Mon 6th Jul
Recognition for two stalwart members of the OHGS
The President’s Speech:
“I would like to welcome two OH Octogenarians, Ronnie Watson MC (89) and Ivan Stewart MC (88) both of whom have demonstrated that the strength of charcater associated with a distinguished war record can also be used to advantage on a golf course.
At a time when Harrow golf is running at a rather low ebb it is refreshing to reflect on moments of success, Ronnie, who was our President in the years 1988/89 has the unique record of being a member of the sides when Harrow won the Hewitt in 1975, the Darwin in 1978 & 1996, the Senior Darwin in 1988 and the Veteran Darwin in 1996. And what’s more he won every match in which he played in winning Darwin sides beating the likes of Rudy Crefton (Eton) and Dick Scott (Charterhouse) on the way. He also played to his age at Rye when he was 72 (just to mention one of his many achievements outside Harrow golf).
Now Ivan tells me that he was too busy for golf until afetr he retired but after that he certainly made his mark in quite a short time winning the Senior Darwin in 1988, the Veteran Darwin with Ronnie in 1996 and the handicap limb of the Veteran Darwin for three years with Ronnie and the last two yeasr with Noel Collison. Five consecutive wins from 2005 – 09. I walked around Woking with Ivan lat month and after the first two holes he and Noel had failed to record a point. A quite remarkable come back followed and I saw them play the last five holes in level par gross to retain the title. A splendid achievement.
