2020 saw the Society’s fixture list somewhat decimated by lockdown and other restrictions. We managed two matches against the School at Sunningdale and Woking before the School team competed in the Micklem Trophy in March. In addition to these matches, the Society played Downside at New Zealand GC in August and had an inaugural match against the Stowe Golf Club, which we plan to make a regular fixture, in September.
We had to postpone our Spring meeting at Woking to August and were able to play our Autumn meeting at Hunstanton. Results of these can be seen below.
Spring Meeting
Memorial Bowl: John da Silva (Temple 87)
Nigel Stern Scratch Salver: William Hill (Grenville 75)
David Foster U30s Salver: Pierse Odell (Grenville 18)
Foursome’s Celebration Tankards: Jim Marshall-Andrew (Bruce 92) and John da Silva
Autumn Meeting
Lucas Langley Foursomes: Neil Gray (Chatham 78) and Nigel Wright (Chatham 78)
Scratch Salver: Tim Maynard (Chatham 79)
Nigel Chittenden Stableford Cup: Jim Marshall-Andrew
Piper Salver for over 50s: Nigel Wright
Amidst the chaos, the new golf course at Stowe opened on 17 May. Lorne Williamson (Temple 56), the past president, Hannah Durden (Nugent 01), Chair of the Old Stoic Society and myself joined Chris Atkinson (Chatham 59), Andrew Hancox, Director of Golf and Tom Youds (Chandos 20), Captain of the School team to play the first round. The nine holes, set over 3,200 yards with two sets of tees, are a real challenge with USGA standard greens, water hazards and some fantastic views of Stowe Castle and the Bourbon Tower. Currently, the course has an excellent short game practice area and we are hoping to add a clubhouse and swing studio later in 2021.
Looking forward
We are hoping that we will see all of our 22 fixtures take place next year under the captaincy of William Hill (Grenville 75). As a Society, we will be working closely with Andrew Hancox to further develop links between the Society, School and Golf Club and we have already started planning Centenary celebrations in 2023.
Calling all golfers
We are looking for more young golfers of all standards to join the Society, discounts are available for those under 30 and special efforts are being made to encourage leavers from the past 10 years to take part. Excitingly, we have 19 current leavers who have indicated an interest in the Society already and we can’t wait to get them involved.
First Team Captain, Haydn Brooks (Cobham 04), is looking for low handicap players to take part in the prestigious Halford Hewitt and Grafton Morrish teams, please email haydnbrooks@gmail.com if you are interested.
If anyone wants to know more about the Society, please look on the Old Stoic section of the Stowe website, visit our
Facebook page or contact the OSGC Secretary directly on pjimmons@gmail.com or 07957 141826.
Peter Simmons (Cobham 69)