As the leaves start to fall and the autumn cold air descends we reflect on a busy summer programme and focus on the remaining few events for 2024.

The finals of the Richard Day Cup take place at Rye Golf Club on Saturday 26 October, with the semi’s in the morning and the final in the afternoon. The great news is Christopher Stephenson has negotiated a rate of only £40 for a round of golf and lunch, for any OEGS members who would like to play on that day.  So please come and support the finale of this great competition.  The final open event of 2024 features the Autumn competition at Cooden Beach Golf Club, near Bexhill-on-Sea, where there are a few spaces left.  For more information on both events see below.

Meanwhile, I would like to thank Jonathan Winchester for taking on the role of Editor of the OEGS Newsletter earlier in the year and would encourage you to contact him with any feedback or suggestions for future editions. His email address is jonowinch@sky.com

Finally, work has already started on organising next year’s events, so do check out www.oegolf.uk early in the new year where you will find full details on our programme of golf activities for 2025.

Best wishes

David Burt

OEGS Hon. Secretary

West Surrey Texas Scramble Event

On a lovely sunny September day at West Surrey GC, over 30 OEs and current College students came together to play in the Texas Scramble Youth Event.

The competition rules were 10% of the combined handicap of each team and the results could hardly have been closer with no fewer than 4 teams scoring 50 Stableford points!

To determine a winning team, it had to come down to a countback over the last 6 holes.

The victorious team was led by Spike Gleave and comprising Max Malewicz, Joshua Veitch and Leon Wood.

In second place was Charlie Hobden’s team – who did have the consolation of being the team with the best gross score of 10 under par.  In third place was Charlie Baddeley’s team and in fourth place Jack Hughes’s team.

Nearest the pin prizes went to Joshua Veitch and Ollie Beacroft and the longest drive on the 18th hole was won by Jack Hughes.

Huge thanks to Colin Farrant for organising and also to David Burt for arranging for us to play at West Surrey and to Ian Sands for transporting the College team.

Upcoming Events

Autumn Open Meeting : Cooden Beach Golf Club : Sunday 29 September

Cooden Beach GC is in great condition at the moment and offers excellent value for 18 holes and brunch for just £50. Meeting at 10.15am for breakfast and then tee off at 11.30am for a Stableford competition.

Currently at capacity but if you would like to join a waiting list please contact Andrew Langlands at andrew.langlands.al@gmail.com

Richard Day Cup – Semi-finals and Final – Saturday 26 October

With two rounds played we are now down to the third round, which includes three of last year’s semi-finalists – David Barwell, Tony Dunn and Harry Rimmer. Harry, who won last year, is up against Ian Sands in the third round.

The semi-finals and final are being played at Rye on Saturday 26 October. There is an opportunity for other OEGS members also to play that day.  If you would like to support the Richard Day Cup and play at Rye for a special price of £40 please book a tee time by contacting Joseph Brunt, Assistant Secretary (Golf & Membership) on 01797 225241.

Player Profile: Andrew Langlands

Andrew was in Wargrave House between 1979 and 1984.

What was your first golf experience?

Aged 5, I was given a brassie (12 degrees of loft) with a cut-down hickory shaft which, in hindsight, probably had the equivalent of an X-400 flex. Needless to say, I could not get the ball off the ground. I also remember – aged 10 – watching the 1977 U.S. Open highlights on television. Hubert Green won by one stroke, wire-to-wire in the muggy Oklahoma midsummer heat and with receiving a death threat in the final few holes. Even at that age, I could tell that was a useful lesson in staying calm under pressure.

What were your reflections on golf at the college? 

I was told to play cricket. I used to stand in the cricket field thinking how wonderful it would be to play golf.

Which club did you first join and where are you a member now?

Cooden Beach GC and I’m still there after a few decades.

Favourite club and why?

I practice most with an eight iron. I remember reading about (former multiple major winner), Nick Price, wearing a hole in the sweet spot of his eight iron in just a few weeks when he was re-modelling his swing with coach David Leadbetter. The sweet spot of my eight iron is showing no signs of wear and tear.

Best ever shot? 

Given the tenseness of the situation, then probably a 4-iron from a fairway bunker at the 18th at Dunbar GC. I had about 165 yards to the middle of the green and into a breeze. I was all square in a foursomes match and knocked it to about 15 feet. To be fair, I had a very good lie. The next time I was in the same bunker, I took a pitching wedge and didn’t get the ball out.

If I had my time again

I would see a PGA pro for lessons regularly, and be disciplined and patient about implementing the instruction and advice.

Most enjoyable round of golf? 

With friends on a beautiful autumn Friday afternoon at Ganton GC. Just a convivial four-ball better-ball match play, having some good laughs, hardly anyone else in the vicinity and enjoying one of the finest golf courses in the UK. I think the prospect of having a few pints in a pub at the top of the Yorkshire moors after the game added to the enjoyment.

If you had one final round you could play, which course would it be on? 

Gullane No1. It is a good test with wonderful views and, of course, there is that big sky you get in the north of the British Isles. I have played it many times and built up a bank of fond memories. If I had to choose a course I haven’t played, then it would be Cypress Point, at Pebble Beach, California.

Just a little bit of trivia – Andrew’s grandfather invented the Jaffa cake biscuit.  We owe him everything!

Until next time – enjoy your Autumn golf

Jonathan