylish, comfortable, and high-performance clothing, all carrying the OEGS crest.
Even better, members benefit from exclusive discounted prices and free UK delivery via Royal Mail.
From classic polos and performance tops to cosy mid-layers, this collection is perfect whether you’re on the course or off. And it’s never been easier to order: just select your item, choose your size and colour, click “Add to Bag,” and head to checkout. Payment is quick and secure, and you can also register for a free Glenmuir account to make future shopping even easier.
Glenmuir Torrance Polo Shirt
Glenmuir Arosa Mid Layer
Plus, don’t forget—we continue to offer a great selection of golf accessories from Asbri Golf, a trusted PGA Partner supplying over 5,000 clubs worldwide.
OEGS Tourdry Umbrella
OEGS Titleist Tour Soft Golf Balls
Ready to refresh your golf wardrobe? Click HERE to explore the full OEGS Glenmuir collection and shop with ease today.
Look great, play great—represent OEGS in style!
Jonathan Winchester (Craig House 1980-85)
Newsletter Editor