Sussex Golf Captains
Don't tell anyone, but he missed the green.
The home of the legendary Tarzipan
Worthing
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.
The 2023 Bristow Tankards
1st
Keith Talbot and Ian Topp with 46 points
2nd
Nigel Wates and David Fraser with 43 points
3rd
Des Malcolm and Glen Morgan with 42 points
What a brilliant day. Thank you to everyone at Dale Hill for your wonderful hospitality. Our guests thought the course, the food and the beer were excellent! We'd also like to say a big thank you to our guest of honour, Roy Walker, for having us in stitches.
Most importantly, let's not forget our Captain, Ian Potter and his assistants, Andy Plowright and Ian Jaggard, without whom none of this would have happened.
So, 'That's all folks!' the season is over.
Winter well friends, winter well!
Here are some pictures from the day.
The Winners, Keith Talbot and Ian Topp and a bottle of Whiskey
Chow down!
Harold 'Snapper' Knight
Tarzipan playing snooker
Roy Walker and Mr Chips
Finger Lickin Good
The Essex Captain
A breezy start
Oh! we do like to be beside the seaside
Links Golf
The Young Bucks
The Youngs
A Confident Captain
Andy 'Six Birdies' Lamb
The late, and much-missed Eddy Noyce.
Craig 'Five Birdies' Millyard
Kids on their phones!
Sartorial Jays
Paul Gaylor, Littlehampton Captain, receives his Sussex Captains tie.
Top Pie
Our last match of the season meant a trip to the seaside to play Bucks Captains at Littlehampton. Would Ian keep the recent run going or would our opponents buck the trend? What was the pie like? Would it turn into a birdie fest? How was Craig feeling after being seven under par (gross) at Upminster and losing? These questions and more will be answered, HERE.
The winners, Stacey Dibbs and Pete Rodger. They scored a magnificent 50 points.
As you can see from the slide show, we had a wonderful day. Ham Manor was a joy to play, the sun shone and we were treated to a magnificent lunch.
1st
Pete Rodger and Stacey Dibbs with 50 points
2nd
Dave Ball and Sylvia Billcliff with 44 points
3rd
Steve Dillamore and Gesine Herman with 44 points
4th
Nigel and Laura Bennett with 40 points
Gesine Herman and Steve Dillamore
The Pudding Thief
Waldorf and Stadler
A mischievous Peter Yates
Sylvia Billcliff and Dave Ball
Giggity
Just like that
Peter Rodger and Stacey Dibbs, winners with 50 points
Pole dancers
We could have won that...
A Fabulous Captain
Post Match Analysis
Happy Dave?
Ian Potter and Ian Armstrong, but no trophy!
Little and Large
Sleepy Brian
Second Breakfast
Insert caption here!
Banter
Wrag Barn Captains
On to the second match of our Tour of the West Country as we take on Wiltshire Captains at Wrag Barn. Will we continue our excellent form? Will last night's beer consumption improve our performance? I can't wait to find out, can you? Read the match report here.
The Plough
Mike presents Ian with the Trophy
All's Wells
The Universally Challenged team
Words of Wisdom
Arrival
Ian Potter, Mike Rossiter, Andy Lamb and Mike McGrath
Whiskey!
Ball hunting
Phil's heard it all before
And so the tour of te West Country begins. Following a very long drive, we pitched up at Wells GC, home of the baby-eating Bishop of Bath and Wells to take on Somerset Captains. How did we do? Who pulled the r out of the h? and was there any beer involved? These questions and more are answered here.
Ian presenting the trophy to Kevin
Is it a bird, a plane or a...
Jamie, Joe, Kevin and Ian
Nigel in a bunker, a sight rarely seen.
Top Pie
Kevin in a bunker...again
After last year's washout at Dale Hill we travelled to Upminster Golf Club to take on the Essex Barrow Boys. Read the report here
Mark Terry presenting the winners, Frank Horner (86) and Barry Chapman with their trophies.
We rocked up to Crowborough Beacon for Patron's Day. The course is in stunning condition; it looks beautiful. The heather, as you would expect, is a test. This is one of Sussex's most demanding courses but our winners showed that if you kept the ball straight and applied a suitable amount of linament, you could score well.
1st
Frank Horner (86) and Barry Chapman with 45 points
2nd
Trevor Pigram and Mick Stacey with 43 points
3rd
Keith Hayward and John Macaulay with 43 points
4th
Mark Dunn and Santa Wilkins with 43 points
Up next. the Bristow Tankards at Dale Hill.
The winners, Frank Horner (86) Mark Terry and Barry Chapman
Mark Dunn and Santa Wilkins finished fourth
Crowborough Beacon Captain and top bloke, Paul Black
Top Pie, Chicken and Ham...it was delicious.
Mick Stacey and Trevor Pigram
Our Captain, ball hunting
Which Lamb brother one?
Golf, the sport that style forgot.
Ian and David shaking hands after Kent scored a thumping victory.
With the wind blowing, the sun shining and Cooden Beach in great condition what more could our merry band of golfers want? Well, a victory against Kent is well overdue. Last year, they took us to Northern France before thrashing us 7 1/2 to 2/12. How would we fare this time? Read all about it here.
At Bramley Golf Club.
Can Sussex maintain their unbeaten run against the stout burghers of Surrey, who will crumble? get turned over? Find out what happened in the match report, here.
The Sussex Golf Captains, founded in 1964, are a non-profit making organisation for Past and Present Club Captains of Sussex Golf Clubs.
We organise an extensive program of fixtures and matches for our members to enjoy and promote friendship to all. By doing so, we look to support Sussex Golf Clubs and help to grow the greatest game ever invented.
Last year we returned over £60,000 directly to Sussex Golf Clubs for hosting our events. This doesn't include the incidentals: drinks, buggy hire, ball sweeps and pro's shop spending.
We are proud to maintain the respect and etiquette the great game of golf richly deserves.
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.
Friday 26th April 2024
What a delightful day of golfing! A beautiful course, great food, and perfect greens—what's not to like?
Read More...
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.
Read More...
Sunday 9th April 2023
A short summary of the Spring Meeting and The AGM, with pictures.
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Tuesday 21st March 2023
The Clothing Page has moved to the INFORMATION menu.
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Saturday 25th February 2023
Please warmly welcome incoming captains and new members of Sussex Golf Captains. We wish them well for their year of office.
Read More...
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