OEGS Golf – Autumn 2025 Highlights & Christmas Cheer

It’s been a fantastic season of golf for OEGS, filled with great competitions, camaraderie, and exciting news for the year ahead.

At West Surrey GC, 24 younger OEs enjoyed the annual Texas Scramble, where big moments included Max Malewicz landing just two feet from the pin on the par-3 12th and Spike Gleave’s 340-yard drive down the 18th. After a nail-biting finish, Alex Bailey’s team edged victory, with Jamie Gordon, Tom McDonald, and Ollie May alongside him.

The Autumn Meeting at Cooden Beach GC brought together 17 members in glorious conditions, with Alex Photiou storming the back nine to lift the Crosse Trophy on 41 points, followed by Ian Henley and Matt Rust. The friendly atmosphere was boosted by several newcomers making their debut.

In August, OEGS golfers enjoyed the superb Wildernesse GC, where Iryna Photiou claimed victory with 39 points, just ahead of Patricia Seath. And in September, OEGS regained the Lanbourne Bowl with a hard-fought 2.5–1.5 win over Lancing at West Surrey.

Best of all, we’re thrilled to announce that the Eastbournian Society Foundation Golf Day returns on Friday 5th June 2026 at Royal Eastbourne GC—a highlight event not to be missed. Mark your diaries now!

Finally, look out for details in our next newsletter on our popular annual 3-day North Norfolk golf tour, which takes place in late April.

Here’s to a strong finish to 2025 and even more great golf in 2026!

David Burt (Gonville 1966-70)

OEGS Hon. Secretary

oegs.secretary@gmail.com

 

OEGS Texas Scramble – West Surrey GC

What a day! Twenty-four younger OEs gathered at West Surrey GC for the annual Texas Scramble team competition, full of camaraderie, good humour, and plenty of drama on the course. Although The College team sadly had to withdraw at the last moment, the six remaining teams ensured the event was as competitive as ever.

Each player teed off with a brand-new OEGS-branded ball, though not all survived beyond the first hole—two from Iryna Photiou’s team vanished into the woods before the round had even begun! Teams led by Jack Hughes, Josh Curryer, Spike Gleave, Alex Bailey, and Charlie Baddeley followed, tackling the tricky opening stretch with determination.

Highlights came thick and fast: only three players managed to hit the green on the daunting par-3 12th, with Max Malewicz landing just two feet from the pin. Louis Loubser claimed nearest the pin in two on the 16th, while Spike Gleave unleashed a monster 340-yard drive down the 18th, setting up a closing birdie.

Texas Scramble Winners – left to right: Jamie Gordon, Tom McDonald, Ollie May, Alex Bailey

After a nail-biting finish—just three points separated all six teams—Alex Bailey’s team emerged victorious, followed by Iryna’s in second and Spike’s in third. Prize giving saw umbrellas, caps, and towels awarded, rounding off a fantastic day. Despite a brief squall, spirits remained high, and all agreed it was a superb occasion. Roll on next year!

 

OEGS Autumn Meeting 2025 – Cooden Beach GC

Seventeen Old Eastbournians gathered at Cooden Beach GC on September 7th for the Autumn Meeting, enjoying sultry weather and a course that was firm from a dry season but softened by recent rain.

The standout performance came from Alex Photiou, whose exceptional back nine of 26 points sealed victory and the Crosse Trophy with a total of 41 points. Ian Henley claimed second place on 38, while Matt Rust secured third with 34 after countback, just edging out Jonathan Winchester and Iryna Photiou.

The day had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere, with everyone appreciating both the course and the company. Special mention goes to newcomers Andreas Photiou, Ivor and Albena Bailey, Josh Curryer, and David Wells, who joined their first Autumn Meeting and added to the spirit of the event. With its 10:45am breakfast start and timely finish, the Autumn Meeting once again proved a perfect formula for OEGS golf.

A big thank you to Andrew Langlands for organising another excellent day.

 

Golf at Wildernesse GC – Sunday, 10th August 2025

What a fantastic afternoon of golf! Thanks to the warm hospitality of our host, Chris Hampton, eight OEGS golfers enjoyed the beautiful Wildernesse GC near Sevenoaks on Sunday 10th August. At just £50 for a green fee—and even less for those under 30—this fixture proved to be tremendous value for a top-quality course.

The competition was an individual Stableford off full handicap, and the spotlight shone brightly on our two lady members. Both Iryna Photiou and Patricia Seath produced sparkling golf, finishing with 39 points apiece. With a stronger back nine, Iryna claimed overall victory, while Patricia took well-deserved plaudits for her superb play. Among the men, Andreas Photiou impressed with an excellent 37 points. The Photiou family clearly found the magic recipe at the halfway hut, with Iryna storming home in 23 points and Andreas an outstanding 24!

With such fun, great golf, and excellent value, we’re already looking forward to returning in 2026. Here’s hoping even more OEs will join us for what promises to be another superb day out close to London.

 

OEGS vs Lancing  – 18th September 2025

Our annual match against Lancing was once again played at the popular and picturesque club, West Surrey, with the greens and fairways in fantastic condition and playing in dry conditions. OEGS Captain, David Burt was determined to win back The Lanbourne Bowl and assembled an experienced team, a number of whom have played against Lancing on a number of occasions.

The first group of OEs to tee off included OEGS Treasurer, Ian Henley and Iryna Photiou, who were 4 up at the halfway hut and continued their good form until the 18^th  hole, winning 3 and 2. Next out were David Dunn and David Burt, who, although losing the first hole, managed to slowly build a lead over the Lancing Captain, Charles Mackendrick and his playing partner, Ian Gartshore and ended their round winning 4 and 2.

The third pairing of Peter Henley and Tony Dunn held a slim lead of one up on the front 9, which they increased to 3 up with birdies and net birdies over the next 4 holes. Their opponents dove-tailed well over the next few holes, so that the OE pairing’s lead  was reduced to 1 up on the 17^th hole (cardiac hill). The honours however were shared on the 18^th green, with single figure handicapper, Paul Finnett of Lancing sinking a 4-metre birdie putt . Tony Dunn said: “It had been a great friendly match on a course in superb condition”.

The final pairing of Colin Farrant and Mike Hutchinson, accompanied by Colin’s handsome and well-behaved dog, ‘Blue’, came up against slightly tougher opposition, only to lose 2 and 1. Despite losing his match  Colin said: “It was a very enjoyable outing, with a great golfing partner and two excellent Lancing old boys”.

The final result of the 4 matches was a win to the OEGS team with 2.5 matches to Lancing’s 1.5. David Burt said: “A big thank you to all the OEGS team members who helped us win back the trophy and hopefully we’ll be back at West Surrey again next year”.

 

 Save the Date

Eastbournian Society Foundation Golf Day – Friday 5^th June 2026

We’re delighted to announce that the Eastbournian Society Foundation Golf Day is back on the calendar after a short break! Join us at the Royal Eastbourne Golf Club on Friday 5th June 2026 for what promises to be another brilliant day on the course.

This much-loved event is always a highlight, bringing together old friends, former schoolmates, and fellow members for a day of sport, laughter, and camaraderie.

This year, we’re refreshing the format! Instead of the traditional dinner and auction, play will wrap up in the late afternoon—giving everyone the chance to enjoy their weekends while still supporting the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal. Don’t worry, we’ll still have plenty of fun (and creative!) ways to encourage your generosity for this fantastic cause.

The Golf Day is open to all ES and OEGS members, and we’d love to see a strong turnout from OEGS players—ideally sporting their kit! (If you need a new one, the shop is ready and waiting).

Keep an eye out for further details on timings, entry fees, prizes, and entertainment. For now, get it in your diaries – Friday 5th June 2026 – Royal Eastbourne Golf Club

We can’t wait to see you there!

 

🎄Why Not Buy for Christmas?🎄

Shop the New OEGS Branded Glenmuir Clothing Range

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better gift for the golfer in your life—or yourself—than premium OEGS-branded Glenmuir clothing? We’re thrilled to announce that our expanded collection is now available to order directly online, making festive shopping easier than ever.

In partnership with Glenmuir, a name synonymous with quality golf apparel since 1891, we’re proud to offer members a stylish range that combines performance, comfort, and unmistakable OE pride. From timeless polo shirts to cosy mid-layers, every piece carries the OEGS crest and is designed to look great both on and off the course.

Even better, members enjoy exclusive discounts and free UK delivery—the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe or surprise a fellow OE with a thoughtful, practical present. Ordering couldn’t be simpler: pick your favourite style, select your size and colour, click Add to Bag, and checkout securely.

And don’t forget our fantastic accessories from Asbri Golf, including the OEGS Tourdry Umbrella and Titleist Tour Soft Balls—ideal stocking fillers!

Don’t leave it too late—shop today, spread some festive cheer, and represent OEGS in style this Christmas.

As you see, it’s been a busy time for OE golf.

Have a great Autumn.

Jonathan Winchester (Craig House 1980-85)

Newsletter Editor

jonowinch@sky.com