2024 Season report: A Summer Of Golf

by Mike Crowston (OA 1966), OA Golf Club Secretary, as published in Versa [Autumn 2024 edition].

Once again, the Old Albanian Golf Society’s year began with the match against Mid Herts GC, which unfortunately, as last year, was a loss! Water played a large part in this year’s schedule and our meeting at Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club had to be postponed till later in the Summer due to heavy rain.

Our next meeting saw only a small number play at Verulam, but an individual competition was won by Tony Clarke (OA 1961) with Graham Tate (OA 1960) second and the Secretary third.

However, the highlight of the day saw a repeat of an earlier incident involving OAs. Some years ago, the Secretary and Graham Tate were in a club match at Verulam. Graham drove his ball into the River Ver. Whilst looking for Graham’s ball the Secretary’s hired push trolley rolled slowly into the river. Forward to this year and these two were partners again. Graham had an all-singing, all-dancing, remote-controlled trolley and somehow, on the 13th hole, the trolley trundled off into the river. The final irony, on the 14th hole Graham again drove his ball into the Ver!

Whipsnade Park GC hosted the venue for the annual OA Cup. David Hughes (OA 1994) came first with an excellent score of 38 points and deservedly won the cup for the first time. Three members tied on 32 points and on count back, Tony Walters (Antelope) secured second place from Tony Clarke.

Early August saw us eventually playing at Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands. The course was in excellent condition and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The pairs competition for the Briggs Goblets was won by Captain Brian Hayden-Smith (OA 1970) and Tony Walters, with Tony Clarke and David Hughes the runners up. The individual competition for the Pop Rush Trophy was won by Tony Walters with 37 points.

Late August saw us return to Dunstable Downs for Captain’s Day. Despite being windy, with a few showers, the day was enjoyable. The individual competition was won by Tony Walters with 35 points with John Cox (OA 1974) second. Nearest the pin winners were Trevor Miles (Antelope) and John Cox, with Graham Tate successful in being nearest the pin in two on the 13th. A ‘blind’ team competition was close, the winners being Trevor Miles, Don Mills (OA 1970) and Kevin O’Donoghue (OA 1959) with John Cox, John Saunders (Antelope) and Peter Dredge (OA 1960) in second place.

Now all that remains is the annual trip to Lakeside Lodge.