The premier event for elite OR golfers is the Halford Hewitt, played at Royal Cinque Ports, Deal, and Royal St George’s, Sandwich, from 10th to 13th April.
64 schools compete in teams of 10 playing as five pairs. It is a knockout event, scratch match play foursomes or, as the Americans refer to it, “alternate”.
The Radley team’s first round is at Royal St George’s at 9:30 am against Whitgift.
There are very few easy Hewitt matches these days. Historically, the competition has been dominated by Eton, Charterhouse and Tonbridge. Latterly, Loretto has joined that pack, fielding very strong teams following the introduction of their golf academy … except in 1996 when Radley beat all of them.
The Old Radleian team is chosen by a committee of selectors led by Tom Etridge and Tom Beasley. Following a trial day at Royal St George’s last Saturday, 22nd February, the team they have selected is, in no particular order:
Tom Etridge (1985, A), Tom Beasley (2007, B), Tom Wright (2011, C), Fred Campion (2011, J), Ben Campion (2019, J), Simon Peck (1985, C), Simon Stalder (2009, E), Oscar Phelps (2018, E), Arthur Tapner (2013, F) & Patrick Goodwin (2017, B).
There is a supporters’ WhatsApp group to join if you want to follow the team during this year’s Halford Hewitt. Contact honsecorgs@gmail.com for more information.
