OKS v. Eastbourne Golf 2023

Thankfully the match this year was much closer than 2022 when we were soundly thrashed by a young and talented Eastbourne team. The score this year was 6.5 to 5.5 although still in favour of Eastbourne. It was an exciting match and the result hinged on the final putt on the final green of the final match; if that had been sunk the match would have been halved. Bad luck, Charlie!

The match was not without problems beforehand as following two withdrawals, we had obviously less players than Eastbourne but 2 Rye members who were playing that day anyway were dragooned to make up the morning numbers.

For some reason this match on one of the best links courses in England does not attract either the younger or better golfer. The average age of the team was over 60, although we did have two players in their 40s. I have informed the committee that a new match manager of a younger vintage is needed and there needs to be more encouragement of the better player to take part.

Both teams had a lot of fun this year and the closeness of the match was welcomed by all. We were delighted that Tim Smartt was able to join us for lunch.

The team was Tony Amlot, Andrew Hynard, Jeremy Sparks, Andrew Needham, Grant Needham, Charles Clouston, Andrew Mackintosh, Malcolm McFarlane, James McFarlane, Matt Edwards and Tim Fagg.

I would like to thank everyone who supported the fixture over the years I will of course assist the new match manager and continue to play if selected.