Old Marlburian Golfing Society OMGS news

Hewitt Supporters

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:09:44 GMT

Anyone wishing to follow the match tomorrow, 1005 at Deal against Merchant Taylors, can do so by joining the 'Hewitt Spectators 26' WhatsApp group.

If you'd like to do so, and are not already on it, please contact Matt Mockridge via WhatsApp on 07905 224516 and I'll add you if I can.

Halford Hewitt Team announced

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:04:07 GMT

This year's Hewitt team will be:

Hamish Greenwood & Elliot Matthews

Worcester Bawden & Oscar Powell

Hugo Mayne & Justin Rhodes

Chas Blockley & Angus Murray

Jamie Amor & Jim Hewer

Our first round game is against Merchant Taylor's on Thursday 9th April at Royal Cinque Ports GC, starting at 10 05.

We hope to see many of you there to support.

Tony Hill 1935 - 2025 (updated with link)

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 18:12:22 GMT

Members will be saddened to hear that Tony Hill, who has done so much for the society, died on Saturday 27th December. Tony died peacefully at his family home in Brent Knoll

There is a live-stream link for those who cannot attend the funeral in person:

LIVE-STREAM LINK

After the funeral, the link will take you to a recording of it

Tony will be remembered particularly for his partnership with John Uzielli in the Halford Hewitt, providing an almost certain point in every match they played. He was extremely generous to all that new him, including providing accommodation for many years to those playing in the Brent Knoll Bowl at his home club, Burnham & Berrow

Tony Captained the OMGS 1974-75 and was President between 2013 and 2016. He first played in the Halford Hewitt in 1966 partnering Richard McClean, with the team reaching the semi-finals. His partnership with John Uzielli started in 1970 and they were in the winning team of 1972. Their partnership continued until 1984, reaching two more finals on the way, with two further appearances together in 1989 and 1990. They also played together in the winning Bernard Darwin team of 1988

Tony will be sorely missed

The funeral will take place at St Michael's Church, Brent Knoll, Somerset on Thursday 15th January at 1.30pm

The service will be followed by a family only cremation

The family welcome all to join them for a reception at The Red Cow, 134 Brent St, Brent Knoll

Additional parking will be provided for the service in a nearby field off Hill Lane. Tony's nephew, Barnaby Boss, who is also an Old Marlburian, has confirmed that the Church holds 300 and he is expecting a full house

Tony's Service will be streamed/recorded for those who cannot make it - details to follow

Cedric Mullis

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:19:08 GMT

Members will be saddened to hear that Cedric Mullis, former Captain of the society (1996-97) and dedicated OMGS supporter, died on Saturday, 18th October 2025 at the age of 94. He will be greatly missed.

Grafton Morrish 2025

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:57:39 GMT

Marlborough sadly beaten by Hurst and Storm Amy!

Scores:

1. Jamie Amor & Hamish Greenwood Won 5 and 3

2. ⁠Worcester Bawden & Oscar Powell Lost 4 and 3

3. Oscar Oliver and Albie Payne ⁠Lost on 19

Game 1, got up early and kept the pressure on with 3 birdies.

Game 2, lost a few early holes including the 1st to a 40ft off the green putt. Found themselves in a hole at 6 down after 9, then showed some fight to get back to 4 down but damage was done early on.

Game 3, good battle against two +2 golfers. We were up after 6, had a tough middle stretch to find ourselves 3 down after 12; fought hard into the wind but were still 2 down walking onto the 15th. Oscar had to hole a 12ft putt to half in 3 after the oppo boxed a 20ft putt for par. Our boys won the 16th and 17th with solid pars. All square down 18, with two great approaches, birdie putts missed by both and it was onto extra holes. Oscar had the honour, hit a great drive but, downwind, ran out of fairway and ran into the only deep bit of rough on the 1st hole - a grassy bunker. Hurstpierpoint stepped up from the fairway and knocked it to 5ft, then holed the putt to make birdie and advance.

A creditable effort in the Stableford Plate saw us come 7th.

More work to be done!

Grafton Morrish 2025

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:31:32 GMT

The thoroughly youthful Marlborough team will be:

Hamish Greenwood & Albie Payne

Jamie Amor and Oscar Oliver

Worcester Bawden and Oscar Powell

Their first match on Friday morning, 3rd October, at Royal West Norfolk, Brancaster, will be against Hurstpierpoint, teeing off at 9.04. Their afternoon game (!) will tee off at 2pm. They would love some support.

We wish them luck.

Hugh Michelmore

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:23:45 GMT

We have received sad news from Janine Michelmore that Hugh Michelmore (Class of 1970) died on 4th May 2025

RIP Hugh Michelmore

John Uzielli

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:07:08 GMT

Members will be saddened to hear that John Uzielli died on Friday 27th June 2025

John represented all that is best in the Old Marlburian Golfing Society. He was Captain in 1973/74 and President between 2010-13. He first represented Marlborough in the Halford Hewitt in 1958 and continued to play in that tournament, with huge success until 1990

The Marlburian Club has published John's obituary:

John Uzielli obituary

To celebrate John's life, a thanksgiving service will be held at the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Sunninghill SL5 7DD on Monday 22 September at 12 noon. And afterwards at The Berkshire Golf Club

Alba Trophy - Marlborough takes 2nd place

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:06:07 GMT

On a miserable weather day, and battling those Woking greens(!), Jamie Amor and Hamish Greenwood shot 74 in the morning to lie 5th. Although four other teams were ahead at the halfway point, a valiant 76 in the afternoon eventually gained them second spot. Congratulations to them both.

Alba Trophy

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:13:25 GMT

Tomorrow, 7th June, is the annual Alba Trophy at Woking. 36 holes of scratch foursomes Stableford golf.

We have had a good record recently, winning in 2022, and our pair this year is Jamie Amor and Hamish Greenwood. Good luck to them.

OMGS Merchandise

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:09:23 GMT

We now have an arrangement with Glenmuir to provide a range of OMGS golf clothing

Click here to access Glenmuir website

Ties and other older stock items remain available as listed in the shop from the Secretary

OMGS shop

Halford Hewitt 2025 - Day 2

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:34:26 GMT

The Halford Hewitt 2025 continued today with Marlborough teeing off against Felsted at 10:40 at Royal Cinques Ports. The match came down to the wire, with Felsted winning the decider at the 21st, having reached the green in two, 15ft from the pin. It was too good for Marlborough pair who had fought back valiantly to be 1 up on the 18th tee, but found thick rough to the left of the 18th green and were unable to close the match out

Pair	Pairing	Result
1	Chas Blockley & Angus Murray	WON 1up
2	Hamish Greenwood & Elliott Matthews	LOST 21st
3	Worcester Bawden & Justin Rhodes	LOST 3/1
4	Charlie Foster & Oscar Powell	LOST 5/4
5	Jamie Amor & Jim Hewer	WON 3/1

In expectation of TWO rounds today, Matt Mockridge had changed things around and brought in rotation of players, pairings and order for the match against Felsted

Click on the photo to access the Halford Hewitt web site

Click on the link for full results and team news:

Halford Hewitt

Halford Hewitt 2025 - Day 1

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:33:31 GMT

The Halford Hewitt 2025 is under way. Click on the link for team news:

Halford Hewitt

Marlborough is through to the second round, where we will play Felsted, who beat Taunton

The first pair tees off at 10.40am Royal Cinques Ports

Pair	Pairing	Playing hole	Status
1	Hamish Greenwood & Elliott Matthews		WON 8/7
2	Charlie Foster & Oscar Powell		Lost at 19th
3	David Niven & Justin Rhodes		Lost at 19th
4	Chas Blockley & Angus Murray		WON 2 up
5	Jamie Amor & Jim Hewer		WON 8/6

Click on the photo to access the Halford Hewitt web site

Subsidies: Changes to match and meeting subsidies

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:12:12 GMT

Subsidies have been in place for many years and will continue for the foreseeable future. With effect from 1-Apr-2025, subsidies towards the cost of a day's golf, including the green fee and the cost of lunch are as follows:

Players 25 years and under will receive a subsidy of up to £75 towards the daily cost for both matches and meetings
Players 26 to 35 years will receive a subsidy of up to £40 towards the daily cost for both matches and meetings

In OMGS meetings only (ie rather than matches), players of 36 years and over will receive a subsidy of £30 towards the daily cost.

Subsidies are designed to encourage youngsters to play in matches and everybody to attend meetings. The scheme will be reviewed annually

Match managers should include the estimated cost of the day on the website so that members, when they register, can see how much they will have to pay.

Any queries should be referred to the Honorary Secretary.

Please note that subsidies will only be paid to those who have a DD mandate in place for payment of the annual subscription. This includes College Leavers paying £2 per year

Robin Garran

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:55:38 GMT

Sad news has reached us that Robin Garran, who was Captain of the Society in 2007/8 died peacefully on 13th March 2025, aged 86

A celebration of his remarkable life will be held at 1.30pm on April 25th in St Mary's Church, Donhead, SP7 9DQ. All inquiries to Merefield & Henstridge Ltd (info@mhfd.com or 01747 853532)

Halford Hewitt Team announced

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:27:01 GMT

I am taking 11 players this year in order to give us most options for the best 5 pairs. Youth is creeping into the side, although we retain wisdom and experience for now.

Jamie Amor

Worcester Bawden

Chas Blockley

Charlie Foster

Hamish Greenwood

Jim Hewer

Elliot Matthews

Angus Murray

David Niven

Oscar Powell

Justin Rhodes

Our first match is against Downside at Deal on Thursday 10th April at 11.15am. We are grateful for any support.

Matt Mockridge, Captain, OMGS Halford Hewitt

Brent Knoll Bowl 5th & 6th April 2025

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:23:57 GMT

The team for the Brent Knoll Bowl will be:

Hamish Greenwood & Elliot Matthews

Jim Hewer & Oscar Powell

Angus Murray & Justin Rhodes

Robin Baker

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 13:11:48 GMT

We have recently received the sad news that Robin Baker died on 4th November from a brain haemorrhage. His funeral will be held at 2.15pm on Wednesday 11th December at Guildford Crematorium GU7 3DB. This is to be followed by a reception at Hankley Common Golf Club GU10 2DD.

If anyone wishes to attend, please let Robin’s son Alastair know on almcbaker@icloud.com or 07720 425525

Peter Worlidge - Service of Thanksgiving on Thursday 24 October 2024

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:27:53 GMT

We have been informed by Chris Worlidge of the sad news that, after a short illness, his father Peter died peacefully at home on 4^th October, aged 93. He was a great friend and supporter of the OMGS and an accomplished golfer well into his eighties and beyond

Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Chris and Joey.

There will be a service of thanksgiving on Thursday 24th October at 2 pm at St. Bartholomews Church, Leigh, Surrey RH2 8NJ following a private family cremation. Donations may be given if desired to Music in Hospitals and Care, at mihc.org.uk.

Grafton Morrish

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 07:38:17 GMT

Marlborough beaten late on in the day.

Marlborough played Loretto into the early evening last night and went down 21/2-1/2.

It was always going to be hard to beat a side that has won the Hewitt 3 times in the last 4 years and they fielded three Hewitt pairs against us.

A valiant performance from all three of our pairs: top pair of Oscar Oliver & Albie Payne lost 3&2; second pair of Hamish Greenwood and Elliot Matthews lost on the 18th; and the bottom pair of Charlie Foster and Henry Ingham called it a half going up the 18th all square.

They're in the Plate this morning but their efforts are not to be underestimated. This is just the start of a new era of young golfers...

Grafton Morrish

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:37:04 GMT

Marlborough through to 2nd rd.

In appalling conditions, Marlborough beat Solihull this morning 2-1.

A youthful team managed to win with two matches going to the 18th.

The youngest pair of Oscar Oliver and Albie Payne (both U20 as per our new push to bring in the young and talented) fought well allthe way but succumbed at 17 and 18 and lost 2dn on 18th. Our middle pair of Hamish Greenwood and Elliot Matthews won 4/3 with an accomplished performance. Our 3rd pair of Charlie Foster and Henry Ingham were 1up coming to the 18th. They were just off the green in two 9no mean feat) but the wind was so strong that Charlie's first putt went up to the hole and then ran back 5'. Their opponents also 3-putted for us to take it 1up.

This afternoon is Loretto!

OMGS AGM Papers - 10th May 2024

Thu, 09 May 2024 12:06:51 GMT

Please find the papers for the AGM to be held at the Riverside Hotel in Mildenhall on Friday 10th May at 7:00pm

10 May 2024 AGM Agenda.pdf

10 May 2024 AGM Hon Secs Report.pdf

OMGS Financial statements 2023-24.pdf

AGM minutes 12.05.23.pdf

Best,

Will

Halford Hewitt 2024

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:05:06 GMT

Marlborough lose 3-2 ……… again

The OMGS Hewitt side succumbed to Lancing in the first round.

David Niven & Justin Rhodes won well at the top, 5/4, as did the boys at the back, Chas Blockley & Jim Hewer, who won 3/2.

New boy, Henry Ingham fought back well with Ed Hall from 2 down to go down the 19th but sadly we made 5.

Charlie Foster & Hamish Greenwood just had one of those days. Three poor opening tee shots, followed by 2 birdies from their opponents left them 5 down after 5! They fought back but it was too much and they lost 4/3.

Elliot Matthews, who had not been well, and Angus Murray, had done really well to get themselves to 4 up after 12 but some dogged play into the wind by Lancing, and some indifferent putting from us meant that we went down the 19th again. A solid 4 down 19 was matched by two good putts from distance by Lancing but we could not get up and down at the 20th and Lancing had found the green and got their 4.

Every player fought hard and it’s tough to lose 3-2 for the fourth year in a row, so I hope that, with an influx of youth next year, we will be more resilient and hence successful. We will not stop trying.

Matt Mockridge, Hewitt Captain

OMGS Autumn Meeting

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:50:46 GMT

The Autumn Meeting took place at Deal on Tuesday 18 September. Conditions were difficult with players buffeted by winds of up to 50mph throughout the day. The Foursomes took place in the morning with Mockridge and Yates coming out on top. In the afternoon the Secretary came out top of the field in the Singles Stableford with a steadfast show of golf. The field of twelve enjoyed the day very much with Jeremy Yates being the overall player of the day. Well done Jeremy.

Bernie Thomson

Grafton Morrish team and opponents

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:40:03 GMT

6 Hewitt standard golfers will represent OMGS v Malvern in our first round of the Grafton Morrish up at Hunstanton on Friday 6th October at 11.22. Please see the event for team members.

Grafton Morrish

New password requirements

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:08:41 GMT

To improve the security of the OMGS web site, our service provider, Wild Apricot, has strengthened the web site password requirements, requiring stronger passwords and forcing some users to change their password at least every 365 days. With immediate effect, new passwords will need to comply with the following requirements:

Password must have:

12 characters or more
Upper and lower case letters
At least one number
At least one special character #?!@$%^&*-

You may receive an email informing you that your password will expire in 5 days. Rather than wait for it, I suggest that you log onto the web site now and change your password. The easiest way to do this is to look at the top of the screen for the link ‘Change password’

Bernard Darwin Tournament 2023 review

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:51:06 GMT

The organising committe has produced a review of the 2023 tournament, which revealed that Marlborough, having lost in the first round, managed to win the Bernard Darwin goblet, which is a stableford competition amongst the schools who did not make it to the second round

This is the a link to the review:

Bernard Darwin 2023 review

Obituary – A.M.P Alexander

Thu, 11 May 2023 18:52:30 GMT

Please find a notice from Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club.

"Members will be saddened to learn that Alister Alexander passed away on Monday 1st May 2023.

Alister joined Royal Ashdown in 1956 and was a regular supporter of the Club until moving to House membership in recent years.

Details of the funeral will be shared in due course and I am sure you will join me in offering our prayers and condolences to Alister’s family and friends."

I'm sure many OM Golfers will have fond memories of Alister.

OMGS Captain's Letter March 2023

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 11:38:06 GMT

Please find Bernie Thomson's Captain's Letter

CAPTAINS NEWSLETTER MAR23.pdf

Subsidies

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:15:57 GMT

****** THESE SUBSIDIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ******

This notice was originally posted in December 2021

Please note that subsidies will only be paid to those who have a DD mandate in place for payment of the annual subscription. This includes College Leavers who are asked to pay £2 per year

The subsidies agreed by OMGS Committee in 2021 will continue for the foreseeable future. The subsidy is based on the cost of a day's golf, including the green fee and the cost of lunch as follows:

Players 25 and under will receive a subsidy of 50% of the daily cost for both matches and meetings
Players 26 to 30 will receive a subsidy of 40% of the daily cost for both matches and meetings
Players 31 to 35 will receive a subsidy of 25% of the daily cost for both matches and meetings
Players 36 and over will receive a subsidy of 25% of the daily cost for attending meetings.

The above policy is designed to encourage youngsters to play in matches and everybody to attend meetings. The scheme will be reviewed annually

Match managers will be encouraged to include the estimated cost of the day on the website so that members, when they register, can see how much they will have to pay. Any queries should be referred to the Honorary Secretary

secretary@omgs.info

OMGS Centenary Dinner - Friday 28th October

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 12:58:29 GMT

‘A Hundred Years of Marlborough Golf’

Friday 28^th October: 6.30pm for 7.15pm; Black Tie

In the Mountbatten Room of the Royal Automobile Club,

Pall Mall, London

The event took place and was enjoyed by all those who attended

There are some photos on the web site: Old Marlburian Golfing Society - Photo gallery (omgs.org.uk)

Thank you.

James Hopper Bernie Thomson

President Captain

Rearranged Autumn Meeting at Deal - Friday 14th October

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:48:31 GMT

Due to the sad passing of the Queen, the OMGS Autumn Meeting, due to be held on Friday 9th September, was postponed.

The Autumn Meeting has been rescheduled to Friday 14 October.

Please register online

Old Marlburian Golfing Society - REARRANGED Autumn Meeting - Friday 14th October (omgs.org.uk)

Please contact Bernie Thomson with any queries.

We look forward to seeing you there,

Will

William Wells, Hon Secretary, OMGS

Wonderful Month of June

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 07:57:45 GMT

The OMGS had a successful month as follows

- We won the Alba Trophy at Woking for the first time which was a tremendous achievement as it is a scratch event. Our team was David Niven and Elliott Matthews and their scores were 75 in the morning and 71 in the afternoon. A total of 146 and they won by 3 shots (I think).

- We also won the Public Schools Putting for the 3^rd time under the inspiring leadership of Chris Dowling. For those of you who do not know, 32 schools participate in 4 qualifying events at Royal Wimbledon. Each school has a team of 4 and everybody plays everybody so each player has seven 18 hole matches. The top two schools go into the final day and the bottom two get relegated. It is quite scary. We topped our qualifying group and won the final with 40 points (out of a maximum of 56) pipping Charterhouse (by 2 points). Our team was Angus Murray (who came top of the points scoring with 12 points out of 14), Jim Hewer, Tom Macfarlane and Jack Naylor.

- Finally we won the very senior Darwin (the over 75s) comprising an 18 hole stabelford competition at Woking. Our team was our President, James Hopper and Martin Mercer who holed a huge putt from off the green at the 14^th to win.

Annual General Meeting

Fri, 20 May 2022 13:25:13 GMT

The AGM of the OMGS took place during the spring meeting at the Royal Worlington and Newmaket GC on Friday 13th May 2022 and the minutes are attached. AGM minutes 130522.pdf

The following were elected officers of the Society:

President: James Hopper

Captain: Bernie Thomson

Hon Secretary: William Wells

Vice Captain: Alasdair Niven

Past Captain: Bob Percival

As you can see, we are still lacking an Hon Treasurer and we really need someone to volunteer for this role. If anyone is interested, would they please contact either the Captain or Hon Sec.

OMGS v Fettes - Sunningdale - Sunday 8th May 2022

Mon, 09 May 2022 16:59:38 GMT

Sunday 8^th May 2022 was an historic day at Sunningdale. It was not only a lovely day but the youngest ever team of OMs was assembled to play the annual match against the Scottish invaders, Fettes. There were 10 OM participants with an average age of 27.

That was the good news. The bad news was that we lost 7-3. The morning foursomes were very close. We were 3-2 down at lunch but three of the 5 games went to the last hole. After dining well, we played a 4 ball better ball on the Old Course in the afternoon but unfortunately only won one of the five games.

However the course and weather were perfect and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We now have a significant number of active members of 35 and under and as a Society we need to do all we can to encourage this group of players to participate in OMGS events.

Bob Carrick

9^th May 2022

Fettes 080522.jpg

Marlborough beat Rossall

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 14:42:02 GMT

Marlborough squeezed through 3-2 against Rossall. Wins for Blockley & Hewer and for Matthews & Murray left us 2-2.
Foster & Greenwood were 1 down going down 18 but their opponents took 6. Halves in par up the 19th and 20th led to the long par 3 21st. Our opponents three-putted from 12’ after we’d got caught up on the bank to the right but we got our 4 and so up the 22nd we went. A long drive from Foster and a good 9 iron from Greenwood meant we were at the back in 2 but on the correct level. Rossall then four-putted from the swale down at the front of the green and we rolled it up to 2’ for the win.
We’re now out against Haileybury

Hewitt Practice match v Westminster. OMGS wins 3.5 - 1.5

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 16:06:59 GMT

C Foster/H Greenwood beat H Kingsbury/D Blackadder-Weinstein 1up

J Naylor/J Porter lost to C Rietschel/O Flynn 1dn

C Blockley/J Hewer beat J Durie/T Tredinnick 3/2

EMatthews/A Murray halved with J Balgarnie/A Mackay

D Niven/J Rhodes beat J Woolf/A Hofmann 8/7

Halford Hewitt

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 18:37:14 GMT

The Halford Hewitt takes place next week at Royal Cinque Ports and Royal St Georges. We are playing Rossall at St Georges on Friday 8th April 2022 at 9:30am. Do come and support. Our team is:

- Angus Murray and Elliott Matthews

- David Niven and Justin Rhodes

- Jack Naylor and Jamie Porter

- Charlie Foster and Hamish Greenwood

- Charles Blockley and Jim Hewer

Alan Catchpole Memorial Service

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 09:11:38 GMT

There will be a memorial, celebration and light lunch in memory of Alan at 11:30am on Thursday 16th June 2022 at; Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall, Hall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 2PU. RSVP to thecatchpoles2022@gmail.com

Alan Catchpole

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 07:46:36 GMT

Alan Catchpole

It is my sad duty to report that Alan Catchpole died peacefully on Wednesday 2^nd March 2022 at the age of 89.

I will leave others to comment on his successful business career. I knew Alan as a golfer and a friend over many years.

He was a very fine golfer gaining an Oxford Blue in 1953 and 1954 and he played in his first Halford Hewitt, as a cheeky 20 year old (if his photo is anything to go by), in 1953 when Marlborough lost to Harrow in the Semi Final. Alan played surprisingly in only 9 Hewitts but was a key part of our renaissance in the 70s where we won the tournament once and got to 4 finals. Together with Alastair Bond, he won all 6 of his matches in 1971 where we were finalists and he was a member of the winning team in 1972 when he partnered his great friend Peter Good to a famous win over Harrow in the final. In those two years, he played in the fourth pair and I played in the 5^th pair. It was enormously comforting to be greeted by a broad grin on the course knowing that he and Peter were at least 3 up! He captained the Hewitt side between 1986 and 1992 during which time we reached the quarter final three times.

One of his jobs as Halford Hewitt manager was to organise accommodation and here I quote from his letter inviting me to play in the 1992 event: “Unfortunately we cannot stay at the Hotel St James this year as the hotel is closed due to flooding problems”. What he did not mention was that these flooding problems may not have been unconnected with the long hot bath that Alan might have had during the 1991 event!

In later years he did have a slightly uneasy relationship with a selection of drivers which probably resulted in him playing in fewer Bernard Darwin trophies than he perhaps should have done as it was played at the notoriously tight Woking GC.

Alan contributed enormously to the OMGS. He was Captain of the OMGS in 1985/86 and President from 2007 – 2010.

I chatted to Alan on a regular basis. To me he was a huge enthusiast with a great sense of humour. He did get me out of a hole during one of my early Hewitts. At that time, we had a number of wine connoisseurs in the side and at one dinner a cork was being passed round for us to study. Having had several pints of Shepherd Neame, I had not a clue what to say. Alan, sitting next to me, saved the day when the cork arrived. He took one look at it and said; “Never mind the colour, I’m a quantity man”!

I will miss him enormously.

Bob Carrick

catchpole 1953.jpg

OMGS 2022 fixture card

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 18:27:36 GMT

The 2022 fixture card is available for download. The printed fixture card will be sent out in April to coincide with the changeover of the OMGS Committee

A fixture list without any phone numbers is available for download:

FIXTURE LIST - NO PHONE NUMBERS

For a complete fixture, please go to:

FIXTURES (restricted access)

Grafton Morrish 2021

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 09:27:02 GMT

Grafton Morrish 2021 - Report

For the first time (I think) since 1990 we reached the semi-final of the Grafton Morrish. This was as enjoyable as it was surprising bearing in mind that the Grafton Morrish is a high quality competition. It is different from the Halford Hewitt in that it is not limited to the same 64 schools but is open to all schools which are members of the Headmasters’ conference. 104 schools entered this year and 48 qualified from 9 different venues throughout England and Scotland. The event is always held at Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk; two exceptional links courses on, strangely enough, the North West coast of Norfolk!

Our team consisted of the somewhat “senior” first pair of Bob Carrick and David Niven (combined age of 136 – mostly due to the former); the slightly more youthful second pair of Matt Mockridge and Jack Naylor (but not by much!) and the dynamic young third pair of Elliott Matthews and the sparkling debutant James Porter.

Having received a bye in the first round, we won a very tight second round 2-1 against Whitgift with 2 matches ending with the last putt on the last green. We won the third and fourth rounds both by 2-1 against Sedbergh and Reeds respectively but these matches were quite relaxed as in both we won 2 matches out in the country.

The semi-final was a slight anti-climax (as it was in 1990) as we were well beaten by a very strong Millfield side who leapt out of the blocks and none of our pairs was able to peg them back and exert any pressure. Millfield went on to win the tournament (for the first time since 1974) by beating Malvern (the 2019 runners up) in an incredibly tight and dare I say pulsating final. All matches went to the 18^th green; there were two halves and the Millfield third pair holed a 15 footer to lift the trophy.

Anyway the whole 3 days were great fun and although all pairs contributed, the stars were the third pair who won 3 out of their 4 matches.

The aim next year is to qualify (never straightforward) and then perhaps attract some more youthful participants to supplement this year’s third pair. Matt Mockridge, the Halford Hewitt Captain, will be doing his best to unearth suitable candidates.

Bob Carrick

Photos from Halford Hewitt Day 1

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 10:43:45 GMT

Photos from the Hewitt, day 1 are on the OMGS News page

Thanks to Robin Swann

Halford Hewitt 2021

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 15:56:53 GMT

In the first round, Marlborough overcame Cranleigh in a thrilling first round match

Matthews/Murray L3/2; Foster/Mockridge L2/1; Niven/Rhodes W2/1; Macfarlane/Naylor W2/1; Blockley/Hewer W 19th

A high standard of golf throughout but pride of place goes to Chas B & Jim H after coming back from 1dn going down 18th to secure a 4 to opponents' 5, and then holing from 10' on the 19th for another 4 to opponents' 5!

The winning putt

On Friday we lost to the holders, Malvern so missed our chance for revenge after losing to them in 2019, when they went on to win. The score was 3.5 to 1.5

For details see:

Halford Hewitt

Bernard Darwin

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 10:08:26 GMT

The team did well to overcome Malvern, the holders of the Bernard Darwin Trophy, in the first round, but came up against Highgate, who beat us in the Senior Darwin two weeks earlier, and who were again victorious

Results were as follows:

For the full draw and all individual results, please refer to the Bernard Darwin web site

Summer Meeting

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:34:03 GMT

30 members of the OMGS had a very enjoyable day in the sunshine at Woking GC on Wednesday 23rd June. The winners were as follows:

Penruddock Trophy for the best stableford score; Mike Roden 38pts:

Catchpole Scratch Salver; Bob Carrick - Gross 76

Van Gelder Vets Trophy; Jamie Hawksfield 31pts

Robinson Trophies; Jamie Hawksfield and Simon Hall 36pts:

May thanks to Will Wells for his splendid organisation:

Finally - 4 young OMs!

Public Schools Putting

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:12:11 GMT

The OMGS were runners up in the Public Schools Putting competition played at Royal Wimbledon GC on Thursday 17^th June on their lightning fast putting green losing to St Pauls by one measly point. This is a great effort as it is a very difficult competition to do well in.

The competition is normally 4 players per side but only 3 this year due to COVID restrictions. 8 schools participate on 4 successive days playing all against all and the top two schools on each day qualify for the final. To add additional pressure to an already nerve wracking occasion, the bottom two teams on each qualifying day get excluded from the following year’s competition. In addition there is a playoff to decide ties to establish who goes forward to the final or who gets excluded. It is very good for your pressure putting.

Anyway we won the qualifier with 35 points, 4 better than the next school. Those who participated for the OMGS were; Elliot Matthews, Jim Hewer and Jack Naylor (who was second in the overall list of points scorers with 11 points).

In the final our team was; Elliot Matthews, Angus Murray and Tom Macfarlane

The chap on the left is the RWGC captain who presented the prizes. We scored 35 points (coincidentally the same as in the qualifying) and Tom won all his games to score a maximum of 14 points which is a very rare achievement. Unfortunately, St Pauls scored 36 points to pip us by 1 point on the last round.

A good evening was had by all and thanks to Chris Dowling for organising the OMGS side and supporters; OMGS Captain Bob Percival and coach and proud Dad, Charlie Macfarlane.

Bob Carrick

Hon Sec

Senior Darwin

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 08:14:08 GMT

I am afraid we lost a tight game to Highgate in the first round of the Senior Darwin (for those 65 and over). The results were as follows:

Bob Carrick and Malcolm Cornish W3/2

Henry Robinson and Mike Roden L 2/1

Tim Martin Jenkins and Jeremy Cornish L 20th

The event was won by Tonbridge who beat Clifton 2/1 in the final

Senior Darwin

OMGS v Wildernesse

Mon, 31 May 2021 09:02:46 GMT

Unfortunately we have had to move the date of this match from Saturday 18th September as the Club cannot accommodate us. The new date is now Thursday 21st October. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Grafton Morrish

Fri, 28 May 2021 10:52:17 GMT

Members will be delighted to hear that we have qualified for the 2021 Grafton Morrish. The qualifying event took place at Worplesden and we were 4th qualifier with a combined scratch stableford score of 79 points. Well done team and good luck at Hunstanton and Brancaster later in the year.

AGM

Fri, 28 May 2021 10:47:35 GMT

The AGM of the OMGS was held by Zoom on Friday 14th May 2021 and was attended by 32 members. The new Captain is Bob Percival and the new Vice Captain is Bernie Thompson. James Hopper now enters the last year of this presidency. A copy of the draft minutes is attached.

AGM minutes 140521 2.docx

AGM at 6pm on 14th May

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 19:51:10 GMT

Registration is open for the AGM, which will again take place using Zoom. To register, please go to OMGS Annual General Meeting

David Coe

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 08:40:59 GMT

It is my sad duty to report that David Coe, our immediate past president, has died. I have set out below the obituary issued by Royal Ashdown Forest where he was a member.

OBITUARY

Members will be saddened to learn that David Coe passed away suddenly on Sunday 11th April at the age of 86.

David joined Royal Ashdown in 1986 and was a popular member of the Club. A keen golfer and bridge player, David represented Ashdown at both games.

Mrs Coe was keen to let the members know that David had 40/1 odds on Matsuyami winning the Masters and a decent whisky in hand when he passed away.

Details of a memorial service for David will be circulated to the membership in due course.

Adam Riddle
Golf Manager

Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club

Updated fixture card

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 12:15:58 GMT

The fixture card has been updated to reflect the changed dates of fixtures that have been pushed back to later in the year. For an updated version of the fixture card, see Fixtures

or go directly to the Fixture calendar

COVID 19

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 18:06:33 GMT

Dear All

It is pleasing to know that as from Monday 29th March, we will be allowed to play golf in 4s. However until Monday 17th May only outdoor catering will be allowed subject to the rule of 6 and takeways are also allowed. However this can cause the clubs insuperable difficulties.

As regards OMGS fixtures between 29th March and 17th May this has caused us the following difficulties:

- The match against Sherborne on 21st March has been cancelled. An alternative date for later in the year is being investigated.

- The match against Burnham and Berrow scheduled for Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April has been cancelled.

- The Spring meeting scheduled for Friday 14th May has been cancelled but the AGM will still go ahead via zoom on Friday 14th May at 7:00pm. Further details will follow.

- The school match on 4th March has been postponed and we are looking at a date in October.

- The match against the common room has been postponed from 15th April until Thursday 2nd September.

If anyone has any query about a particular match, please let the match manager or myself know.

Bob Carrick

OMGS v Royal Cinque Ports GC

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 08:30:00 GMT

Please note that this match will now take place at the Royal Cinque Ports GC on Sunday 25th July 2021. Please register as normal and please see the news item on subsidies.

Go to registration page

News item on subsidies

Change of Date for Under 30s v Over 30s

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 15:09:10 GMT

Please note that this match will now take place at the Berkshire on Sunday 17th October 2021. For those of you who have already registered, you have to do nothing as your registration is carried forward. For those of you who have not yet registered, now is your chance and please see the news item on subsidies.

Cancellation of Burhill fixture

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 14:16:51 GMT

The Burhill match on Saturday, 12 June 2021 has regrettably had to be cancelled as the club have arranged a big event of their own on that day and an alternative date can’t be found.

COVID

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 14:51:50 GMT

It is clear that we will not be playing any golf for at least the next few weeks. The Under 30s v Over 30s and the match against Deal have already been postponed and more I am afraid will follow. However, please keep registering for matches and meetings as we will try and re schedule those events which fall foul of the virus provided there is sufficient interest. Please also keep looking at this news page as I will be posting regular updates. Happy new year and keep safe. Bob

OMGS white polo shirts - FINAL ORDERS

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 12:22:23 GMT

Thanks to Oliver Hickling, all members can now buy white Calloway 'Swing Tech Solid' polo shirts with the OMGS logo. The plan is to take orders before 31st December so that we can do a bulk order for delivery during January, in time for our first matches in February

Why not place your order now from the OMGS ONLINE SHOP

2021 Fixture card

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 16:22:49 GMT

The 2021 fixture card has been submitted to the printers for printing. Those who have indicated in their profiles that they wish to receive a printed copy of the fixture card will receive one in the next few weeks. If you have not requested a printed fixture card but would like to receive one, please update your profile

In the meantime, you can download a PDF copy of the new look fixture card from the FIXTURES PAGE

New World Handicapping System - a helpful guide

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 08:27:59 GMT

The Honorary Secretary, who is an expert on these matters, has put together a very helpful and brief guide to the new World Handicapping System that comes into force on Monday 2nd November

WHS summary and overview.pdf

Autumn Meeting at Deal - Friday 9th October

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 09:23:30 GMT

*updated*
The Autumn Meeting at Deal on Friday 9th October has proved very popular with the maximum number of registrations already reached. If you didn't get your name down in time but would like to play, please register anyway and you will be put on a reserve list

Autumn Meeting

There is no game available at Royal St George's on the Saturday this year because that s the day of the club's Autumn Meeting

Of course we are in the lap of the Gods as regards COVID19 is concerned, but let us hope for the best. Time will tell.

Bob Carrick

Bernard Darwin team announced

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 09:06:32 GMT

Jack Naylor has announced his team for the Bernard Darwin. The first round for Marlborough will be at Woking Golf Club on 26th October against Westminster. Click on the link below for details:

Bernard Darwin

Grafton Morrish cancelled

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 09:24:55 GMT

2020 TOURNAMENT UPDATE - 24TH AUGUST 2020

The Grafton Morrish Committee has announced with great regret, that following consultation with both host Clubs, this year's Tournament has now been cancelled

Grafton Morrish web site

OMGS v Seniors

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 09:43:54 GMT

Malcolm Cornish organised a brilliant day at Woking for the annual match against the Senior Golfers' Society. Whilst having to put up with changeable weather, the OMGS lost by 4½ to 7½. However OMs playing for the opposition (in particular Jack Naylor!) garnered sufficient points to see the Seniors home. Woking GC treated us well and gave us a terrific lunch. A good time was had by all. Even the Hon. Sec. got a ½ point!

Limited return to golf

Wed, 20 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT

The governing bodies have reported back and are allowing golf clubs to let their members play singles. Golf clubhouses remain closed and this situation is likely to be the case for some time. As regards our matches, we are talking to each match manager and may try and rearrange matches for later on in the year. Please keep watching the website.

Annual General Meeting

Tue, 19 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT

AGM

The Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 18th May 2020 using Zoom

Minutes of AGM 18-May-20 Full details of OMGS Annual General Meeting

More cancellations

Wed, 13 May 2020 18:55:39 GMT

Cancellations as a result of COVID-19 pandemic

This year's Halford Hewitt has been cancelled, as has the Brent Knoll Bowl and the latest casualty is the Bernard Darwin

Cancellation of fixtures due to COVID-19

Fri, 01 May 2020 18:44:07 GMT

All matches, meetings and tournament fixtures up to the end of June have been cancelled