Despite mixed weather forecasts earlier in the week, Saturday 27th September dawned clear and bright as 11 C&O golfers and guests made their way on the Aqualine under (and over) Tokyo Bay heading for the Society's 2008 Autumn Meeting at Fuji OGM Ichihara GC in Chiba.

2008 Fuji OGM Golf Photo 1 While not the largest of turn-outs for a Society golf event, with some of our stalwarts otherwise engaged on the day, our small group was full of enthusiasm for the return to this pleasant Robert Trent Jones design, which had previously hosted us back in 2005. Among our number, we were pleased to welcome a first time player, and guest of James Lawden, Mari Ohsaki.

2008 Fuji OGM Golf Photo 2 Starting just before 9am, our three groups completed the first half smoothly with the usual golfers' stories being exchanged over lunch of good shots and bad breaks, missed putts and bumpy greens - along with news of two remarkable chip-ins by Takahisa Hashimoto. While inevitably a little different to the roast beef and yorkshire pudding fare of the great traditional clubs of the UK, Fuji Ichihara's lunch offerings were certainly fulsome and a number of our members were noted to be enjoying a late-morning beer or sake to fortify themselves for the second nine.

2008 Fuji OGM Golf Photo 3 Play was resumed and steady golf was again in evidence in the afternoon. With two-time defending champion Yasuzo Takeno unfortunately not able to join us, the C&O Cup was bound to pass into new hands this time. At the end of the day, it took a count-back to separate two players on net 76. Big-hitting Alex Miller, who scored 82 gross off 6 handicap, was just pipped to the title by Takahisa Hashimoto, whose second nine 38.5 net was a half shot better than Alex's 39. Those early chip-ins proved to be invaluable, and delivered the Cup to Hashimoto-san for the first time.

In the all-important Varsity match, Oxford extended their historic lead to 18-15 with a clear win over Cambridge, disadvantaged by having only two light-blues in the field, and despite the contribution to their 3-man team of regular guest player Toshiro Yamamura.

As ever the golf was played in a most sporting spirit, and an enjoyable day was capped by the traditional exchange of prizes during the post-game party.

2008 Fuji OGM Golf Photo 4 Looking ahead to 2009, C&O golfers should pencil in their diaries 28th March for the Spring Meeting at Hodogaya GC and 26th/27th September for a planned return to Windsor Park CC for the Autumn outing.