Autumn Golf Meeting — Fuji OGM Ichihara, 27 September 2008
Despite mixed weather forecasts earlier in the week, Saturday 27th September dawned clear and bright as eleven C&O golfers and guests travelled under (and over) Tokyo Bay via the Aqualine to the Society’s 2008 Autumn Meeting at Fuji OGM Ichihara Golf Club in Chiba.
Our turnout was modest this year—some regulars were unable to attend—but the small group made up for it with enthusiasm. We also welcomed a first-time participant, Ms Mari Ohsaki, guest of James Lawden.
Starting just before 9:00 a.m., the three groups completed the first nine smoothly, pausing over lunch to exchange the usual golf tales — fine shots, unlucky bounces, missed putts, bumpy greens — and news of two remarkable chip-ins by Takahisa Hashimoto. Fuji Ichihara’s hearty lunch offerings were much appreciated, as were the early beers and sake taken in preparation for the afternoon round.
Play resumed in the afternoon under similarly fine conditions. With two-time defending champion Yasuzo Takeno unable to attend, the C&O Cup was certain to change hands. At the end of the day, two players finished tied on net 76, requiring a count-back to determine the winner.
Alex Miller posted an impressive 82 gross off a 6 handicap, but was narrowly beaten by Takahisa Hashimoto, whose 38.5 net on the back nine edged out Alex’s 39. Those early chip-ins indeed proved decisive, earning Hashimoto-san the Cup for the first time.
In the all-important Varsity match, Oxford extended their historic lead to 18–15 with a clear victory over a Cambridge side hampered by having only two Light Blues in the field — despite the welcome contribution of regular guest player Toshiro Yamamura.
The day concluded, as always, in excellent spirits with the traditional post-game party and prize presentation.
Looking ahead, members are encouraged to mark their diaries for the 2009 Spring Meeting at Hodogaya GC on 28th March, and for the autumn outing — planned as a return to Windsor Park Country Club — on 26th–27th September.