2023 Season Report: Trophies, Goblets and Cups

by Mike Crowston (OA 1966), OA Golf Club Secretary, as published in Versa [Issue 13; Autumn 2023 edition].

Late April saw 16 intrepid spirits meeting at Harpenden Common for a four-man team competition. A successful day was enjoyed by all, with the winning team being composed of new member Bryn Edwards (OA 2012), David Hughes (OA 1994), the Secretary, and Senior Pro Tony Clarke (OA 1961). Our next fixture was the annual match with Mid Herts Golf Club.

We were not quite ‘whitewashed’ by a strong club side, but it was a near thing (serious practice needed before next year’s fixture!).

D-Day saw us meeting once more at Welwyn Garden City for the annual competition for the OA Cup. A strong field saw ten-times champion John Cox (OA 1974) again winning the trophy with a score of 35 points. The winner of the ‘Antelope’ competition was Tony Walters.

Gluttons for punishment, we willingly returned to Mid Herts for the Briggs Goblets pairs competition. Stars of the day were the Society’s Captain Brian Hayden-Smith (OA 1970) and David Hughes who swept all before them, Brian having one of his best rounds of the year with his partner stating he had just been along for the ride.

In late August we returned to Dunstable Downs after a gap of five years for an enjoyable Captain’s Day. An individual and pairs competition was thoroughly enjoyed by all those taking part with David Hughes proving his ‘ride’ at Mid Herts was a passing aberration, winning both the individual competition and the team competition with his partner Simon Cooper.

Now all that remains is the annual three-day trip to Lakeside Lodge where the competition will be fierce for Pop Rush Trophy and the coveted Graham Tate Cup.

Finally, membership of the Society is open to OA golfers of all abilities and new members are always welcome.