Our third match of the season was played this week against Kent Lady Captains at the glorious Piltdown Golf Club. With the heather just coming into full bloom and thriving despite the drought – we knew it was going to be a tough one!
Our feisty team of Sussex ladies were well prepared for the expected heavy showers, but in the end we got off lightly. All the fourball betterball matches were played in a friendly spirit, with 4 matches going to the 18th and most matches making it to the last few holes. The heather was indeed very tough, and there were plenty of provisional balls played that’s for sure; fortunately your Captain found more nice balls than she lost which is always a bonus. The match result was a very creditable 6-2 win for Sussex, with yours truly and partner Anne Slade losing on the last to a remarkable putt from off the green for a net birdie – positively rude!
The hospitality and food were both wonderful, and there was a lovely buzz of warm friendly conversation in Piltdown’s charming dining room as the rain started hammering down outside. Huge thank you to the team at Piltdown for hosting this match, the course is looking wonderful and the greens glorious, indeed President Brenda enthused ‘the best greens I’ve played on all year’. The Kent Captain said how much they enjoyed the company and the challenge of the course.
Thank you very much to all our players, and the folks who kindly stepped in as reserves. Yet again, Captain Grindell forgot to take some action photos on the day – apologies – here’s hoping the lovely photos of the course will do it justice.
By the way – we’re testing a few changes to the way we run matches after feedback from our survey earlier in the year, with a number of respondents saying match days are very long especially for away matches. Key changes include encouraging shared travel, advising the team of their playing partner and tee times in advance and dispensing the ‘arrive early for meet and greet welcome speeches’ – this way players later in the field can arrive much nearer their tee times. We are also arranging rolling food afterwards so there is less hanging around waiting for matches to finish. So far these changes have been well received. With one more home match to go, the Committee will review prior to planning next season’s matches. Please give me your feedback if you’ve played in any matches this season.
Kay Grindell
Captain 2025
