The sun shone, some of the VOMers wore shorts ! It was unprecedented !  Whatever that means.

The biggest field to date, since 2017, 12 men travelled from all over the world to participate in what is probably a golf tournament in Bournemouth.

2 new Players made their rookie debut this year. Strangely neither of the newbies were called Dearsley, but one was called Waterhouse, which apart from the spelling is almost the same.  These were Tom Waterhouse, a man who normally plays with odd shaped balls, and the mighty Ollie Hitchen, recording mogul and  son of the late great Tony Hitchen.

Dougie Ogilvy and Allan Boothroyd had both recovered from last year’s injuries and Pete K had polished his Tesla, and loaded it with 2,350 Pro V 1’s, ready for the start of this years event held for the first time at Hockley Golf Club near Winchester.

The other Dearsleys were on hand, Bob, Tony, Clive, Joe, Jack and Jamie and of course the 2019 Champion Ian Waterhouse, this year sponsored by Vidal Sassoon, “Because He’s Worth It !” 

The opening day was slightly marred by the fact that none of the Players were any good at golf but everything started on time and by the end of the day, after much mountaineering in the Hampshire heights, the Players returned to the Club House mostly satisfied with a good days work. Bob Dearsley , defending Champion, was way out in front with the rest of the field doing their best to stay focussed and awake.

After an evening of relaxation and rest the Players were ready for the first Tee at Meyrick Park.

Fear and trepidation hung in the air as the 12 set out amongst the trees and dog walkers ,which are among the many hazards on this historic track.

Clive started to set the pace at Meyrick after a very shaky start with leader Bob holding off the challenge and Ollie and Jack showing some form.

Those expecting  drama in the VOM’s were not disappointed because as the back 9 commenced Allan was viciously attacked by a huge Horse Fly causing him to withdraw halfway through the round. The Horse Fly took his place and was doing quite well until felled by an unexpected swat from Dougie after the fly sank a particularly long putt.

The end of Day 2 saw Bob holding on to a 7 point lead , and claiming the Tank Trophy , staying in front of Clive by 7 points with Ollie, Ian, Joe and Pete 12 points off the pace. Jack was 1 behind the pack and the rest of the field were mostly in the field. Tom was actually in the field more than most, in fact on occasions not just the field but that bit way, way, way over there past the field ! Tony was also very pleased with his performance as he managed surprisingly to complete the 18 holes without loosing any clubs, not one !

Dougie had found the trees on a number of occasions and at one point was mistaken for a Lumberjack and gathered quite a following from some of the more adventurous dog walkers. Later Doug was forced to withdraw from the competition when he discovered that The Curzon Club opened at 5.00pm on a Saturday.

After an evening of Masters’ Golf, Thai Cooking and various beverages and of course a jolly good nights sleep the , now, 11 appeared on the first tee at Parkstone courtesy of Mr P Keeping and 2 of his very affable fellow members.

Up for grabs now was not only the VOM’s Championship but of course The Crowhurst Celebration Trophy, which is played over the last two rounds. In the mix were Clive, Ollie and Bob with eyes on all the prizes. but Jamie, Joe, Pete, Ian and Jack all believed they had a shout. Tony, Tom and Allan (Who was back after his nasty Fly experience) all hoping for a miracle a good final round.

Would Bob hold his nerve ? Could the power that is Ollie stop him ? Did Clive know what was going on ?

The Parkstone front 9 started well. Jack was nearest the pin on the 2nd hole and then fell away. Joe was on fire 22 points front 9, Pete on 19  and Ollie , standing toe to toe with Bob, slammed in 24 points.

It was game on as the back 9 came into sight.

Jamie banged in 40 points to push Joe, even with his 38, into 5th place. But up front it was all kicking off !

Ollie started to feel pressure, Bob thrives on pressure ! Clive was still confused.

On the 18th Tee (200 yard par 3) Bob was 2 shots clear of Clive and 3 shots clear of Ollie. Bob and Ollie hit the green, Clive disappeared into the dip miraculously to get up and down for a par.

Both Bob and Ollie 2 putted leaving Bob Dearsley VOM’s Champion for a second year and Clive proud winner of the Crowhurst Celebration Trophy.

The crowd, as you would expect, were already in the bar, but celebrations started to break out almost immediately and Bob stood to address the crowd:

“Gentlemen !

The competition has been outstanding, the golf has been outstanding, the courses were outstanding choices, the rookies made an outstanding contribution and I plan to spend more time out standing and admiring my trophy collection! Or at least admiring the pictures that I am allowed to keep!

I personally loved the “Just In Time” drama of the linen and towels and the incredible commentary that Clive single-handedly added to the Sky coverage!

I would like to dedicate my win to my Lovely old mate Hitch, bless him, who was overdue to make a debut and whose place Young Hitch filled admirably.”

and as you would expect the ensemble raised their glasses accordingly.

The prize giving then ensued and prizes and Trophies were distributed and a bloody good time was had by all,

AND McIlroy won !!!

VOMs 2026 April 10th – 13th 2026.  

Bring It On !

 

Bob Dearsley receiving The VOMs Trophy from two other Dearsleys.

The Historic Tank Trophy presented by Tony and Jamie Dearsley accepted with glee by the Right Honourable Bob Dearsley.

Could it be yet more Dearsleys winning more Trophies ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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and then of course there is the tawdry matter of the Money……………………………..