2026 Season Report: Heatwaves and Handicap Hopes

by Mike Crowston (OA 1966), OA Golf Club Secretary.

The first meeting of 2026 took place in late April at South Beds, a course on the northern edge of the Chilterns with some hard but interesting challenges. The format for the day was a three-man team competition with two scores counting per hole. The eventual winning trio with a total of 77 points were the Captain, Brian Hayden-Smith (OA 1970), Graham Tate (1960) and Trevor Davies (1974). The two nearest the pin prizes were won by Graham Tate at the 12th and Keith Bowyer (1977) at the 15th.

Three weeks later saw the Society playing at Mill Green and players competing for the Briggs Goblets. Though a generally enjoyable day’s golf was had by all the weather had the last laugh. A heavy shower greeted golfers on arrival with further light, sharp showers during the day. However, very heavy rain at the end of the round saw two ball groups abandoning on the eighteenth hole. The winners of the Briggs Goblets were Rod Allsopp (1969) and Graham Tate with David Hughes (1994) and the Captain coming second on count back.

Stanmore in June was in excellent condition and was the venue for the Pop Rush Trophy. However, the day started in some confusion with the Secretary absent, recuperating from knee surgery, missed emails, a late withdrawal, a late confirmation and the need to sort out buggy allocation. Captain Brian took it all in his stride and an enjoyable day’s golf resulted in Tim Byrom (2003) winning the Pop Rush Trophy with 41 points and Graham Tate coming second with 37 points.

The weather caused problems at Whipsnade Park, the venue for the OA Cup competition in July, but not the usual wind and rain but the high temperatures and lack of precipitation. The course was very dry and fast with the greens in good condition and fast. Three revered elders of the Society had to retire after a few holes due to the heat, but the remaining attendees persevered. The fast conditions meant low Stableford scores with the winner of the Cup being David Hughes, his second victory in the OA Cup at Whipsnade, with 34 points with Tim Byrom second on 33 points and another revered elder Kevin O’Donoghue (1959) third.

Captain’s Day in August saw the Society returning to Dunstable Downs for the third-year running. As usual Brian had arranged an individual Stableford competition, a team competition as well as nearest the pin on the 9th and 18th holes and nearest the pin in two on the 14th. The individual winner was Tim Byrom, on countback from David Hughes, with 35 points. Third was Tony Walters (Antelope). The team competition was won by David Hughes, Trevor Davies and Don Mills (1970) with Tony Walters and Peter Dredge (1960) winning the nearest the pins with Rod Allsopp nearest the pin in two on the 14th. Rod further enhanced the day, and Dunstable’s popularity, when in the hearing of the catering staff he complained the Cottage Pie meal did not include chips. Lo and behold, come the meal, all attending had a generous helping of chips!

Seven golfers made the annual autumn away trip to Lakeside Lodge from 22nd to 24th September. The eclectic competition was won by Brian Hayden-Smith, who produced a typically consistent performance with 46 points over the three rounds. The Captain’s Trophy for the best individual stableford score went to Kevin O’Donoghue, capping a strong season for him. The food was excellent as always, which may have helped compensate for any shortcomings on the course. Indeed, given the difficult weather experienced this year, the course was in remarkably good condition, leaving little excuse for those whose scores failed to match their expectations.

In 2027 there will be six events including the Lakeside Lodge away trip in the autumn. The other meetings are an early season team competition, the OA Cup (which remains the primary society event), the Briggs Goblets & Pop Rush Trophy and Captain’s Day. However as of 2027 it has been decided that there will be no membership fee, an echo of 1961. OA’s, and golfing friends (Antelopes) need only ask to be added to the mailing list so they are aware of upcoming meetings and then only need to let the Secretary know that they wish to attend a particular meeting. Information on how to join can be found here.