Autumn Meeting 2026

James Mallinson reporting from Wallingford

The 2026 autumn meeting was held at The Springs Resort & Golf Club in North Stoke, near Wallingford. We are most grateful to Anthony Esse OW, whose kind help made the visit possible. The Springs is a lovely course and had survived the drought stricken summer well. Although some of the fairways were inevitably a little battered the greens were in excellent condition and were a real

credit to the greenkeeping staff.

There was an excellent turnout with a full complement of 28, including thee Salmons and a number of first timers. Among the debutants were Tanish Mehta, Charlie Priday, Varun Sanjeev and Charlie Yeldham. We hope you enjoy your golf with the OWGS for many years to come!

Louis Ferguson-Jones starred with a fine gross 74 to win the Needham Trophy for the best scratch score in the afternoon medal, but perhaps player of day was John Denham who scooped up three trophies on the back of a gross 78 in the afternoon for the John Booty Cup. It was a delight to see Nigel Clarke present John with the Peter Clarke Salver, the trophy being named in memory of Nigel’s father. Peter was a great supporter of OW golf and was Secretary at The Berkshire for many years.

John also won the Roberts-Wilson Cup, the afternoon handicap prize.

James Milne and Robert Kelly won the Leese Challenge Cups, the handicap prize for the morning's nine-hole Stableford fourballs. They take over the cups from last year's winners, Alex Wilkinson and

Thomas Whiting.

Not to be left out himself Nigel Clarke won the Allom Trophy for players of handicap 14 and over.

Joe Byrne claimed the Board Challenge Trophy for the best aggregate score across the Spring and Autumn Meetings. It is worth repeating that Joe’s gross score in the Spring Meeting at Rye was a remarkable 66. We believe this is the lowest gross score in 100 years of the OWGS Spring Meeting at

Rye, well done Joe!

Our thanks again to Anthony Esse and the staff at The Springs for a most enjoyable day.

Trophy Competition Winner(s)

Leese Challenge Cups Morning Stableford fourballs, 9 holes (handicap)

James Milne & Robert Kelly

Needham Trophy Afternoon scratch medal, 18 holes

Louis Ferguson-Jones (gross 74)

Roberts-Wilson Cup Afternoon handicap prize

John Denham

Allom Trophy Handicap 14 and over

Nigel Clarke

Board Challenge Trophy Best aggregate Stableford (combined Spring & Autumn Meeting)

Joe Byrne

John Booty Cup Scratch, age 60+

John Denham (gross 78)

Peter Clarke Salver Stableford handicap, age 50+

John Denham