Hi Everyone,

What a beautiful day we all had at Lewes, given the weather in previous years it was a delight to have sunny and not too cold weather, although the wind did get up a bit on the back 9.

The course was in great condition for this time of the year, especially the greens which were surprisingly fast. It was also great to see a large entry for the last meeting of the year with some excellent scoring. 12 of us decided to take advantage of the Banter Bus wonderfully organised by Jacko. It was just a shame that it couldn’t make it up the hill to the club house since we all had to get out half way up and walk. (Apparently, the clutch had seen better days!?!)

Golf was followed by a lovely 3 course Christmas lunch. Derek then resurrected his favourite 4 jokes from all those he has made us sit through over the years which, to be fair, were the best ones which everyone enjoyed.

Then I gave a short speech advising everybody that I had enjoyed being Captain for the year and had actually managed to play in all of the events. I also advised that I had arranged a collection for Pete and Derek (and Kathy) as a thank you from all the members for all of the events that they had organised over the 18 years they had been running the society. I am in discussions with them to decide how best to spend the very generous £540 that you all contributed to, which will probably be a golfing day out with lunch etc. at a top rated golf course.

The prizes were then announced by Derek and, in the Christmas tradition, everybody received a prize no matter how badly they had scored!

Congratulations to all the winners as listed below and many congratulations to Tony Hornby for winning the Madagan Cup.

There was one remaining prize for the year which is normally presented at the first event of the following year but as we currently do not have any takers to run the society I will tell you now.

It was for the Pat Hyde Trophy for the Golfer of the Year which is won by the golfer with the best average stableford score across the year’s meetings. It was a VERY close result this year with myself just pipping David and Shaun for first place as follows:
1st Keith Banham 34.80
2nd David Jeyes 34.40
3rd Shaun Annison 34.20

All that remains is for me to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2024.
Remember that all the photographs and blogs are available on the website: http://midsussexgs.co.uk
With very best wishes,

Your Immediate Past Captain, Keith Banham.

Results for Lewes

First Prize:                 Tony Hornby (39 Points)

Second Place:           Shaun Annison (38 Points)

Third Place:           Bill Steele (36 Points – 18 back 9)

Fourth Place: Marc Kaya (36 Points – 17 back 9)

Hi everyone
Purley Downs was a regular starting venue for the society but after a few issues about 7 years ago the society had decided not to include it. So it was nice to see it again on the fixture list. And we were rewarded with a beautiful sunny November day and a course in excellent condition for this time of year. With the greens in particularly good condition.

Being a chalk based course definitely has its advantages.The course is on the downs but should really be described as on the downs and the ups, it is quite hilly! But trolleys and buggies were allowed easing the journey for most of us.

We then had a nice two course meal, chicken and leek pie plus crumble and custard.
Derek had just got back from Portugal so resurrected some old jokes, then the usual ball sweep and then the prizes were presented:
Derek had just got back from Portugal so resurrected some old jokes, then the usual ball sweep and then the prizes were presented:

Many congratulations to Mike who also won the Roy Scott Salver.

I played in both the recent Turkey Trots at Haywards Heath with Mike and to say this was a surprise turn around in form would be an understatement! I look forward to seeing you all at what could be the last meeting of the society: Lewes GC on Friday 8th December.
Maybe just one more meeting to go for this society unless someone steps forward so let’s try to see a big group for this final event.

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 13th: Nick Higgs

Nearest the Pin on the 4th:                       Mark Gerken

Nearest the Pin on the 15th:                     Keith Banham

Best Gross Score on Par 3’s:          Phil Williamson (14 out of 12)      

Best Gross Score on Par 5’s:          Rollover

Fourth Place: John Blackwell (34 Points ocb 17 on back 9)

Third Place:   Keith Banham (36 Points)

Second Place:           Andy Plowright (37 Points ocb 19 on back 9)

First Place:    Mike Shaw (37 Points ocb 21 on back 9)

All the pictures and blogs are available on the website: http://midsussexgs.co.uk

Best wishes
Keith

Hi everyone
Really nice to see the Ladies at our annual mixed event.
We got very lucky with the weather that threatened to be wet and thundery. Apart from a spot of rain for a couple of holes the weather behaved itself, except for the final group that got caught by the storm right at the end of their round. As you can see from the attached photo, when it finally rained it really did come down! A very lovely course in excellent condition. We then had a really nice two course meal.
Derek did his jokes, toned down for the ladies, and then the prizes were presented:
Congratulations to all the winners.

First Prize (Men):     David Jeyes (37 Points – 20 on the back 9)

First Prize (Women):           Kaye Gough (26 Points)

Second Place (Men):           Dave Gough (37 Points – 17 on the back 9)

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 4^th:     Marc Kaya

Nearest the Pin on the 7^th:             Dave Gough

Nearest the Pin on the 10^th:            Dave Jeyes

Many congratulations to David who also won the Peter Bradbury trophy. David played off 6 so an excellent round. I’m sure he looks forward to being cut again!

I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting: Limpsfield Chart GC on Thursday 21st September.
All the pictures and blogs are available on the website: http://midsussexgs.co.uk

Best wishes
Keith

Hi Everyone,

A big thanks from me for all those that came along and supported the Captain’s day.Apart from a spot of rain first thing the weather behaved itself making it easier for us to enjoy the challenge of this very tight, slopey, bouncy course.

Although only par 69, and not particularly long, it was still a challenge with only one player playing to handicap. Thanks to Alex for the lift enabling me to have a couple of drinks on my birthday, and thanks to everybody for the impromptu singing of happy birthday.

We enjoyed a very nice meal followed by a few words from me. I also told a joke but not up to Derek’s standard!?!

Congratulations to all the winners who were presented with a variety of prizes.
The winners were;

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 4th:  Ed Brooks

Nearest the Pin on the 6th:                   John Hibberd

Nearest the Pin on the 16th:       Steve Bottomley

Best Gross Score on Par 3’s:      Rolled over (2 players = 17 out of 15)

Best Gross Score on Par 5’s:      Not played for as only 1 par 5

Sixth Place: Alex Dalgliesh (31 Points) – head cover, bag towel, and tees bag

Fifth Place:  Peter Snook (32 points – 16 on the back 9) – head covers, bag towel, and tees bag

Fourth Place:         Dave Gough (33 Points) – putting mirror and tees bag

Third Place: Paul Corris (33 points – 17 on the back 9) – Golf cap and ball marker

Second Place:         Paul Jackson (35 Points) – FJ Polo shirt

First Place:  Rahul Saxena (37 Points) – FJ shoes

NB: Captain Keith had 32 Points (18 on the back 9) but refused a prize as it was his day

Many congratulations to Rahul who walked off (pardon the pun) with a nice pair of FJ golf shoes and the trophy.
I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting: Highwoods GC on Thursday 24th August.

All the pictures and blogs are available on the website: http://midsussexgs.co.uk
Best wishes,

Keith

Hi everyone

A beautiful sunny day at Lingfield Park GC with a nice gentle breeze set the scene for an elite group of 20 golfers.A testing tight course with dog legs and plenty of trees but well laid out, although I always seemed to be blocked out! Shame about the condition of the greens but it did highlight how fortunate we are at Haywards Heath now with our latest greens.

It was a pleasure to play with David Wilks, David Jeyes and Shaun and see the latter two battle it out for top spot. A couple of birdies by Shaun on the back 9 including the last gave him his narrow victory. Between them they  also scooped up most of the minor prizes as well.Also some good golf by Tony and John, well played, better luck next time John.

 My first visit to Lingfield and I liked the layout so would like to return but only if the course conditions have improved. The pre-round bacon rolls as promised by Derek did not materialise but Derek was very apologetic for mis-leading us all.Golf was followed by a hearty Steak pie and chips and a very large bowl of crumble and custard.

 Derek did his jokes and then the prizes were presented:

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 17th: David Jeyes

Nearest the Pin on the 6th:  Les Andrews

Nearest the Pin on the 10th: David Jeyes

Best Gross Score on Par 3’s: Rollover – 3 people scored 13 out of 12.

Best Gross Score on Par 5’s:  Shaun Annison 20 out of 20

Third Place:  Tony Hornby (38 Points o.c.b from John Dawson on the back 6 with 11 points against 12.)

Second Place: David Jeyes (40 Points)

First Place:  Shaun Annison (41 Points)

Hi everyone

After the disappointment of the cancellation of West Hove due to the weather the first meeting of 2023 was at sunny Hever Castle.Well when I say sunny I really mean: mainly dry, very windy and very wet underfoot in places. Along with the length of the course and the water hazards it made for a challenging day, hence the low scoring as you can see in the prizes below. The weather must improve soon, surely?

I enjoyed my Captain’s drive in and was really pleased with the drive, probably my best shot of the day.Although I did mange nearest the pin on the 12th, which was a surprise given I had put my ball in the water on the previous two par 3s! Many thanks for all the support on the 1st tee, very much appreciated.

I enjoyed my first visit to Hever Castle, it was a real challenge and I would like to return but preferably in better weather conditions.  Thanks to Mike for the lift and now I have seen bits of Kent that I never knew existed, thanks to the sat-nav!

After our burger and chips came the prize giving:

For the Walker Shield

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 2nd: Graham Hollis

Nearest the Pin on the 6th: Phil Williamson

Nearest the Pin on the 12th: Keith Banham

Best Gross Score on Par 3’s: Nick Higgs

Best Gross Score on Par 5’s: Ian Emmins

Guest Prize: Stephen Goodyear (25 Points)

Fourth Place: Vic Higgs (29 Points on countback of back 9)

Third Place: Alex Dalgliesh (30 points)

Second Place: Tony Jones (31 Points)

First Place: Ian Emmins (33 Points)

The Madagan Cup

9 december 2022

I had not realised Game of Thrones was filmed at Lewes before we set out like John SnowNorth of the Wall on a freezing Friday morning: privileged to be your Captain this year I had the honour of teeing off at 8.30 leading out a good sized field.

I was fortunate to have great playing partners sensibly roped together ascending the first hole. Despite the cold and mist some good scores were achieved and everyone survived. In the Clubhouse the battle was retold over many beers before we sat down to an excellent meal.

Thanks are due to Derek and Peter who gave us a terrific season of golf at good courses providing good value culminating in the day’s magnificent prize table. I am delighted Keith Banham is to be my successor and wish him a successful year. I look forward to seeing many of you at his drive in at West Hove on 23 March 2023.  Congratulations to all the prize winners particularly to Barry Davis the winner of the Madagan Cup with 33 points.

Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year

.Andy Plowright

Results

First Prize: Barry Davis (33 Points)

Second Place: Mike Shaw (31 Points)

Third Place: Nick Higgs (30 Points – 15 on back 9)

Nearest the Pin on the 4th: Graham Hollis

Nearest the Pin on the 6th: John Blackwell

Nearest the Pin on the 12th: Alex Dalgliesh

Nearest the Pin on the 17th: Graeme Bennett

Best Gross Score on Par 3’s: Alex Dalgliesh (13 out of 12)

Best Gross Score on the Par 5’s: Keith Banham (16 out of 15)

The Autumn Trophy

The Captain was not able to attend this meeting since he had a prior commitment so it has fallen to me to write up this ‘blog’.It had not stop raining both overnight and during the morning which made the course very wet, so much so that they banned the use of buggies. This resulted in 2 members having to withdraw late since they were unable to walk due to their ongoing ankle / health issues.

We encountered a few showers during the afternoon but it was very warm for the time of the year and the majority ended up playing in just their golf shirts (although of course, still wearing their obligatory trousers and golf shoes!!).

The bacon baguettes were well received inasmuch as they were more than sufficient for our lunchtime start. Because of the rain, the course was very muddy although the greens held up very well. The changing facilities were excellent although there was a distinct lack of unused ‘club provided’ towels and the one course meal of chicken casserole was well received as were my jokes!

Everybody said how prestigious a club it was and wanted to return next year, sometime during the summer months when hopefully the weather would be better.

So onto the prizes…..

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 3^rd Hole:– Tim Desmond.

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 15^th Hole:– Ken Larkins.

Nearest the Pin on the 9^th Hole:– Martin Jones.

Best Gross Score on the Par 3’s:- Barry Davis(9 out of 9).

Best Gross Score on the Par 5’s:- Rollover.

Third Place:- Martin Jones (36 Points)

Second Place:– John Hibberd (38 Points).

First Place and winner of the Autumn Trophy:- Barry Davis(40 Points).

Very well played Barry, your society handicap will now be reduced by 3 for playing so well!!

Captains Log by The Secretary, Derek May

The Peter Bradbury Trophy at Highwoods Golf Club 22^nd September 2022

The Captain was not able to attend this meeting since he had a prior commitment so it has fallen to me to write up this ‘blog’.

It was a very pleasant Autumn Day being sunny and relatively warm and the bacon butties with coffee were served on time. We had a total of 19 playing golf, after one of our number had to withdraw because of ill health. We also had 1 extra just for the food who accompanied her husband around the course but was not able to play. Definitely a ‘select few’ and certainly not up to our usual numbers!The course and the greens were in very good condition with hardly any dried out patches on the fairways and the greens were running extremely well considering that they had been treated the week before. Once again, the option was given of wearing smart casual for the meal and prize presentation or being more formal with a jacket and tie if that is what was preferred. I believe I am right in saying that 2 members decided to formally dress so well done to them!

Everybody commented on how good the meal of salmon en croute with vegetables followed by a salted caramel mousse and coffee with mints was. The general opinion being that the course, the service we received and the catering were all excellent and consideration should be given to returning next year.

So onto the prizes…..

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 4^th Hole – Martin Jones.

Nearest the Pin on the 7^th Hole – David Jeyes.

Nearest the Pin on the 10^th Hole – Bill Steele.

Second Place (Men): David Jeyes (35 Points)

First Place (Women): Margaret May (33 Points)

First Place and winner of the Peter Bradbury Trophy: Bill Steele(37 Points).

Very well played Bill especially since I understand this was your very first win at a golfing competition.

Tuesday 9^th August 2022

The Kenny Weller Trophy

Cottesmore Golf Club

A hot day at Cottesmore began well with bacon rolls and improved as one stepped on to the putting green before teeing off. I admit I have never been impressed with the condition of the course before but the greens were in terrific condition, smooth and speedy for all 18 holes. All courses have baked bouncy fairways at present bur when combined with receptive consistent greens golf remains a pleasure despite requiring more balls to complete the round.

Some perhaps took a little longer than others to get round perhaps due to wider ball dispersal but this only amplified the pleasure of a cool refreshing drink before lunch. Looking round seeing the beads of condensation rolling down several lagers I was reminded like John Mills in Ice Cold in Alex of the simple pleasure of drinking after crossing the desert.

Derek and Peter scored a winner again. The food and drink were excellent and the organisation as ever superb. Thanks again from all of us.

I had the pleasure of playing with the winner David Jeyes who scored an excellent 35 points despite back-to-back blobs on holes 4 and 5 but remained calm enough to sneak past Snook on countback. David Gough was a close third.

Congratulations to all the prize winners

Enjoy Highwoods on 22^nd September.