C&O Spring Golf Meeting — 15 March 2003
On Saturday, 15th March, fourteen C&O golf enthusiasts, joined by two guests, travelled across Tokyo Bay (most of them beneath the sea via the Aqualine!) to Fuji Country Club Ichihara for the Society’s Spring Golf Meeting. This was the Society’s first visit to Fuji Ichihara — a well-regarded Robert Trent Jones course — and impressions were positive regarding both the layout and overall condition. The special group package, ¥25,000 all-in for golf, food, and drinks, was an added bonus.
Although the early spring weather was not as warm as hoped, the rain held off for most of the day. The morning nine produced some steady play, with Sir Stephen Gomersall, Simon Dalby, Steven Thomas, and guests Miko Fordyce and Yamamura-san all scoring close to — or better than — their handicaps. After a satisfying lunch, players returned to the course where strengthening afternoon winds added an extra challenge.
Both Dalby and Thomas were buffeted by the conditions, finishing the day tied on 81 gross. The two guests again performed consistently, taking second and third places overall. However, it was the President of the Society — and one of its keenest golfers — Sir Stephen Gomersall who emerged the winner, recording the best net score of 73 and claiming the C&O Society Golf Trophy. Congratulations to Sir Stephen.
In the traditional University Match, Cambridge proved too strong for Oxford, securing a comfortable victory and nudging ahead once again in the historical standings.
The C&O golf programme for 2003 looks particularly strong, with a return to Hodogaya scheduled for 5th July and the possibility of a visit to Karuizawa later in the year. All members are warmly encouraged to take part, and we look forward to seeing even more C&O golfers on the links.
Flight report by Steven Thomas