Saturday 8th October saw the C&O Golfers group returning to Shin Numazu CC in Shizuoka for the first time since the Centenary Golf Outing in 2005. Our host once again was SNCC member Tomo Imai, who did an excellent job of setting up all the arrangements for the day.

With a number of regular C&O golfers otherwise occupied, for this visit we numbered a modest 10 players, 6 from Oxford and 4 Cambridge. Those in attendance were able to enjoy the golf course in excellent condition, despite a recent period of sustained wet weather. The natural beauty of the course, its surroundings and views over Suruga Bay were remarked upon by all, and surely took our minds off the occasional errant shot or putt.

After the long trip down from Tokyo, the morning nine saw a slow start for most players, although Cambridge stalwart Simon Dalby raced out of the blocks with a one under par 35. A very good lunch of local fare was then enjoyed, along with a glass of beer (or sake for Imai-san) to fortify us for the remaining 9 holes. Indeed 8 players improved on their morning efforts in the afternoon.

When we tallied the results over the traditional post-game party and prize-giving, Simon Dalby was declared the winner with an excellent gross 71, net 69. Trailing by just two shots was Yasuzo Takeno, who was the only other man to play to his handicap on the day, with Alastair Macdonald and Alex Miller close behind in joint 3rd place.

In the Varsity match, Oxford came out as winners by a seven stroke margin, and the historic record now stands at Oxford 23 and Cambridge 16.

Our sincere thanks to Tomo Imai for hosting us at Shin Numazu CC, and to the Club for their warm welcome and gift of excellent locally-produced yoghurt.

The next Spring 2012 C&O golf is planned to take place on Saturday March 25th at Hodogaya CC (subject to confirmation).

Steven Thomas Merton College, Oxford 1979