Sussex Golf Captains
Don't tell anyone, but he missed the green.
The home of the legendary Tarzipan
Worthing
We are sad to report the passing of our President, Peter Ward.
Peter was an amazing man. Always full of laughter and joy, he treated everyone as his closest friend. He was always a joy to be around and he will be very much missed.
Rest in Peace our friend.
Here is a gallery. If youhave any pictures you'd like to share, send them to Joe.
Peter and Colin
President's Day
Peter, as usual, crying with laughter
The Very Odd Couple
And so we reach the final event of the season, The Bristow Tankards. It was off to Dale Hill for a shotgun start, some excellent golf, a few beers and a black-tie dinner. There were some speeches, superb food, an excellent comedian (Jimmy McGhie) and quite a bit of drink. All in all, a fitting send-off to a great season.
The Results
1st - Steve Daly and Paul Noonan with 39 points
2nd Jamie Pontin and Darren Derkson with 38 points
3rd Peter Snook and Mike Shaw with 38 points
4th Peter Billcliff (87) and Sean Nolan 36 points
Here is a slideshow of the day.
Your Captain
Tony Phillipou
Where did it all go wrong?
The Right Guard salesman is in the room.
And then I say..."Big Nige is in da house!"
And Reg gave me a banana
Nigel and Clive Morton
Our oldest competitor, 93 year old Reg
Steve Daly and Ian Potter
Russell Pearson and Richard Jays
The runners up, Jamie Pontin and Darren Derkson
Joe and Jimmy McGhie
Joe's Pint
We are da management!
A very relaxed Kevin Elphick
Steve Daly and Paul Newman, The Winners.
Keith Talbot
Brighton & Hove
So long until next year, when we get to do it all again.
And so, we reach the final curtain.
The season is keenly balanced. Our record this season is 6 losses, 3 draws and 5 wins. The big question was whether or not the golfing ledger would finish the season all square, or would the young Bucks ensure we ended up in the red.
With hope in our hearts, petrol in the car and a rather nice port & brandy combination in the hip flask, we headed off to Chiltern Forest in deepest, darkest Buckinghamshire. We were warned the course is a bit hilly but otherwise lovely. This seemed less of a problem than the imminent threat of yet another washout.
Still, wet weather gear packed, P&B warming the cockles, and Des ‘Multiball’ Malcolm fully stocked with spare balls and a chain saw, the game got underway (Get on with it! Ed).
You can read the full report HERE
The Happy Mundy
Hilly?
Tight, sweeping fairways
Has it stopped raining yet?
I'm sure they fit last week!
The Brains Trust
Andy Lamb and Ron Stevens
Hilly?
Car Parks of Britain
Disney greenlights Lethal Weapon remake
Car Parks of Britain
Nigel takes his tribute from the Colin Ewell, the Bucks Captain
The Autumn Mixed, the penltimate event of the season. A beautiful day for golf, in a beautiful setting and with beautiful company. To top it all, there was a pudding counter, it was beautiful.
Scoring was difficult as the course was playing long. Ham Manor are such generous hosts that they usually let other clubs win, this year however, victory went to the home club.
Results
1st - Steve Dillamore and Gesine Hermann with 39 points
2nd - Andy Lamb and Rose Norton with 36 points
3rd - Jim Dossetter and Stacey Dibbs with 36 points
4th - Peter Rodger and Stacey Dibbs with 36 points
Steve Dillamore and Gesine Hermann
A crowded dinning room
Andy Lamb and Rose Norton
A fabulous Hooker
Ivan Parnell
Jim Dossetter and Jamie Blades
Joe and Jim
Kevin Heenan
Kids on their phones!
Norman and Judy
Pet Rodger and Stacey Dibbs
Peter Smith
Mmmmm....
Pudding, we love pudding
Rachel Black
Ivan Parnell
Waldorf and Statler
Whose head is this?
As the season draws to a close we come to Cottesmore for the last home match of the season. We are taking on our friends from Essex. it's always a pleasure to welcome these fine gentlemen as they enjoy a jolly boys' outing.
Our season is delicately poised, having won as many matches as we’ve lost. The big question is will Nigel finish the season as a winning Captain? Or will he end up buying a clapped-out Capri Ghia with 20,000 miles on the clock, a Fsh and one lady owner? Read on, dear reader, read on. HERE
Harold Four Puds
Kids on their phones
Jamie gets it from Nigel
Nigel Pearson
Peter and Joe
Peter Freeman
Des 'Multiball' Malcolm
We've come a long way in 60 years. Over the years the people have changed, new friends have been made and we've said goodbye to many. However, the one thing that remains constant is the friendship, camaraderie, and banter that marks Sussex Golf Captains as something special.
We couldn't do it, without the help and support of all those clubs who so generously host us. Part of our mission is to support Sussex Golf Clubs, there is no finer county to play golf in. Every year, we return about £100,000 to Sussex Golf Clubs and we look to support and promote Sussex Golf Clubs. Here is to another 60 years.
As befits such an auspicious event, our hosts for the day were Cowdray Park. Already one of the finest courses in the county, this beautiful and testing golf course has undergone a significant upgrade. The remarkable work done on the bunkers, paths and greens ensured an exciting day's play. If you haven't visited it yet, you should. We can't recommend it highly enough.
As for the competition, this was won by a mixed team from Cowdray Park and Eastbourne Downs, followed by a Pyecombe and Piltdown team in second, with Littlehampton in third place.
Results
1st - Phillip Harrison, David Balfour, Harvey Terry and Phil Manser
2nd - Andy Selsby, Cahel Logan, Gary Hann and Phil Keerie
3rd - John Luke, Kit Magrath, Bill Hoal and Andy Clarke
Thank you to Tim Allen and his team for all their hard work, we had a brilliant day.
Here is a slideshow
The victorious team from Cowdray, Phil Harrison, David Balfour, Harvey Terry and Phil Manser
Eastbourne Downs, we didn't win!
Ham Manor
Harold Knight
Ian Mitchell. Richard Jays, Tarzipan and Keith Talbot
In third place, John Luke, Kit Magrath, Bill Hoal and Andy Clarke from Littlehampton.
A deep bunker!
Nick Lee from Pyecombe considers his life choices.
Nigel Wates, Andrew Newman, Steve Daly and Trevor Haegar
Paul Petty receives his tie.
Roger Hyde welcomes us to Cowdray Park
The Fabulous Mr Macauley
Who is this?
The Winners
Another bunker!
David Balfour
In second place, Andy Selsby, Cahel Logan, Gary Hann and Phil Keerie from Pyecombe and Piltdown.
Rivalries always start with your closest neighbours. There is no point getting all antsy with people who live miles and miles away when you can pop down the road and have a right old ding-dong with your nearest and dearest. Just think of the English and the French, the English and the Irish, the English and the Scots, the English and the Welsh…well, you get the general idea.
With that in mind, we headed off to the delightful Wrotham Heath to take on one of our oldest enemies, the good burghers of Kent. They were full of confidence as they are unbeaten this season.
You can read all about it HERE
*Why is Nigel wearing Andy Plowright's jacket?
Nigel, in Andy Plowright's jacket
Taking on the White Lightning
The heat
And the flag goes up for the Wacky Races
Every year the Vice-Captain of Sussex Golf Captains hosts the Gordon Clark. This competition is for past Captains, Presidents and Committee Members of Sussex Captains. This year, Richard Jays hosted us at Littlehampton. With lovely sunshine, a beautiful golf course and a stiff breeze we were in for an interesting day at the seaside.
The Result
1st - Phil Williamson with 36 points
2nd - Reg Auchterlonie with 31 points
3rd - Brian Street with 28 points.
The winner in the over-80 category was Ken Wenham.
Beer-wise, Littlehampton were serving Hobgoblin IPA from Wychwood Brewery. A full-flavoured IPA and the perfect beer for summer drinking! As for dinner, the Beef Wellington was delicious. Thank you to everyone at the club for a memorable day.
Here are some pictures.
Winner of the Gordon Clark, Phil Williamson
Brian Street
Ken Wenham
Nigel at Eddiie Noyce's bench
Reg Auchterlonie
Have you seen this man?
A superb Beef Wellington
The Top Table
Not the top table
A traditional Sussex Captains warm-up
'ave it
In this rather lacklustre summer, Sussex Golf Captains results have echoed the weather, with occasional flashes of sunshine, the odd heavy downpour, and a lot of grey drizzle. Our record stands at four wins, four losses and two draws. Next up were Bedfordshire Captains. For those of you not geographically minded, Bedfordshire is about three hours north of god knows where.
But how, in the battle for the BEDSEX Trophy, would our lusty lotharios fare? Would they…oh, I give up; insert your own innuendos here.
Read on, dear heart, read on.
Nigel and Des
Mickey Grimes
West Hove on Tour
Following a two-match unbeaten run, a home fixture at Royal Eastbourne gave us an excellent opportunity to make it three in a row. However, Cambridge captains are noted for fielding strong teams. The last time they came to Sussex, they beat us at Crowborough Beacon; no mean achievement.
So, with the rain clearing away, a gentle breeze and the promise of apple crumble for pudding, off we went.
Read the full match report HERE
We first held Patron's Day at Crowborough Beacon in 1999, making it our 25th anniversary.
This is one of our most popular events, and why not? A beautiful course with stunning views and a warm welcome, what's not to like? Well, since you ask...the weather. Overnight it chucked it down, and the start was delayed whilst the greenstaff cleared the water from the course. They did a brilliant job, and without their heroic effort, we would have lost the day. However, the golfing gods smiled at us, and the rain stopped, the sun shone, and the course was in perfect condition.
Following an excellent lunch, with jelly for pudding! it was on to the results.
Results
1st - Nigel Wates (Captain) and Andrew Newman from Nevill GC with 43 point
2nd - Tony Head and Jim Tucker from Copthorne GC with 40 points
3rd - Terry Ferber and Tom Drysdale from Lewes GC with 39 points
4th - Andrew Selfe (Crowborough Captain) and Gary Reeve-Wing with 39 points
Here is a selection of images from the day.
Mark Terry (Patron) and Tony Bauckham
The Winners, NW and Andy Newman
Clint Eastwood made a film about these three
David Hopkins receives his tie.
Ian Potter doesn't have a tie
The Fifth, a beautiful driving hole
Ian Potter receives a tie, and a £13 bill.
Andrew Selfe and Gary Reeve-Wing
Mitch's warm-up routine
Terry Ferber and Tom Drysdale
The best finishing hole in Sussex
The Golden Guys
Tony Head and Jim Tucker
God's waiting room
Andrew prepares a speech
ave it!
Big John
Chris and Andrew
Norman Beaney chasing his trolley!
They say it never rains on the Captains, but how wrong they are. Most of these pictures were taken in the safety of the dining room!
Today, we met at West Hove. If all else failed, there was always the pudding table to look forward to. So, how would we fair? Would Sussex be singing in the rain? Or would soggy Surrey be sorry they’d come to Sussex?
It is summer, you know!
Check out the full match report HERE
God's Fourball
The Captains with Susan's Tree
Clive and Jon
Happy Baby
The quiet Irvine Walker
Ian Jaggard
John Payne
Johnny Two Pints
I like a challenge
Has this jumper shrunk?
Oh Deer!
Ole
Peter Hawley
Nigel tries the old 'Pull My Finger' routine
Russell Pearson
Simon Ward at his first SGC match
Susan's Tree
A wonderful stew
And with that the weather turned
An amazing portrait.
Matches with London are always a lot of fun and usually close contests, which Sussex usually manages to win. The last time London came to Sussex, they suffered an ignominious defeat at Cowdray Park. Would history repeat itself? How would old Two Pints Nugent fare? What would the wine be like? And, would Mitch fall for the old 'Pull My Finger' routine?
Check out the full match report HERE
On Friday, we rocked up to the Nevill for Nigel Wates's Captain's Day. And what a day it was! The sun shone (a bit), the wind blew (quite a bit) the greens ran quick (a lot) and there was much laughter and joy (an awful lot). As always, the food and service was excellent. It is always a pleasure and privilege to come here.
The course has firmed up as summer goes on, and the longer ball run definitely suited some of our more aged players. The winner, Barry Chapman (88) from Royal Eastbourne turned in a very respectable 41 points. It showed that the conditions were not easy.
Results
1st Barry Chapman - 41 points
2nd Rasoul Shahilow - 39 points
3rd Trevor Pigram - 39 points
4th Paul Kemp - 38 points.
On behalf of all the Captains who played, we would like to thank Nigel for his generous hospitality.
Here is a range of happy snaps from the day.
Peter Bilcliff (88) and Paul Black
Someone forgot his tie...
Phil Williamson
Rasoul Shahilow
Nom Nom Nom
Trevor Pigram
Kids on their phones!
Second Breakfast
Barry Chapman (88)
Barry Chapman (88) with the winner's hamper
Very delicious cake.
Dave Kemp
Harold Knight, who won NTP on 9 with his first hole in one
Richard Jays
Our secretary needs to go on a diet
John Ballard
Jonathon Ford receives his tie.
Nigel Wates, Captain, wonderful host, and all-around legend.
Paul Black gets his NTP after missing the green with his drive and watching the ball get a very lucky forward bounce up to the hole!
Paul Kemp
Sussex v SLC-SGA
This is one of the most hotly contested matches in our golfing year. The men won comfortably in 2022; the ladies gained their revenge in Ian Potter's year. The big question is, how did we fair this year? Did we reign supreme or do the ladies, as in life, hold the upper hand?
So, after the keenly fought contest, etc. etc. etc., the match was declared a draw at 5-5. Everyone went home happy, believing this was a fair result. However, in the rosy afterglow, we noticed an error in the counting. TBF, counting up to ten can be tricky. Now, no one is to blame, Nigel. Accidents will happen. Following a recount, the ladies won 6 - 4 and retained the Joe Lee Salver for another year.
It seems that the men may need the courtesy shots!
You can read the full match report HERE
Results
1st - Craig Millyard (Dyke) - 40 points
2nd - Iain McKay (Cottesmore) - 36 points
3rd - Paul Crompton (East Brighton) - 36 points
4th - Andy Lamb (Highwoods) - 33 points
Thank you to everyone at Brighton and Hove who made this day such a success. The course was in excellent condition, with firm, quick greens and a pushy breeze to speed us along. It wasn't easy out there, as the number of scores below 30 points showed. However, Craig played an almost perfect game to win by 4 points.
The icing on the cake was the food, Clay Morris sent out a stunning buffet lunch, dessert, and a cheese board. Worthy of note was the morning bacon roll, one of the best I've had for years.
The biggest thank you goes to Peter Ward, our host and President. On behalf of everyone, thank you for a wonderful day.
As ever, here is a showreel of the day.
Craig Millyard, President's Day winner.
Nigel and Dave
Des in a bobble hat...in June
Here is one for the ladies...
Iain McKay, second place
Ken gardening
Ken's best side.
Mickey Grimes
Paul Crompton, third
Peter Hawley, nearest the pin
The New Littlewoods Catalogue
Richard Jays, nearest the pin
The oldest boy band in the world
Andy Lamb, fourth
Craig wins again.
Paul Crompton, nearest the pin
Des, Peter and Ken
A very fine bacon roll
Splendid buffett
A friendly visitor
On a beautiful Thursday morning, we rocked up at East Brighton GC for this year's invitation. With light winds and lots of sunshine, our happy band went out to stop East Brighton from winning all the prizes. But how did they do?
The winners, Scott Tracey and Billy Goodwin from Dale Hill.
John Boniface, Ian Pagan, George Clark and Bill Hoal
Steve Evans, Barry Chapman, Ed Whiffin and Mike Frei
Ed Whiffin and Mike Frei from Cottesmore
The Inimitable Jags
East Brighton Captain. Jamie Pontin
Mitch Clark and Gary Skivington from Tandridge
The Captain's Fourball
Roast beef...mmm.
Peter Ward and Rob McKellar from Brighton & Hove
The winning pair!
The Arthur Holder Trophy
David Gillies and Chris Lewin with AAndy Plowright and Paul Jackson
Ian Potter, Martin Godsmark, Stuart Wallace and Phil Derbyshire.
Boomer
Tony Head and Tony Mack with Boomer and Micahel Carew-Gibbs
Bill Milford and Angus Sutton with Richard Bevan and Nigel Fuller.
2nd - Ed Whiffin and Mike Frei from Cottesmore with 44 points
3rd - Mitch Clark and Gary Skivington from Tandridge GC with 42 points
4th Peter Ward and Rob McKellar from Brighton and Hove with 42 points
Nigel Wates and Terry Killick
Under heavy skies
Malcolm Holmes
The Brains Trust
Neil seeking solace from Tarzipan
Pull my finger
Robin warming up
A spectacular dessert
Yes, I know we were three up!
True Love
Make it stop
Deep bunker or short legs?
Before
After
'ave it
The Worthing Captain receives his tie.
Look, just hit that way
Larry, Curly and Mo
Can Nigel keep the winning run of one going? Will Oxfordshire return home with Diddly Squat? Would Sussex be sent down on the downs, and how would golf's oldest pairing fair against the junior section? And, more importantly, what was the food like? Click on the link above to find out what happened.
The Odd Couple
Tiger Woods
The White Zone is for unloading...
and then I got a pound off!
Andy Plowright
A brand new clubhouse
Ian Potter, Nigel Wates, Paul Mantell and David Wallace
Justin Case
Nigel Wates and Paul Mantell
The Very Odd Couple
Hampshire took us to Cams Hall. Would Sussex return to winning ways? For that matter, would Nigel? Following the latest results, our Captain is employing a strategic pairing algorithm. Can AI power Sussex to victory? Will Hampshire confirm that ignorance is bliss? Click the link above to find out what happened.
Nigel tries to wrestle the trophy away from Mike Rossiter, the victorious Captain
Waldorf and Statler
Pre-match warm-up routine
Wrong Ball?
The Captains Team
Mitch's glass
Fantastic pie
Hello Ducky!
Why's he aiming for the tree?
Nigel's search for another win continues. Suggestions that he has a better chance of finding Dr Livingstone are completely unfounded. Meanwhile, how were the greens? What was the pie like? And who did what to Craig?
To find out, click the link above and read the match report.
Cheers
The team snapper.
Hey Harry, this is supposed to be a home game.
Harry on his phone
Jake the Peg
Cuddles
A busy night for Mitch
Harry loses his head
Nigel, you had one job!
And with that the next round of speed dating kicks off.
I don't care if it hurts I'm not touching it
and they're off...
There is a lot going on here
To me to you
A swing and a miss
and I just touch it up with a drop of Ronseal
Armed with bucket and spade, kiss me quick hats and a carrot for the donkey, we headed off to Bournemouth to take on Dorset Captains.
Click on the match to read the report on our narrow but heroic defeat.
On Thursday, we headed off to Copthorne Golf Club for Pros Day. Once a year we like to show our appreciation for the support local Pros give to Sussex Golf Captains by hosting a Pro/Captain competition. It is also an opportunity for us to watch an array of talent show us how to play the game.
On the eve of this year's event, we had a massive thunderstorm, which dumped millions of tons of water on Sussex. Somehow, against all the odds, the club's greens staff managed to get the course into playable condition for an 8 a.m. tee-off. The greens were in perfect condition, and the trees and bushes were just starting to shoot. We were set for a lovely day of golf.
1st - Jonny Ingram - 66
2nd - Chris Croucher - 70
3rd - Luke Ringrose, Russell Buxton, Mark James and Jack Davis - 71
1st - Copthorne - Stewart Ford, Steve May, Russell Buxton and Graeme Ivory - 128
2nd - Cottesmore- Nigel Powell, Trevor Pigram, Paul Young and Sam Passmore - 129
Here is a slideshow of the day
Joe needs a new wardrobe
Pros Day winner Jonny Ingram
Luke Ringrose Russell Buxton Mark James and Jack Davis
President Pete
Sam Passmore Nigel Powell Trevor Pigram
Simon Watts
Steve Daly gets his tie
The Winners, Stewart Ford Steve May Russell Buxton and Graeme Ivory
Peter Hawley and Stuart Alff
Stuart Alff
What is your favourite colour?
'ave it!
Chris Croucher
Come on, get on with it!
Eye of the Tigger
Next up, the Member's Invitation at East Brighton
It was off to Highwoods for the Spring Mixed. Whilst the day started with rain, it soon cleared to blue skies and a light breeze. With perfect green and the trees coming into bud it was a perfect spring day.
Ist - Natalie Evans and Lee Bonaldi
40 Points
2nd - Rita Griffiths-Glover and Keith Oliver
37 Points
3rd - Heidi Dronfield and Mitch Clark
36 Points
4th - Rachelle Black and Harold Knight
35 Points
A big thank you to everyone at Highwoods for everything they did to make the day such a success.
Rachelle and Harold
He's off again
The Captains, Nigel Wates, Keith Oliver and Rita Griffiths-Glover
The Captain's Table
Now, that was a dessert.
Natalie Evans and Lee Bonaldi collect the winners trophy
Blooming Spring
Brian for scale
Blue Sky
El Presidente
Gill Maynard and Laura Bennett
Harvey's Best
Heidi Dronfield and Mitch Clark
Live Action Shot
Lunch
Did I tell you I out-drove Craig?
Apple and Strawberry crumble with custard, ice-cream and clotted cream.
Bright sky
If you go down to the woods today...
Don't you dare stop working!
Practice beers
hands in front of the ball at impact...
Hit it that way!
A very delicious home-made Victoria Sponge
You can't have too much cake
Look at me, I can fly
Meanwhile, filming starts on the latest body-in-the-woods tv drama!
Come to Cornwall they said, the weather's lovely
and later on, Nigel had to have his gilet surgically removed.
Separated at birth
Steve Davis. No, not that one.
and if you are replacing a head gasket on a Ford Cortina, you'll need a 3/8th ratchet with reciprocating ....
Warm up beers
Launceston
Nigel Wates's first match as our Captain is also the first match on tour. So, how did the team do? Was there cake involved? and did anyone get injured by a flying pastie? Click on the match to find out.
Trotters Independent Traders Golf Day Poetry in motion Our photogenic President I don't think that is going to work I hate to ask "And then I touch it up with Cuprinol Black." explained Harold.
Overfed, overwatered and over there, how did we fare against the Devon?
This year, because of Nigel's Captains Day, we moved the Spring Meeting to Dyke GC. Given the weather we've had, this turned out to be a wise decision. Despite the soggy spring, Martin and everyone at the Dyke did a magnificent job in allowing 128 of Sussex's finest to brave the wind, rain and a little bit of sun. Thank you.
As for the competition.
41 Points
2nd - Kevin Weatherhill and Dave Boys
40 Points
3rd - Guy Goodens and Roger Hyde
38 Points
4th - Ian Potter and Trevor Jones
38 Points
President and Captain
Steak and Ale, for those wondering.
Here's one for the ladies in the room
Craig Millyard (Dyke) and Rasoul Shahilow (Eastbourne Downs)
Don't worry, it will soon be over.
Ham Manor
Who's knees are these?
Dave Boys is walking off with his partner's prize!
"So, I use Cuprinol Black for the colour..." said Harold.
Aka Tarzipan
The season is up and running. The next competition is the Spring Mixed at Highwoods.
Membership is open to any past or present Captain of a Sussex County Golf Union affiliated golf club, where the said club offer course courtesy to Sussex Golf Captains. An application form can be downloaded here.
If you are unsure, please contact the Secretary.
Why not join in the fun at Eastbourne Downs? Highwoods, always a pleasure to play.
Thursday 31st October 2024
An exclusive discount wine offer exclusively for Sussex Golf Captains. Includes free delivery for 12 bottles or more.
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Friday 26th April 2024
What a delightful day of golfing! A beautiful course, great food, and perfect greens—what's not to like?
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Wednesday 3rd April 2024
A six-step handy tip sheet to allow you to register for matches.
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Wednesday 7th February 2024
We are sad to report the passing of Peter Yeates. He was a much-loved past Captain and President of Sussex Golf Captains.
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