DORCHESTER ON THAMES Home | Contents | Search |
Dorchester on Thames Golf Society
Home > Community Information > Clubs, etctc
HISTORY
The Dorchester on Thames Golf Society (DOGS for short) was founded in November 1987, in the bar of the White Hart. Our inaugural 'event' was at Frilford Heath Golf Club just after Christmas 1987, followed by the first annual dinner, also at the White Hart.
Our golf year runs from December to October, to enable award of annual trophies at our Annual Dinner, but our financial year is a calendar one. The AGM takes place in February.
Former Captains
1987-1991 Mike Collins
1991-1994 Geoff Russell
1994-1996 David Joseph
1996-1998 Douglas Jupp
1998-2000 Philip Greenaway
2000-2002 Keith Russell
2002- Robin Clive
OBJECTIVES
DOGS' intentions and purpose have not changed since 1987. They are, specifically, to spread good fellowship and friendship throughout the village. Golf is our means, not our end, as we use the game to meet and play with people whom we might not have met and played with otherwise. We are inclusive rather than exclusive, and the nineteenth hole is doubtless our most important.
We are careful not to exceed our agenda by becoming involved in matters beyond our purpose. However, DOGS have supported a number of village fund-raisers, such as the fetes in the late 80s and early 90s to equip the playground, and in aid of the Village Hall, the School and the Sports Club, to which we do not belong. We have also organised a number of Tombolas to support Helen House, the children's hospice in Oxford. We raised £800 in 1989, £1,800 in 1991, £3,200 in 1993, £3,000 in 1995, £4,800 in May 1998, and £7,412 in 2000. Another fund-raising event is planned for 2005, following a gap to give village pockets a necessary breather.
PLAYING DAYS
We have four principal days out, plus a summer Betterball competition, for the Danny Williams Trophy, and the end-of-season grand finale for the Andy Kent Trophy, which everyone can play at, although only those qualified to do so can win! All play is mixed, with no distinction between ladies and men, apart from the card and presumably their dress! We also organise a two-day overnight tour not too far away, with our non-playing partners, every second year. So far we have stayed in Bournemouth (1999) Gloucester (2001) and Tewkesbury (2003).
Our five main events are currently Hadden Hill (Christmas) Burford (Spring) Studley Wood (Summer) and Frilford, and the Andy Kent Trophy, played at Goring & Streatley (the last two both Autumn). In the past we have also played at Caversham Park, Chipping Norton, Badgemore, Donnington Grove, Drayton, The Springs, Winter Hill, Waterstock, North Oxford, Southfield, Chesterton, Aspect Park and Broome Manor, among others.
We award Divisional trophies at each event, also for Nearest-the-pin, for the Longest Drive and for a fun team competition. We also have Knock-out and Plate competitions during the summer months.
The dates of our playing and social commitments appear in the Parish Diary on this website.
NINETEENTH HOLE
On the social side, we have a summer games evening (usually Aunt Sally) a summer BBQ which typically achieves high culinary standards, and a fine annual ‘black tie’ dinner in the autumn, at which a plethora of annual awards are made. Other one-off events (Pub Olympics, Tombola, Summer Tour) get onto the calendar from time to time. We indulge in informal get-togethers after most events, usually involving the consumption of liquids!
MEMBERSHIP
Membership of DOGS is neither elitist nor particularly exclusive. We never permit more than 25% of our membership to come from outside the village, and our experience is that very few non-village members last long – usually because they join us for the wrong reasons. 'Village membership' includes anyone who has ever lived in the village, or who currently lives or works in the village.
Our playing population varies, as people come and go from the village, and old age takes its toll. However, our numbers seldom drop below 50 and once peaked at 70. We currently (2004/5 season) have 55 members, of whom seven are ladies. (Yes, we’d like more lady members.) But it’s still not bad for a village of our size, is it?
To join, you need to be aged 14 or over, and to apply in writing. You must play at one of our events before your application can be considered by the committee. (This is not a ritual slaughter. It is simply to ensure that our members really do play golf!) The membership fee is currently £12 for the first person, £6 per additional person in the household.
Standard of behaviour and golf etiquette are of far greater importance to us than standard of play, although we do expect at least a basic knowledge of the rules, as well as the ability to hit the ball just occasionally. Handicaps currently range from 6 to 28 (men) and 17 to 36 (ladies).
CONTACT US
To join us, or to find out more, please contact any member of the committee:-
Captain - Robin Clive 341830;
Treasurer – Richard Moore 340966;
Secretary – Jim Levi 407980;
Handicaps – Geoff Russell 340759;
Social – Anthony Sykes 341754;
Competitions and Fixtures – Chris Amott 340118.
Do please join us. We think we are really nice!
Revised 04/09/2004 © 2004 DOTWeb