You may well ask, “What is an OI Wrecked Cricketer golfer?” Firstly, not necessarily a cricketer and most certainly, not necessarily a golfer. The society started close on thirty five years ago after the Old Framlinghamians posted a target of over three hundred in the OIs v OFs match in OI Cricket Week. The Ipswichian side declared themselves past it as cricketers and, with one of the side, Tony Tyrrell (OI 1959-67), happening to have a golf club at his disposal, it was decided to from then on hold a golf-based reunion each August. Gradually there have been changes (most notably to provide sufficient golfing ability) but the core group is still going strong, led admirably by the long-suffering Tim Thorn (OI 1954-61), who has found organising OIs far harder than any of the high-powered roles in his former life. The Texas scramble format allows the less able golfers to contribute, if only to put pressure on their ‘able’ partners, and there are others whose preference is to drive the drinks buggy and tell everyone else how they should have played the last shot.

The day starts (in typical OI fashion) the previous evening, with a magnificent barbecue chez Tony and Gerrie Tyrrell, in order to discuss tactics. That is the official line. But really it is a re-remembering of past sporting (and other) deeds and, in true OI tradition, much good-natured abuse. With age the bar bill has diminished hugely and now only the cat stays up with John Collett (OI 1955-67) to see in the dawn. This year the main event was blessed with a hot and sultry day. No grumbling at the early breakfast when skipper Thorn reveals the teams, carefully concocted to make things as close as possible. Eighteen holes before lunch, with wine and port of course. Cries of “Do we have to play another nine?” To which the response is “Don’t be a wuss David.” And tired bodies can’t understand how they feel they are playing better than the morning but the scores are considerably higher. The above par figures are blamed on the heat – nothing to do with aging bones and muscles.

At the count up Simon Marks, Henry Staunton (OI 1962-67) and Tim Thorn (OI 1954-61) are duly congratulated as winners of the Thorn Trophy for the morning round and Simon Marks, Steve Marks (OI 1960-68), Tony Tyrrell (OI 1959-67) and Simon Woolfries (OI 1965-71) similarly for the afternoon nine-hole round. The Fynn Valley Club and staff are thanked for doing us proud once again, then it’s goodbyes and looking forward to another great day next year.

Written by Peter Boughton (OI 1958-69)