Our Society History
The Society was founded in 1925 and our centenary is quickly approaching.
There is some debate as to whether the Society was brought into being to enable OAs to take part in the newly formed Halford Hewitt foursomes tournament. That tournament had first taken part the year before in 1924. Whilst that possibly was the reason for forming the Society, there is absolutely no doubt that the Society has always existed for wider purposes that just taking part in the Hewitt.
Those purposes include enabling OAs to play friendly competitive golf amongst themselves, amongst former pupils of other schools and with members of golf clubs.
Vitally important throughout has been the aim of the society to maintain and foster links with the school. Not just to help source future members of the Society but to encourage the playing of golf as a school activity. It has to be said that Peter Oosterhuis playing in the Walker Cup in 1967 whilst still at the school probably provided the greatest impetus!
The President of the Society is the Master and currently the Society is honoured to have Dr. Joseph Spence presiding. He regularly attends, and speaks at, the Society dinners, thus ensuring the fostering of links is a successful two way process.
For many years the OA match versus the school was the highlight of the calendar with the post match dinner being memorable for pupils and OAs alike. Unfortunately exam pressure has tempered the occasion somewhat, but the match is still keenly anticipated.
The Society has thrived over the years and now has over 150 members. In a typical year, half the members will get involved by playing or supporting.
There is always room for more members though! For a modest cost, members have the opportunity of playing at some of the finest golf clubs in the South East in excellent, hospitable company.
The annual calendar has grown appropriately over the years and there is a golfing or social event nearly every month.
The society enjoys spring, autumn and Christmas meetings where the Roy Thirkell Cup, the Eric Blanch Salver, the Dick Sellick Salver and the Scratch cup are all competed for. These trophies date back to the 1930’s and the list of names inscribed on them is a history of the society.
We also play matches against old foes Whitgift, Alleyns, Cranleigh, Tonbridge, Johnians, Uppingham, St. Pauls and more in triangular tournaments.
As an old established golfing society we gain access to some of the best courses in the South East such as Royal Cinque Ports (Deal), Royal St Georges (Sandwich), New Zealand, Littlestone, Royal Ashdown, Tandridge and more. All these can be seen on our current fixture list on the website.
Old Alleynian members of the golfing society are eligible to become Public School members of Royal Cinque Ports at Deal where they currently pay 10% of the annual full sub, which is then fixed for life. We have members paying 12 guineas per annum. This membership entitles you to play in their competitions and play the course at members guest rate with up to 3 guest who pay 50% of the normal green fee.(Please note this membership is currently full and not accepting new applications)
Members can also buy clothing with the School crest at a discounted rate from Glenmuir at http://Www.glenmuir.com/oags