Tours
There have been 28 OVGS tours mostly in Brittany but we have also played in Austria, Morocco, Wales, England and even South Africa (though not an official tour as ladies were present!). The tabs below contain the final score sheets for each year. Simply click on a tab to reveal. Note: on the first year (1996) Andrew had not yet learnt how to write so no scores were kept.
Also on 2011 we went digital and fell foul of technology. As a result we only have a partial scoresheet
Also on 2011 we went digital and fell foul of technology. As a result we only have a partial scoresheet
The 2026 tour leaderboard will appear here and be updated throughout the tour
2026
18
Granville
18
Le Tronchet
18
Les Ormes
Golfer
H/C
Score
H/C
Score
H/C
Score
Total
Pos
Holes
H/C∆
Avg
Terry Robinson
16
39
14
30
12
31
100
1
54
-5
33.3
Chris Castle
13
41
10
29
10
25
95
2
54
-3
31.7
Rob Thompson
17
41
14
24
14
30
95
2
54
-4
31.7
Ian Burton
20
36
20
30
18
28
94
4
54
-2
31.3
Dave Farnworth
16
32
16
23
16
32
87
5
54
-2
29.0
Roger Castle
21
42
17
21
17
24
87
5
54
-4
29.0
Huw Bowden
14
39
13
24
13
23
86
7
54
-1
28.7
Andy Chestnutt
23
33
23
26
23
25
84
8
54
0
28.0
Steve Lesbirel
17
23
18
29
18
30
82
9
54
1
27.3
Richard Wren
10
34
10
25
10
21
80
10
54
0
26.7
Nigel Jones
15
38
14
17
15
24
79
11
54
0
26.3
Rob Brigham
22
28
22
27
22
22
77
12
54
0
25.7
Andrew Erskine
26
30
26
30
24
16
76
13
54
-1
25.3
Mike Bruce-Mitford
28
28
28
20
28
28
76
13
54
0
25.3
Alan Wright
17
30
17
18
17
26
74
15
54
0
24.7
Phil Faiers
32
39
31
10
32
25
74
15
54
0
24.7
Clive Grace
21
19
23
21
23
26
66
17
54
2
22.0
Peter Trueman
31
31
31
17
32
17
65
18
54
2
21.7
John Kelleher
36
23
37
14
38
13
50
19
54
4
16.7
It's always sunny on tour (well it is in brittany). Another OVGS "away trip" saw us in Saint Saëns at the splendid Golf Hotel Saint Saëns. Despite the weather not being kind a fabulous tour was had.
An outrageous 47 points on the first round resulted in Phil Faiers receiving the hightest handicap cut in OVGS history of 10 shots. Undeterred by this Phil held his nerve and managed to close out the win, though it was on the last hole and only by 1 shot from the president!
At the other end of the table a few members were delighted by the return of Ian Woodward who (not for the first time) picked up the tee.
2024 and Andrew completely lost the run of himself! Not only did we not go to France, opting for Tewkesbury instead, but he also invited lady golfers on tour for the first time!! Despite the initial horror of many members, Andrew was vindicated on both counts.
Andy Chestnutt won through on a rain soaked final round to take the title and cause furious scribblings among the handicap committee. To make matters worse he wasn't in attendance for the prize giving gala dinner! Meanwhile JK, after a year off, resumed his favourite position at the bottom end.
Andy Chestnutt won through on a rain soaked final round to take the title and cause furious scribblings among the handicap committee. To make matters worse he wasn't in attendance for the prize giving gala dinner! Meanwhile JK, after a year off, resumed his favourite position at the bottom end.
We returned again to the "Holy Trinity" of courses for the 2023 tour. Dinard, Les Ormes and Le Tronchet were a delight in the hot sunshine
Some 22 years after Phil Faiers proved himself to not be "far too good a golfer" to win the wooden tee, he proved himself to be good enough to take the title and become the 20th winner of the Truper Sophy. Members as ever were delighted to see a new name on the cup. Indeed there was a new name on the other trophy when Steve Lesbriel fought off some tough opposition to take the "win".
Some 22 years after Phil Faiers proved himself to not be "far too good a golfer" to win the wooden tee, he proved himself to be good enough to take the title and become the 20th winner of the Truper Sophy. Members as ever were delighted to see a new name on the cup. Indeed there was a new name on the other trophy when Steve Lesbriel fought off some tough opposition to take the "win".
For the covid delayed 25th anniversary tour, there was really no other option but to return to the society's three most popular courses. Is there any better round on tour than Dinard in the sunshine followed by French omlette, chips and lashings of rose!
The tours token Irishman had invested heavily pre tour with a new set of clubs. This scurrilous behavior (which wasn't reported to the HC) served him well as he picked up the top spot for the second time. JK picked up the other major prize though MBM pulled out with a suspicious bought of something nasty!
The tours token Irishman had invested heavily pre tour with a new set of clubs. This scurrilous behavior (which wasn't reported to the HC) served him well as he picked up the top spot for the second time. JK picked up the other major prize though MBM pulled out with a suspicious bought of something nasty!
After 22 years Andrew decided a return to the fabulous Hotel du Golf in Deauville. The 1998 OVGS Champion, Ian Burton triumphed again, proving he could do it in the "open era". This year it was the cross of St George that adorned the Bergerac Cup and Ian Woodward managed to repeat JK's feat of 3 Wooden Tees in a row!
There were 2 other notable tour highlights in that we had the first Hole in One achieved by Rick Durrant which cost him a few quid in champagne. Also, there were some dubious horse riding skills on show on the last night from John Kelleher.
There were 2 other notable tour highlights in that we had the first Hole in One achieved by Rick Durrant which cost him a few quid in champagne. Also, there were some dubious horse riding skills on show on the last night from John Kelleher.
In a break with June's tradition we headed for Southampton airport rather than Portsmouth with Château des Vigiers in Bergerac our destination.
Battle was done over 27 holes of some of the most picturesque golf with the stunning Chateau as a backdrop. The main competition was won by Gareth Jones, just pipping Andrew and Roger on the last round.
2018 saw the first Bergerac Cup where the Celts under Gareth's captaincy took on the English lead by Phil. A tight contest was decided on the final round singles, with the Celts coming out on top.
Battle was done over 27 holes of some of the most picturesque golf with the stunning Chateau as a backdrop. The main competition was won by Gareth Jones, just pipping Andrew and Roger on the last round.
2018 saw the first Bergerac Cup where the Celts under Gareth's captaincy took on the English lead by Phil. A tight contest was decided on the final round singles, with the Celts coming out on top.
2017 was a more relaxing tour as we played 3 of the most popular courses and stayed at our spiritual home, Le Tronchet.
Roger Castle had been close on a few previous years. In 2017 he held on to his final round lead in a tight contest and joined the winners enclosure. Thus adding another name to the illustrious trophy, and another member of the exclusive "Top and Tail" club.
Another highlight of the tour was the first par round of golf courtesy of Gareth Jones.
Roger Castle had been close on a few previous years. In 2017 he held on to his final round lead in a tight contest and joined the winners enclosure. Thus adding another name to the illustrious trophy, and another member of the exclusive "Top and Tail" club.
Another highlight of the tour was the first par round of golf courtesy of Gareth Jones.
The tour members assembled at the Omaha beach hotel with much trepidation. It was not just the golf on our minds, but the result of the impending Brexit vote.
The shock and despair of the result was tempered by the on course result, where Nigel Jones played great golf and held his nerve on a difficult final round to become another new name on the trophy much to the delight of the members.
At the other end an injured Phil Faiers picked up the wooden tee and gave an acceptance speech that had everyone in stitches
The shock and despair of the result was tempered by the on course result, where Nigel Jones played great golf and held his nerve on a difficult final round to become another new name on the trophy much to the delight of the members.
At the other end an injured Phil Faiers picked up the wooden tee and gave an acceptance speech that had everyone in stitches
For the 20th Anniversary tour we turned our backs on France to head for the home of the OVGS in Wales. The hospitality shown by the locals was second to none. The courses, including the Celtic Manor and the Rolls of Monmouth proved a tough challenge. At the top of the leader board Will successfully defended a 7 shot lead on the last round to take his second title.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the table Roger Castle managed to pick up the not so coveted white hat. After much banter a disconsolate Roger made his way from the 18th green. "Never mind" he said to Andrew "things could be worse". "I don't think they could" was the supportive response from the tour leader!
Meanwhile, at the other end of the table Roger Castle managed to pick up the not so coveted white hat. After much banter a disconsolate Roger made his way from the 18th green. "Never mind" he said to Andrew "things could be worse". "I don't think they could" was the supportive response from the tour leader!
Another OVGS member who was spurred on by a bit of a disastrous showing was Chappers. 2012 saw him unsportingly miss the Wooden Tee by 1 shot. Two years later he fought off the competition from the largest tour assembled of 21 golfers and managed to win the tournament by the same margin.
At the other end Richard Jones realised that the surname did not guarantee greatness.
At the other end Richard Jones realised that the surname did not guarantee greatness.
2013 turned out to be a bit of a family affair. The first appearance of Erskine junior (who had the good sense to score lower than his dad) was then followed up by Mrs Erskine joining us on the last day. Normally a black ball offence we graciously let Andrew off with a stern warning.
On the course Clive played consistently well throughout then excelled on the last round where a six shot swing saw him overtake Nigel, his closest rival, to win by 2. At the less glamorous end JK made it a hatrick of "wins" but declined the offer to keep the trophy.
On the course Clive played consistently well throughout then excelled on the last round where a six shot swing saw him overtake Nigel, his closest rival, to win by 2. At the less glamorous end JK made it a hatrick of "wins" but declined the offer to keep the trophy.
In a repeat of the course selection of 6 years earlier, Andrew picked a challenging set of venues for the 2012 OVGS tour. This year it was Gareth who played magnificent golf, including the first round off scratch. Nobody stood a chance as Gareth won his first OVGS tour by 14 shots (the largest ever winning margin). The handicap committee duly took note. At the other end of the table JK retained his Wooden Tee, but Rob (aka Chappers) ran him awfully close!!
Mrs Grace was the guest of honour at the gala dinner and prize giving, adding a much needed touch of class.
Mrs Grace was the guest of honour at the gala dinner and prize giving, adding a much needed touch of class.
Over a few beers on the 2010 tour Andrew and Will hatched a cunning plan to take the OVGS on a road trip to Germany. "It will be great", said Will fantastic courses and sunshine all day. Well... the courses were great!
Unfortunately the relatively recent introduction technology for scoring backfired and the scores after the first 2 rounds were lost. We do however know that Ian retired injured, Simon returned to the top of the leaderboard and JK resumed Wooden Tee duties
Unfortunately the relatively recent introduction technology for scoring backfired and the scores after the first 2 rounds were lost. We do however know that Ian retired injured, Simon returned to the top of the leaderboard and JK resumed Wooden Tee duties
For the 2010 competition we stayed in the Hotel Barrière La Baule, and over the first rounds Will opened a 6 shot lead. In the final round on the stunning La Bretesche course, the lead was cut by tour rookie Gareth. On the approach to the last green the tour watched... would he thin it over the clubhouse as he did in 2004 or would he hold his nerve? Soon after we had our answer and another new champion golfer was crowned.
At the other end Neil Crumbie on his last tour managed to save JK and Mike from last round nerves.
At the other end Neil Crumbie on his last tour managed to save JK and Mike from last round nerves.
The third outing of the OVGS saw us visit the Hotel du Golf (where we would return in 2019) and our first visit to the magnificent Champ de Bataille.
Another win for Simon and the new boy Andy Chestnutt didn't realise the significance of the Wooden Tee until he won it. It was actually shared with Charles, however history doesn't record it as so.
Off the course, as we were all still in our prime we headed out to the Casino after dinner, where Mr Burton managed a very creditable 30 minutes before falling asleep in the corner.
Another win for Simon and the new boy Andy Chestnutt didn't realise the significance of the Wooden Tee until he won it. It was actually shared with Charles, however history doesn't record it as so.
Off the course, as we were all still in our prime we headed out to the Casino after dinner, where Mr Burton managed a very creditable 30 minutes before falling asleep in the corner.
After the infamous 'Poolgate' stay at Les Ormes Andrew left it a few years before venturing back. After 5 closely fought rounds the non contenders gathered in a downpour at the Freslonnière 18th with 3 in contention. Rob stepped up and used the standing water on the green to great advantage taking the hole and adding another new name to the OVGS trophy.
The after tour meal got a little out of hand due to the OVGS growing taste for rosé. 2009 was also the year the fines committee was born.
The after tour meal got a little out of hand due to the OVGS growing taste for rosé. 2009 was also the year the fines committee was born.
As so often happens when Andrew gets a rush of blood to the head and takes the tour further afield, he returns home the following year and so in 2008 we were booked into Le Tronchet.
A number of factors contributed to Alan's back to back wins, he took it far too seriously, the Handicap committee had yet to find its teeth and John Peters couldn't hold onto his driver or his 8 shot lead on the last round... Regardless of the reason, Alan was a worthy double winner.
A number of factors contributed to Alan's back to back wins, he took it far too seriously, the Handicap committee had yet to find its teeth and John Peters couldn't hold onto his driver or his 8 shot lead on the last round... Regardless of the reason, Alan was a worthy double winner.
In 2007 Andrew and Mike Bruce-Mitford hatched a plan for an exotic trip to Marrakesh staying in Mike's fabulous Les Borjs de la Kasbah hotel where we were treated to a cultural extravaganza.
Meanwhile on the course we experienced "caddie golf" for the first time on tour. Clearly it agreed with new boy Alan Wright, who fought through a tight final round to win on his first outing. 2007 was a year for newbies as Neil Crumbie picked up the Wooden Tee.
Meanwhile on the course we experienced "caddie golf" for the first time on tour. Clearly it agreed with new boy Alan Wright, who fought through a tight final round to win on his first outing. 2007 was a year for newbies as Neil Crumbie picked up the Wooden Tee.
For the 2006 tour Andrew upped the ante on the course difficulty and coupled the challenging Champ de Bataille with the first visit to the beast that is Golf Parc. In one of the lowest scoring tours after 4 rounds Phil lead the pack by 7.
It wasn't his closest rival that ultimately challenged, but Chris Castle who was 13 shots behind at the outset. It came down to the final hole where Chris held his nerve to hole out and win by 1 shot.
It wasn't his closest rival that ultimately challenged, but Chris Castle who was 13 shots behind at the outset. It came down to the final hole where Chris held his nerve to hole out and win by 1 shot.
Understandably, we steered clear of Les Ormes in 2005, instead we returned to Le Tronchet where we were relatively well behaved. Apart from Simon Tobin drinking the bar dry of Armagnac leading him to ponder the following day whether to "take a 3 wood or throw up".
2005 saw the return of JK who was quick to assume the "Winning at the wrong end of the table" position. Another tight contest saw Andy C (before the pressures of keeping score!) put another new name on the trophy, and join Rick and Andrew in the "Top and Tail" club.
2005 saw the return of JK who was quick to assume the "Winning at the wrong end of the table" position. Another tight contest saw Andy C (before the pressures of keeping score!) put another new name on the trophy, and join Rick and Andrew in the "Top and Tail" club.
The third outing of the OVGS saw us visit the Hotel du Golf (where we would return in 2019) and our first visit to the magnificent Champ de Bataille.
Another win for Simon and the new boy Andy Chestnutt didn't realise the significance of the Wooden Tee until he won it. It was actually shared with Charles, however history doesn't record it as so.
Off the course, as we were all still in our prime we headed out to the Casino after dinner, where Mr Burton managed a very creditable 30 minutes before falling asleep in the corner.
Another win for Simon and the new boy Andy Chestnutt didn't realise the significance of the Wooden Tee until he won it. It was actually shared with Charles, however history doesn't record it as so.
Off the course, as we were all still in our prime we headed out to the Casino after dinner, where Mr Burton managed a very creditable 30 minutes before falling asleep in the corner.
2004.... aah the infamous Les Ormes trip. A quiet après-golf evening turned into a bit of a mad pool party involving a visit from the Gendarmarie! During the festivities Andrew's keys got waterlogged and getting them sorted out on the last day meant only 18 holes of golf for the first time!
Meanwhile, on the course we were treated to an exciting 3 way play off for the title. The tense encounter was won by Simon. At the other end Mike forgot his rosary beads and again went home with the Wooden Tee.
Meanwhile, on the course we were treated to an exciting 3 way play off for the title. The tense encounter was won by Simon. At the other end Mike forgot his rosary beads and again went home with the Wooden Tee.
By 2003 Le Tronchet, had completed their accommodation, so Andrew decided to give it a go and it didn't disappoint. Though quite what the staff thought of Mark's howling like a dog has not been recorded.
Inspired by Rick's win the previous year, Andrew had also been in training. On the last day, and much to the delight of the rest of the tour, he played superbly, in a very tight final four, to take the title.
Such were the high spirits and high temperature that we abandoned the last round to have a swim in the sea instead!
Inspired by Rick's win the previous year, Andrew had also been in training. On the last day, and much to the delight of the rest of the tour, he played superbly, in a very tight final four, to take the title.
Such were the high spirits and high temperature that we abandoned the last round to have a swim in the sea instead!
The 2002 tour kicked off for the second time at l’Amirauté. This time we were delighted that Rick was sufficiently organised to join us from the start!
Nobody really knew how much the great putt off of 2000 hurt Rick. He was much improved in 2001 but after a further year of training Rick emerged in 2002 to blow the field away in a convincing win.
At the other end of the table the tour welcomed Mike Kennedy. Never one to let etiquette get in the way of a good round, Mike kept us entertained with his on and off course antics and was a gracious winner of the wooden tee.
Nobody really knew how much the great putt off of 2000 hurt Rick. He was much improved in 2001 but after a further year of training Rick emerged in 2002 to blow the field away in a convincing win.
At the other end of the table the tour welcomed Mike Kennedy. Never one to let etiquette get in the way of a good round, Mike kept us entertained with his on and off course antics and was a gracious winner of the wooden tee.
2001 and we returned to what has since become a tour favourite, Les Ormes, complete with frog chorus. Perhaps the most notable event occurred at the dinner table on the evening before the last round. Phil Faiers, was not far off the bottom, however he confidently declared the he was "far too good a golfer to win the wooden tee"... The rest, as they say, is history.
Fortunately for Phil, the OVGS members are a sensitive lot and haven't raised the subject much since.
The opening tour of the new millennium saw the first OVGS visit to Le Tronchet. The last round was abandoned as conditions became unplayable due to the rain. In an attempt to rescue players on course, Andrew took a wrong turn and ended up with 5 people in a buggy on a main dual carriageway causing panic and hilarity in equal measure.
As Simon was 12 shots in the lead he won the tour, however the wooden tee had to be contested between Andrew and Rick over an 18 hole putt off. In a tight contest expertly adjudicated by Phil Faiers, the lead ebbed and flowed, though Andrew managed to prevail.
As Simon was 12 shots in the lead he won the tour, however the wooden tee had to be contested between Andrew and Rick over an 18 hole putt off. In a tight contest expertly adjudicated by Phil Faiers, the lead ebbed and flowed, though Andrew managed to prevail.
Another year and another set of firsts. We visited L'Amiraute complete with exotic statues! Well most of us did... At the boat Andrew was growing concerned about Rick's non appearance. When he called to check, a confused Rick said OVGS...? but that's next week...? isn't it...?
As for the tournament we had a new winner in Aubrey, although his win was tempered by being hustled out of €20 each by Pete, Andy and John Peters.
In the end fate has a sting in the tail for Pete who was undone by worrying more about Hissing Sids than his score on the last round only realising his folly on the 17th green. So we had also had a new Wooden Tee winner.
As for the tournament we had a new winner in Aubrey, although his win was tempered by being hustled out of €20 each by Pete, Andy and John Peters.
In the end fate has a sting in the tail for Pete who was undone by worrying more about Hissing Sids than his score on the last round only realising his folly on the 17th green. So we had also had a new Wooden Tee winner.
The third outing of the OVGS saw us visit the Hotel du Golf (where we would return in 2019) and our first visit to the magnificent Champ de Bataille.
Another win for Simon and the new boy Andy Chestnutt didn't realise the significance of the Wooden Tee until he won it. It was actually shared with Charles, however history doesn't record it as so.
Off the course, as we were all still in our prime we headed out to the Casino after dinner, where Mr Burton managed a very creditable 30 minutes before falling asleep in the corner.
Another win for Simon and the new boy Andy Chestnutt didn't realise the significance of the Wooden Tee until he won it. It was actually shared with Charles, however history doesn't record it as so.
Off the course, as we were all still in our prime we headed out to the Casino after dinner, where Mr Burton managed a very creditable 30 minutes before falling asleep in the corner.
The first OVGS proved to be such a triumph that Andrew decided to rerun it the following year.
This year a youngster with much promise took the top spot, Little did he know that it would be over 20 years until he next tasted victory.
Somewhat foolishly the participants contrived to have Andrew come last risking the early demise of the OVGS. Fortunately Andrew took it on the chin and continued.
This year a youngster with much promise took the top spot, Little did he know that it would be over 20 years until he next tasted victory.
Somewhat foolishly the participants contrived to have Andrew come last risking the early demise of the OVGS. Fortunately Andrew took it on the chin and continued.
John Major was Prime Minister, the Spice Girls were formed and Andrew thought he would organise a bit of a golf outing for a few friends thus the Old Vicarage Golf Society was born.
Many Prime Ministers later and with the Spice Girls going on a 20 year reunion tour the OVGS has outlasted them all.
Unfortunately the scores from the first year did not survive, however we do know the attendees and that the winner of the first, of many red hats was Simon Hesketh.
Participants:
Many Prime Ministers later and with the Spice Girls going on a 20 year reunion tour the OVGS has outlasted them all.
Unfortunately the scores from the first year did not survive, however we do know the attendees and that the winner of the first, of many red hats was Simon Hesketh.
Participants:
- Andrew Erskine
- Bob Zierer
- Charles Anderson
- Ian Burton
- ohn Kelleher
- Peter Trueman
- Rob Brigham
- Simon Hesketh
The third outing of the OVGS saw us visit the Hotel du Golf (where we would return in 2019) and our first visit to the magnificent Champ de Bataille.
Another win for Simon and the new boy Andy Chestnutt didn't realise the significance of the Wooden Tee until he won it. It was actually shared with Charles, however history doesn't record it as so.
Off the course, as we were all still in our prime we headed out to the Casino after dinner, where Mr Burton managed a very creditable 30 minutes before falling asleep in the corner.
Another win for Simon and the new boy Andy Chestnutt didn't realise the significance of the Wooden Tee until he won it. It was actually shared with Charles, however history doesn't record it as so.
Off the course, as we were all still in our prime we headed out to the Casino after dinner, where Mr Burton managed a very creditable 30 minutes before falling asleep in the corner.