The quickly rearranged friendly, carried over from a rain cancellation in late September, saw eight DG pairs arrive in good spirits to play in damp, but sunny conditions around the smashing Wrag Barn course.

Many thanks to Frits Mans-Cornwell, Peter Drummond, Vaughan Miller, Rob Hinson, (nice 79 by the way, Rob,) and Richard Deal for helping out, and standing by, at short notice.

The weather held, the greens played very well and a good fun was had by all. The match was played in the best of spirits. With camaraderie, friendly competition, friendly banter and DG team spirit on show. A really good golfing day out.

Some excellent play from both sides was on show throughout with a steady stream of birdies and good scoring. Indeed, yours truly had a putt on 18 to halve our match, which fell agonisingly close, grazing the lip. Win lose or draw, (I’ve fished my clubs out of the pond now,) it was a fabulously close and totally enjoyable encounter.

Wrag Barn captain, Dave, complimented DG seniors on their perfect approach to this friendly match and looked forward to the next time. Green staff and caterers were thanked alike, and the post-match buffet was the best of the season. Roast beef and sticky toffee pud. Marvellous.

Oh… and the score? You guessed it. A 4-4 draw. Again, marvellous!

John

One of our longest journeys to an away M4 league fixture was made a little brighter by the onset of some Autumn sun. Our intrepid band of seniors donned their sunglasses and took to the course. Though muddy underfoot in places, the game took place in very playable conditions.

The extremely warm welcome was notable, as was the geniality of our hosts throughout.

One quirky detail when playing at Milford is that a railway line cuts through the course, much the same as the A34 does for us, and when on the tees adjacent to the railway you’re not permitted to tee off as the train approaches and passes. This, however, doesn’t stop the the trains testing their vey loud warning hooters as they pass, which comes as a bit of a shock at times. Especially on your downswing.

All agreed, the final three holes were, in Ian Flack’s words, “an absolute card wrecker.” Indeed, hole 16, a dog leg over a ravine; hole 17 a downhill par thee with a fairly narrow undulating green and the par 5 finishing hole with tee shot choices, but both are across a lake, and if you’re not accurate lurking trees and a sloped fairway await. Then you face the well protected green to finish. This sting in the tail 18th proved a great challenge, or equally, a nightmare finish depending on your point of view.


Chris Tobin and Mick Coxhead were extremely unlucky to lose out by the finest of margins on 18.
After battling bravely our boys came away losing 3 and a half to 1 and a half, against a very canny Milford line up. Well played DG seniors. Despite this result we live to fight another day with our heads held high and looking ahead to the return.

John

Our most consistent Stableford points scorers gathered on the first tee at 9.04am in the worst of downpours to begin their tilt for the trophy.

The day’s weather played a big part in keeping scoring “below par.” See what I did there?

Despite conditions I witnessed some great golf shots on my way round. Including Dave Warwick’s approach chip on 4 leaving a tap-in finish, and Ralph Peedell’s birdie putt from off the green on 7. The shot I missed was Phil Holloway’s birdie on 15 from the bunker!

The averages carried forward to the final only ranged between 35 and 39 which left everything to play for and all with a chance of winning the Golf Master trophy.

As the weather improved the pace of play picked up, we even saw some sun, and the jostling for
position began in earnest on the back 9. At the end of the day two players finished in a tie for first place with a combined total of 68. Identically 36 + 32 points.

The winner was decided, as per 2023’s competition, on count back and with birdies on 11 and 15 bringing home plenty of points, Phil Holloway squeezed past Ralph Peedell to take the title with 18 and 16points respectively.

Many thanks to all who took part throughout the summer, and autumn, months for a great fun competition. Next year I’ll try and sort out better weather for the final.

Best wishes go to Simon Sayers who unfortunately had to withdraw from the final after a heavy fall early in his round.
John H.

After a period of recent heavy rain both teams were encouraged by the prospect of some sun and a fair day’s golf.

This was the first of the winter fixtures in the Graham Jeffries league. What an opener it turned out to be. With no more than a few shots given and received, the stage was set for a battle Royale.

Naturally, both teams hoping for a winning start to their respective campaigns.
It’s fair to say this match could hardly have been closer, more nail biting or exciting with three of the four games bring decided on the 18th green and the other on 17.

Some fantastic golf was on display from all players, a special mention here for our own Neil Cook who shot under his handicap in a very impressive round, and in the end an honourable 2-2 draw was the final outcome.

I probably shouldn’t mention here yours truly missed a 25 foot birdie putt by 2 inches on 18 which would have secured a victory. Aagh! Such is golf, as we all know well.

Most importantly the visitors were full of praise for their welcome, the hospitality, the course - especially the greens, and the catering. Coffee and bacon roll pre-match with sandwiches, wraps and chips afterward. This was a winner!

The opening fixture was played in the best of sporting spirits and we look forward to the return in early November.

Many thanks DGGC players for a very enjoyable match.
John

This tour was a difficult birth having first started in March at Tracy Park but delayed due to the course being closed because of heavy rain. Tracy Park agreed to reschedule to 30th September and 1st October. Unfortunately, before September, Tracy Park was sold to a private buyer who didn’t want the golf club, but they gave us our money back in full.

The Cotswold Golf and Spa Hotel came to our rescue and were able to accommodate us for a comparable price. Since March, many participants changed but all were able to recover their money by one means or another, so nobody lost anything.

And so it came to pass that eventually, 24 Seniors arrived at The Cotswold for the usual fun and challenge. Four of us shared two buggies but again, due to weather conditions buggies could only be used on nine of the eighteen holes. However, all 18 holes were open for our two days and trolleys were allowed on all holes.

Day one was full of the usual banter and following coffee and bacon roles we set off in dull but dry weather. After the game we all gathered in the bar for refreshments and spirits were high. Nearest the pins were won by Peter Darwin and Steve Berry with Chris Tobin winning the longest drive. Keith Astill was runner up for the day with 39 Stableford points but the winner with a remarkable 40 points was Steve Berry. Bottles of wine all round for all winners. The Chump trophy was hotly contested by Ian Flack, Graeme Hartwell, and Robin Hawkins.

We enjoyed a nice evening meal over which Alan presented the prizes for the day and proceeded to explain that this was his last tour as organiser. He asked, along with Clive Richards, for a future organiser to step forward. This was enough to drive everybody to bed.

We all met for a hearty breakfast around 8.30 with a view to teeing off at 10.30.

The weather was a little inclement, but the course was open. Ten of us completed the second day. We kept looking back but no one was to be seen in our rear-view mirror. We later learned that 14 seniors had decided to withdraw due to the rain.

However, as Freddie Mercury sang “The show must go on” so ten of us enjoyed Sandwiches and chips over the grand presentation.

Nearest the pin on the second day was won by Ian Flack and Kevin Carver while Steve Berry won longest drive. Runner up on Tuesday was Peter Darwin whilst, an incredible performance by Peter Bradley gave him 39 points. Peter got birdies on the two long par fives scoring 10 points from two holes. A brilliant performance.

The overall positioning after two days was, in forth position, Peter Darwin with 67 points, third Rob Leeson with 69 points, second Steve Berry with 70 points but, the overall winner with 73 points was Peter Bradley.

Really well done Peter, and many thanks to all who stayed for the second day to complete the tour.

Alas, somebody had to pick up the chump trophy and that honour, out of the ten people who saw the tour to conclusion fell to Alan with a truly piss poor performance.

Ahhhhh! This really is my last tour.

Alan

The 2024 IOW tour took place in glorious sunshine over the 25th to 27th June. There was a mixture of veteran and new members in the tour and the most notable part was the desire of all make sure that everyone else enjoyed the tour. We were well received at all three clubs with a very close game at Freshwater Bay (the wind for once was below gale force), a well earned decisive victory at Shanklin and the inevitable loss at Osborne (difficult to see straight let alone putt).

All deserve a mention for unfailing ability to enjoy each others company both on and off the course. Special mention must go to the 3 ‘Captains on the day’ Chris Tobin, John Headland and Peter Bradley who did a very splendid job representing DG seniors both in the team management and three outstanding after match speeches. The 4 car drivers (Tom, Dave, Dave and Alan) who managed to get us efficiently there and back, with the exception of the island tour undertaken by one car with an ancient satnav. Alan Ravenhall deservedly won ‘man of the tour’ and a ‘threat’ from Osborne to cancel next years match if he is in the tour party, yes he was that good on the day!

My real personal thanks go to those who so seamlessly organised everything to make the tour work, especially Chris, John and our quiz master and seniors Captain Iain.

All the Best

Clive

PS: Following the fines, fees and general extortion that took place on the tour, not only were the prizes fully funded, but a surplus of £75 was raised and has been donated to the British Heart Foundation in memory of our much loved colleague, Andy Skelly.

Our biggest turnout of the summer season so far was required for the eight pair friendly fixture versus Wrag Barn seniors. They have fewer fixtures than us, genial captain Dave explained, but insist on sixteen players per match.

The weather was kind and the course looked its best this year for the West Berks vs Wiltshire duel. Thank you ground staff.

Early honours went to ‘Wrag’ who raced out to a 1.5 to 0.5 lead. But then the tide turned in favour of ‘DG.’ With the wind at our backs and hope in our hearts the new, and the tried and tested, pairings began to show their true form with a pleasing series of close, and not so close, victories. The ‘lads’ ending up 5.5 to 2.5 winners.

I would like to add here that the score was, almost, irrelevant. The match was played in the best of spirits. The visitors were a smashing bunch who were out for friendliness, fun and fairness form the start, (notice I didn’t use ‘get-go’ a phrase I abhor.) They complimented our course, catering and the warm hospitality they received. I, we, look forward enormously to the return in early September.

Finally, thank you to each and every DG player. You contributed greatly to the enjoyment of what was an absolutely fabulous golfing day out!
JH

The sun shone, the fairways ran, everyone turned up on time, payment for refreshments went swimmingly and captain for the day didn’t forget anything in his words of welcome. Things were looking good for our return fixture with Ascot’s finest, Mill Ride. Precariously paused at 3-3 after the first engagement, all took to the course with hope in their hearts.

What a match it proved to be. Every game was very close. Nail bitingly so. Edge of the seat so; with some great golf and tough matchplay on display. Indeed, three matches were decided on the 18th green. With fortunes swinging one way and then the other for the duration the outcome remained in the balance.

Both temperature and expectations were rising. Layers of golf apparel were shed as things heated up. Matters weren’t concluded until the last putt on the last green in the last match. After a tremendously brave fight from each and every DGGC player, we were pipped at the post by 3.5-2.5. The match was played in a sporting spirit with excellent camaraderie between the teams along the way. The Mill Ride captain was suitably modest in victory, mentioning the excellent ‘track,’ and looking forward to next year’s friendlies.

Thanks go to the catering staff and the green staff who are working hard to set our club in a favourable light for visiting teams. Pleasingly, further steps are planned to improve the quality of our greens now that there’s the much needed bit of warmth about.

Finally, my thanks to the 12 DGGC seniors who played a huge part in making the day so enjoyable.

JH

Despite the biting north wind and the threat of heavy rain DGGC Seniors donned their waterproofs and headed for the first tee with steely determination.

The late arrival of one of the Manor House players meant a hasty re-jig in the batting order, with Steve W and Iain C leading the way.

Thankfully the heavy rain never materialised and the match was played in a great sporting spirit despite the drizzle. The fairways held up well after the wet winter. The visitors’ struggled with putting, however. Not just the slopes and undulating contours but their overall condition which was politely mentioned on occasion.

Our ‘first time’ pairings equipped themselves very well indeed, as did our ’tried and tested' duos. The overall score was an impressive 5.5 to 0.5 win.

Well played chaps! We look forward to the return fixture on June 7th.

John

Match day dawned and Spring was in the air as our intrepid Seniors travelled to Ascot with the sun, pleasingly, coming out of hiding. Team spirits were high for our first match of the summer season.

Some established, and some brand new, partnerships took to the well groomed and visually aesthetic Mill Ride track. It was inevitable that the abundant water features would claim a few DGGC golf balls along the way. The greens were pretty fast and subtle undulations made putting a good test.

Everyone battled hard in the deteriorating weather conditions and the matches were close. Early matches got away with some light drizzle towards the end, but our later pairs caught the worst of a heavy downpour. Nevertheless, after two early defeats the, “middle order batsmen,” came up trumps with three wins on the bounce.

The match ended in a creditable and well fought draw with three wins apiece. A smashing result for our first away friendly of the season. We were hosted admirably by Mill Ride with a warm welcome, great refreshments and good humour throughout.

Thank you all for making it such an enjoyable golfing day out. Well played!

John H.

Our aged heroes played their last home match in this year's GJ winter league against Marlborough on Thursday last.

There were very close games played in great spirit with some great golf and even some great sunshine! All in all great fun.

The result of the match was a very honourable half - with two points apiece -leaving DG seniors top of their pool table - though with two very tough away games to come?

But when the going gets tough?......

Onwards and Upwards!

Our aged heroes opened their account in this years Graham Jefferies Winter League with a visit to Marlborough.

Despite the very wet blustery conditions, the course played very well and so did the our team - who won the match 3.5 to 0.5.
Early days - but a very good start to this year’s competition.

Well done team - onwards and upwards….

English Summer weather meant that this match was mostly played in torrential rain with the greens becoming just about unplayable for the final groups. Despite the miserable weather Sandford Springs gave the DG team a warm welcome and after coffee and bacon rolls we ventured out into the wet.

Sandford Springs had difficulty in fielding a full team (only 8 of the required 12) so it was agreed that we would play 4 competitive matches and SS would forfeit two of the matches. DG therefore started with a 2 match lead and increased this to 3 with the first group coming in 8 and 7 winners. Unfortunately that’s as good as it got for DG, with the home team winning the 3 remaining matches to produce a 3 – 3 draw overall.

We look forward to hosting Sandford Springs for the return match on 21 August.

The same twelve intrepid golfers from Donnington Grove who won so handsomely in the home leg (5½ to ½) were once again picked to do the business in this away leg friendly at Marlborough – and they failed to live up to their billing spectacularly!!

Once again, we all experienced an enjoyable and friendly match with our Marlborough hosts. The weather was a bit hit and miss, rain early on gave way to a dry spell so that we all had the chance to dry out by the time we reached the clubhouse for our chips and sandwiches.

This time it was Marlborough who enjoyed a convincing win by 4 ½ to 1½. A good time was had by all.

Following a very good win at home, 5-1, in the first leg our intrepid dozen set off on a glorious summer’s morning to wrestle the cup from a competitive West Berks team who had kept hold of it since 2016.

Home captain Nigel welcomed us warmly, as is his way, and soon, under an azure blue sky, the match got underway. Clive Richards set the tone in match 1 by birdying the first. More great play was still to come!

Whilst our merry men only needed one and a half points to secure a victory, the result was never a foregone conclusion. West Berks played with great heart and determination which made for several very close matches, two being settled on the 18th. Good matchplay golf was the order of the day.

Clive brought match 1 home with a solid 2 and 1 win. Just a half point needed then. It must be in the bag, surely? The tension rapidly mounted as the next three games saw West Berks begin to shut the door. Then Ian Flack and Peter Bradley strolled into the clubhouse registering a 4 and 3 win. Brilliant. We’d done it! So a 2-4 loss on the day meant a 7-5 win over both legs.

In actual fact re-taking the trophy was almost secondary compared to the great matches, the hospitality, the social setting, the team spirit and the healthy physical exercise playing the beautifully presented course.

West Berks have to be congratulated on their fantastic hosting of this annual fixture. They’d gone to the trouble of printing a programme. The catering was first rate, and they’d contacted Mike Weir, a great pal of Elfed, to talk about the trophy and the man which was both humorous and touching. Indeed, Peter Darwin was moved to make an impromptu speech championing the relevance, and reverence, of this great contest and the thrall which it holds.

A great day was had by all …. and that beautiful trophy is now in our cabinet until the next challenge!

On a perfect summer day, for the second time in the same week DG seniors came away with a home win against Studley wood. The score was 4.5 to 1.5 matches.

The Captain's game was shared on the last after a tremendous and competitive match enjoyed by all participants. You could tell from the ‘buzz’ in the club house that an enjoyable day had been had by all.

I thought it a tribute to the DG seniors section that we could field 2 very different teams in the same week and come away with a couple of wins (albeit at home).

Well done to all.

Twelve intrepid golfers from Donnington Grove played an enjoyable friendly match with Marlborough today.

The weather was warm and dry and consequently the firm ground conditions helped to shorten the course for everyone, which was most welcome!

DG enjoyed a convincing win by 5 ½ to ½ with Marlborough promising to raise their game for the return on 31st July!

A good time was had by all.

Golf was invented for days like these !
Manor House has always been a favourite of the seniors circuit and today reminded us all, once more, why that is. 

• Hot, wall-to-wall sunshine and clear blue skies.
• A lovely course in wonderful condition. 
• Challenging and interesting holes.
• Great company on both sides. 
• Competitive golf played in exactly the right spirit. 
• Cold beer and tasty food at the end of the day.

On a bright and breezy morning West Berks turned up with their usual good humour and a will to win.

The sun shone, almost in honour of the local derby, and a good golfing day got underway.

All matches were tight and organiser Iain had done a grand job of matching handicaps between home and away pairs so there were no large discrepancies in the line up.

Elfed Davies was a founder member of WBGC and Secretary of Parasampia. He’d played a large part in setting up the Seniors’ groups at both clubs. The trophy inscription translates from Welsh as, “go for it,” and both teams did.

The final outcome saw our talented and dogged heroes bring home a highly creditable 5-1 win. Especially pleasing as one historic report read, “the 3-3 draw puts us in the best position for some time to win back the trophy.”
Not any more! Thanks to the smashing match play, positive “can do”spirit and gracious hosting of our opponents the day finished with kind words of congratulations and commiserations from the Captains’ after a great golfing day and fabulous fish and chips.

Finally, WBGC Captain Nigel left with these parting words, “we’ve only got to beat you at home to keep the trophy.” The gauntlet has been thrown down!

This year's competition raised a record amount for our Captain's Charity.

Our intrepid seniors faced the might of Weybrook Park in the return friendly clash at home, having taken a 5-1 hammering in the high winds of Basingstoke previously.

Undaunted, the hastily assembled twelve, many thanks go to Ian Gaskell and Clayton Thorburn who agreed to step in at the eleventh hour, and to Terry Sprules who had already played nine holes. Such is the fitness of our athletic squad.

In bright weather, we only donned waterproofs for one hole, and a light breeze the match got underway. The course was in really good nick, especially considering the recent heavy rain, and the visitors agreed wholeheartedly.

The match play was tight and full of good play. One match was halved, Iain and Peter had a great tussle with a very tough pair. Ian and Clayton won on the 18th. Nail biting stuff.

In the end, when all scores were totalled, our battling seniors were able to claim a 3.5 to 2.5 win. Never in doubt!

A tasty meal of bangers and mash, a couple of drinks, followed by kind words from the captains rounded off an enjoyable day!

Donnington Grove senior’s played their latest M4 Highclere Group match on 14th February away at Harleyford. A scheduled first tee time of 9am meant a very early alarm call for your team players. The weather forecast was for a sunny still day once the early mist burnt off. Unfortunately with Harleyford’s course being close to the river Thames the mist stubbornly refused to burn off.

Eventually at 11:30am it was deemed safe enough for the 1st group to tee off the first even though it wasn’t easy to see the flag on the green from more than 150 yards away, never mind see the contours of the fairways leading up to the green. It made for an interesting sensory experience hitting approach shots into a course none of your seniors could visualise where to land the ball. This hit and hope strategy was a huge advantage to the home team, with all 4 groups falling behind before the sun broke through on the back 9.

Once your intrepid team could see the course we all performed much better. However the damage had been done in the Thames Valley mist, so on paper a St. Valentine’s Day massacre 4-0 defeat was the result. Harleyford’s captain did very kindly feedback that the result was far closer than the headline score.

Harleyford’s course is currently having major redevelopment work with all bunkers being upgraded, so will be a tip top course when completed. Despite the weather delay and result, Harleyford’s hospitality was exemplary we all had a good day out, which is the purpose of winter league golf, friendship and exercise. We look forward to our next M4 league fixture away at Easthampstead on 20th February.

After an almost 4 month delay and at the 4th time of asking, DGGC seniors finally played their M4 league match at West Middlesex Golf Club (WMGC). The logistics of negotiating the M4 J3 exit and Southall traffic meant a very early alarm call to arrive in time for the match.

WMGC are new entrants into the M4 Winter league this season. With none of your senior team ever playing at WMGC there was no inside knowledge to gauge the course and the quality of the opposition players.

The match result was a very credible 2-2 draw. With winning match pairings from Dave Lawson & Dave Warwick and Winter Senior KO 2021/22 pairing of John Headland & last minute replacement Steve Warren. The return home fixture due to be played 28th February, in the meantime away fixtures with Harleyford and Easthampstead will determine who makes it out of the group stage of the competition.

We look forward to returning the hospitality and warm welcome given to us by WMGC.

Our aged heroes visited Bowood yesterday to complete their fixtures in the pool stage of this year's Graham Jefferies League. It was the fourth time this game had been rearranged - so both sides were determined for it to be played- despite very challenging conditions with a semi forzen/semi thawing fairways and greens and a carry only policy on a very long course.

Our senior athletes however turned in a very creditable performance only losing narrowly to a very strong Bowood side and as always, the match was played in a very competitive but equally friendly spirit and we have certailny cemented the friendship between the two clubs which bodes well for future matches - both in summer and in winter.

DG seniors clocked up a total of 15 points in this years competition - a very good peformance and still lead Pool A. But, with the games in hand, Bowood look set fair to win the pool - TBC.

Big thanks to all the seniors who turned out to play in this years GJ league competition and it is very pleasing to note that ALL DG seniors with WHI's under 15.5 and who made themselves available for the GJ winter games were given the opportunity toplay at least one game. In addition, 3 seniors with WHI's above 15.5 also played in this years matches.

Thank you and well done team - onward and upwards to 2023/24......

Our aged athletes were in action again yesterday hosting the return match against Marlborough.

The first official day of Winter lived up to expectations with thick fog and damp cold conditions which lasted throughout the day. However it didn't damped the spirits of DG seniors and, shining through the gloom, our aged heroes turned in another fine team performance, winning the match by 3 points to 1.

A special thank you to Robin H and Clive R for stepping into the team at short notice and turning in winning performances. Well done Robin and Clive and well done team DG.

Onward and upwards to our final GJ match at Bowood on December 15th - which will decide who wins the pool and into the final.

Our aged heroes visited Sandford Springs yesterday to play the return match in this year's GJ Winter League and returned with a handsome victory !

Captained (and ably led) by Simon Vines, our senior athletes (surely some mistake here? - ed) turned in an excellent team performance winning 3-1.

It was a blustery wet day at SS and conditions were very tough. But.... when the going gets tough? .......

Well done team DG - onward and upwards to our next match v Marlborough at home on Dec 1st

Our aged heroes played their first away game in this year's GJ winter league at Marlborough yesterday and were very impressed by the condition of the course. Despite all the heavy rain, the fairways were pretty dry underfoot and the greens in great condition. In fact trolleys and shoes hardly needed cleaning post match - a pleasant change compared to recent conditions at DG?

Our Seniors were, however, less impressed with the uncompromising match play from a very strong M'boro team who quickly went 2 points up. However a draw from gritty competitors Messrs Darwin and Martin was followed by a splendid win by Nick Woods and 'new kid on the block' Dave Warwick..

The food and hospitality at Marlborough was excellent as was the spirit in which the match was played and the overall score ended as M'boro 2.5 points and DG 1.5 points - so well done team DG.

Onwards and upwards to our next away game at Sandford Springs next week.

DG seniors hosted Sandford Springs in the second of this years matches in the GJ winter league.

Following the previous day's course closure due to the wet weather, it was a bonus to get the game played and an extra bonus for our aged heroes to secure an emphatic 4-0 win.

There was some great golf played in challenging conditions and it just shows the importance of good captaincy! (N.B. Tim B was team captain in the absence of Tom R on holiday ??).

We’ll done Team DG - onward and upward…..

Our aged heroes opened their account in this year’s Graham Jefferies League with a very creditable 2-2 draw against Bowood G.C. The visitors fielded a very strong team and indeed are the reigning champions in this Winter League.

Every game was closely contested but in a very friendly and enjoyable way. This was the first time our seniors have played against Bowood (who share the same course designer as DG) and we are delighted that they have agreed to play regular summer matches with DG seniors, starting next year.

We’ll done Team DG - onward and upward….

Simon Sayers has won the Golf Father final played on Thursday 6th October. He scored a total of 74.25 (the sum of his average best four qualifying scores added to the 37 stableford points achieved on the day). Tom Reseigh came second with 70.75 and Shaun Taylor was third with 68.75.

On a beautiful autumn day played on greens made a bit squiffy due to recently laid fertiliser, this was an emphatic victory. Congratulations to Simon and thank you to the nine finalists and further 15 seniors who completed the minimum four comps to be eligible for the final but didn't quite make it.

The final table can be seen HERE.

Nick Wood and Michael Margetts won the Final of the Senior Pairs Summer KO by a score of 2 & 1 after a very very hard fought battle.

Opponents, Cliff Waller and Peter Darwin played some tremendous golf and performed amazingly, however Michael and Nick managed to grab the win.

Better ball Match-play is a great format and, after a very close match, during which Cliff scored a personal score of 41 Stableford points, and 46 points with Peter’s input, Nick and Michael, with 39 points each, but with 50 combined better-ball, took the match on the 17th.

Congratulations to our winners, and well done to everyone who took part in this year’s competition.

This was the last inter-club match of the Summer season.

Your aged golfers travelled to Wragg Barn on a day that started cold, wet and windy but brightened up for the return fixture of the one played at Donnington Grove earlier in the season.

This is a popular fixture of eight pairs and your captain was pleased that all the team members had turned up at the correct location, on the right date and on time with all their kit.

We always receive a warm welcome at Wragg Barn and I am pleased to report that your team raised their game to beat our hosts 5 to 3 with some good margins.

Although many of the fairways showed signs of being scorched by the Summer heat, the greens were in good condition and very receptive.

We all enjoyed two course meal and the warm hospitality which followed the match for which we thanked our hosts.

Until next year…

The Seniors were playing for the Brian Wheland Trophy which was held by our opponents. The format chosen by their Captain at the away game in June, was rather unusual. The normal four ball better ball was replaced by the best Stableford score of the pair on each hole counting towards the team’s total over the 18 holes. The winner would be the team with the highest cumulative score over the 6 matches. The Trophy would be decided over the away and home legs.

The day was rather grey and wet, which reflected the challenge our team faced with an 18 point deficit from the away game in June - quite a hurdle to overcome. I am very pleased to say the team rallied brilliantly, overcame the deficit to win with a 14 point margin. Well done guys on a remarkable turn around! Our Captain subsequently spent some time converting the Stableford scores to the traditional better ball format which indicated a 5 points to 1 win to DG.

After baguettes and chips in the Clubhouse their Captain Bob Godden presented the Trophy to Cliff W who passed it to Mike P for engraving and safe keeping. Not much room in the trophy cabinet at the moment.

Your gallant senior golfers travelled to the south of Newbury for the away leg of the Newbury & Crookham Golf Club fixture for an earlier than usual start of 09:00.

This was rather too early for one of our number who was missing from the rollcall until he received a reminder call. This is not an unusual occurrence in seniors golf!

The weather was warm and the course in excellent condition especially the greens so your captain was hoping our chaps would be able to give a good account of themselves. Unfortunately this was not to be. Two matches were very close but were finally lost 1 down on the 18th.

Congratulations go to our hosts as the overall result was a win to Newbury & Crookham 5 to 1. Modesty prevents me from telling you who the winning pair were!

It really is a pleasure playing at such a well presented course so we thanked our hosts for their hospitality and told them that we look forward to continuing this friendly rivalry next year.

We welcomed our friends from the Isle of Wight to the return fixture of the Summer having played them away during the Seniors’ tour in late June.

It must have been the combination of the early start to their excursion to the mainland and the hot weather that they found the course particularly challenging. Also, our boys were on the top of their game.

Our visitors seemed to find the bunkers particularly inviting as one visitor found sand on every hole and sometimes more than once on the same hole. It must be quite dispiriting, to successfully get out of one bunker straight into another.

Suffice to say that not only did we win the match, but we did so by a good margin with the overall result of both legs being 9 – 3 to the DG Seniors.

The overall result flattered our chaps because two matches could have gone either way but went our way on the last two holes.

Your Senior stalwarts welcomed Marlborough Golf Club to Donnington Grove for what should have been the return home leg match of the season had the earlier away leg not been cancelled.

It was a particular humid day which must have sapped our boys energy level as we lost the match 4and 2.

Our visitors said they had an enjoyable visit and thought the course was in wonderful condition.

Praise indeed.

The Seniors had a great day yesterday. Lovely weather and good company with our friends at Osborne who are from the Isle of Wight. Well done to our team who won the match 5:1 adding to our 4:2 win at their place. 

This meant we won the newly commissioned Dennis Anstey Trophy, named after an old friend from Osborne. Michael, his son, played in the match and made a moving speech afterwards. Many thanks to Tom Reseigh for sourcing the trophy.

 It was agreed that the trophy should stay on the Isle of Wight for safe keeping.

Your captain was more than a little anxious when he heard that this match of eight games was double booked with the Arkle’s society of 38 players. However, because of Tom’s excellent organisation, it went without any hitches.

Having bumped into Nick Arkle in the bar beforehand, he warmly invited our guests and our chaps to try the various beverages on offer around the course. Having been fortified by this generosity, your aged golfers won the day by a margin of 4 and 2.

The icing on the cake was that we received exceedingly positive feedback from our visitors; I wonder why!

We had a good battle away at Studley Wood but eventually losing 4 and 2 against stiff opposition.

Although your aged golfers lost, we halved two matches, winning one and losing two with one lost on the 18th.

Your captain and his partner had a good start birdying the first hole and paring the next two but could not keep up with our opponents who played superbly.

We look forward to the home leg in August.

On a glorious summer's day, the Seniors took to the defence of the Manor House Challenge Cup. The course was in fabulous condition and the steak pie and mash went down very well afterwards.

Donnington Grove have won the contest five times on the bounce so another win would create a new record. I am delighted to report our team responded with a convincing 3 and a half to two and a half win. The combined home and away result was 8 and a half to 4and a half.

Well done lads!

The match was carried out in great spirit with much conviviality, and a rich vein of banter was observed throughout the day.

A highlight of the day was the nearest the pin on the picturesque 17th par three. Chris Tobin won a sleeve of ProV1’s with a shot only eight feet from the pin. Don’t loose them too soon Chris!

One thing left to do is find room in the Trophy cabinet for the Challenge Cup.

This was the first match this season with West Berks GC who are the current holders of the Elfed Davies trophy.

Apart from a heavy shower for a short time during the match, the weather was fair if a little chilly for late May.

It was a very even contest with matches swinging from winning to losing but with each side winning two matches the day ended with a 3-all draw.

Our visitors all enjoyed the day and the course and are looking forward to hosting the return match in July.

This means that, to regain the trophy, we will need to win away so keep practising chaps and keep putting in those cards.

The Ladies finally managed to gain a 4 and 3 victory over our gallant warriors; well done to the ladies.

This win was in spite of Kevin Carver getting a hole-in-one on the 7th! Well done Kevin, who followed the tradition in putting a bottle of whisky on the bar to help our chaps drown their sorrows and the ladies celebrate their long sought after win.

We really need improve our putting as it was the ladies ability to sink their putts that resulted in many lost holes.

Congratulations to the three winning pairs and to the others some putting practice.

The trophy, which had lost its lustre due to not seeing the light of day for many years, has been found and duly handed over. The ladies said that it would be contested next year after receiving a good polish.

Until next year!

The Seniors suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Mill Ride at the away match last month. I am very pleased to let you know that our performance was a significant improvement at the home game. We did not quite ‘knock them out of the park’ but we did hold them to a creditable draw.

Our best performing pair were last out and managed a great 4 and 2 win, but their triumph was marred by the fact they lost 3 holes on the game in front. I understand that this was due to a particularly slow player on our opponents team. This greatly frustrated the DG members who were following this slow game. We really must try to keep up with the group in front even if it means having a word with our playing partners.

This aside, we had a great day and look forward to next year’s fixture.

Our aged heroes hosted near friends and rivals Sandford Springs on Wednesday in the 3 Counties League.They surprised (or was it shocked?) their opponents (and indeed possibly themselves?) with a 6-0 victory.

As with all things in golf, the scorecard doesn’t always tell the full story. 5 out of the 6 games were really close affairs going to the 17th/18th holes to be decided and only Messrs Headland and Willoughby found the going easier. Our opponents were gracious in defeat and agreed it was golf and friendship that had come out on top. (Well at least that’s what they said!)

There were no blemishes on any of the individual DG match reports and it was great to welcome a new face into the DG team - and a smiling winning face at that. So well done Philip Caulfield - more of the same please?

An excellent all round team performance - especially in the absence of our team captain. Iain may indeed find it hard to regain his place. - but there again he does pick the team? ??

Onward and Upward…..

Ed

You can view the latest results and League Table HERE

Your captain had to withdraw from the match due to a back injury and thanks Alan Cairns for stepping in at short notice.

The weather was fair if a little cool.

Chris Tobin agreed to be Captain for the day and surely he should take the credit for stirring our chaps to a great 5and1 victory over the visitors.

Highlights of the day were that our visitors really enjoyed the course and the food and the two Simons came back from 4 down after 6 holes to win by 1.

There is a trophy for the overall result of the two legs which we presently hold and this result is a great advantage to carry over to the away leg.

Well done chaps.

Mike Pritchard

Our seniors hosted their 2nd Three Counties League Match buoyed by their previous home draw against 2021 Champions, Wokefield Park.

On a dry sunny spring day. New recruit Davide Aagaard and Iain Cottingham opened proceedings. Despite slicing his drive onto the 9th fairway Iain managed to win the hole which set the tone for their match which they won 5&4.

The highly competitive Rob Carvill partnering the unflappable Tom Reseigh won their match 2&1, whilst new pairing of the reliable Andy Willoughby and “match point” John Headland also won their match 2 up.

Normal bankers David Bendle and Robin Hawkins were blitzed by a high handicapper receiving 15 shots playing out of his skin. The pairing of Ian Gaskell and Nick Wood also suffered defeat.

So the overall result of the match hung in the balance with the ever reliable performers of Clive Richards and Alan Ravenhall winning on the 18th, 1up.

Thus, a very satisfying 1st home victory of the league season giving the team great confidence for their next home match against local rivals Sandford Springs

The 13th turned out to be an unlucky day for the Seniors who suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Mill Ride. The course was in good condition, but they had been spiking and sanding the greens, which is yours truly’s excuse for some very dodgy putting.

A small chink of brightness came with a 4 and 3 win by our heroes Ian Cottingham and Nick Wood. The other piece of good news was that Graeme Hartwell thought he had made a birdie but it turned out to be a Canada Goose! The match was followed by fine hospitality and chilli with rice prepared by the chef Manuel - he from Barcelona.

Oh yes, I’m afraid I have to report a 5 points to 1 loss. We will seek our revenge at the home game on the 3rd of May.

The new summer season kicked off in excellent spring weather with a hard fought draw against the 2021 league champions, Wokefield.

22 Seniors arrived at the Forest of Arden on Monday 14th March to be greeted by glorious weather which continued until we left at the end of the following day. It was enough to drive Iain Cottingham and Rob Leeson into shorts!! I put it down to great organisation, but most would say luck played a big part.

We met on Monday at 10 am for coffee and bacon rolls, all on time and nobody getting lost, that was a first. I just got the feeling this could go well.

We played the Arden Championship course with a slope index of 136 which was a battle for most of us, with Stableford points ranging between 16 and 33. Keith Astill was the tour champion on the first day with Jonathan Willaims his runner up. Jonathon proceeded to get a nearest the pin and longest drive award with Rob Martin also getting a nearest the pin award. It was clear at this stage that the tour chump award was going to be fiercely contested!

These tours are always a little intense and so having staggered of the course by 5pm we were back in the Zest bar, refreshments in hand, at 6.30 for the quiz. Two of Ted Shaw’s team had clearly fallen asleep in their rooms, so they were at a slight disadvantage. All efforts to get a couple of ladies from the bar to take their place failed. Just as well because the Dingbat question was BOOB! The team comprising Dave Lawson, Iain Cottingham, Jonathan Williams and Neil Leah were victorious, winning bottles of wine each.

There was quite a buzz about the restaurant where we enjoyed a nice meal and for some, copious amounts of refreshment.

Day two and after a very pleasant breakfast, we played The Arden Course with a slope index of 125. For most of us this offered a more relaxing game of golf with Stableford scores ranging from 20 to 36 points. Iain Cottingham was the day’s champion with Steve Martin runner up. Steve also won longest drive with Alan Cairns and David Bendle getting nearest the pin.
The overall tour champion was Keith Astill with 67 points and Simon Vines came second with 64 points.

A bottle of wine was awarded to John Headland for being the “victim of countback”, narrowly missing second place on two occasions.

And so it came to the Chump Trophy, with quite a number of close contenders nervously trying to get a glimpse of the score sheet. In the end the chump trophy, which has become synonymous with seniors’ fun, went to Dave Lawson who accepted it with his usual spirit of humour and fine sportsmanship.

The venue, weather, and most of all the company was great. It was really good to see so many new faces on the senior’s tour.

Many thanks to all who made it a success.

Till the next time Alan R.

Our Seniors suffered another brutal bashing at the hands of Harleyford in the M4 winter league, with a 4-0 hammering.
The Harleyford chaps are jolly nice folk, but they're also pretty good golfers and they sent a very strong team to do battle in the very wet and very windy conditions at DG on Tuesday.
Still, a day out on the golf course in rotten conditions with nice people is better than a day out on the golf course in rotten conditions with nasty people !

Philosophically yours,

Captn of the Day (Anon)

Our aged heroes concluded their campaign in the GJ winter league with an emphatic draw against Sandford Springs yesterday. 2-2.

On a crisp bright winter's day, our course was in v. good condition (with the exception of the 13th fairway!) and all the individual matches played, bar one, were close calls. So whilst the golf may have been variable on occasions - the quality of enjoyment was consistently high throughout the day.

Thanks go to all those hardy souls who have donned the red shirts and played for the team this autumn/winter. Overall, the team lost 3 matches, halved two and won only one - so our journey in this year's competition is at an end.

However, there's many months of practise time ahead of next year's competition ..... 

So .... onwards and upwards towards 2022 ?

Our aged heroes visited Sandford Springs today in their penultimate game in the GJ Winter League.

The course was in splendid condition for winter and our seniors, as usual, received a very warm welcome from our hosts.

All the games were played in a very friendly but competitive spirit and a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all.

The icing on the cake was a splendid 3-1 win by DG - their first win in this year's competition and the return match is scheduled for Thursday 2nd December at DG.

Onward and Upwards.....

A chilly start to November’s TOGS, but some of the golf soon raised the temperature with some very respectable scores given the conditions. Congratulations go to Maria Tillett and John Headland who topped the leader-board with a terrific 37 points. Also to Ray Ford and Helen Lake, just behind in second place with 36 points. 

Thanks to the generous nature of your TOGsMeister, there was an impressive prize pool this month, but commiserations must go to Peter Russell and Rob Martin who peaked too soon and therefore missed out on a prize on count-back !

A full results table can be found HERE. 

The “American Scramble” format seemed to work well although it did nothing to help speed-of-play which was, again, well below par with rounds of up to 5 hrs 20 mins. 

Your TOGsMeister is going to have to get his thinking cap on to see what we can do to improve on this as it rather takes the edge off the day’s enjoyment, both for the TOGS participants and for the poor folks stuck behind us ! 

Till next time when we’ll be running a TOGSmas Spectacular to celebrate the season. 

TOGSY

Our Jefferies Senior Team lost heavily away to North Wilts by 3.5 to 0.5.

A new venue, a good dry course, pleasant company, a tidy average four hour round and a brilliant brunch but no cigar.

One half and two close matches ending in defeat but the team is struggling a bit this year.

Onwards and Upwards.

Donnington Grove’s Seniors last away M4 league match of the group stage was held at the newly redesigned Weybrook Park West Course on a sunny, unusually mild, still autumnal Remembrance Day.

A significant amount of work has gone into creating a new front 9 West Course, built upon chalk soil. It made a pleasant change to play on a dry well drained surface compared to recent away matches on heavy mud clay-based fairways.

As ever with the M4 league, the welcoming hospitality by our hosts was exemplary. First match out with Neil Cook partnering Iain Cottingham, saw a highly competitive match with holes won with gross birdies. Neil a valuable addition to the team, scoring +2 gross, the major contribution to a winning 2&1 score. The signature par 4, 8th hole both driven by Neil & Iain resulted in eagle putts for both, each birdying. Alas the 3 other Weybrook Park pairings proved too strong for Donnington Grove with us succumbing to a 3-1 defeat.

We look forward to hosting Weybrook Park in the New Year, with the M4 league now taking a mid-winter break until home fixtures return in February. Course and weather conditions will be no doubt be somewhat different to the bright sunny warm day we experienced on Remembrance Day.

Our aged heroes welcomed N. Wilts for their first visit to Donnington Grove in the Graham Jefferies Winter League competition. The match ended honours even in a 2-2 draw.

Our visitors were very impressed with our course, especially the greens , though it did take them a while to clean the stickey mud off their trolleys!

In fact, 3 groups were clearly so impressed by our course that they stayed out on it for as long as possible finishing over an hour behind the first group.

Thankfully, shorter daylight hours meant they eventually had to come in (!) so a big thanks to our great bar and restaurant staff for their patience and a reminder to all DG players to encourage themselves and our guests to move a tad more quickly around the course?

5 and a half hour rounds are strictly for the birds - though even they’d all gone home to roost before the last 3 groups had finished!’

Onward and Upward.....

DG seniors travelled along the M4 to their “new” away M4 league fixture at Harleyford (Marlow) Golf Club in relatively high expectation after a close 2.5 – 1.5 point defeat the previous week at Tylney Park GC, that they could better that result. Alas the pre-match warm welcome by Harleyford wasn’t extended to the golf course as we suffered a comprehensive 4-0 defeat.

Harleyford GC is a memorable course to play, with very difficult sloping, quick greens. It is set on the banks of the river Thames on a private estate, with James Doran Webb driftwood sculptures located throughout the course. 2021/22 M4 season captain Iain Cottingham and Cliff Waller's opponents played their round 7 under their handicap, with Harleyford team captain scoring his best ever round a 4 over 76, resulting in a 4&3 defeat. This defeat not helped by a senior moment by 55 year old Iain, mixing up his left and right when advising Cliff’s putt line. Cliff being the gentleman that he is, didn’t question this incorrect guidance and duly missed the hole halving putt!

On hearing of the comprehensive defeat, team manager Tom Reseigh offered words of comfort “we will get our revenge in the February return fixture at DG”.

Harleyford GC is a great challenging course, in fabulous surroundings with friendly, hospitable opposition, it will be a popular place to play in future M4 senior league matches.

Our ageing hero’s embarked upon their winter golf campaign in the Graham Jefferies League with home and away games v Chippenham GC.

Chippenham are reigning champions and showed why with a 3-1 win at Chippenham followed up with a 2.5 x 1.5 win at DG yesterday.

Despite the score lines many of the individual matches were very close and results could have gone either way - it was good competitive golf played in the very best spirit.

All agreed that it was great to have the winter comps back - especially the Chippenham chaps!

The Golf-Father final was fought out between nine finalists on Tuesday 12th October in fine autumn conditions.

Shaun Taylor came out on top with an impressive 37 points on the day which when taken with his average score achieved to get into the final meant he was the only player under handicap (36.165).

Peter Robertson was a worthy second with an average of 35 and Iain Cottingham third with 34.165.

Congratulations Shaun and commiserations are due for Ralph Peedel and Kevin Carver who were both badly affected by injury on the day having entered the final in pole position with the best average scores up to that point. 

You can see the final results table HERE.

With five wins, two draws and only one loss, Wokefield impressively won the Three Counties Seniors Summer League title for 2021. Reading were somewhat distant runners up with our own chaps coming third, winning all four home matches and losing all four away. At least we were the only club to beat Wokefield! 

Thank you to everyone who took part and we will clearly need to set the bar higher next year. 

You can see the final table and results at Summer League Table.

The weather looked ominous when we arrived but thankfully it stayed fairly dry for most of the matches. The last match out braved terrible conditions to stay out and fight to halve their game. We watched from the comfort of the clubhouse as Ron Cannings made a great 10 ft putt on a flooded  18^th green in the gathering gloom. He and John Headland arrived in the clubhouse to a round of applause looking like a pair of drowned rats.

We enjoyed a blow-out meal of steak pie and the biggest helping of bread and butter pudding with lashings of custard.

Oh yes, we gained a win of 5 points to three and look forward to playing them at home next season.

For the first time this year the Seniors made a clean sweep 6 to 0 points win against our friends from Newbury and Crookham, proving the pre-match motivational talk threatening loosing pairs with a severe flogging was very effective. This was sweet retribution for our 5 ½ to ½ point loss at the away match.

Your Captain made an adventurous menu selection for the after- match meal. A delicate fusion of Asian and British cuisine – or prawn chow mein followed by apple crumble. An experiment not to be repeated.

Our final interclub friendly match of the summer season will be against Wragg Barn on the 28th September.

Well done Team on a magnificent victory!

The September Red, Yellow and White TOGS Competition got off to a shaky start when a suspicious package was discovered at Newbury Station. It just turned out to be a pack of fried chicken, but that did not stop Newbury grinding to a halt. 

Our aged heroes basked in the hot September sunshine and in the warm glow of a fine win over Wokefield - who lost for the first time in this year’s 3 Counties League.

All the games were very close - but DG ran out convincing winners 4.5 to 1.5.

A great time.was had by all and our visitors were mightily impressed with the quality of our course, our hospitality, the food and the organisation - so thanks to all our folks at DG for their efforts - which are greatly appreciated by the Seniors.

This is the last of our games in the 3 counties League for 2021 and Wokefield now go on to visit Sandford Springs and to decide the winners of the competition.

A big thank you therefore to Ian Gaskell who not only set up this competition but has been the driving force and organiser of so many enjoyable games this year.

Well done team - and we’ll done Ian.
Ed

The Seniors victory of three to two over our friends from Freshwater Bay was not quite enough to regain the Brian Whelan Trophy.

They had beaten us at the away game four to two, so overall the Seniors lost five points to six. Hard luck lads.

Our opponents managed to field only five pairs so your Captain did his best to claim they forfeit the sixth game to extract an extra point, but alas, to no avail.

The weather could have been better, but the rain held off and a good time was had by all. We look forward to taking our revenge next year.

Our seniors came up against a hard nut to crack in their away visit to Wokefield. On a fun but challenging course, they faced opponents who were in a rich run of form. Four matches were ended in emphatic defeat. Our guys played well but unfortunately our opposition just played better, winning 5-1, and now look nailed on to win the League this year.

Despite the defeat it was a great day shared with our good friends from Wokefield

We had excellent golfing weather for our return fixture with Studley Wood at Donnington Grove.

It was your Vice Captain’s first attempt at organising a Seniors’ match so he was concerned not to make a botch of it.

Unfortunately, it was also the second day of scheduled maintenance on the course, with Dave Knight and his crew out doing hollow tining and seeding the back nine greens from 1:00 AM that morning. So an apology for the condition of the second nine greens was the first part of the welcome to our visitors. They were very understanding realising that course maintenance has to be done sometime so your Vice Captain was much relieved.

The two teams were quite evenly match so we were expecting a close result having lost the away fixture, but in the end we recorded a win of 3.5 to 2.5 The overall result of the two matches however, is that we lost 5.5 to 6.5, so we need some practice before next season’s matches.

It was a shame that one of our team (Nick Wood) failed to clear the ditch around the 5th on returning from a call of nature. He had to be rescued by one of the Pro Shop staff (Dan I believe) having torn his calf muscle. We all wish him a speedy recovery.


Mike Pritchard

The day started well for the Seniors. Everyone arrived in plenty of time for coffee, bacon baps and the pre-match tactics talk. Our team became rather concerned when the opposition had not arrived 20 minutes before the first tee time. There were scurelous rumours that our esteemed Captain had got the dates for the match mixed up. However, his bacon was saved at the last minute when the opposition arrived, their ferry from the Isle of Wight being delayed by fog on the Solent. Makes a change from fog on the Tyne is all mine all mine!

It was the Away Captain’s birthday and he kindly organised a wee dram of malt for everyone on the first tee. It clearly boosted our boys’ performance as we went on to a 4.5 to 1.5 win.

The fun continued during a very tasty two-course sit down meal in the restaurant. Your Captain was looking resplendent in his club jacket and tie, problem was, he had forgotten his change of trousers. Tom R came to the rescue a lent him a beautiful pair of cerise pants that almost fitted. At the end of the meal a birthday cake with many candles was presented to their Captain to a tuneful rendition of Happy Birthday. Thanks to the bar and restaurant staff for looking after us so well.

Seniors golf is really good fun!

Our league team posted a very good home win against Sandford by 4 games to 2 on a brilliant day for golf with perfect weather conditions and once again a superbly presented course. 

Three emphatic wins with a special mention for Peter Darwin and Kevin Carver who inflicted a dog’s licence on their opponents one of whom had won our Senior’s Open a couple of years ago. 

Two hard fought draws and a pasting for the first pair completed the results roster. 

Please see the latest league table HERE.

Our ancient athletes continued their unbeaten run of games against our friends from Marlborough. The Seniors scored a well earned draw which, when coupled with the away four points to two result earlier in the season gave us an aggregate win of seven to five.

Well done boys, keep up the good work.

Yesterday in the sunshine saw a six points to nil victory by the Seniors over our friends from Osborne on the Ilse of Wight. Well done Team as it is the first time in many years that we have achieved a clean sweep.

The day got off to an amusing start when your esteemed Captain presented the match cards to the opposing Captain. Unfortunately, the cards were for the up-coming match against Shanklin and Sandown – All part of the fun of Seniors golf!

The match was played on a superbly prepared course, the fairways like carpets and the approaches like velvet. The greens were pretty good too, even if you couldn’t read them, unlike the home team who seemed able to putt from anywhere and sink the ball.

The weather held off long enough for the first match to arrive back at the clubhouse dry, one of the privileges of being CoD. Due to a slight error on the catering front pizza became chicken chasseur, according to the Michelin star cook, and at the price of a pizza.

Oh, and the result, we lost 4 to 2. Better luck on the return match.

I am pleased to report that we mirrored our home win result of 3.5 points to 2.5, the final aggregate result being 7 to 5.

One of our players was so confident in his golfing ability that he even left his clubs at home. It was not until he arrived at junction 15 of the M4 that he remembered. Seniors golf!

The big mystery is that nobody can remember who holds the Trophy or where it is hiding. So, if anyone out there in cyber space has any ideas can they please let the Seniors Captain know.

Our seniors suffered their second away defeat in the league in a week when they were outplayed by Reading by 5-1. A beautiful day, super but undulating greens played on an interestingly changed course was the order of the day. It was a defeat but still a very enjoyable match excellently hosted by old friends and new acquaintances. A big thank you to Steve Warren and Chris Tobin for sparing our blushes to a small extent by winning their match. 

Latest league table is shown at Summer League Table.

The Seniors suffered defeat at the hands of The Springs by four games to two in the Three Counties League. After heavy rain overnight the match was played in surprisingly pleasant weather on an excellent fun course with good greens which is going through significant investment from the new owners. Once heavy grass around bunkers and on the mounds dotted around the course has been turned into a wispy state, this will be a very well presented course. 

Many thanks to Springs for hosting us so well on and off the course. 

See latest league table HERE.

11 pairs of carefully matched Donnington Seniors were pitted against 11 pairs of Donnington Ladies on Thursday 8th July.

Many of the matches were extremely close and everyone reported that they had had a really good time not least because the weather remained dry throughout.

Things were looking close after the first four matches with one win each and two draws. Thereafter the Seniors rather ran away with it winning 6 of the remaining seven matches and drawing the last. The overall result being a resounding victory for the Seniors by 8.5 to 2.5.

There was some muttering from the ladies about 'bandits' and a need for some practice before a return match but it was all played in very good spirits!!!

Two radically changed memberships since we last faced off in the Seniors Three Counties League.

Home advantage just saw Donnington Seniors though to a narrow home win by 3.5 to 2.5.

A big change to the usual old faces for this match did not detract from a thoroughly enjoyable day played on a course in excellent condition and delightful company shared with new friends.

Shame about the captain’s performance in the first match losing 7&5 but well done to everyone else for splendid performances even for those who very narrowly lost.

You can see the latest league table HERE

The day started with a nightmare for the Marlborough Captain. Two of his team had not turned up. It transpired that one of his players had enjoyed a very pleasant round at Donnington Grove and the whereabouts of the other remain a mystery. So, it was a day typical of seniors’ golf.

The highlight of our four to two win was Tom Reseigh, playing off 17, went round in five over gross. Well done Tom. His opponent was not too pleased having scored 39 points and loosing by a dog license!

Keep up the good work chaps.

Elfed Davies was a founder member of West Berks GC and Club Secretary at DG for a number of years and we play for the Cup in honour of his memory.

Honours were even for the home leg of the prestigious Elfed Cup, played on a glorious sunny day. A halved match leaves us in the best shape for a number of years in our quest to retrieve the Cup. In fact, I cannot remember ever having won it!

The course was in fabulous condition with very fast greens in preparation for the Europro event next week. Well done to Dave and his greenstaff.

Two hours before our tee time it was raining cats and dogs. Tee time arrived and a perfect summer’s day for golf had arrived.

The highlight of my round was playing with Jethrow Tull. No, not the rock band but a direct descendant of the 17th century agriculturist who invented the seed drill and transformed farming – you learn a lot playing Seniors golf.

What about the golf? It was a close run game. We were one up until the two last groups came in. Unfortunately both lost resulting in a win for the Templars three and a half to two and a half.

Better luck next time guys.

The weather was very dodgy in the morning but the brave Seniors Captains decided the match should go ahead.

Coffee and bacon baps were served under the big umbrellas in the courtyard and the baps stayed fairly dry.

The miracle the Captains had hoped for arrived when the sun came out on the back nine and the players arrived back at the club house warm and dry.

Our final pair of Chris Tobin and Andy Willoughby came in with a win to halve the match, much to the Donnington’s Captains relief.

Unfortunately Sandford Springs proved too good for our chaps and deservedly won at home by 4-2. For most of the afternoon, the conditions and course were good value and then the rain settled in and it all got a bit tougher.

Well done to Sandford who have won both their home league matches so far. The latest table can be seen using the following link Clickety Click

On yet another sunny day the Seniors took on The Manor House in the first leg of the Challenge Trophy. The restaurant coped gallantly with the early influx of twenty-four hungry golfers.

A closely fought competition resulted in a 3.5 to 2.5 win to the home team who take a one-point lead into the away game to be played on the 19th of July.

Beautiful weather, a match against old friends, sunning ourselves and having a drink in company on the patio provided a return to one of our nicer visions of the old normality.

Our seniors welcomed Springs for our first home match of the summer season and came out winners by four games to two to begin our league season in promising fashion.

It is good to be back!
Ian

On a beautiful almost summer day our Seniors took on the cream of Weybrook Park.

The sun was shining, the greens were lightning fast, the lakes were an inviting blue and the opposition were awesome.

The match results were variable, ranging from 6 & 4 defeats to 3 &2 wins with no matches halved.
The star man on the day was John Headland. He set a new Weybrook Park record in playing the front nine par threes in three under par! He made a spectacular hole in one on the seventh and a birdy on the second, both holes being over water.

Well done John, and keep it up for the next game.

Cliff

A wet and windy Grove met the valiant band of some 50 Togsters who donned their waterproofs, braved the conditions and set forth with the dreaded yellow ball.

I am delighted to report that all survived to the 9th hole - (no one drowned as far as we know) when thankfully the competition was abandoned - thanks to the wisdom of the first group out! This had the benefit of more time in the cosy/covid approved bar to relax, dry out and enjoy the prizegiving.

The competition was won with a magnificent 3 under par 57 points by Sally Ottaway, John Sayers, Rob Carvill and your Togsmeister - I promise the result was not a fix. The prizes went all the way to 5th place with a special Coronovirus beer for the wooden spoon. The full results can be found here.

The next TOGS is on the 17th November when another 'diabolical' challenge will meet the Togsters. Watch this space!

Nine finalists battled it out in what proved to be surprisingly tough "winter" golf conditions with Peter Drummond coming out on top with a final stableford score of 32 points. Andy Skelly came second with Mike Pritchard an honourable third.

Finals day was the culmination of the Golf Father competition which had been held during the summer season post lockdown with all those seniors who had posted a minimum of three scores from eight club midweek stableford competitions being eligible.

Thank you to all those who entered and congratulations to Peter.

The seniors retained the trophy following a mega match between the Ladies and Seniors involving 56 players (14 pairs matches) by 9.5 to 4.5.

Well done to Gill Lane for winning the Ladies nearest the pin and commiserations to all in the Seniors line-up as no-one managed to get their tee shot on to the 17th green to win the Seniors nearest the pin (!).

The weather and course were the best that autumn can provide and all the matches seemed to have been thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants. Well done to all who played and to those that starred (Isabel Ember, Simon Vines, Juliet Culley and Mike Lewsey come to mind and of course there were others).

This was further evidence of old and new members joining together to ensure that we all had a great day.Photos from the day can be viewed here.

We had the Luck-of- the-Irish with the weather yesterday. No rain and even some sunshine.

The major event was the best Irish Hat competition. It was between Mike Pritchard with his genuine Irish tweed cap, reputedly found in a genuine Irish bog, Alan Ravenhall in a number made by his good Wife and Cliff Waller who’s genuine Irish hat was made in China. Mike was the winner, selected by general acclaim of the assembled Togsters. He took home a bottle of quality bubbly.

Thirteen teams competed and most managed to navigate the scoring system, for those that found it a bit Irish our Senior’s Captain sorted it out.

• The winners were Sue Foote, Terry Goodsell, Bradley Bolwell and Chris Tobin with a score of 118 points,
• In second place were Ann McMahon, Brian Maisey, Mark Ottaway and Cliff Waller with 111 points.
• In third place were Ann Maisey, Jan Torrance, David Aagaard and Mike Pritchard with 110 points.
• In fourth place (on countback) were Julie Myall, Rosemary Madden, Dee Tomlinson and Fay Unsworth.

Meeting old friends and experiencing almost pre-Covid normality was the order of the day in our away fixture at Wokefield.

A high quality match ended all square (3-3) with notable performances from players on both sides. Messrs Flack, Sayers, Ottaway, Bendle, Lawson and Peedell all being mentioned in dispatches for the Away side.

Well done team and a reminder of the fun that we hope awaits us in future matches

A good day out on the Donnington Grove course for the Seniors today. A 3-2 win against our good friends from Freshwater Bay saw us retain the Brian Wheelan trophy.

A good match played in good spirit with good company in good weather and a good result. What's not to like?

Life, as they say, is good.

If you're a little bored, you could count how many times the word good has been used in this report ! If you're good enough to get it right, that would be good.

The seniors enjoyed another excellent day in their programme of events to help with the integration of new members into senior activities.

A team of established old fogies played a better ball pairs match against a team of new members led by Ralph Peedell. Because of the impending doom of torrential rain and thunder and lightning the match was restricted to 14 holes and all got in before the worst of the storm hit.

Experience of the course held sway with the Oldies winning 4.5 to 1.5 with the only loss for the “hosts” being experienced by the old fogies’ captain.

Well done everyone.

This was the first inter-club friendly match for the Seniors since February. Normally during that time we would have played some 25 to 30 matches so it was indeed a real pleasure to be out on the course again honing our match-play skills.

We were delighted to be able to field 4 newcomers to the club in the Seniors team and even more delighted that Donnington Grove managed to squeak a 3½ - 2½ victory over Studley Wood so well done everybody.

This was Studley Wood’s only match to be organised this year whilst we have a further 2 to look forward to. Thanks must go to Ian Gaskell for his tenacity in organising these always enjoyable events.

The first TOGS competition post Covid took place on a beautiful sunny day, perfect for good scoring and socialising.

We had a record turn out of 43 competitors who took part in teams of four to count the best score on par fives, the best two on par fours and the best three on par threes. Nearly everybody stayed for the prize giving which was held in great spirits on the club terrace after the event.

The scores were as scorching hot as the temperature on the day. The winners who posted a magnificent twenty under par 92 points were, Ofer Ben-David, Alan Weddell, John Headland and Malcolm Sheppard. In joint second place with 86 points were Iain Cottingham, Andy Willoughby, Ann Lawson, Katherine Hartwell, Graham Falconer, Chris Armitage, Sue Foot, and Andy Madeley. All went home laden with the best bottles of bubbly and wine that ‘Lidl’ could supply.

Thank you to all who took part and it was a real pleasure to welcome so many of our new members.
Looking forward to seeing you all again at the next TOGS on Tuesday 25th August.

Cliff Waller, TOGSmeister

Read a full report of the day and the generosity of the competitors by clicking here.

The final of the Seniors Winter Knockout has belatedly now been played with Andy Skelly beating last year's champion, Joe Richardson, in a tightly fought match - one up.

Well done to both guys and thank you to all those who participated.

Regrettably, we have taken the decision to postpone all Seniors fixtures until the end of May at the earliest. The situation will be kept under review and a decision regarding fixtures beyond the end of May will be taken nearer the time.

The Seniors secured an impressive half (2-2) in their away M4 league match at the Downshire. Careful social distancing and limited social engagement did not detract from an enjoyable match played in almost summer sunshine conditions. Well done team!

Our Senior Warriors came away with a very creditable sharing of the spoils from their match against Hadden Hill in the M4 League with two games won and two rather seriously lost.
This is a new and enjoyable venue for the Seniors and what a pleasure to play on predominantly dry fairways. The craic was good, the food excellent and the greens ran nicely.

Yet another day of heavy rain caused the abandonment of today's match. Standing water on the fairways and in the bunkers resulted in the course closure after the first group had completed just three holes.

The Sand Martins players were most gracious about the decision despite their journey along the M4.

It's not yet clear whether the fixture can be re-arranged, given the continuing bad weather and an already busy schedule for March, it seems unlikely - but watch this space.

The minutes of the meeting have now been published and can be viewed on the Seniors Hub

Facing pretty appalling conditions underfoot and smatterings of strong winds and some rain, our Seniors battled against a strong West Berks team to no avail, loosing 3-1. Three close matches, including one win courtesy of Patrick and Tom, was a reasonable return given the circumstances.

Congratulations to West Berks, who with this win, are divisional champions and good luck to them in in the knock-out phases.

It was a rather waterlogged course that greeted 14 stout-hearted souls who battled the 'Terrible Trio' TOGs pairs competition. Six holes greensomes, then six holes foursomes, finished off with six holes better ball.

The scoring was close but the winning pair with a creditable score of 33 points and winning a bottle of bubbly each were Brad Bolwell and Barry Whittaker (Barry, John R is looking after your prize). In second place were Hugh Powell and Andy Woodley, with Peter Robertson and our Seniors Captain Ian Gaskell in third place. The wooden spoon(actually two large bottles of Moretti lager) went to Steve Gridley and Colin Henley.

Next TOGS is on Thursday 26th March. Remember, it's open to all members so we hope to see you there

At the third time of asking the course conditions allowed an end of year and now New Year TOGS to take place. Given the last minute arrangements, an excellent turn out of 30 had a thoroughly enjoyable day on a mostly almost dry course.

The format was four person teams playing a better ball mix-up with each team member playing six holes with a different partner. The better ball score from each pair being totalled for each hole.

All scores returned were below handicap and the winners (Sue Foote, Nick Marshall, Geoff Hawkins and Dave Lawson) were 19 under par with a score of 91! Andy Skelly, Daniel Boyce, Mark Buckley and John Headland were not far behind with a score of 88.

Well done to all who took part.

In the pale winter sunshine at Donnington Grove, our aged heroes stirred their loins (apologies if this conjures up unpleasant images? – Ed) and managed to secure a fine victory over Sandford Springs in this years Graham Jefferies Winter League.

Splendid performances from Messrs. Gaskell Clarke and Carvill contributed to an overall team win by 2.5 to 1.5.

So, after a dismal start to this years campaign, DG seniors are moving steadily up the pool table. Watch this space – but don’t put any money on it!

Well played team – Ed.

Our aged heroes slithered and splashed around the mud soaked ‘fairways’ (surely some mistake here – ED?) yesterday in their GJ winter league match v the Wiltshire GC and yet convincingly managed to halve the match.

This was down to a fine performance from Big Al. and Big Kev. and sound halves from Andy M & Rob C and Peter D & Barry W.

In fact, it was only the pair of captains (sure this is the right word? – ED) out first, who managed to let the side down.

So well done team – onward and upward – and come back soon big Kev !

Ed.

To make up for the narrow defeat in the recent away match,our aged heroes pulled out all the stops yesterday and turned in a splendid performance to beat a really good Cumberwell Park team by 3 to 1 and indeed our fourth pair only narrowly lost their match on the last green.

A really good all round team performance which has restored some (though not much!) semblance of acceptability to our position in this year’s GJ league table.

Well done team – Ed,

Sad to say our winter league match players suffered a second four nil drubbing in succession in the M4 League away to Sand Martins.

Despite the weather, with the match having to be played over the back nine twice with the front nine closed, the course, especially the greens, was in pretty good nick. Unfortunately so was the opposition who proved far too good on the day.

The Seniors had a very enjoyable day at Cumberwell Park losing 2.5 to 1.5 with two matches being closely fought. Despite all the recent rain and autumn work, the course (blue and yellow) was in pretty good nick and as fun to play as ever.

They are a good team so we will need to be at our best for the return in November.

Our Seniors took a fearful hammering from a very strong and determined West Berks outfit in our home M4 League match yesterday. Although the score was 4-0, three of the matches were well contested with two going to the final putt on the final green.

This one will be a good one to win away!

The seniors battled against inclement weather to win their home league match against Hadden Hill by 3-1. This is the first time that we have played against this opponent who seemed to go away with good thoughts about the course despite the conditions.

We look forward to our return fixture in March which hopefully will be played in somewhat drier conditions.

The M4 Winter League match away at Sandford Springs was played in glorious sunshine on an immaculate course. Unfortunately our golf was less than immaculate, losing 3½ to a ½. Bring on the return match in February !

The seniors enjoyed a terrific day with the 12 members of the Captain’s team holding sway over their twelve counterparts in the Crew ably led by Dave Lawson. A fun time out on the course, despite some rain, was followed by a meal and trophy presentation.

Commiserations to Graeme who was assaulted by Roger’s reverse shank and suffered a broken ulna bone in his forearm. A desperate way to nobble the opposition! We hope that you are soon back on the golf course Graeme. 

Our chaps began their M4 league campaign with an excellent home win against Downshire by 3-1. Three very competitive games and one easier effort meant it was a closely fought match in surprisingly decent conditions given the deluges of rain that the course has recently suffered. Well done to Dave and his green staff.

A welcome break from all the recent rain allowed our Summer match against Studley Wood to be completed in really rather pleasant conditions.

Sadly for our visitors, the Donnington athletes were in splendid form and came through victorious with a fine 4-2 win.

As always, we had a good day out with our friends from the north. They were highly complimentary about the course, the hospitality and, particularly, the food - fish and chips served fresh from the fryer and absolutely delicious.

That's now it for this season's Summer matches. Winter golf follows, but fear not for next Summer can't be too far away can it ??

See you all in April !

In somewhat soggy conditions the spirits of our aged heroes were further dampened by a fine performance from our visitors from The Wiltshire.

A fine performance from our Seniors Captain was the only highlight in a team performance which matched the miserable weather as The Wiltshire ran out winners by 3 to 1.

Nonetheless, it was a match played in the very best friendly spirit and traditions of the GJ Winter League and our visitors returned home impressed with our course, our lovely bar staff and our hospitality. They were clearly less impressed with our golf!

Onwards and upwards? Well done team – Ed.

The Seniors had a very enjoyable encounter against our Ladies coming out with a close fought win (2.5 to 1.5) on a surprisingly pleasant day with only the odd couple of rain showers to contend with. The greatest success was probably getting the match to go ahead given all the conflicting commitments at this time of the year. The highlight of the day was without doubt seeing Anne-Marie back out on the golf course doing some putting and chipping to help Fay in her match after a late withdrawal. Well done to both sides for making it a thoroughly rewarding afternoon.

Excellent weather, a superb course and great food meant that most and probably all the 100 entrants had a thoroughly enjoyable day. A big thank you to our wonderful ladies who helped keep the wheels of process operating smoothly throughout the day.

Congratulations to Patrick Griffin and his guest, Ian Vickerage, who won the overall prize with a stonking 47 points better ball score. Peter Jones from the Downshire and Martin Rudderham from Amfield were the Guests winners and perennial winner, our club captain Rob Carvil, with his guest David Griffin won the Members first prize. Over 60 guests participated.

Finally a big thank you to all those who entered and contributed to a whopping £889 raised for the Captains Charity.

An “enthusiastic” entry of 12 pairs competed in the Charity Bowl held on Thursday 12th September on a cloudy but pleasant day at Donnington. The competition was based on the two individual stableford scores being added together and Peter Darwin and Andy Madeley ran out winners with a solid points score of 71. Peter Smalley and Ian Flack came second with 69 and Mike Pritchard and Patrick Griffin came in third with 65.

The highlight of the day for John Rance, Nick Marshall and Peter Darwin was probably obtaining bragging rights from beating the pro (Tom Fleming) on the seventh with Tom being particularly intrigued that his seven iron was not a match for John’s driver.

A useful sum of £320 was raised for charity with £180 coming from the entry fees and £140 from very generous “beat the pro” contributions and thank you in particular to the winners for ploughing their winnings back into the charity pot. A special mention to Tom for giving up his time to support the charity over a three hour period (because of a staggered start).

The Seniors suffered a significant away defeat by 4-2 in their last Summer League game at Wokefield in a closely fought match against an opposition that were certainly on their game on the day. It was a disappointing outcome, leaving the winning of the championship out of our hands, but a cracking match on a well presented course against our good friends from Wokefield. All lost matches went to the wire. A good effort team!

The Seniors braved the elements on the Wellington course at Sherfield Oaks on Friday.

With the wind and the cold it felt like Autumn was truly here.

The Seniors having drawn at home, managed an honourable draw away also.

Well done to Nick Marshall who played extremely well and won on his debut, partnered ably by Simon De Angels.

Well done also to Mark Ottaway and Ian Flack the other winners.

The Seniors hosted their good friends from Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight today.
Everyone had a thoroughly good time and our guests were very complimentary about the course and the refreshments.

Nearest the pin was won by big John Smith for Freshwater and Chris Tobin for DG.

Having won 3½: 2½ at their place we were keen to at least draw to retain the trophy. However we did a bit better than that winning 5½:½!

We may have to get a replica made for Freshwater to keep at their place!

A thoroughly enjoyable day at Newbury could not hide the fact that our Seniors suffered a heavy defeat by 3.5 to 0.5. Some of the opposition played out of their skin!

Only four matches were played because the Home Team struggled to feature a full squad as many of their members were attending the funeral of a colleague. However Donnington’s four extra players were able to enjoy the course and join the teams for the after match pleasantries.

A bright sunny day.
A course in good condition.
Fast Greens.
Wholesome grub.
Good Company.
And a tonking from our hosts.

With the notable exception of Ian Flack and Mark Ottoway, the rest of us came away with our tails between our legs after a heavy 5-1 defeat.

It's a long drive up the A34 to Studley so maybe we were all a little jet-lagged.

All to play for then in the return leg at DG on October the 14th.

On a glorious day (one of the few in August so far) the seniors enjoyed a fine victory over the visitors from the Isle of Wight.

Cliff and John enjoyed a sporty win over their opponents, one of which left his hearing aid on the Isle !

Mike and Dave scraped a half thanks to an amazing 720 degree lip out by the opposition on the 17th.

A warm welcome to new member Ofer Ben-David (Ben), who won his opening match with Tom.

An excellent contest ended in a close home win against Mill Ride Seniors by 3.5 to 2.5.

All matches were very tight until the last knockings and all parties seemed to have enjoyed this new fixture on what eventually turned out to be a great day for golf after both weather and home team player numbers improved dramatically from a dodgy start. A big thank you to Peter Drummond who was hauled off the course to start the match having already played nine holes.

Our redoubtable Seniors managed to defeat Sandford Springs by the closest of margins in their last home league match of the season.
Four of the matches had a wafer thin of difference with Barry Lancaster and Dave Williams securing a valiant half in the last match to ensure that we won 3.5 to 2.5.

Well done team – onwards and upwards!

In our first summer home friendly against Marlborough for a number of years, the Seniors lost only 1 game. All the others were won or halved. The final score was 4:2. Added to the 3:3 draw at their place meant that we also won overall.

It was a glorious day and we had an extremely friendly and enjoyable match. The visitors were very impressed with the condition and quality of the course and the delicious meal.

Well done all!

Our friends from over the water came to visit DG today and had a splendid time.

They were indeed, overcome with our great course, the great hospitality, the great food and service from our bar and restaurant staff and indeed the great weather!

They were also overcome by the quality of golf from our aged heroes, who ran out winners by 5 games to 1.

Well done team!

The Seniors had a very enjoyable away trip to West Berks on the hottest day for many a year. West Berks were excellent hosts ensuring that there were as many buggies as possible to go round and plenty of water during the round.

The match ended in a close fought draw which meant that West Berks held on to the Elfed Trophy by virtue of their previous win in the first match at Donnington.

The camaraderie and fun was a fitting testament to the memory of Elfed Davies who had such an important involvement in the development of both sets of Senior Groups.

The Seniors may have looked like drowned rats but this was no sinking ship. The Team overcame a very wet and muddy first four holes, which are being significantly changed in a major reworking of the Caversham Heath course, to register a very creditable draw against our good friends and rival league contenders.

Starting was a bit risky given the rain and forecast but the weather calmed and most of the round was played in decent conditions.

Well played and good resolve shown.

The Old Boys had a great day out at Springs playing on their much changed and superbly presented course achieving a hard fought draw. The weather was almost perfect and as ever the company was very enjoyable.
These are the first away points secured by any club in the Seniors Summer League so far this season.

Well done team!

Our annual raiding party to the Isle of Wight took place on the 2nd - 4th July.

Want to know what went on?

click here !

Old golfing friends, Newbury and Crookham visited Donnington Grove today and not only brought the sun-shine with them but also their A games.

In a very close match, our visitors won through by 3.5 to 2.5 with many of the games going to the 18th hole.

All who played were justifiably impressed by the superb condition of the course and the excellent service from the restaurant and bar staff.

It really made our aged heroes feel very proud to be members of Donnington Grove.

Well done to everyone in the DG team……

On a glorious day for golf, the intrepid warriors narrowly lost 4 against 2 to West Berkshire.
The course was in fantastic condition.
We were narrowly beaten in all 4 of our lost matches, so there is good reason to be optimistic in our return match, for the Elfed trophy, later in the year.
A memorable feature of the Captain’s match was Steve Haylor driving the green on the 14th hole. Luckily he is unavailable for the return!

Thanks for all the support of our team.

Seniors Achieve Home League Win Against Caversham

The pattern of home wins in the League continues with our Seniors securing a hard fought win against Caversham Heath by 3 1/2 to 2 1/2 on Thursday 20th June.

As usual this was an excellent day with our friends from North Reading on a great course and with excellent company.

Finally we say a big thank you and farewell to the cheerful demeanour and great golf of our friend Jim Purvis and hope that he and Sarah have an exciting new life back in the North Midlands.

Thanks to all the team for braving the persistent drizzle, intermixed with a good downpour!
The Manor House course was in excellent condition, and the greens remained playable despite the conditions.
One notable feature of the course was the waist high grass, for those particularly errant shots!
The result was a narrow victory for Donnington at 3 1/2 to 2 1/2, which meant, as we drew our home fixture 2 1/2 to 2 1/2, that we retain trophy.

Thanks again to all those intrepid warriors involved in the match

The unyoung warriors ventured to Weybrook Park to attempt to redress the heavy loss at home.

The weather was good and the course in good condition.

The untouchables Mark Ottaway (win) and Simon De Angeli (half) retained their unbeaten record but alas only 1 win and 2 draws meant a defeat by 4:2 as a team.

Peter Robertson made his debut for the team and acquitted himself extremely well.

A good meal and enjoyable banter followed, making it a splendid day.

“Seniors Lose M4 Cup Match Away to Mapledurham.

Unfortunately Mapledurham were too good on the day and beat our intrepid warriors 3-1.
The course was well presented, the greens ran well and the company was excellent – shame about the result.”

Our aged heroes resumed their summer fixtures with Marlborough with a mixed bag of golfing performances.

High points were delivered by Messrs Walker and Armitage whilst low points arrived courtesy of Messrs Lewsey and Webb and particularly Reseigh and Gaskill (though it must be pointed out that the latter did play to his handicap!).

Thanks largely to our last minute volunteers, DG seniors drew the match with Marlborough and everyone who played had a very enjoyable time. Importantly, all were very pleased that the regular summer fixture between the two clubs had been re-instated.

Well done team – good job.

Ed

Amidst sunshine and showers yesterday, our aged heroes won their first M4 summer KO match against a strong team from Sherfield Oaks.

It was a hard fought match which finished 2-2 and so it meant extra holes for Andy Woodley and ‘occassional’ senior, Graham Attridge.

Our plucky pair won the second of the play off holes to secure the victory so it’s onwards and upwards (or is it forwards?). Whatever the direction – its definitely a case of – Well done team!

Ed

On a glorious day our brave lads went forth to the Temple Golf Club.

Spirits were high as the first 2 pairs came in as winners. Rob Carvill, maintaining his unbeaten season in all teams then John Rance and Mark Ottaway held off the opposition down the 18th. Unfortunately the joy was short-lived as the following 4 pairs were all vanquished.

The final score a 4:2 loss.

The course was beautiful, the company entertaining and the food delicious, so a good day was had by all.

On a fabulous day, the red shirted warriors had two members playing their first match, Philip Caulfield and Chris Webb. They acquitted themselves very well and are welcome additions to the team.
They were part of a titanic struggle with the equally red shirted Sherfield Seniors.

The first 3 matches went down to the 18th hole. Unfortunately 2 went against us but we won 2 of the last 3 for an honourable draw. 3-3.

The visitors were very complimentary about the condition of the course and the food.

We look forward to meeting them at home again in 2 weeks time in the M4 Summer KO.

The weather forecast said “Sunshine and showers” and that’s exactly what we got, both literally and metaphorically with a few results to smile about and a few more dampening our collective spirit.

The course was in great condition and with two new bunkers under construction, it should be even better next year. They’re always a friendly bunch at Badgemore and today was no exception.
The grub was exactly that – proper grub with steak and ale pie and apple crumble. Yum.

And the result? Well we pushed them hard but to quite hard enough with Badgemore running out winners by the closest of margins – 3.5 to 2.5.

This match has been postponed and will now take place on 12th August.
Please visit the Availability Spreadsheet to confirm your availability.

The Seniors suffered their first defeat of the Summer League away to Sandford Springs. On an excellent day for golf a strong Donnington team were beaten in a hard fought match by worthy opponents by 4-2. Commiserations to Chris Armitage and Tom Reseigh who were emphatic victors but to no avail

With Spring upon us, the Springs Seniors found themselves truly sprung upon on Thursday 25th – as our aged heroes chalked up an impressive 6-0 victory.
Every one of our seniors pairs played well but notable wins were recorded by Messrs Ravenhall & Skelly and Griffin & Purvis. Geordie Jim is shortly moving north (well as far as the Midlands anyway) and DG Seniors will miss his golfing prowess and even his renowned grumpiness! We all wish Jim and Sarah well in their new home and golf club.
Despite the result – our guests (who are splendid chaps) had a really enjoyable day and whilst they may have left with their tails between their legs – they all had smiles on their faces.
Well done team.

Our match with Weybrook Park was played in excellent conditions, with the ball running on both the fairways and the greens.
Catering was great.
Company was stimulating.
Shame about the result. Weybrook won four and half to one and a half.
We must (hope to) avenge this defeat at our return match on 6th June

The Seniors fell to an unaccustomed heavy defeat (5-1) in their away fixture to Mill Ride on Wednesday 17th April. No excuses as on the day the opposition were just the better side and big thanks to Peter Drummond and Barry Lancaster for ensuring it was not a whitewash! This was a new fixture on an excellent course and in terrific weather and we need to improve when we meet them at home on 7th May.

A lovely sunny day, a golf course in great condition, a bunch of nice visitors from Badgemore Park and a convivial meal to follow. What could be better? Well, perhaps a victory for the Captain of the Day, that’s what!

No matter though. The strength of the squad shone through with the only defeat being suffered by yours truly. Three wins and two halved matches saw the DG boys through by a 4-2 margin. I’m so glad this is a team game.

Off to the practice grounds now.

DL

The Seniors had a very entertaining home friendly against Manor House with all matches, barring one, going to the last hole. A special mention for Barry Lancaster and Alan Weddell who were playing their first match and a long awaited return for Russ Castle. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves.

Our intrepid seniors had a resounding home victory against Wokefield (5-1) in their first match of the summer season ensuring a strong start to their defence of the Three Counties Seniors Summer League. The course and the weather were pleasures to enjoy and a good afternoon was spent with our good friends from Wokefield.”