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Ladies' Captain's February newsletter
The weather is not allowing us to play ball! Unfortunately, since my last newsletter, we have not been able to hold a single Thursday competition, so the Recent Events section isn’t exactly bulging at the seams. So, in my introduction, I will take the opportunity to thank everyone who came along for a glass of Prosecco on 15 January for my ‘special’ birthday. It was lovely to see you all and thank you for all the cards and gifts. I was particularly touched by a calendar that Patricia had put together, which included an array of pictures for each month from the previous year. I hadn’t realised I had been so busy! And of course, a mention for the sing-along card from Alison, featuring my favourite football team.
Every cloud does have a silver lining, so whilst the recent competitions section is blank, it gives me a lot more space to focus on news and upcoming events and there is lots to tell you about.
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England Golf Award nomination
I am delighted to share with you that Piltdown is one of three finalists for the England Awards 2026 in the Women in Golf Charter category. This is fantastic recognition, on the national stage, of all the work that the club has done, with the full support of our amazing ladies' section, to encourage women to take up golf. Over the last three years, we have introduced 106 women to the game, 77 of which are currently in our Academy, and two have now joined (hello Alex and Sally!). This wouldn't have been possible without our members giving their time to take beginners out on the course, either during our popular scramble or by offering regular tee times over the summer, something we'll be doing again this year. There is no doubt that this has helped overcome the "course anxiety" barrier, which I'm sure we all experienced when new to the game.
The awards ceremony will take place on 3rd March in Manchester. Fingers crossed!
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Upcoming events
Coaching Sessions with the Pros
Every year we begin the year with Coaching from our Pros. These give us an opportunity to improve our game in a relaxed and fun environment and the sessions will appeal to golfers of all levels. They also provide a social environment and an opportunity to meet people.
Wednesday 18 March – Short Game with George
Wednesday 25 March – Bunkers with Jason
Wednesday 8 April – Heather + Trouble Shots with Jason
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All sessions are for ONE HOUR starting at 10am and cost £5
The Sign-Up sheets are in the ladies’ changing room. I’ve already signed up, have you? If you can’t get to the club, let Céline know via email and she will add you to the list.
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Big Match – 19 March
All our division players, as well as those who are knocking on the door to get into a team, will benefit from this. Match play practice will help develop crucial mental skills, course management strategies and tactical decision making. It will help you to exploit your opponent’s weaknesses and you can also build resilience to handle your nerves, frustration and excitement. You will be paired up with a player of similar ability, so that you can both learn from each other.
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This season, we have FOUR teams led by four amazing Captains. The Division matches were published on 3 November and right away, our team captains were in contact with the opposing captains working out dates. But, it starts earlier than that…all met up with Céline to haggle over available dates to play the matches. Thank you for all your hard work.
Division 1 – Yes, Piltdown is back in the big time! Becs Dawson will be leading the team of outstanding low handicap players. I believe it has been eight years since we last featured in this league and I’m delighted we are there again. Chichester, West Sussex and Worthing await!
Division 2 – The Dream Team is once again led by the inspirational Patricia O’Shea. Last season, the team was just pipped at the post in the group stages by a team they had beaten twice! Haywards Heath, West Sussex and Willingdon are the opponents this time!
Division 3 – Fashionable Pippa Smith has a wealth of talent to choose from when selecting her team. Last season, they were the most travelled team and came very close. We wish Pippa and the team the best of luck as they take on Crowborough, the Dyke and Singing Hills.
Martlets – Heartbreak last season, narrowly losing in the Final to Cowdray Park. Delighted that the meticulous Joy Mayall has agreed to captain the team again with opponents, Horsham, Nevill and Rustington. They will be aiming to go one step further this time!
I understand that many of you are keen to know what’s happening with our teams in ALL competitions. I will endeavour to keep you up to date via my newsletters and/or the weekly news from the Secretary.
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Bring & Win – 26 March
This year’s theme is ‘Spring’. We suggest a spend of about £10, but feel free to spend more…but not less!
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Rules Talk – 9 April
Chris Spencer, R&A Level 4 Qualified referee, has again agreed to answer your questions regarding rules. To help Chris, please send in any questions, or uncertainties regarding rules you have. Our aim is to keep this to an hour and if time runs out, Chris will stay on to answer any further queries. |
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Friendlies
We are very lucky to have 10 Ladies’ Friendly matches each year, particularly when you consider the wonderful venues we go to. They are West Sussex, Wildernesse, Tandridge, Rye, Worthing, Hever, Royal Ashdown, Chartham Park, Haywards Heath and my favourite, Knole Park. It takes a lot of time arranging them and I am indebted to Mary Powderham for the hard work she has put in thus far and will continue to do so (I hope) with Anne Watson.
Anyone can sign up for them, whatever handicap, from low to high, and irrespective of what experience you have, whether a seasoned Division player or relatively new to the game. They are a great way of giving your game of golf, ‘purpose’. |
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This year, we are going to trial a different way of signing up with lists going up for two – three matches. Why sign up in March for the Home match with Worthing which won’t be played until 16 September? The first Sign-Up sheet is out and you will be able to put your name down for Wildernesse (Home) on 27 April and/or Knole Park (Away) on 26 May. One guess, who might be signing up for that one!
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Dates for your Diaries
Although, it’s a little time in advance, I want you to definitely put this date in your diary. It’s NEW and exciting with the emphasis on ‘Mixed’ golf. More details will be published nearer the event.
Captain’s Mixed Club Night – Wednesday 6 May from 16:00
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February’s Competition
When is it appropriate to mark and lift your ball on the green?
- Only when it’s in another player’s line
- Anytime, as long as you mark its position first
- Only after everyone has reached the green
- Never, unless it’s damaged
You accidentally cause your ball to move on the putting green – do you replace it?
- Yes. You will receive a one shot penalty.
- Yes. There is no penalty for accidentally causing your ball to move on the putting green, but you must replace it on its original spot before making your next stroke.
- No. You must play it from where it lands with a one shot penalty.
- Never. You are immediately disqualified from the competition.
With talk of Golf Rules earlier, there will be a prize for one lucky person with the correct answers. Please email me.
And finally…
It does sometimes rain in the Caribbean!
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