The OM Golfing Society has once again triumphed at the prestigious Senior Darwin golf tournament, held at Woking Golf Club last week (10th June), securing back-to-back victories in this elite competition.
Congratulations to all and with thanks to Bruce Streather (8.59-64) for providing this match report:
The tournament began under slightly overcast skies as the OM team assembled to defend their title. Their opening match was a repeat of last year’s final against Radley, and the Malvernians wasted no time asserting their dominance. Despite a spirited challenge from Radley’s top pair, Seward and Kfouri – who had halved their match the previous year – the OM team secured a commanding 3-0 win.
In the afternoon, Malvern faced long-standing rivals Repton, three-time winners of the competition. Repton fielded a strong side, including Philip Carr (scratch), Keith Andrews (four), and John Fletcher, fresh from his victory at the Fathers and Sons tournament at West Hill. Undeterred, the OM team delivered another clean sweep, winning 3-0 and advancing confidently to the semi-finals.
The semi-final against Charterhouse promised to be a sterner test. To sharpen their focus, the captain devised a quiz over dinner at the Inn at West End, aimed at testing the mental acuity of three team members. The following morning, however, early signs were worrying. The top pair of Mark Dunn (8.71-76) and Simon Dalby (3.72-76) fell three down after five holes, while Guy Davis (8.72-76) and Peter Desmond (3.67-72) narrowly avoided going two down thanks to a missed six-foot putt by Charterhouse’s “Spider” Robinson.
The turning point came with a spectacular eagle from David Price (7.69-73) and Philip Manduca (SH.73-75) at the first hole – Price chipping in after Manduca’s booming drive. From there, momentum shifted. Dalby and Dunn rallied to level their match by the ninth, and Price and Manduca extended their lead with a birdie on the same hole. Davis and Desmond also fought back to level their match, setting the stage for a decisive finish.
Ultimately, Malvern prevailed. Price and Manduca won comfortably, while Dalby and Dunn sealed their match on the 17th. Davis and Desmond, in a tightly contested battle, shook hands all square on the 15th fairway, having neutralized Charterhouse’s formidable final pair.
The final against Uppingham proved anticlimactic, with all Malvern pairs maintaining their fine form to secure another 3-0 victory. The team’s overall performance was nothing short of exceptional, winning 11 out of 12 matches, with the remaining match halved. Every player demonstrated sportsmanship, humility, and camaraderie throughout the tournament.
The trophy presentation marked a fitting end to a remarkable campaign. The Captain, though tired, expressed heartfelt thanks to Robert Millar and Robin Swan for their superb organisation, and to Woking Golf Club for presenting the course in immaculate condition.
Malvern’s continued success at the Senior Darwin is a testament to the strength, spirit, and skill of the OM Golfing Society. Congratulations to all involved!
(Photo left – right: Peter Desmond, Simon Dalby, Philip Manduca, Bruce Streather (non-playing captain), David Price, Guy Davis, Mark Dunn)