The curtain came down on the Old Albanian Golf Society’s season at a windy Lakeside Lodge in late September. On the first afternoon, Graham Tate (OA 1960) overcame the inclement conditions to card a magnificent 47 points which would normally be the cause of much conjecture about a suspect handicap. It was nothing of the sort. Graham just had one of those days where he made very few, if any, mistakes. Second was Brian Hayden- Smith (OA 1970) on 43 points, enough to win on any other day and Kevin O’Donoghue (OA 1959) on 36 was third. 

The weather on the second day gave no cause for concern so the relatively modest scoring can only be attributed to the previous evening’s conviviality. The winner was the senior member on tour, Ross Murray (OA 1954) with 36 points, just ahead of O’Donoghue on 35 and several members on 34. Over postprandial drinks there was talk of contingency plans for the third day if the weather proved to be as bad as the forecast but the decision to press on was vindicated because the heavens did not open until after we had finished. We were, nevertheless, windswept. Once again Tate burned up the course scoring a more than creditable 41 points; second was Mike Crowston (OA 1966) on 39 points followed closely by the rest of the field. 

Captain Peter Dredge (OA 1960) carried out the prize-giving. Winner of the Graham Tate Trophy for the best score on tour went, unsurprisingly, to Graham Tate. The most improved player of the year, winning the Pop Rush Memorial Trophy, was David Hughes (OA 1994). David’s handicap was 15 in 2020 and is now 8. 

Throughout the season the Club played two matches, beating Mid Herts Golf Club back in April but losing narrowly to the Old Berkhamstedians at Aldwickbury. Other meetings were held at Whipsnade Park where the heavy ground conditions did not bother Don Mills (OA 1970) who retained the OA Trophy. The Briggs Goblets pairs competition was won at Leighton Buzzard by Rick Drakard (OA 1963) and Simon Cooper (Antelope) and the Captain’s Cup was won at Harpenden Common by Ian Mackenzie (OA 1980). 

The ambiance of the Club is welcoming rather than competitive. Abilities range from very good to not very good but most importantly, everybody is made to feel at home. If you are interested, please use the contact details on the OA Association page.