Welcome to Sussex Golf Captains

Somerset v Sussex

It is a rare thing for Sussex to win both tour matches. This may be because the celebrations from the first victory often, like Samson after his visit to the barbers, weaken the valiant. 

Coffee with a lager chaser

But, and it is a big but, this is not always true.

We headed off to Mendip Springs to take on Somerset Captains. Always the most hospitable of hosts, we were looking forward to a pleasant afternoon. What larks unfolded as we took full advantage of their generosity to rack up another win. Read the match report HERE

Wiltshire v Sussex

The start of our tour to the West Country kicks off with a match against Wiltshire Golf Captain. A lovely bunch of blokes, they always look after us. Let's hope last night's drinking spree hasn't put the chaps off their stroke. 

You've matched with singles in your area, my lovely.

Anyway, it was a thrilling days golf and one in which Sussex ran out winners, 4.5 - 3.5. It was a thriller. You can read the match report HERE

Sussex v Kent

Richard Jays gives the bin a piece of his mind

Last year we battered Kent Captains on their home turf. Even worse for Kent, it was their only defeat of the year. This year they arrived at Eastbourne Downs, unbeaten and out for revenge. 

Playing in this year's match we had one sheep farmer, two Lamb's and a Butcher. Without wanting to spoil the surprise, the sheep farmer got sheared, one of the Lamb's was slaughtered and someone butchered the Butcher. Carnage. 

As for the day its self, it went well. The Downs was benevolent, the sun shone, the views were glorious and the Red Arrows did a fly past. Add in beer, pie and sticky toffee pudding and 40 middle-aged pensioners were happy. 

Read the match report HERE

Sussex v Bedfordshire

This year, it was our turn to host Bedfordshire Golf Captains, so, as ever generous hosts, we took them to one of Sussex's best courses, Cooden Beach. Although the day was overcast, the winds were light and the course was in great condition. The Bedfordshire Captains had spent the previous day playing at the Dyke before heading into Brighton for an evening of fun and games. Remember lads, what happens in Brighton stays in Brighton…

On paper, this should be an easy win, but in golf, there is no such thing! Could we put these gentlemen to bed? Would Jeeves's famous old restorative work on sore heads and dodgy tum-tums? How would the team respond to Richard's famous rallying cry, "Lads, if you can't beat a bunch of hungover pensioners, you should consider taking up bowls." be received?

Read on, dear reader, read on. HERE

Phil Williamson's President's Day

Pete Rodger from West Hove, winner with 40 points

Haywards Heath GC was the venue, Phil Williamson the host, and the weather was bright with occasional cloud and light winds. A good day to golf.  The members had turned out in numbers to celebrate Phil's President's Day.  It was, in the words of the prophet, a right good laugh! Rounded off with an excellent summer buffet, a delicious banoffee pie and a cheese board. As for the result, it was another close contest, with 2 points separating the first four places. Des 'Multi-ball' Malcolm won his second bottle of wine for nearest the pin, as Des doesn't drink, his wife was delighted. 

The Result

1st - Pete Rodger - 40 points

2nd - Peter Snook - 39 points

3rd - Niall Addison - 38 points

4th - Clive Parker - 38 points

To end a perfect day, some of us stayed on to enjoy Lindfield's hospitality. 

Thank you Phil

Patron's Day

Keith Hayward and John Macauley (83) receive the trophy (?) from Mark Terry

So, we all headed off to Crowborough Beacon to celebrate Patron's Day with the lad himself, Mark Terry. One of Sussex's finest courses, they did not let us down. They even laid on some overnight rain to soften the fairways and greens! Despite some early IG issues, our intrepid sportsmen went out to hack, slice and foozle their way around. As you can see from the picture of the winners, age is no barrier to success. 

Results

1st - Keith Hayward and John Macauley (84) - 45 points

2nd - Andy Plowright and Phil Williamson - 44 points

3rd - Keiran Laverty (82) and Ian Potter (78) - 44 points

4th - Allan Bell and David Hopkins - 42 points

Nearest the pins, sponsored by Golfbreaks

Tony Dunn on the 6th and Paul Jackson on the 17th.

Here is a slideshow of the day. 

London v Sussex

Big Willie adjusts his cap.

London has not fared well in our annual match, losing every year since Joe and the team thrashed them at Manning Heath in 2022. This time, they had the home advantage. Would they be able to recover some pride? Or would they wilt under the blistering sun? Would they be roasted, char-grilled, and deep-fried on the hottest day of the year? Would John Nugent have to listen to Joe go on about it...(Yes. Ed)

To find out, read the match report HERE

The Members Invitation

The winners, Kevin Heanen (87) and Karl Nilchibar, present the silver to the captain

Our fantastic summer continues. Last Friday, 104 of us went to the Nevill for our Members' Invitation. With nice weather, excellent food and a superb selection of homemade cakes and rolls in the halfway house, we were spoiled. 

As for the competition, apart from the winners, it was a very close run contest with four groups on 43 points and nine on 42. The winners were Kevin Heanen and Karl Nilchibar on 46 pts. After a lot of countbacks, here are the results. 

Results

1st - Kevin Heanen and Karl Nilchibar - 46 Points

2nd - Harold Knight (79) and Gary Knight (Considerably younger) - 43 points

3rd - David Gillies and Chris Lewin - 43 Points

4th - Mark Neary and Michael Crabtree - 43 Points

As ever, here is a slideshow of the day. 

Next up, President's Day at Haywards Heath

Sussex v Sussex Lady Captains

The High Table

The most competitive match of the year, no one wants to lose. This year was the 50th anniversary of this fixture. Apparently, the men had won 23, the ladies 16 and 10 were drawn. The ladies were on a bit of a run, having won the last two. Meanwhile, the men have been on a poor run, with two defeats. Would we manage to turn the tide? 

Read the match report HERE

Richard Jays Captain's Day

Russell, as happy as a dog with two...

We couldn't have picked a better day to go to Littlehampton, the weather was perfect, the welcome warm and friendly, and the food was outstanding. Richard even provided whippy ice cream, sticks of rock and a bucket and spade for John 'The Bunker' Nugent. 

The day was filled with memorable moments; Ian Cleveland scored a hole-in-one on the eleventh. Just what you want to do when there are 80 thirsty golfers in the bar! John Smith shot under his age! I'm not sure how old he is, but he shot a 76. The fish pie was superb, and serving whippy ice cream on the course went down a treat. 

Results

1st - Rob Holland - 42 Points

2nd - John Smith (Over 76) - 42 Points

3rd - Kit Magrath - 38 Points

4th - Tim Ingram - 38 Points

Over 80 Winner - Bev Legg - 33 Points

Sussex v Cornwall

Our visitors today were Cornwall Golf Captains. They’d set off before dawn to arrive at West Hove. The big question was, would home advantage count? Could we beat a county who don’t know the right way to dress a scone? Would we get creamed? And, if so, would they top it off with jam? Or, would all our hopes be scone? (Ok, that’s enough of that nonsense. Ed)  

Read the match report HERE

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

60th Anniversary of Sussex Golf Captains

We've come a long way in 60 years. Over the years, people have changed, new friendships have blossomed, and we've said goodbye to many. However, the one thing that remains constant is the friendship, camaraderie, and banter that mark 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. 

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