On Thursday 16th May, members of the Old Gregorian Golfing Society gathered in Denham for their Spring Meeting.
A Golfing clerihew!
The OGGS
Does not require vast golfing prowess.
As long as you have clubs and like a big lunch
Then come along and enjoy yourself with a very convivial bunch.
As dawn broke, a small group of OG golfers, and “golfers”, arose and the annual migration to Denham began. As usual, despite Liddell’s (B84) clear instructions, few had any idea who they were partnering with nor at what time, but the coffee and bacon sandwiches were swigged and gobbled among the salves (the Latin word).
In the morning, it was singles. On the first tee, anticipation was converted into booming drives or more stuttering efforts. The beautiful parkland course was in pristine condition and the weather was benign. Occasionally one had to remove one’s hat in view of the constant traffic of low-flying aircraft at the nearby aerodrome. And so the round proceeded.
Scores tallied, some with shame, and, cards handed in, we proceeded to lunch, showered and dolled up in jacket and tie (oh well, club rules). These lunches can be quite Pantagruelian affairs: rather superior club grub, beer, wine and puddings which you only really have in places like these.
Thus, after these minor adjustments to the location of our centres of gravity, we were all out again for the afternoon foursomes. This is the part of the golfing day when one needs to recall the catechism’s exhortations about faith, hope and charity. Especially charity to your poor partner who might again put you in a bunker for the third hole on the trot.
The round completed, back to the bar for drinks, post mortems, more chat and… prizes. Being OGs, most of the previous year’s winners had failed to return the trophies, but luckily the same people won them again so no harm done. Maybe they’ll bring them back next year?
For the record –
the morning singles were won by Jeremy Kenyon (S95)
the Nearest the Pin by David Lumley (R75)
the afternoon foursomes were won by Niall Scott (S03) and John Thatcher (C84).
These days are great fun if you like golf and don’t get too het up about it, and putting on a tie for lunch is a small price to pay for the joie de vivre on offer.
Come along and see! If you are not yet a member of the Society and would like to join, please contact the Membership Secretary, Dominic Hennessy (R90), at oggsmembers@gmail.com.
The next meeting is in Somerset on July 18th and 19th, at Mendip, and Burnham & Berrow – which, as it is being used for The Open qualifying this year, will be in fabulous condition.
by David Lumley (R75)