Welcome to Sussex Golf Captains

Oxfordshire v Sussex

The First Away Match of the Season!

I'm not saying it was wet, but even the ducks had umbrellas. 

Taking their lead from Giff-Gaff Potter, 20 worried souls had spent the previous few days glued to their phones as they scoured the weather forecast for any hope that a biblical deluge could be avoided. Reassured by the locals that Oxford had its own micro-climate and the forecast said it would be playable the team set off. The stout yeomen of Sussex were loaded up with waterproofs, wellies and a small canoe and the windscreen wipers were set to frantic as they headed north. 

Read the match report HERE

Sussex v Dorset

What surprised the Captain? Answers on a postcard...

In an act of kindness, we are hosting Dorset in the west of the county. It saves them from travelling quite so far. We also treat them to one of our nicest courses, the beautiful Ham Manor.

We made a good start to the season with a draw and a win; the big question is, can we keep this going? Read the match report HERE

Sussex v Hampshire

Last of the Summer Wine II

Second match of the season, at Ifield. Would we get our first win? Will Richard Jay's strategic selections lead us to victory and glory? Can Hampshire be beaten again? What we can say is that Ifield gave us a warm welcome, lashings of lovely food and a fantastic day. As for the result, well, you will need to read the match report to find out HERE. 

Here is a slideshow of the day. 

Pros Day

A beautiful summer's day

128 golfers, made up of 32 talented professionals and 96 professional pie eaters, pitched up at Copthorne for Pros Day. Every year, we like to treat our Pros to a day out. They play a serious competition for money, and we wander around in a state of befuddled amazement at how they play the game. It is one of our most popular events. 

As ever, Copthorne put on a show with a warm welcome, a top pie, Harvey's Best and Timothy Taylor's Landlord. The course was in good nick too! 

The Pro's Competition

AJ, the winner, had to run off for a key exam!

This year, it was very close. The winner scored 71, with three other players sitting on 72. Scoring was tricky, with greens speeding up and the dry weather adding a bit more run on the ball. 

Result

1st A J Richardson - 71 

2nd - Tim Allen - 72

2nd - Mark Dawe - 72

2nd - Johnny Ingram - 72

The Team Competition

Played mainly for fun, and with the amateurs benefitting from the extra run on the ball, the scoring was better than expected.

John Jago, Mark Bailey and Alan Davey get a big cup from Richard Jays

Results

1st - John Jago, Alan Davey, Mark Bailey and Lucas Durant (Pyecombe) - 123

2nd - David Vearnacombe, Ed Copsey, Michael Parsons and Alex Webb (Copthorne) - 126

3rd - Ray Akehurst, Andrew Chapman, Stuart Fowlie and John Tolliday (Dale Hill) - 127

Here is a slide show of the day.

The Spring Mixed

Hunting for the ball fish

The end of April sees us head off to Highwoods for the Spring Mixed. It's nice to know Sussex Golf Captains can behave themselves in polite company. Highwoods know how to look after us, we had a fantastic day. As ever, the food was wonderful, the greens were the best we've played on this year, and Denis Delahunt, the Highwoods captain gave us a warm welcome. Unlike previous Highwoods captains, he was polite enough not to trouble the scorers! 

The Result

1st - Jim Miller and Pippa O'Dwyer - 38 Points

2nd - Mickey Grimes and Paula Conneally - 38 Points

3rd - Andy Lamb* and Rose Norton - 38 Points

4th - Ian Potter and Nanette Meeten - 38 Points

*If only Andy hadn't suffered a handicap cut the day before, he wouldn't have suffered the indignity of losing out to Mickey Grimes. Oh, how we laughed. 

As ever, here is a slide show of shenanigans

Sussex v Devon

The season opener saw Sussex treat Devon Golf Captains to a stunning view of the Harvey's Brewery and its environs. Given the chilly easterly and the recent dry spell, this was always going to be an interesting day on top of the downs. But, as ever, good company, great beer and an outstanding pie ensured we had a fantastic time. There was even a hole-in-one!

Read the match report, HERE

And so, our season begins. 

Thursday 3rd of April marks the start of our golfing year. 128 of our finest Captains head over to the Dyke Golf Club for stunning views, beautiful sunshine, a great course, bacon rolls and pie. The sun shone, there were snakes, balls in the bush, a 90 year old almost won and lots of crumble and custard. We also welcomed 11 new captains. 

We appointed a new Captain and President and we wish them all the best for the year ahead. 

Captain, Richard Jays and President, Phil Williamson

Spring Meeting Results

1st - Dave Boys and Jeffrey Lamb - 46 Points

2nd - Phil Broome and Gordon Smith - 43 Points

3rd - Peter Billcliff (90) and Sean Nolan (Carer) - 43 Points

4th - Steve Tigg and Geoff Dyckes - 43 Points

Here is a slideshow of the day. 

Peter 'Tarzipan' Ward

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. 

The Bristow Tankards

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. 

Paul Noonan and Steve Daly with the winning trophies

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. 

So long until next year, when we get to do it all again. 

Buckinghamshire v Sussex

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 Autumn Mixed

Steve Dillamore and Gesine Hermann

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

Sussex v Essex

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

60th Anniversary of Sussex Golf Captains

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. 

60th Anniversary Event at Cowdray Park

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. 

The winners proudly show off their new hats.

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 

Kent v Sussex

The Kent Captain, Mike Stephens, congratulates Nigel* on his victory 

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? 

The Gordon Clark

The winner, Phil Williamson, receives delicious whiskey from Nigel Wates

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. 

Bedfordshire v Sussex

Nigel gives it to Dave

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. 

Sussex v Cambridgeshire

John receives the CAMSEX Trophy from Nigel

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

Patron's Day

Our Patron, Mark Terry, relaxing with a Lime and Soda (?)

 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. 

Sussex v Surrey

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

Sussex v London

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

Captain's Day

Nigel Wates stops to tell us about the one that got away. 

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. 

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? 

Nigel Wates reluctantly hands over the Joe Lee Salver to Rosemary Reese

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

Peter Ward's

President's Day

Craig Millyard (1) receives the winner's silver from Tarzipan. Craig shot 66 gross to win with 40 points. 

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. 

Join Sussex Golf Captains

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. 

Membership Application Form