The Halford Hewitt is amateur golf’s larger than life competition. 

The event was first held in in 1924; only a World War and COVID have prevented teams of old public school pupils from descending on the hallowed links of Royal Cinque Ports, Royal St George’s and Prince’s golf clubs.  We have seen ships at anchor in the bay, horizontal rain and even snow, but it never deters Hewitt golfers.

The Hewitt is still the biggest event of its kind with 64 schools playing scratch foursomes against each other in teams of 10.  With 640 competitors plus supporters, competition organisers, staff and dogs (even with their own club collars), it is a tremendously vibrant event.  Stamina is required although hot and cold refreshments are on hand, including the legendary ‘Shovril’ to keep everyone going. 

Wrekin College first took part in the event in 1954 where our team reached Round 2, beating Aldenham School (4:1) and losing to Berkhamsted School (2:3).  This year Wrekin’s team in match pair order was:

Sean Bennett (L/T.  03 - 10) and Simon Westgarth (Capt.) (S. 87-81)

Oliver Richards (T. 15 - 20) and John Smith (Y. 67 - 71)

Will Bruckshaw (L/T. 14 - 21) and Charlie Fenton (B. 82 - 87) 

Peter McFarland (Y. 67 - 72)  and Richard Sutherland (Y. 69 - 73)

Ian Jamson (Y. 72 - 77) and Robert Spence (B. 67 - 72)

The Bell Hotel in Sandwich was the centre of the team’s operations for the week, as it has been for many years now. 

Following practice on Wednesday many enjoyed lunch at St George’s and there was a “cocktail party” held at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club to celebrate the Halford Hewitt Centenary.  The Halford Hewitt committee erected a marquee in the members’ car park and several hundred Hewitt competitors, supporters, staff etc., squeezed into the marquee.  Despite it being a bit of a squash, much centenary beer, wine, champagne and cheese was consumed; welcome to the Hewitt!

Round 1 – Felsted – 10:05 Royal Cinque Ports GC.

One of the many quirks of the Halford Hewitt is a love of statistics and trivia.  Apart from having around 300 recipes for Kumel cocktails, one of the more important pieces of information, the “Anderson Scale”, measures the relative success rating of teams at the Hewitt.  Wrekin and Felsted had similar rankings, there was a chance of a win.  The weather was favourable, albeit breezy (they call it a mild zephyr in Scotland). 

Simon Westgarth, team Captain, playing his 60th match, and Sean Bennett lead off and maintained their unbeaten Hewitt record with a 2:1 win against WJ Dunn and CGD Duke. Shot of the match was Sean dispatching his approach to about three inches from the cup on the 2nd hole.  John Smith and Oliver Richards, a new pairing, recorded their maiden victory against Felsted.  Charlie Fenton (returning to the team after a long break) and Will Bruckshaw narrowly lost but showed great promise.  Charlie seemed to enjoy himself and his words to Simon Westgarth were; “Westie, this is brilliant”.  Peter McFarland and Richard Sutherland (thanks to Richard for administration support) didn’t fare so well against their opponents however Rob Spence and Ian ‘Jammo’’ Jamson brought home the bacon with a 3&2 win in match five.  Wrekin won 3:2 (first time in a while) and so we were spared a trip to Prince’s for the plate competition. 

Round 2 - Winchester - 10:05 Royal Cinque Ports GC. 

The fine weather continued, and it was even warm enough for shirt sleeves (at times).  Wrekin maintained the same playing order as the day before.  Sean and Simon won 4&3,   John and Oliver were beaten 3&2.  Charlie and Will were very narrowly beaten one down.  Peter and Richard lost 4&3 . As Winchester had three points, Rob and Ian took a half point in their game although they were one up after 16 holes at the time.

So incredibly close and the team put on a great performance.  We cannot wait for next year.  As ever, the Hewitt doesn’t do things by half and dates are set up to 2040.  The 2025 dates are 10th –13th April 2025 - put them in your diary! 

The Old Wrekin Golf Society would like to hear from anyone interested in taking part in the Halford Hewitt (Royal Cinque Ports, Royal St George’s and Princes), the Grafton Morrish (Olton Golf Club qualifier, Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk), the Cyril Gray (Worplesdon) and the OWGS Autumn Meeting at Little Aston Golf Club. 

Please contact:

Simon Westgarth (Halford Hewitt)  simon.n.westgarth@gmail.com

Ian Jamson (Cyril Gray) ianjamson@hotmail.co.uk

Philip Butler (OWA Autum Meeting) plbutler@btinternet.com

Richard Sutherland (all of the above) s0therl0nd@blueyonder.co.uk