Autumn Golf Outing at Fuji OGM Ichihara — November 2010
The scene that greeted our eleven participants early on the morning of Saturday, 6th November, as they stepped out of the clubhouse at Fuji OGM Golf Club Ichihara, summed up everything magical about golf in Japan at this time of year. A crisp, bright morning; a panorama of lakes and sculpted fairways; and trees blazing with every imaginable autumn hue — copper, rust, gold, and vermilion. As the rising sun burned away the last of the mist and warmed the 7 a.m. chill, one might almost have expected John Keats himself to appear, mashie niblick in hand.
Autumn colours at Fuji OGM Golf Club Ichihara.
Early-morning view: mist lifting over lakes and fairways.
The course was in excellent condition despite the intense summer heat that had left many other greens in poor shape. The early start raised eyebrows among some members, but once the golf began all traces of sleepiness evaporated.
We were delighted to welcome back Sir Stephen Gomersall, whose growing passion for digital photography provided many of the splendid images shared here. While few boasted good scores by lunchtime — apart from Oxford’s Steven Thomas, who carded a calm and confident one-over-par gross — the break clearly had a restorative effect. Improved form after lunch included beer-fuelled comeback rounds, powerful drives from our Honorary Secretary Terry Nakamura, and adventurous detours into the rough by John Sunley.
Participants at the Ichihara Autumn Golf Outing.
The final result was extremely close: three players — Steven Thomas, Simon Dalby and Yasuzo Takeno — tied on 76. Victory went to Simon Dalby (Trinity Hall, Cambridge), who edged out the others with a better back nine and lower handicap.
Unfortunately for Cambridge, the next five best scores all belonged to Oxford, giving them a resounding win in the Varsity Match and extending their overall lead to 22–15.
Golfers enjoying the fine autumn weather at Ichihara.
A memorable day was enjoyed by all, and we now look forward to the Spring Meeting on Saturday 26th March 2011 at Hodogaya Country Club.
— Simon Dalby (Trinity Hall, Cambridge 1977)