OMGS Summer Meeting at Walton Heath

The OM Golfing Society recently held its first meeting at Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey. Some 30 OM’s and current pupils enjoyed a fabulous day at Surrey’s finest golf club.

Whilst assembling for coffee and bacon rolls in the comfort of the Clubhouse, the gathering OM’s saw the Millfield minibus pull up. Four of Millfield’s current school team golf team stepped out, and headed straight for the putting green. Moritz Hauswaiter, Sophie Keech, JJ Fletcher and Zhanna Tarasko were all part of the Millfield golf team that had recently defended the World Schools Golf Championship in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The format for the day was 18 holes on the famous Old Course, followed by a 3-course Carvery lunch. Everyone headed for the 1st tee, not intimidated by the opening tee shot to a 235 yd par 3 hole. The course was in fine condition. Some showers during the early holes didn’t dampen anyone spirits, and it turned out to be a fine morning’s golf.

Back in the clubhouse, the early starters were relaxing in the comfortable surroundings, with eager anticipation of lunch. Once everyone was in, the Millfield school minibus departed, with a tight timescale to return for the Millfield Summer Ball. That left the hard core to go forth into the Fowler Room, the Club’s private dining room, which displays all the history of the Club, including the hosting of the famous US Ryder Cup team of 1981.

Lunch was served, and a full three course Carvery was enjoyed by all. The Club’s wines were on hand also.
With everyone suitably nourished, Prizegiving took place, and Gavin Bradbury kindly presented the prizes as follows:

Handicap
1st Matthew Condren 36 pts
2nd Daniel Kimpton 35 pts
3rd David Cargill 34 pts

Scratch
1st Richard Champion 33 pts
2nd Gavin Bradbury 29 pts

Ladies
1st Samantha Donald 31 pts

Team Prize
Gavin Bradbury, Matthew Condren and Moritz Hauswaiter (M). Average score 31.7 pts per person.

Nearest The Pin
11th hole Sophie Keech
17th hole Samantha Donald
After coffee, everyone headed for home. There was much favourable comment on Walton Heath, and its courses. The OMGS’ inaugural meeting had been a great success, and all present were appreciative of the efforts to organise the day, and the establishment of the Society. It was agreed by all that the potential for the OMGS was huge, and everyone was looked forward to the next activities of the Society.