Rhubarb October 2022

GRAFTON MORRISH QUALIFIER, DENHAM GOLF CLUB 15th May 2022 The Martyrs six-man Grafton Morrish team assembled at Denham Golf Club for the annual qualifying event.The prize – three days of Foursomes match play golf at Hunstanton and RoyalWest Norfolk Golf Clubs, representing the School and competing against other “qualifiers” from an initial group of 120 Independent schools from across the UK. Would this be our year?! The conditions were relatively calm.The course was receptive, with the warm, dry summer around the corner.The greens were in good condition and a pleasure to putt on. The team saw three players competing for the Martyrs for the first time in the event – Matt Baggs (Apsley, 1996-2001), EdWatson (Apsley 1996-2001) and Alex Holden (Sing’s, 1995-1997). The six-man team amassed a total of 83 points, withWatson and Baggs scoring 30 points, Holden and Kerr Drummond (Segar’s, 1998-2003) scoring 28 points and Marcus Oates (Tilly’s, 1977-1979) and Pete Neal scoring 25 points. With 83 points, qualification for the Martyrs looked likely, having held a position on the leader board within the top five for a good hour while the last schools finished their rounds. It came down to the last pairing on the course – with Clifton’s final pair requiring a birdie 3 on the 18th hole (410 yards) to take the fifth qualifying place and edge the Martyrs out.To their credit, Chris Dale of Clifton holed a 20-foot putt to make the birdie 3 required – the Martyrs were out of a qualification position. A disappointing outcome but the team left with a feeling of renewed confidence for next year having recorded a near-record qualifying total.

ROYALWIMBLEDON GOLF CLUB SPRING MEETING 14th April 2022 A fter what seemed a long time since the previous Martyrs Golf event at Denham in October it was great to get back in action. Following weeks of largely terrible weather the Martyrs were blessed with a beautiful day and a pristine golf course.With nearly 40 attendees, the Martyrs were ready to take on the challenge of RoyalWimbledon.

With impressive scoring, Jack Parry (Field House, 2018-2021) took home most of the prizes, having won the scratch event with 30 (gross) points he also won longest drive and closest to the pin. Other impressive rounds came from Robin Catlin (Cowell’s, 1973-1978) and Charlie Reid (Segar’s, 1973-1978) who came in joint second place in the scratch tournament with 27 (gross) points each. In the Nett tournament, Pete Franks (Field House, 1989-1994) won impressively with 40 (net) points with other strong rounds from Robin Caitlin and Ed Skilbeck (Field House, 1979-1983) with 37 (net) and 36 (net) points respectively. Relishing the beautiful weather, the

MARTYRS

Peter Franks

Martyrs enjoyed drinks and sandwiches on the patio after a day in the heat. Following the prize giving, a group continued competing on the practice putting green until the light went.The day provided us all with a good chance to catch up with old friends, and to make new friends and recount stories of play from the day. One of the greatest aspects of golf is that the handicap system allows for competition among varying abilities.The chance for people to mix and play competitive sport across multiple age groups is unmatched by other sports and this was highlighted with almost 70 years from the oldest to the youngest Martyrs member.This is a true testament to the growing strength of Martyrs Golf which is continuing to develop under the leadership of Peter Neal (Corfe, 1993-1998) and Peter Swainson (SCR and OSE – Tilly’s, 1995-2000). Both members have devoted many days and hours to Martyrs Golf and we would all like to say thank you for all you have done. Lastly, a thank you must be made to Mike Palau (Sing’s, 1959-1964), John Shaw (Cowell’s, 1961-1966) and Robin Catlin who helped facilitate the day at Royal Wimbledon and are strong supporters of Martyrs Golf. It is rare to be invited to a society day at such a prestigious golf club and without the generous and supportive RWGC members, it would be much harder to host the day.

Report by Ruairi Keeley (Field House, 2007-2012).

Report by Pete Neal (Corfe, 1993-1998).

SUMMER MEETING AT FRILFORD HEATH GOLF CLUB 17th June 2022 After the disruption of Covid, it was wonderful to once again combine the Summer Meeting with the traditional fixture against the pupils and the Common Room.A good turn-out of 14 OSE, including debutants James ‘Jumbo’Womersley (Sing’s, 1969-1974),Will Deasy (Kendall, 2012-2017) and Josh Thomas (Kendall, 2016-21), six pupils and six members of the Common Room, contributed to a delightfully convivial atmosphere.We played the shorter Green Course – a blessing in the searing 35C heat! – which was in good condition despite the lack of rain. Notwithstanding the heat, some excellent golf was played, with EdWatson (Apsley, 1996-2001) and Jack Parry (Field House, 2018-2021) fighting it out for the best scratch score of the day. In the end Ed (with 34 points playing off 6) just beat Jack (with 33 points playing off 3). As a result of his fine play, Ed also won the Gaudy Cup with 40 points – a stunning performance! James Cope (SCR) was the pick of the Common Room with 39 points (playing off 16), with FHGC member and Society stalwart Charles Cooper (Segar’s, 1961-1966) scoring 37 points (playing off 20) to come third and pip Stephen Matthews (Tilly’s, 1973-1978) on count back over the 16th, 17th and 18th holes.

Our thanks to Simon Roche, Head of Golf, for organising the pupil and the Common Room sides and for transporting them to Frilford.We look forward to next year’s fixture immensely.

Report by Peter Swainson (Tilly’s, 1995-2000).

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