Busy, busy, busy at Donnington Grove Golf

July saw many inter club matches and competitions take place despite the sweltering conditions.  Golfers talk about the distance they hit a ball as ‘carry’ but, after it lands, the course and conditions dictate where the ball ends up – which is often contrary to the players expectations!  With grounds conditions like concrete, the ball will travel, bounce or run along and, right now, it can run and run and…disappear.  In July’s conditions, more than ever, accuracy is all!

John Headland, Groves’ Seniors Captain, reports a busy month with matches played against Isle of Wight clubs as a return tour, as well as 6 inter club matches played, three of which are the competitive “3 counties” competition.  This is played nationally, with Grove playing Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire clubs.  The Senior Captain reports three wins and two losses, with the 3 Counties match win against Tylney Park.  The match against Isle of Wight club, Osbourne House, was a win, with Grove retaining the Denis Ansty Trophy for the current year.

Juliet Culley, Ladies Captain, also reports another busy month, and extends congratulations to Sarah Fowler for a hole in one on the 17th at Grove.  The Shotoku Cup was played in July, with Jan King and Shey Walder scoring a winning 45 points.  On 16th July, the ladies played the Seniors Club Championship with first place to Gill Lane.  August sees matches against Sandford Springs, Hennerton, Newbury & Crookham and Marlborough; also, the Greensomes Cup and the Anne-Marie Trophy.  Truly, the busiest time for golf.

Grove also stages ‘non-competitive’ events, and one such is the monthly TOGS – Troublesome Old Gits Society.  Organised by club stalwart Cliff Waller, the ‘Togmiester, the format is quite impenetrable, and made up by Togsy, usually on the spur of the moment.  This week saw 27 people play on the hottest day of the year but restricted to 9 holes.  The winners still came out with a combined 52 points for the team of three of Andrew Robbings, Chris Armitage and Sarah Deal.  Champagne was duly awarded.  Golf is not always ‘competitive’ and enjoyable formats like TOGS allow members to meet new and old friends, and have some fun.