04/04/05: Jon Dowdell guaranteed himself a place in the OLCC record books by winning the inaugural Old Leightonians Golf Day.

Playing off a handicap of 19, Jon chalked up an imposing 39 points in the Stableford system that was used for the 13-man event, held at Bishopswood Golf Club in Tadley on Friday April 1.

Jon's tally was enough to earn a four-point victory over fellow organiser Ed Carter, who had the consolation of picking up the prize for the nearest tee shot to the pin on the testing temporary par-three 5th hole, his effort coming to rest no more than two yards from the cup.

Runner-up Ed was six points clear of Denis Secher, who totalled an impressive 29 and also won the award for the longest drive on the 516-yard par-five 3rd hole, striking his tee shot well past the 200-yard mark.

Other highlights of a memorable day included 'interesting' first-tee shots from Graham Carter and Matt McNaughton; a Jean Van de Velde-style botched aquatic escape act that earned Tom Gillmor the Ya Cha Cha Chi award; John Crosfield's magnificent 30-foot putt for a nett eagle on the 17th; and a wonderful all-day display of pinball in the trees by John Acland-Hood on his way to the WRL trophy.

After play finished at around 6.30pm the party repaired to the clubhouse for an excellent buffet, some jovial banter and the promise of staging the competition again in 2006.

— SCORES in full from Friday can be found on the tournament homepage by clicking here.

Links:

•  Old Leightonians Golf Day — Tournament homepage
•  OLCC Forum — Catch the latest banter from the event
•  More links..