May 2026 update (incl Grafton Morrish qualifying)
Mark Chatham’s Captain’s Day meeting was held at his home course, Wildernesse GC, on Thursday 28th May, in the middle of the end-May heatwave that we had, but not so hot that the golf was unduly affected. Nonetheless, all those finishing were eager for their post-round drink (or two)!
A full field of 32 was reduced somewhat by a few late withdrawals, due either to illness or reluctance to play in the heat, but 28 can claim to have completed the course, some at a more leisurely pace than others. Everyone enjoyed the course, which was in great condition. It is challenging, being mostly tree-lined and therefore quite tight, with greens which are naturally quick and all the more so after the long dry spell. Those who can hit the ball straight and putt consistently fared the best.
All in all, scoring was quite good and there were five scores at 34 points or better; a three-way tie for third was settled on count back in favour of Michael Wall, but those three were three shots adrift of the front two, guest Laura Thomas (the Captain’s sister-in-law) and Kevin Prideaux de Lacy, both of whom scored 37. Laura, a 10-handicapper, became the first female ever to win an OWGS event, claiming first prize with a stunning 23 points on the back nine and therefore the better countback score. Kevin however won the Captain’s Cup, given the society rule that only members are permitted to win the trophies.
All enjoyed the very welcome post-match dinner, itself well above par, and were grateful to Mark for his hospitality and administration of the event.
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The match against the school was played at Croham Hurst on Wednesday 13th May, and it was refreshing to be able to field a team which was younger than usual, strengthened by the presence of recent alumni Rocky Chapman and Johann Perera. This match is contested by one schoolmaster and one OW, playing against two schoolboys.
The schoolboys normally show the rest of us how the game can be played, but on this occasion both we and they were in the end frustrated by the weather, which produced some very heavy showers and a cold northerly wind, so the afternoon sunshine in which the match started (photo) was soon forgotten. All of the matches were called to a halt before the 18th, and the luckier groups abandoned their games on the 10th or 11th, next to the clubhouse. Rumour has it that the combined masters/OW pairs were ahead at the time, but the records will show this as ‘Match abandoned due to rain’!
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Whitgift were successful at Grafton Morrish qualifying this year. Led by Toby Kemp, the team won the preliminary round held at Royal Ashdown Forest, scoring 92 points across the three foursomes pairs. All playing off scratch, Laurie Evans and Jack Raison led off the field and scored 29 points; Rocky Chapman and Nick Baxter-Brand had an eventful round with two eagles and five birdies, but with three double bogeys thrown into the mix, finished with 32 points; Carl Hills and Rob Sandford, a newcomer to these events, played very steady golf without much joy on the greens, and came home with 31 points. An impressive total from Whitgift left playing partners Winchester, this year’s runners-up at the Hewitt, trailing in second place with 87 points, the same total as Cranleigh, and Sherborne took the final qualifying space, on 83. Wellington, Whitgift’s nemesis in April’s Hewitt, finished in fifth place, outside the qualifiers, and other notable non-qualifiers, in other area heats, were Eton, Harrow, and Loretto. Qualifying is not straightforward!
Whitgift will play the Grafton Morrish finals in October, at Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk (Brancaster).
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Upcoming –
Grafton Morrish Qualifying – for the first time, we are playing our qualifying round at Royal Ashdown, on Sunday 10th May, starting at midday. Toby Kemp is captain of the side.
The match vs the School takes place at Croham Hurst on Weds 13th May.
Mark Chatham’s Captain’s Day meeting is on Thursday 28th May, at Wildernesse. There is currently a capacity field of 28, but new applicants can go on a waiting list in case of any cry-offs.
