Still No Rain........

I shouldn't complain about the sunshine - but it is bringing 2 major problems. Firstly, we need some rain to wash in the sand! It's been around far longer than we expected when it was dumped and spread about 3 weeks ago. Secondly - since the clocks changed, the sun is now right behind the Padel Court at the Triangle during the hour that we play, making it virtually impossible to see the ball when a lob is played! (First world problem!)

In seriousness, even a few light showers would really help kick forward the golf course into Spring. This week we have had the hand mowers out on the tees, so we are starting to get some nice definition there, and as I look out of my window, I can see the early stages of definition to the fairway/semi rough. It's starting to look like a golf course once again. Your patience whilst we wait for the rain and thus the growth is appreciated.

	Brenda Allvey passes the baton to Ken Bulteel My term of office as President came to an end on Saturday 29th March at the AGM. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as President of this wonderful club and I would like to thank everyone who contributed in making the last three years a time that I will always treasure. Ken Bulteel was put forward by the Board as the incoming president to be elected by the members at the AGM. Ken joined the club in 1990 and has made a huge contribution to the club. He was elected to the committee in 1997 and served as Chairman of House. He became Captain in 2003 and later became a member of the new Board as Director of Golf and Communications.		One of his greatest achievements was introducing the Pro League which is a most popular fixture and is still running after sixteen years (see below!). I wish Ken the best of luck in this forthcoming role, which I know he will enjoy and will tackle with his usual enthusiasm and efficiency.

			Pro League Dinner Another excellent Piltdown occasion, organised brilliantly by Ken Bulteel. (He'll be getting big headed at this rate) All the Pro League Team Managers gave short speeches, as did the Captain, all of which were very funny, and entertaining. Jason, George, Phil & Matt were all happy to be there as guests for the evening. The highlight was Hamish Porter collecting the trophy on behalf of his LegMedMarks team. From last to first in a year - well played




			Henry Longhurst Qualifier Congratulations to all the pairs who qualified for the knockout stages of the Henry Longhurst Mixed Foursomes on Sunday. Well done to the Shelford's and the Linehan's who top scored with 39 points each. Can anyone beat last year's winners, Nigel and Gilly, who were high up in the list of 16 lucky qualifiers? Henry Longhurst results

LIV results

Well done to the brave golfers who went out in some dubious weather over the winter months!

THE MASTERS SWEEP

The Masters starts from Augusta in less than a week. As usual, I am running the very popular sweep stake competition. Pick 6 golfers, pay £10 entry fee, and see how you get on. Entries close on Thursday lunchtime before the first ball is struck.

Please Click Here to read the rules and regulations, and to find out how to play.

Men's Competitions

We have had record entries to our first 2 or 3 weekend competitions. I don't know if this is because of the attraction of the season long order of merit, "The Race to Piltdown", or whether it is just a sign of a slightly changing demographic within the membership, but it is great to see. If you want to see the early leaderboard on the Order of Merit - Please Click Here.

I have monitored the entries from the first 2 competitions, and have decided to change the Division parameters slightly. To date, we have had playing handicaps up to 15 in Division 1, and playing handicaps 16 and above in Division 2. We have had about 65% of players in Div 1, and 35% in Div 2. To try and balance that out, Division 1 will now be playing handicaps up to 12. I will monitor numbers for the next couple of competitions, and then re-visit again if necessary.

Lost watch

A very nice golf watch has been handed in to us. If you think it might be yours, email Céline with the make and model and hopefully we can reunite it with its rightful owner.

George's lessons

George Goddard is now taking lesson bookings. Predominantly on a Wednesday as he is in the shop Friday, Saturday & Sunday, plus has lots of course work to do for his degree.

Adult for 45 minutes is £35, Junior for 30 minutes is £20

To book a lesson with him, or any of our pros, please call the Pro Shop, or visit the link below:

Pro Shop Booking

And Finally........Squeaky Dodd's P**s Pot

Scroll back to the drone picture at the top of this email and have another look at the aerial view of the 14th hole, and you will notice that the bank of heather used to span the whole length of the fairway - the outline is still very visible from above. This botanical battlement was the brainchild of Past Captain and President Hugh Dodd, who, shortly after the Second World War, decided the hole was in need of a bit more character (or cruelty, depending on your handicap).

Mr Dodd was widely known as “Squeaky Dodd” owing to a very high-pitched voice, which earned the heather bank its legendary nickname: Squeaky Dodd’s P**s Pot. In time, it was trimmed to a more forgiving width. However, the challenge was not entirely lost: two banks were later added beside the green on the right, ensuring Squeaky’s legacy remained intact, if slightly relocated.

So the next time your ball finds itself in that fateful tangle, do spare a thought for dear old Squeaky, and perhaps raise your club in salute to the man whose pot you’ve just stepped into.

Many thanks to Harvey Linehan for the anecdote.

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4th April 2025 Newsletter