Worthians 2008/09 Golf Society Report

I am pleased to report that the Worthians Golfing Society continues to be supported by a core of members, and this year we have welcomed some newcomers in the form of recent Leavers who have joined our ranks.

Fr Kevin continues to preside as President, and Glenn Robertson has kindly agreed to become Vice-President.  It was good to see him at both the Spring and Autumn meetings.

Once again the Golfing year started with the Annual match against The Old Gregorians at Royal Ashdown Forest, and my optimism expressed in last year's report bore fruit, when we recorded our first win in this event.  I am sure that now, having tasted victory, we will see many more in the years to come!

Once again the Spring Meeting was at Moor Park which has proved to be an excellent venue for us.  James Blake (B'77), a long standing supporter of the Society, won the Rose Bowl with 34 points, with Peter Gottelier (R'70) and myself in close pursuit with 33 points.  Aly Milne Home (C'93), Patrick Davey (F'01) and myself picked up prizes for nearest the pin, whilst Simon Ross (G'98) ‘nailed his driver' to win the longest drive.

In May, as usual, we entered a six-man team for the Grafton Morrish Public Schools Scratch Foursomes event, but again failed to qualify.  Unfortunately we don't have a depth of good players in the Society and, as such, the team was not as strong as it could have been with several low Handicap players being unavailable to play.

The Russell Bowl event at Woking was again dominated by Ampleforth, who have won the event for several years in succession.  However, the 36 hole foursomes, with an excellent lunch was greatly enjoyed by the team members.

The year culminated with the Autumn meeting at Mannings Heath - a new venue for the Society.  Sixteen players competed with Rupert Pridham (G'80) - again a stalwart of the Society - winning the Worth Salver with 36 points off a handicap of 5.  Stuart Hiscocks (B'95) was a close second with 35 points, with James Robertson (B'89) in third place with 33 points.  Will Kelly (F'02) - playing in his first event - and yours truly won the nearest the pin prizes; with Stuart Hiscocks (B'95) achieving the longest drive.

2009 will see us returning to Moor Park in the Spring, with Worth again represented in the Grafton Morrish and Russell Bowl events.

Ken Ross (G'65) - April 2009