Ladies' Captain's January newsletter

With the festive season behind us, it’s time to head into 2026 without any further ado. Perhaps, like me, you can’t wait to get going in the Thursday Ladies’ competitions again. The year is jam-packed with events, and I hope we have all bases covered for every golfer. The 9-Hole Winter League is in full swing and is being enjoyed by so many of you.

Upcoming events

A gentle start with 18-hole and 9-hole Stablefords on 8 January. Don’t forget to sign up!

The following week it’s a 3-ball Progressive Texas Scramble from the blue tees or a 9-hole 2-ball Scramble. These events are lots of fun and I’m anticipating a speedy competition with all entrants having paid keen attention to last month’s newsletter on ‘Improving your Pace of Play’. This really is a definite date for your diary as 15 January is my birthday. (Just saying!) Everyone is invited to come along to join me for a glass of fizz after the competition, or from 12:30 if the Scramble is cancelled. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. What else do you have to do?

The final events in January are 18-hole and 9-hole Stablefords on 22 January and Greensomes on 29 January. The latter is a drawn competition with pairings made up of low and high handicappers. It’s an opportunity to play with different people, so don’t miss out!

Recent Events

Christmas Lunch – 11 December

The event that everyone wanted to be at! Céline and Emily managed to create a table plan that used every inch of space available in the clubhouse so that nobody missed out. Eighty ladies ranging from social, full and academy members were treated to a wonderful Christmas lunch, complemented, or perhaps hindered by one of the toughest quizzes that has ever been set at Piltdown. Who knew that as we have got older, we are totally unrecognisable from how we looked as babies and toddlers? All 26! Perhaps muddy backsides would have been easier! And with such a good time being had by all, the morning’s golf result went almost unnoticed. However, a mention here for Alison and Pippa who collected a very creditable 17 points from the Christmas Inner 9 Foursomes, narrowly pipping three pairs on 16 points.

Festive Foursomes – 18 December

Alas, after several days of no rain, the forecasters got it spot on with their weather warnings. The course was closed before we had even stirred, so plan B was hastily put into action. If golf isn’t on the menu, socialising is, so it was into the clubhouse for 10:30 with coffee, Baileys, stollen and mince pies on offer to accompany the banter, diary arranging and Rummikub. At least the Christmas jumpers got their annual outing alongside a couple of Christmas trees that had crashed the party! And we were able to present Carol with her ‘Memory Album’, brilliantly created by Patricia. Carol was absolutely thrilled with it and advised me that, ‘it brought a tear to her eye’, (in a good way) as it would be an enduring fabulous reference to her outstanding year as Ladies’Captain.

Keeping warm on the course in Winter

It’s such a beautiful day as I am writing, but very cold. Playing golf through the winter can be very enjoyable if you are dressed for the conditions. With the right layers and clothing to keep your head, hands and feet warm, you’ll be comfortable and able to focus on your game and not the weather. Here are some handy tips to stay warm when golfing at this time of year.

Clothing

Base layer: Thermal, skin-tight, moisture-wicking shirts and bottoms
Mid layer: Fleece, thermal hoodie, golf sweater
Outer layer: Waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers
Add a gilet for additional warmth

Hands

Thermal gloves
Mitts
Hand warmers between shots

Head/Neck

Bobble hat
Neck warmer or snood
Feet
Waterproof golf shoes
Thick, thermal socks
Take an umbrella
Carry, if you can!

In a nutshell, layer up, invest in waterproof clothing, accessorise wisely, stay active, and keep hydrated.

November Competition

The WINNER of last month’s competition is Meg James, who correctly answered that all three scenarios do not incur a penalty. A small gift awaits you!

This month, there is a break from the monthly competition and just a reminder that Winter Rules are in place. Make sure you understand ‘Preferred Lies’ and what you can do with an ‘Embedded Ball’.

And finally…

I will be heading off to sunnier climes, and I know many of you will be travelling to different parts of the globe. It’s a time to recharge my batteries, ready for the season ahead. However, I’ll be available via email or WhatsApp, just in case you need me!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2026 and here’s to a super year of golf at our wonderful club!

Annie

Return to list of newsletters

Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.