The weather forecast was set fair for us as we gathered at East Brighton for the 50th match against Sussex Captains (fondly called ‘the Gents’ much of the time). The annual challenge of trying to work out handicaps for men vs ladies greensomes proved testing and went right to the wire….. Carole Lee, daughter of ‘President Joe’ who inaugurated the event all those years ago, joined us to share memories of her father, and their long standing links with both our Associations. She has attended an astounding 49 of these matches and travelled all the way from Swindon to share the day. Thank you Carole, we enjoyed having you with us.
Fielding 11 pairs a side, the match was, as ever, keenly contested. As the results started coming in, it was nip and tuck and it could have gone either way, and most matches went to the last few holes. A lot of feisty competitors out there, did the gimmes get smaller as the matches progressed – or was it just in the mind!? The Association Captains Kay & Richard played with East Brighton Captains Darren and Liisa, lots of laughs, lots of fun and good golf was played.
The course was in lovely condition and the team at East Brighton were excellent hosts, a huge thank you for all their hard work in making this a special celebratory day to remember.
As your Lady Captain, I’m delighted to say we retained the trophy for the third year in a row – winning 6½ – 4½. We can’t rest on our laurels, we’ve still got some way to go to draw level: the Gents have won 23 times, Ladies 17 times and it’s been halved 10 times – bring on 2026 ladies, get your applications in early for this highlight in our calendar!
Thank you to the team who did us proud:
Kay Grindell (Captain), Liisa McDougall (East Brighton Lady Captain), Carol Hall (Vice Captain), Jane Court, Brenda Gilbey (President), Liz Street, Heidi Dronfield, Linda Brand (Vice President), Lesley Talbot, Joanna Greenstreet, Annie Prior, Rosemary Barford, Pat Johns, Wendy Melville, Clare Parkinson, Terry Trusson, Jill Nickalls, Wendy Shergold, Caroline Angella, Laura Bennett, Jane White and Nannette Meeten
Kay Grindell
Captain 2025
