Dramatic is surely the best word to describe the closing stages of the OKS’ annual match against the School. Perhaps it even felt traumatic for some.

Organiser Stephen Lark (SH 1980-84) had taken some fellow team members for a morning warm-up round and then, after fuelling up at RSG's legendary lunch buffet, three foursomes set out in sunny and windy conditions. The School's team straddled 4 years between youngest and oldest, the OKS team rather more. Alan Nash (GR 1964-68) and Andrew Crickmore (MO 1980-84) took on 6a pairing Sharon and Ozzy in the first match and a see-saw contest saw them walking up the 18th fairway all square and looking in some trouble off the tee. However, a stunning approach from Andrew and a magnificent long putt from Alan set up a tap-in par and the King's pair could not 2-putt from some distance, so the match was won 1 up.

Charlie Cook (MR 2016-21) and Pete Gray (MR 2002-07) took on the dynamic Remove pairing of Ian and Lucas. As one seasoned OKS observer was heard to say after Ian launched his first tee shot into the distance down the fairway, ‘That’s the best swing  I’ve seen from a King’s golfer for many a year’. The youngsters were in control for the vast majority of the match but the wily OKS pair never quite let them get clear and the gap was closed to 1 down on the 18th. After a great drive from Pete, Charlie hit an approach to kick-in distance for birdie and the King's pair couldn't match it, so the point was shared.

The gathering crowd looked nervously down the 18th to see Captain Charlie Clouston (MO 1979-84) and Stephen Lark striding down the fairway along with Archie and Freddie, they too all square. Freddie nearly slam-dunked his approach, although it rolled on some distance, but Archie lagged his putt to ensure a par. This time the OKS could not secure their par and the School won 1 up to secure a drawn contest, with the School retaining the Bragg Jug by virtue of winning it last year.

Having all 3 matches decided on the 18th, with the score changing on each occasion, was testament to the dramatic nature of the match, with all three contests being played in superb humour and spirit (with the possible exception of the OKS' surprise at how close a putt has to be to the hole to be conceded by modern schoolchildren!). It was a fabulous occasion, superbly organised by Stephen Lark,  and, as ever, golf was very much the winner.

The School v OKS Golf Society Match has become a regular annual event. If you’d like to join the OKS team next year, please get in touch with the OKS Office at community@kings-school.co.uk.

To find out more about OKS Golf, visit the Golf Club page. There, you can catch up on the latest news, contact fellow members, and learn how to get involved.