2022 ended on a very positive note as our scratch team came runners-up in the finals of the Grafton Morrish at Hunstanton GC and Royal West Norfolk GC in October. Having finished as runners-up in this year’s Halford Hewitt and qualified with a record stableford score of 99 points (3 pairs, scratch foursomes) at the Regional Qualifier in May, confidence was high.

Captain, Christo Lloyd (HS 87-92), assembled a team of youth and experience: -

George Taggart (Sc80-85)

Simon Rogerson (WW 87-92)

Mike Cox (PS 87-92)

Nick Winder (MH 10-15)

James Norris (JH 15-20)

48 teams qualified for the finals this year, which meant that we needed to win 5 matches over 3 days to reach the final. Every match was a “nail biter” but we fought our way through with each of our pairs contributing vital points at various times. As a result, we secured victories over Forest, Solihull, Cheltenham, Rugby, and Birkenhead en route to the final. Eventually a very strong Epsom team beat us 2-1 in the final but our team had acquitted themselves well.

So, a successful but ultimately heart-breaking year ended with two runners-up finishes in the most prestigious public school old boys competitions. However, over the course of the year we have uncovered new talent and competition for places going forward will be intense. If there are any more low handicap/scratch OT golfers out there who wish to see if their game is up to the stresses and strains of match play foursomes they should join the OTGS by visiting our website: https://www.otgs.org.uk/

For the rest of us mere mortals, there remains a full complement of Meetings and Matches in which to participate. So, whatever your golfing ability the OTGS has something to offer.

Johnny Allbrook (Hon Sec) 
(WW 75-80)