With military precision, 31 Old Malvernians rolled up at Formby Golf Club on the morning of Sunday 7th September, ready to take on the magnificent course and the assembled competition, as the first grey clouds of summer gathered ominously overhead. Despite an early start and a brisk pace, none of the 10 teams managed to outplay the drizzle, but the weather did little to quell the enthusiasm of the assembled cast.
With OMs spanning six decades, the two-day event was a fitting tribute to Malvern Governor and OMGS stalwart, Tony Ensor (SH.50-55), who sadly passed away just weeks earlier. Tony ran this event for a remarkable 50 years, elevating it to the pinnacle of the OMGS calendar. Earlier this year, he passed the baton to Charles Hayward (5.74-78), who embraced the role with enthusiasm, curating a memorable weekend that began with Saturday twilight golf on the Ladies Course – described by Hayward as “short, tight and with penal heather”. Having spent a fair amount of time hacking out of the heather, early starters Daniel Garnett (5.08-13), Oliver Garnett (5.13-18), Reuben Dargan (SH.18-23), George Philip (5.76-81) were inclined to agree.
Outside the sporting achievements, the main social event was dinner on Saturday. OMs and guests stood for a minute’s silence in honour of Tony, followed by a moving and humorous eulogy from his close friend, Jeremy Lowe (9.54-59). Following Nick Stockbridge’s (5.64-69) recital of the Golfer’s Grace, self-appointed OMGS chorister Chris Boyd (3.69-74) led the room in the Malvern song, Carmen Malvernense. Head Master Keith Metcalfe, a late but welcome addition to the weekend, spoke over coffee, reflecting on Tony’s legacy and the enduring value of societies like the OMGS in connecting Old Malvernians across ages, interests and abilities.
Post-dinner entertainment featured the traditional Flying Snooker, with OMs paired off to play through a rapid-fire tournament. OMGS Captain, Jim Foxall (5.64-68), presented the first award of the weekend to OMGS President, Nick Stockbridge and Robert Kennan (4.82-86). The more seasoned golfers made a tactical retreat before the long-form snooker began, clutching tee-sheets and dreaming of the promised bacon butties ahead of the early start.
On the dot of 08:56, Matthew Hind (5.10-15), Giles Winthrop (5.13-15) and Chris “Crispy” Crisp (7.12-17) took the first swings of the Sunday’s competition, with full handicaps and waterproofs at the ready. The tee times threw up some interesting groups, with OMGS Secretary Simon Hooper (1.93-98) taking on the role of mentor to the youngest OM, Reuben Dargan, and Director of Sport, Mark Hardinges (1.91-96), a recent convert to the joys of golf (ably coached by Bryan Richardson (3.57-62) who sadly was nursing a multi-stitched hand).
Malvern golf-pro Harriet Matthews (4.08-12), also temporarily sidelined by injury, was stationed at Hole 5 dispensing sage advice – taken by some, ignored by others: “Middle of the green is 160 yards, flag is at 157, wind is slight but left to right. The hole is uphill, so club up. If you miss, go long or right – never left.”
Pace of play was brisk, possibly due to the now firmly established drizzle, or more likely the promise of a warm lunch and fine wine, generously provided by Jim Foxall.
While some opted to extend their enjoyment of Jim’s wine and the lively conversation of fellow OMs, six consummate enthusiasts – Jeremy Lowe, Nick Stockbridge, Nigel Milroy (1.66-70), Charles Hayward, Chris Boyd and Matthew Hind – retrieved their wet weather gear from the drying room and headed back out into the rain for a twilight round.
We are told that Messrs Stockbridge and Lowe, “played a blinder”, ensuring that they took home the Hale Tankards, as well as enjoying the sunset of the weekend as all six players approached the Club House from the 18th.
As OMs began to say goodbye to each other, and plan the next meet-ups, it was universally agreed that the weekend was a worthy celebration of camaraderie, competition, and the enduring spirit of Tony Ensor.
Weekend prizes awarded to:
Flying Snooker
Nick Stockbridge
Robert Kennan
Morrell Challenge Cup (Stableford)
1st – Nigel Milroy – 37 points (won on countback)
2nd – Robert Woods – 37 points
3rd – Nigel Hack – 36 points
** With an impressive 39, Keith Metcalfe would have topped the leaderboard, but as the wrong type of OM (Monmouth not Malvern!) was ineligible for the coveted Morrell Challenge Cup.
Lister Greenwood Trophy (Scratch Medal)
Chris Crisp – 73
Foster Bowl (Inter-House Cup)
House No.5
Hale Tankards
Jeremy Lowe and Nick Stockbridge
