Yes, it’s true! Glenalmond have won the Cyril Gray 2025. Please find a report from Captain John Bushell. He has been indulged so this post will be longer than usual, but given the circumstances, its entirely appropriate! I hope you will be able to join us at Elie in October to celebrate with the team!
enjoy your summer
Mike
GLENALMOND WIN THE CYRIL GRAY – 2025
“Glenalmond win the Cyril Gray”. What is this event?
Background.
The main golf event for former pupils of public schools is the Halford Hewitt. Established in 1924, The Halford Hewitt is a scratch foursomes team event involving 64 schools and 10-players per side. Glenalmond was the last school admitted to the event in 1968 – when St. John’s Beaumont merged with Stonyhurst.
Since Glenalmond entered the Halford Hewitt, the team has reached the quarter finals on three occasions but no further. In 2025, Glenalmond lost in the first round to one of the perennial strong sides – Harrow.
Whilst the Halford Hewitt is certainly the premier event for former pupils of the Public Schools Golfing Society, the second ‘majors’ would be the HH Plate (for those 32 schools knocked out in the first round of the main event), and then the three older FP events – the Bernard Darwin, the Mellin Trophy, and the Cyril Gray.
Named after ‘legends’ of the Halford Hewitt, these feature the first 16-schools to play in the Halford Hewitt play in the Bernard Darwin at Woking Golf Club; the next 16-schools in the Mellin Trophy at West Hill Golf Club; and then the final 32-schools to enter the event playing in the Cyril Gray at Worplesdon.
The Cyril Gray is the premier of these three events in featuring 32-schools, and is played over 5 rounds of scratch match play foursomes – open to FPs over 50. Teams of 6 for each side meaning three foursomes matches per round. Perennial winners include Fettes (six wins – not since 2014), Edinburgh Academy (twice), Watson’s (four wins), Rossall (11 wins), Wrekin (five wins), Canford (four wins) and Epsom (four wins but not since 1989). Ironically, Merchiston have never won the Cyril Gray.
Glenalmond have reached the final once before – losing to Canford in 2006 and won the plate three times.
The team is also potentially one of the oldest to win the tournament – Glenalmond’s average age was over 64.
The team in 2025 was:
- John Gordon – aged 70 – first played for the OG golf team at 18 – with 52 years of experience for the OGGS;
- Jim Patrick – aged 68 and whose OG golf career started in 1975 – with 50 years of experience;
- Sandy Gray – aged 67 – who first played for the OG team at the Queen Elizabeth in 1976. The holder of the amateur course record at Muirfield, Sandy has 49 years of experience;
- Niall Booker – aged 66 – and whilst at Coll was a cricketer and rugby player, and did not play golf at school. Having worked overseas for most of his career, he has only recently come to the attention of the OGGS. He has now amassed 10 years of experience and represented Glenalmond in both the Halford Hewitt and Cyril Gray.
- John Bushell – aged 61 – who was a Cambridge Golf Blue – did not play until 1989. He arrived at the Hewitt to find he was partnering Tim Bull. The old Bush-&-Bull played together at top for Glenalmond for over 20 years. Now 36 years of experience.
- Richard White – a scratch golfer who lives and plays in Holland – is the youngster of the team at 54. Whilst playing at school for all five years, cricket was his summer sport and so only started playing for the OGs in 2017 – so, 9 years experience. 2025 was his second Cyril Gray and has partnered Sandy Gray twice. In his first one, he holed in one on the 7th at Worplesdon.
So, the team is potentially the oldest to win the Cyril Gray – but is steeped in scratch foursomes experience.
Back L-R: Richard White, Sandy Gray, Niall Booker
Front L-R: John Gordon, John Bushell, Jim Patrick
THE 2025 CHAMPIONSHIP
In the first round Glenalmond was drawn to play St Bees, our normal practice round adversaries. Instead, we took on one of the “favourites” in terms of expectation – Rossall. Rossall have shared the same hotel with Glenalmond at the Halford Hewitt for over 25 years, and so many friends exist.
The pairings for Glenalmond were set before the event started – and to keep things simple for the captain to remember – did not change in order or pairings for the whole event. This may have worked in our favour – as other teams moved their pairings to try and outwit Glenalmond.
- Pair 1: Sandy Gray and Richard White
- Pair 2: John Bushell and Niall Booker
- Pair 3: John Gordon and Jim Patrick
Practice Match v. Rossall Lost 2-1 (Pair 1 winning)
Round 1 – v St Bees Won 2-1
- Pair 1 took on Adrian Peckitt & Andrew Goodwin – the strongest St Bees pair. Glenalmond started with a birdie at 1 – both teams played steadily and Glenalmond prevailed at the 18th.
- Pair 2 were in control of their game against Nigel Costeloe & Jeff Ellis. Four up with four to play – the match was won 2&1.
- Pair 3 took an early lead against Andy and Charlie Crummey, however the Crummey’s kept recovering from very wild drives and Charlie started holing long putts. Victory to St Bees by one hole.
The Evening
Glenalmond was wonderfully and generously entertained at Chateau Booker overlooking the 15th fairway. The team were joined by past OGGS captain Geoffrey Ballantine – who was playing in the Senior Cyril Gray on the Friday – and OG Dougie Lawson, who lives locally and who had entertained the team at his house in a previous year.
Niall and Sam have only moved to Worplesdon this spring – and the famous Gerald Durrell big black gorilla had left the premises with the previous owner. As such, under the able direction and selection of John Gordon – a gorilla was re-established on the property. ‘Cyril’ was now in situ to protect and support OG Golf for the rest of the tournament.
A truly special evening was had.
Round 2 – v Berkhamsted Won 2.5-0.5
The team of organiser and Secretary of the Cyril Gray – Michael Butler – those avid followers of Glenalmond posts will know that it was Berkhamsted that Glenalmond beat by one point to win the Public Schools Old Boys Putting tournament plate event at Royal Wimbledon earlier in June – won by a last hole, last putt victory by Cameron Grieve.
- Pair 1 played Rob MacDonald and Andy Hodges – both Denham members. There could not have been a better start with Sandy holing his second shot at the first for an eagle. Match was over at the 13th green when Sandy holed for a birdie 2.
- Pair 2 took on David Atkins and Andy Westlake. It was a close game. All square after 15 – two pars at 16 and 17 resulted in a 2 & 1 victory.
- Pair 3 on Colin McBride and Mark Atkins. McBride was playing in his 29th Cyril Gray – and was pulled out of retirement on the first morning when a player from Berkhamsted was missing with 10 minutes to go. Glenalmond took an early lead 4 up after 5 holes with par golf, but Berkhamsted putting was exceptional and the Glenalmond pair were not disappointed to call the game a half, being 1 up after 17 holes.
Round 3 (QF) v. Merchant Taylors’ Won 2-1
The second match of the Thursday was against Merchant Taylors’ who had won the Plate for the last two years.
- Pair 1 played Andy Rose and Andy Fleming. This is a strong MT pair and again, both Denham members – with Glenalmond prevailing on the 15th green.
- Pair 2 took on a young MT pair of Bernard Nawarksi and Noel Roberts-Nicould. Bernard is the current scratch match play Champion at the Berkshire, and the two players were much longer – and out-powered the Glenalmond pair who shook hands on the 14th Win to MT.
- Pair 3 upped their game, playing near par golf to beat Paul Elkins and Martin Robb 4/3.
The Semi-Final – Friday morning v. Canford. Won 2-1
The semi-final was against Canford. There is history with Canford, as John Gordon’s eldest son, Neil – went to Canford and plays for the Canford Hewitt side. The President of the Cyril Gray is the wonderful Steve Moore, ex-Harlequin rugby player and great friend of Glenalmond, who took his presidency over from John Gordon.
Canford also beat Glenalmond in the only time that we reached the final of the Cyril Gray in 2006.
- Pair 1 took on David Restall and Andy Scott – both very strong golfers with David (a resident of France) playing off a handicap of +2 and Andy off 3. Glenalmond struggled under the pressure of David’s powerful shot making. The OGs could not keep their run going, losing on the 14th green.
- Pair 2 took on Richard Black and Marcus Clarke. Both established and long-term Hewitt players – still in the Canford side. Canford were two up after 7 – and full of chat and laughter. “Come on Johnny-boy” as Blackie said. The OGs responded with birdie at 8, par 9, birdie 10, par 11, 12, 13 and 14 to go two up crossing the road back to the main side of the course. Sadly, a three-putt at 15, and a strong 3 from Canford at 16 made it all square. 17 & 18 halved in par – sudden death beckoned in extra holes.
- Pair 3 took on Jeff Archer and Tim Norris. A rare poor start by the Glenalmond pair put them 2 down early on – but the OGs rallied with good golf producing a four-hole swing in 5 holes. An OG birdie 4 at 15 took the pair to three up – and a par 3 at 16 closed out the game 3/2.
Now, attention turned to the 19th denouement in extra holes for Bushell & Booker. Bushell found the fairway – behind Blackie. Niall’s 6-iron may have had a bit of low grooves on it – but it ran to 14 feet. Clarke hit the green, and a two putt ensured a solid four. Bushell then rolled in the 14-footer for birdie. Glenalmond through!
As we waited to find our Final opposition – expectations were that it would be Epsom. Finalists at the 2025 Halford Hewitt and with at least two players from that team – John Collier and Paul Stanford. Then, the news came in: Chigwell 2 – Epsom 1.
THE FINAL
Glenalmond v. Chigwell Won 2-1
Bushell decided not to change any pairs or any order. Having got this far – let’s keep going.
The wind was much stronger in the afternoon, as per the previous day, when the final got underway. Last year’s finalists against a side who hadn’t been past the quarter-final in 19 years, that one previous final appearance in 2006 – and that featured a 51-year-old John Gordon (along with Messrs Thomson – Andrew father of Hon Sec. Mike, Bull, James-Duff, Dickson and Thorburn).
- Pair 1 played against Sean Carter & Mike Partridge – Glenalmond started well with a birdie at #1 winning the hole, but strong golf from Chigwell, particularly ex-teaching pro Sean, saw Chigwell turn 3 up. The OG’s rallied and by the 13th tee it was back to 1 down. At the par 5 #15, and with the supporters growing in numbers, Sean showed signs of pressure topping his 3-wood 2nd shot into the ditch. Rich and Sandy had a regulation par. All square. At the par 4 #18 both teams missed their targets right. Glenalmond ended pin high right of the green but on the 5th Tee, the wrong side of a large bunker. Sandy chipped to 12 feet – and after some team discussion on line/speed Rich holed for par and the win. The OG top pair played the last 9 holes in two under par, coming back to win from 3 down.
- Pair 2 saw a strong Chigwell pair of Nick Taylor and Daniel Goddard. Two players in their early 50s’, Nick on the third drove over the trees and down to 5 yards from the green. Having won the 1st, Glenalmond lost the 2nd and 3rd – the latter to birdie. On the 8th – to a tricky pin, Bushell hit it to 8-foot. Chigwell flew the green and were down just short of the ditch. An amazingly played pitch was holed by Chigwell for birdie – with nerves of steel Booker then followed it in for a half in birdies. Turning at 4 down, Glenalmond won the 11th and 12th with steady pars and brought it back to 3 down but crossed to the 15th – dormie four down. Back passing ‘Cyril’, a good second shot by Booker, and a Bushell 9-iron to 3 foot saw a birdie by Glenalmond – and dormie 3; but #16, when Booker’s tee shot ran through the green, and Chigwell hit to 10 foot, that was it – Chigwell win.
- Pair 3 took on Chigwell Captain Mark Flack and Alan ‘Chippy’ Carpenter. Glenalmond were two up after 5 – but lost #6 and #8 to take the match back to all square. A long drive, then rescue club and two putts at #9 playing long into the strong wind resulted in an OG win. On #10 – the Worplesdon signature hole, Jim fashioned a 7-iron to 15 ft, holed by John for a 2, restoring the 2-hole lead. Across the road, errant OG drives and good Chigwell play saw the game all square again after a birdie and par. Holes exchanged at #13 and #14 saw the game all square again. At #16, both teams missed the green – Chigwell bunkered right, Glenalmond in the swale just off the left of the green. Gordon, using his hybrid and traversing a steep 2-foot bank which was then fast downhill across the slope, chipped to a foot. Chigwell splashed out from the deep bunker, down a slope running away to three feet and holed the putt for the half. On to #17, with Chigwel bunkered off the tee, a smoked Gordon drive up the left followed by a punched Patrick 7-iron up and over the steep bank was followed by a Gordon testing putt which he executed to ‘gimme’ from 30 feet. Glenalmond – 1 up, 1 to play.
By this time word had come back that Sandy and Rich had won their game to square the Final.
- On 18, Patrick hit the fairway with his drive, Chigwell pulling theirs against the out-of-bounds fence, necessitating a chip out sideways. Gordon played sensibly with a 7-iron down the left into the semi-rough 20 yards short but opening up the green – Patrick punched a 9-iron chip and run to 25 feet. Chigwell missed their 35 ft par putt, then Gordon summoned all his golfing experience to calmly roll his putt dead to great applause from the massed spectators.
For John Gordon, Jim Patrick and Sandy Gray this was a culmination of 50 years of playing for the OGGS – finally a win in one of the Public Schools GS FP ‘majors’. John Bushell captained the side well all week, never meddling with the pairings or order, always encouraging the team. Niall used his home course knowledge to good effect on the greens – has now got a green gorilla – plus Sam and Tilly in support (and so valuable that was) and now has additional golfing credits as he takes up the OGGS Captaincy. ‘Youngster’ Rich, with his length off the tee and putting prowess, proved an excellent foil for Sandy.
THE AWARD CEREMONY
Steve Moore – President of the Cyril Gray – and of Canford, and Michael Butler – Secretary of the Cyril Gray and Berkhamsted, were both effusive and charming in their support.
The team were presented with the Trophy. Encouraged by the crowd, they did a ‘cup lift’.
The Cup Lift…..
The Finale
Thanks was given to the support from the Worplesdon Team from Chris Lomas as Secretary, for Julian Samson and team in the office, for Erin Clegg and her team in the bar. The course was stunning – managed by Paul ‘Robbo’ Robinson- creating a fast, hard and running challenge. Special times.
Subsequently, we have had emails and letters of congratulations across the golfing firmament – Rossall, St Bees, Canford, Fettes, Edinburgh Academy, Merchiston, Stowe, Watson’s, Brighton – with many schools creating multiple notes.
The last words in our speech were: “Floreat Glenalmond, Glenalmond Floreat.”………not a bad way to end a Friday in June at Worplesdon Golf Club.
The striving for victory is something that Glenalmond has aspired to for so long – Sandy Dudgeon kindly put it in perspective with this quote from US President Roosevelt.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
This time, we did not come up short.
