Has Jonny Ingram created a new course record?
In yesterday�s Midweek Open Stableford competition Jonny Ingram shot a superb gross 64 which included seven birdies and an incredible ELEVEN threes! There have been lower scores at West Hove (notably Tom Coulson's 62 in 2005) but we believe this is a new course record over the current lengthened 6,253 yard course. This is a remarkable achievement by Jonny and it means that he now has his best ever handicap of +2.0. Congratulations - and for the record he won the competition with 41 points. His scorecard is shown below.

News from today's 2012 West Hove Pro-Am
Twenty-one teams, the maximum possible with a shot-gun start, competed in this year's West Hove GC Pro-Am. In ideal conditions, there were some good scores and the top three teams were as follows:
1st: Adrian Milligan (East Brighton GC Pro), Mike Whitty, John Shaw & Adrian Adsett (-19)
2nd: Alan Tyson (Battle GC Pro), Richard Beeforth, Carl Tillup & Mike Davis (-17)
3rd: Phil Bonsall (Brighton & Hove GC Pro), Dennis Baker, Gordon Eaton & Mark Gully (-16).

The winning Professional was Lea Cooper (Foxbridge) on 66 with Sam Dix (Littlehampton) & Adrian Milligan (East Brighton) tying in second place on 69.

Following an excellent meal, the usual auction took place where the successful bidders were:
Steve Nielsen - A weekend at East Sussex National GC
Mark Gully - A signed Brighton & Hove Albion FC shirt
Archie Heath - A Mercedes Cabriolet for the weekend

Special thanks go to Andy Macgregor-Boyle, Martin Emery and Cliff Pluck from the SPGU for their organisation of this most successful event. Andy reports that nearly �2,700 has been raised for the Captain's charity. Please click here for a photo

Results from today's West Hove Junior Open
Forty junior golfers from around the County competed in today's Junior Open, a SCGU 'Junior County Order of Merit' competition. The field included 26 golfers from sixteen other Sussex golf clubs who, thankfully, avoided this summer's rain but had to contend with a testing wind.

This year's champion is Laird Shepherd who plays off 10 at Dale Hill GC. He narrowly beat Luke Bennett a 4-handicapper from Mannings Heath GC. They both shot excellent gross 76's.

Special thanks go to West Hove's Junior Organiser Ken Stafford, for once again organising this popular competition, and to David Goldsmith (the Club's Vice-Captain elect) for presenting the prizes. Please click here for photos

A day of mixed fortunes for our teams
Two West Hove teams featured in the quarter-finals of today's Sussex County Golf Union knock-out competitions, with varying fortunes.

In the Exclusive Golf Plate, West Hove progressed to the semi-finals after a closely fought contest at home against Willingdon GC. So close in fact that the tie was drawn and then finally decided on the number of holes won (4 holes up). Each of the four matches was played to the required 18-hole finish with the following results:
Matt Blake & Mark Cronin won 5 holes up
Kevin Brown & Tony Jeffcoat lost 1 hole down
Martin Emery & Wayne Hatcher lost 7 holes down
Gary Chamberlain & Adge Hansell won 7 holes up
Unlike stroke-play events, match-play results don't always reflect the full picture. For example, although Martin & Wayne lost 7 holes down it was against an opponent who shot a gross 68 which included no fewer than eight birdies! West Hove has now been drawn to play Hollingbury GC in the semi-final on the 11 August at a venue still to be decided.

In the PAV Plate our team was not so fortunate. Playing away at Sedlescombe GC we were beaten 9 - 3 with our three wins being gained by Jonny Ingram, Tony Humphrey and Gary Salt. Congratulations go to the whole team for progressing so far.

Gordon pips Mike for the Carl Haydon Shield
Every year the past Club Captains play an 18-hole Stableford competition for the Carl Haydon Shield. In today�s event, thirteen past Captains competed and our Centenary year Captain, Gordon Eaton, won with 33 points having 'pipped' the 2004/05 Captain, Mike Whitty, on count-back. Kevin Heanen was third (on count-back from Andy Macgregor Boyle).
Please click here for photos.

Jonny Ingram's final round at the Brabazon Trophy
In this morning's final round of the Brabazon Trophy at Walton Heath GC, Jonny unfortunately shot his worst round of the tournament, a nine-over 81. However, the past four days have been a fantastic experience for him and he should be very proud of his achievements. As things stand, he looks like finishing 59th in this world-class field. The final results will be announced later this afternoon after the rest of the field complete their round. Full details may be found on the England Golf website - please click here http://www.englandgolf.org

Members� General Knowledge Quiz Night
The Club held the latest of its General Knowledge Quizzes last night when eight teams, comprising 48 members and guests, enjoyed an evening of fun and, for some, a splendid hot finger buffet provided by our Catering Manager, Clay Morris, and his staff. The competition for prizes was closely fought with the �Amigos and Friends� being pipped on a tie-break for second place by �Jock and the Straps� whilst the winners were the �Globetrotters�. Special thanks are extended to all those who helped make the evening a success but particularly to quizmaster Dave Power and General Manager, Gary Salt, who �masterminded� the event.
Please click here for photos.

back to the top

The Brabazon Trophy latest from Walton Heath GC
It was not such a good day for Jonny Ingram, having shot a 6-over par 78 in today's third round at Walton Heath GC. After making par on the first two holes he double-bogeyed the third hole before peppering the remainder of his round with seven bogeys, five further pars and three very good birdies. By mid-afternoon he was in a tie for 50th position.
At the time of this report, the two Worthing GC players were having mixed fortunes - Jack Bartlett had completed his round with a best-of-the-day 70 (2-under par) whilst Toby Tree was unfortunately dropping down the field, being 6-over par through his first ten holes.   
Full details can be found on the England Golf website - click here  http://www.englandgolf.org

Jonny Ingram shoots 76 again
In today's second round of the Brabazon Trophy at Walton Heath GC, Jonny Ingram shot another 4-over par 76 this morning in very blustery conditions. This might not sound too good but with a 'track' of over 7,000 yards, very punishing heather and unseasonal strong winds it was a remarkable achievement.
Indeed, as the afternoon scores came in, it became increasingly clear that Jonny had 'made the cut' with his 8-over par 152 and he will now compete in the final two rounds over the weekend. To put Jonny's score into perspective, only twenty-odd players from a field of over 150 beat his 76 today - and the current leader at 1-under par, Kevin Phelan from Ireland, only managed a 75. Further, only two players beat par in today's extremely difficult conditions and one happened  to be the defending champion Neil Raymond.
There are just three other Sussex golfers taking part and they had varying fortunes. Toby Tree (Worthing GC) is playing very well and easily qualified in 6th place on 3-over par whilst his club-mate, Jack Bartlett, also qualified on 7-over par. Unfortunately, Darren Renwick (Hill Barn GC) failed to make the cut. 
If you wish to follow Jonny's progress over the weekend please visit this website each evening - or, if you want to see 'live' scores go to the England Golf website http://www.englandgolf.org
Everybody at West Hove wishes Jonny good luck over the ensuing two days.

back to the top

Jonny Ingram competes in the Brabazon Trophy
The English Men's Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship (for the Brabazon Trophy) started today at Walton Heath GC and 153 of the world's best amateurs took part. Jonny Ingram, West Hove's Club Champion, was one of those who qualified for this most prestigious of championships over the incredibly tough 7,406 yard, par 72, track where the difficulty is recognised by a Standard Scratch Score of 76.
Jonny played steady golf throughout most of his round but unfortunately he had little luck and no more so than over the last three holes. On the 535 yard, par 5, 16th hole he hit a 340 yard drive but his second shot, albeit only inches off the fairway, was all but unplayable resulting in a bogey 6. He responded immediately with a birdie 2 on the 206 yard par 3 17th hole. His tee shot on the 18th found the heather and after a visit to a deep fairway bunker Jonny returned his only double-bogey to finish on 76 (4 over par).
This left him in joint 64th position which was most unfortunate as a par would have placed him equal 28th. The significance of this can be seen by the fact that only the top 60 players, plus ties, after the second round tomorrow qualify for rounds three and four over the weekend.
The one big downside to the day was how long it took to play. Jonny and his playing partners were on the course from 1.20pm to 6.25pm, a total of 5 hours and 5 minutes - and they played as three-balls! This is something that golf must address generally - and perhaps this competition in particular. Click here for photos.

Our 'over 55s' run comes to an end
Our 'over 55s' representative team lost 2� - 1� against Bognor GC in today's quarter-final of the Cyril Blake Cup. The match was due to be played at Bognor but parts of their course were still flooded following the recent heavy rainfalls, so the match was switched to West Hove with the blessing of the Sussex County Golf Union. Today's results were as follows:
Raoul Ellis & Gordon Eaton - halved their match
Alan Hopping & Howard Coulson - lost 3 & 1
Kevin Woolley & Cliff Woolley - won 5 & 4
Richard Knight & Michael Coombes - lost 8 & 7

back to the top

West Hove do well in two SCGU events today
The PAV Plate:
Having been given a bye in the first round, West Hove were drawn to play away at Chichester GC today in the second round of the PAV Plate. Following one of the wettest June weeks on record in West Sussex, today unfortunately turned out to be one of the windiest! However, this did not prevent our team from recording an excellent 8-4 win to take us into the quarter-finals. After the morning foursomes finished 2-2, our team's singles results were as follows:
Jay Stally won 6 & 5, Steve Nielsen lost 3 & 2, Dan Milligan won 3 & 2, Gary Salt won 4 & 2, Lewis Jackson won 1 up, Mark Gully won 3 & 2, Tony Humphrey lost 2 & 1 and Damon Raikes won 6 & 4. We have now been drawn to play away at Sedlescombe GC in the quarter-finals on 7 July 2012.

The Exclusive Golf Plate:
In today's second round match against Hill Barn GC at home, our team brought more success for West Hove with a 2� - 1� win over Hill Barn GC. In blustery conditions, the match was played in very good spirit by both sides and was closely fought. Our team, and their results, were as follows:
Gary Chamberlain & Adge Hansell -  all square
Kevin Brown & Tony Jeffcoat - lost 1 down
Wayne Hatcher & Martin Emery - won 2 up
Matt Blake & Mark Cronin - won 1 up.
In the quarter-finals on 7 July we have been drawn to play at home against Willingdon GC.

Fantastic value to 'Get Into Golf' for just �4!
You are probably reading this as a golfer or as someone who has a great interest in the game. So, as we welcome the start of the US Open today, why not consider asking a friend or relation to think about taking up this fabulous game - and "Get into Golf".

'Get Into Golf' is a campaign designed to increase ADULT participation in golf and West Hove GC is the only Club in the Brighton & Hove conurbation able to offer unbelievably cheap taster sessions to beginners. These sessions, which will be taking place on a fortnightly basis, will be provided by West Hove's Head Professional at a cost of just �4! (These sessions are also offered to people who haven�t played golf in many years, and would like to return to the sport).

This is a real opportunity for someone you know to take up this game - they need no equipment (as this will be provided) and they will be learning alongside other beginners. All they need to do is telephone our Head Professional Graeme Crompton on 01273 413494 to book a place.

For further information click on these links:   http://www.sussexgolfpartnership.org/play_golf/
http://www.westhovegolfacademy.co.uk/adult_trial_lessons.php

back to the top

Stacey Rodger & Jonny Ingram both play for Sussex
Congratulations are extended to two West Hove members, Stacey Rodger and Jonny Ingram, who have once again been selected to represent Sussex.

Stacey is currently representing the Sussex County Ladies Golf Association (the SCLGA) in "County Match Week" at Prince's GC, at Sandwich on the Kent coast. Sussex, who are the reigning champions, play against Kent, Hampshire, Middlesex and Surrey and each match comprises three Foursomes and six Singles. It is a tough event with each player potentially playing 36-holes per day for four consecutive days. After three matches the SCLGA team had won them all and Stacey had contributed by gaining one win and one loss in the foursomes and three wins in the singles. For full details of the event, which finishes tomorrow, please click here:  http://www.sclga.com/SCLGA%20County%20Match%20Week.html
Update Saturday 16 June: In yesterday's final match Stacey won her fourth singles game but Sussex lost by the narrowest of margins (4-5 to Surrey) to relinquish their hold on the title.

Anup Vasant, the Sussex County Golf Union (SCGU) Secretary, today announced that Jonny Ingram has again been chosen to represent the County at two levels. Firstly, he has been chosen to play for the County Colts Team at Corhampton GC on Sunday 17 June 2026 against Hampshire and, secondly, he will play for the County First Team (at Ifield Golf & Country Club) on Sunday 24 June 2012, again versus Hampshire. Full details of the SCGU's team selections can be found on their website - please click on this link...
http://www.sussexgolf.org/diary_forms_results/county_matches/team_selections/  

50mph winds hit the SCGU's Amateur Championship
Today's 36-hole stroke-play qualifying round of the Sussex Amateur Championship at Cooden Beach GC was spoilt by the most appalling weather the event has probably encountered. Winds gusting to over 50mph meant that balls were oscillating on the greens and general play proved extremely difficult. However, all 72 competitors had to cope and, as usual, the cream came to the top.
Unfortunately, our three entrants (Jonny Ingram, Dan Milligan and Lewis Jackson)  failed to make the top 16 to compete in the match-play rounds over the weekend.

back to the top

The Sussex Amateur Championship
This prestigious championship is this year being hosted by Cooden Beach GC who celebrate their centenary in a week�s time on 14 June - congratulations to them. Seventy-two competitors will tee off from 8.00am tomorrow morning in a 36-hole stroke-play event to find the top sixteen golfers to go forward to the knock-out matchplay stages on Saturday and Sunday.
The wind has always been a key factor at Cooden Beach and, with a deep low-pressure area being forecast, conditions are likely to be very tough tomorrow. This year West Hove has three competitors, Jonny Ingram, Lewis Jackson and Dan Milligan and their progress will be reported here. Full details of the event will, of course, be published on the SCGU's website.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
West Hove celebrated yesterday by holding a special Grand Diamond Jubilee Mixed Texas Scramble competition. Thirty-two golfers, which included both established and new members, took part in breezy but sunny conditions. The winning team, with a net score of 56, comprised Pauline Danes, Jenny Dewynter & Gary Salt and the runners-up were Megan Bibby, Howard Coulson & Vince Chipping with 58.
Thirty-six members then enjoyed the evening supper where the two-course menu included chicken in a Coronation sauce and Jubilee pudding for dessert.  Click here for photos

West Hove win in the Exclusive Trophy Plate
In today's first round match West Hove used home advantage to beat East Brighton 3-1. Unusually, although this is a match-play event, all games have to be played over the full 18 holes, hence the following results:

West Hove reaches the last eight of the Cyril Blake Cup
In today's third round of the Cyril Blake Cup, West Hove beat Royal Eastbourne 3-1 to reach the quarter-finals which will be played on Monday 25 June 2012. Today's results were as follows:

The second '200 Club' draw was made yesterday
The second draw of our new '200 Club' took place yesterday lunchtime in the Clubhouse and the May 2012 winners were:
1st : �122.50 - Ian Pumphrey
2nd : �85.50 - Gerald Colwell
3rd : �37.00 - Kevin Brown
Ian has been lucky to win in the first two draws - why not see if you can be lucky too. If you are a West Hove member, or employee, and would like to participate in future draws (on the last Sunday of each month) please download the rules and an application form by clicking here.
As they say "You've got to be in it, to win it!"

back to the top

Connor Fairhall is West Hove's youngest member
Eight-year-old Connor Fairhall has the distinction of being West Hove's youngest member. Connor joined the Club earlier this year and has started to play in competition. Last Saturday he played 9 holes in the Junior Stableford and achieved a very creditable 6 on the par-4 eighth hole. Connor joined us after having lessons from our pros and is the grandchild of long-standing members Jan and Tony Seabrook. Everybody at the Club looks forward to him making considerable progress in the years to come.
PS - Do you have a youngster who might like to take up the challenge of golf? If so, please contact our General Manager Gary Salt (tel. 01273 419738) who will put you in touch with our Junior Organiser Ken Stafford.  

Stacey Rodger - latest
Any member with time on their hands next Tuesday (29 May) might like to consider popping up to Sunningdale GC, Berkshire to support Stacey when she competes in their prestigious Critchley Salver, a 36-hole scratch medal competition played over their Old and New courses.

Stacey Rodger does well in her toughest test to date
Our current Ladies' Champion, Stacey Rodger, competed in the English Women's Close Amateur Championship last week at Royal Birkdale GC and finished in a very creditable 14th position from a field of 98.
Royal Birkdale is a very tough course with a par of 75. The wet and windy conditions made play even more difficult leading to the CSS for the first two rounds going out to 79. It was therefore very encouraging to see that Stacey finished day one in joint third place with a 4-over par 79 and day two in joint 7th place after a great three over par 78. This was good enough for her to comfortably 'make the cut' to compete against the top 36 players in the final two rounds.
Unfortunately, Stacey's third round 83 dropped her down the field but a solid 79 in the last round lifted her to joint 14th position - a very creditable performance (particularly bearing in mind that the Championship winner shot 81 in her final round).
For the record, the winner was Kelly Tidy who won after a sudden death play-off after finishing tied at 4-over par on 304. Interestingly, Kelly is a Royal Birkdale member!   

back to the top

David Menzies has an 'ace' - and West Hove win the BDGS Junior Cup
The third Brighton & District Golfing Society event of the year, the Junior Cup, took place today at East Brighton GC. In this morning's matches West Hove beat Brighton & Hove 3-2 whilst the Dyke beat the host club, East Brighton, on count-back after a tied match. In an eventful afternoon final, West Hove beat the Dyke 3-2 to win the BDGS Junior Cup whilst Brighton & Hove beat East Brighton to win the Plate..
Our team of five pairs comprised Martin Emery & David Menzies, Adge Hansell & Robert Duncan, Darren Fedrick & James Da Costa, Mark Chapman & John Godley and finally David Goldsmith & Mervyn Stovell.
In the final, our last pairing of David and Mervyn raced into a 6-hole lead only to be pegged back by the 17th hole before winning the last hole to clinch our team's 3-2 win and the BDGS Junior Cup for West Hove.
Congratulations go to all of our team, but in particular to David Menzies who achieved his first ever hole-in-one with a 9-iron at the 171-yard 7th hole. Some hitting! It really was David's lucky day as the BDGS, thanks to their Secretary Don Weston and President David Abercrombie, agreed to fund the customary round of drinks to all those present. Click here for team photo

Jonny Ingram reaches new heights
Many congratulations go to Jonny Ingram, our current Club Champion, who has qualified for the Brabazon Trophy. Playing in today's Brabazon Southern Qualifier at Rochester & Cobham GC, Jonny played exceptionally well to finish tied for sixth place from a field of 132 of the best amateur golfers in the country.
Owing to adverse weather conditions, the competition was unusually reduced to 11 holes and Jonny's splendid 43 (one under par) saw him reach new heights in his golfing career. He has now qualified to compete in the Brabazon Trophy, which is the prize for the English Men's Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship - the most prestigious amateur event in England.
The format for this national amateur championship is 72 holes stroke-play. It is contested over four days with the leading 60 competitors (and ties) from the first 36 holes playing a further 36 holes during the last two days. 
This year's Brabazon Trophy is being played over the very tough Walton Heath GC track between Thursday 28 June and Sunday 1 July.
This is a fantastic achievement by Jonny and West Hove members are encouraged to make every effort to go and support him at Walton Heath in his quest for glory.

Check out the latest social events
Following last Saturday's successful 'Elvis Tribute Night', the Social Committee has booked the services of Brighton's fantastic Dean Ager who will perform a Michael Buble tribute evening at the Clubhouse.
In addition, a new date has been announced for our next general knowledge quiz. Both events are likely to prove popular so early booking is advised. Please click here for further details.

West Hove win in the Cyril Blake Cup
In today's second round of the Cyril Blake Cup (for �County Card� holders aged over 55) the West Hove team had a comfortable 4 - 0 win over Wellshurst GC. Our team's results were as follows:

The third round will be played on Monday 28 May 2026 (and not on 4 June as originally advised) when we will host Royal Eastbourne GC.   (opponents added here 9am 17/5/12)

back to the top

Elvis visits West Hove
Over 50 members and guests attended the Clubhouse on Saturday evening for the return of Elvis - well, to be honest, it was Mark Wright (aka Elvis on my mind) who became the living incarnation of "the King of Rock 'n' Roll". Everybody enjoyed some tasty food - cold meats, cheeses, pates, pickles, olives & breads served to the table. 'Elvis' started at 8.30pm and finished just short of 11pm and all present had a great time. Members are reminded to click on our 'Notice Board' page (see the tab above) for future social events.

The fifth President's Dinner
This increasingly popular event was hosted in the Clubhouse last Friday by the Club President Michael Phillpot. Twenty Past Captains also attended together with Richard Simmons, Chairman of the Board, Club Captain Richard Daughtrey and General Manager Gary Salt.
Abe Hill (President of East Brighton GC), Eric Line (President of Brighton & Hove GC) and David Abercrombie (President of the BDGS) were guests of the Past Captains. Phil Ticehurst from East Brighton GC was Michael Phillpot�s guest and was invited to entertain the gathering with �a tale or two�. David Abercrombie replied on behalf of the guests and thanked our President for a very enjoyable evening and an excellent meal.

West Hove's Jonny Ingram selected to represent the County
The SCGU County Secretary, Anup Vasant, has informed us that Jonny Ingram has been selected to represent the County in the league match against Surrey on Sunday 20th May 2012 at the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club. We wish him all the best.
The names of all the County players selected for this match are available by clicking here.

Results from the B&DGS Intermediate Cup
The second Brighton & District Golfing Society event of the year, the Intermediate Cup, took place yesterday at Brighton & Hove GC. In the morning, West Hove (the holders) did well to beat the home team 3-2, whilst The Dyke were comfortable winners 3� -1� over East Brighton.
In the afternoon, Brighton & Hove made full use of home advantage to win the 'Plate' 5-0 against East Brighton whilst the final, for the Intermediate Cup, proved to be a much closer affair with The Dyke narrowly beating West Hove 3-2. Our team fared as follows:

back to the top

Peacehaven GC win the Jubilee Cup
Nine clubs from around Sussex competed today in West Hove�s Jubilee Cup. The format for this annual team competition provides for each of the 6-man teams� net medal scores to count towards the team total. In cold and blustery conditions Peacehaven GC were worthy winners with a total net score of 455 and West Hove were second on 460.  Today's team scores were:

The West Hove team members, with their handicaps and net scores, were:
Damon Raikes (3) 73, Raoul Ellis (4) 70, Tony Jeffcoat (13) 81, Mark Cronin (13) 78,
Adge Hansell (16) 81 and Darren Fedrick (16) 77.

West Hove's Raoul Ellis won the prize for the best gross score (74)  and I Richmond from East Brighton won the best net score prize with a 68.

West Hove Golf Academy
The Club is pleased to announce that its Head Professional, Graeme Crompton, has today  launched his own website. The site is to be maintained by Graeme and is independent from this website. Members and non-members are invited to view this new site by visiting www.westhovegolfacademy.co.uk or by clicking on any of the distinctive West Hove Golf Academy logos to be found in this website - see an example to the left. Have a look now for the special offers and regularly thereafter for Graeme's "Tip of the Month" on his 'Tuition' page. 

West Hove's Juniors win
Following two close defeats last Saturday in Sussex County Golf Union (SCGU) events, it is pleasing to report that our Juniors narrowly won their first round match in the Alan Covey Cup.
This prestigious SCGU competition is a team foursomes knockout event for junior golfers. Each team comprises four pairs and we were represented by Frankie Ingham & Robert Haggart, Joe Morley & Tom Crossman, Jack Smith & Sam Cissell and finally by Tyler Hounsome & George Goddard. The match ended all square at 2-2, so Junior Organiser, Ken Stafford, nominated Joe and Tom to represent the team and play in the 'sudden death' play-off from the first hole. Fortunately, they won that hole to allow us to proceed to the second round, away to Mannings Heath GC (who beat East Brighton GC at the second extra hole).

The first '200 Club' winners are announced
The first draw of our new '200 Club' took place today in the Clubhouse and many congratulations go to the following April 2012 winners:
1st Prize: �120 - Derek Hodges
2nd Prize: �84 - Gary Salt
3rd Prize: �36 - Ian Pumphrey
If any West Hove member or employee would like to participate in future draws (on the last Sunday of each month) they can download the rules and an application form by clicking here.

back to the top

West Hove are narrowly beaten in two SCGU events
In today's first round of the 2012 PAV Trophy, West Hove were narrowly beaten 7-5 by a strong Copthorne GC team. In the morning foursomes Jonny Ingram & Dan Milligan won 1 up whilst Tony Humphrey & Jay Stally won 2 up. The afternoon singles were played in very damp conditions and the result was not determined until the last match when home advantage favoured Copthorne. Our singles winners were Jonny Ingram, Dan Milligan and Gary Salt.r

The first round of the Exclusive Golf Trophy was also played today when our team was hosted by Chartham Park GC. Once again we were narrowly beaten, this time by 2� - 1�. As in the PAV Trophy, this match went to the last game but this time a Chartham Park player needed a 5-foot putt on the last green to secure victory for his side. He holed it! Our winning pair were Mark Cronin & Matt Blake (5&3) whilst Gary Chamberlain & Adge Hansell earned 'a half' in bizarre circumstances after one of the hosts slipped in the extremely wet conditions and seriously injured a leg.

Golf for youngsters aged under 12
The Sussex County Golf Union (SCGU) has once again organised a "Tigger Tour" for the school summer holidays. It is aimed at boys and girls who were aged under 12 on 1 January 2012 and caters for junior golf club members with a handicap greater than 29 - or even non-members of a golf club. So, if you have a youngster in your family who you think might find this of interest please have a look at the SCGU's poster - simply click here for full details.
And don't forget, West Hove GC has the only public driving-range in the Brighton and Hove conurbation so you might like to bring your youngsters along to practice and, if necessary, receive excellent coaching from our team of Professional Golfers.

More Haste, less speed!
News has filtered through that our Head Green-keeper Duncan Haste, and his deputy Richard Burgess, competed in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday. Reports say that they chose not to raise funds for charity, but did it for pleasure! Duncan finished in 4hrs.19 mins. and Richard (who suffered a knee injury after eight miles) took 4hrs. 29mins which is less time than the editor of this piece took to play in the last monthly medal! Apparently Duncan and Richard both returned to work early yesterday morning feeling a little bit fragile. Well done chaps.

West Hove fail to win in the BDGS Senior Cup
The first Brighton & District Golfing Society event of the season, the Senior Cup, took place yesterday at the Dyke GC. Like last year, in the morning's competition we were drawn against the hosts and they proved too strong for us. We lost the match 1-4 and our only winning pair was Jonny Ingram & Dan Milligan.
In the afternoon 'Plate' competition we narrowly lost 2-3 to East Brighton GC. Gary Salt & Tony Humphrey won their match whilst Jonny and Dan, together with Steve Nielsen & Mark Gully,  both earnt a 'half' each. The Dyke went on to win the Senior Cup by beating Brighton & Hove GC in a thrilling final which went to extra holes.
Our other team members were Damon Raikes & Jay Stally and Raoul Ellis & Russ Newland.

back to the top

Gary Salt and Sir Trevor Brooking
The Club�s General Manager, Gary Salt, is currently enjoying a well deserved week�s holiday with his family. Today he attended the Grand Opening of Worthing Town FC�s new clubhouse and pitches, which were officially opened by Sir Trevor Brooking CBE, the FA's Director of Football Development. Apparently, Gary�s children, Lola and Tom, both play for Worthing Town FC and were delighted to receive good footballing advice from Sir Trevor. We don�t know, however, if Gary gave Sir Trevor any golfing advice! Please click here for a photo

The new 'Club Vice-Captain elect' is announced
Congratulations go to Dave Goldsmith for being proposed as the �Club Vice-Captain elect� by the Club�s current Vice-Captain John Godley, the Club President Michael Phillpot and the Club Captain Richard Daughtrey. 
Dave has been a member at West Hove since 1994 and was elected to the Committee in November 2011 at the Club�s Annual General Meeting. He says it is a privilege to have been nominated as �Club Vice-Captain elect� and he looks forward to starting his year as Vice-Captain in November 2012 and working closely with John Godley in his year as Club Captain.

200 Club latest
Martin Emery, Chairman of 'The Friends of West Hove Golf Club', would like to remind all members that the allocation of 'draw numbers' will be taking place on 2 April in the Clubhouse. If you would like to be included, there is still time but you need to act quickly. Simply take an application sheet from the notice-board in the club lounge, complete it and return it to the office by 1 April (no fooling!). Alternatively download an application form by clicking here.
The first draw will take place on Sunday 29 April at 2.00pm in the Clubhouse, so remember you must be in it, to win it.

Winter Rules
Members are asked to note that with effect from 07:00am on Friday 23 March 2012 Preferred Lies (or �Winter Rules�) will no longer be in operation.

New Company Director
The following statement was issued by the Club's Chairman yesterday:-
"I am delighted to announce that Gordon Eaton has accepted the Board's invitation to become a director of West Hove Golf Club Limited.
Gordon, who was the Club's Centenary Captain, was formerly a director of a local successful company, and I am sure that he will make a significant contribution to the future success of our Club.
I am sure that you will all join the directors on congratulating him on his appointment.
Richard Simmons, Chairman, 20 March 2012"

back to the top

West Hove are drawn 'away' in the PAV Trophy
The draw for the first and second rounds of the Sussex Inter-Club Matchplay Championships took place this evening. West Hove have a very tough match in the first round having been drawn to play away to Copthorne GC on Saturday 28 April. The winners of that match will then play their second round match at home to either Singing Hills GC or Pyecombe GC on Saturday 12 May.

Jonny Ingram competes at Rye GC
Our Club Champion, Jonny Ingram, competed over the past two days in the South of England Youths' Championship at Rye Golf Club. This prestigious, four-round, medal event is limited to fifty 'category one' players aged under 21 with the winner collecting the Darwin Salver.
Jonny, who currently plays off +2, was not at his best over this tough links course finishing in a tie for 15th place on 285 (72, 72, 67 & 74). His third round score of 67 yesterday morning augured well, being the second lowest score of the day, but his final round meant he slipped down the leader-board. He should, however, be pleased with his achievement against some of the best golfers in the country.
The event was won by the English Boys Golf International Nathan Kimsey of Woodhall Spa GC with 270 (69, 68, 66 & 67).

Club Captain
Richard Daughtrey

back to the top

A message from the Club Captain
Club Captain, Richard Daughtrey, was delighted to see that 55 pairs have already entered the �Captain�s Spring Charity Texas Scramble� to be played this coming Saturday. Funds raised from this event will go towards his chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, which is the largest cancer care and support charity in the UK. Richard is very grateful for this support and hopes everybody has a good day. Indeed, he wishes everyone an excellent golfing year and has asked that members be reminded of the following matters:

• To obtain maximum enjoyment from the game, acquaint yourself with Section 1 of the �Rules of Golf� concerning etiquette and behaviour on the course. Free copies of these rules can be obtained from the General Manager�s office.

• The Club has special reciprocal arrangements with ten other Golf Clubs, all within one day's return travel from Hove, where West Hove members can play for free, yes FREE.
  Please click here to follow the correct booking procedures

• The Club belongs to the �Association of James Braid Courses�, which now has over 150 golf courses spread throughout the British Isles, where West Hove members are able to play at a discounted green-fee. See the full list here

• The Club has organised 26 �alternative golf days� throughout the summer. These days allow West Hove members to have a cost-effective game of golf at a local Sussex golf club on a day when West Hove is either very busy or offering restricted tee times (e.g. when hosting external competitions). Please click here for details

• The Social Committee has arranged a number of special events throughout the year and Richard is keen that members support the programme which includes lunches, dinners, dances, quizzes and outings. Please click here for details

• Lastly, Richard is very supportive of the new 200 Club and would like to encourage all members to participate, not only to have a chance of a cash prize, but to help with the funding of specific future projects for the general benefit of members. Please hurry though if you would like to be included in the April draw. Click here for full details

An invitation to our �Ladies Open�
This popular team event will take place this year on Wednesday 20 June 2026 and lady golfers from other golf clubs are cordially invited to enter. One of the highlights of last year�s event was a hole-in-one by Jean Jones from East Brighton GC. To find out more, and to download an entry form, please click here.

back to the top

back to the top

The 2012 Sussex County Golf Union (SCGU) team competitions
The draw for the Cyril Blake Cup (for �County Card� holders aged over 55) has taken place and, like last year, we have been given a bye in the first round. In the second round, to be played on Monday 14 May 2012, we have a home draw against Wellshurst GC. The format for the 48 teams is foursomes, off handicap, and the matches comprise four games. Maurice Grange, who will once again be managing our team, has already arranged some practice matches when sixteen members will be competing for a place in our eight-man team.
The draw for the 2012 Exclusive Golf Trophy (the SCGU�s Inter-Club Handicap Matchplay Championship) takes place tomorrow evening. This knockout championship was inaugurated last year and is for golfers from handicap categories 2 and 3. Our team�s non-playing captain, Brian Hazelgrove, will attend tomorrow�s draw together with General Manager Gary Salt and we will announce our first round opponents tomorrow night.
However, the premier team event in the SCGU�s calendar is, of course, the PAV Trophy. This prestigious knockout championship is a matchplay team event, off scratch, for teams of eight. Each match comprises 12 games, four foursomes in the morning followed by eight singles in the afternoon. This year�s draw will take place on Friday evening 16 March and we will announce our opponents, that night, here on this website.
Club Captain, Richard Daughtrey, wishes all of our teams �good luck� in this year�s competitions.

Funds for Special Projects
The Club has established a new fund-raising group to be known as �The Friends of West Hove Golf Club�. The objective of the group will be to raise funds to directly support one-off projects that will be of benefit to the Club. This initiative will be independent from the Club�s management structure and Members will be consulted as to how the proceeds are to be best spent. The first fund-raising scheme will be the re-introduction of the ever popular �200 Club� from April 2012. All West Hove GC Members and employees are invited to participate and, for a small regular monthly subscription, members will be given a great chance to win one of the three monthly cash prizes. Good luck!

back to the top

Tuesday 14 February 2026


 

The Visitors' online tee-time booking system
Just under a year ago (23/2/11) the Club's General Manager, Gary Salt, announced the introduction of a new online tee-time booking system for West Hove members. This has proved to work exceedingly well, so the Club has decided to extended the facility to our visitors. Here is an extract from the announcement Gary made today:
"From Monday 20 February 2012 visitors will be able to book tee times online at West Hove by visiting our website and clicking on the Visitors Online Booking link. They will be able to book weekday tee times three days in advance and weekend tee times seven days in advance with a deposit being taken electronically at the time of the booking. This visitor online booking software will allow visitors to book tee times in accordance with our Club Rules & Bye-Laws and has gained the unanimous support of the Golf Committee and the Board of Directors."

back to the top

Important 2012 Diary Amendment
The 2012 Club Championship and Nick O�Byrne Trophy competitions were due to be held on 22 July but they clash with the last day's play in 'The Open' from Royal Lytham & St. Annes GC.
The Golf Committee has therefore decided to postpone the Club's Championship and it will now take place on Sunday 12 August 2012. The President's Salver (3 clubs and a putter) that was to take place on 12 August will now be played on Sunday 22 July. Please note your diaries.

back to the top

The Ladies European Tour (LET) Pre-Qualifying 2012 latest
Stacey Rodger was in the last group to tee-off today in the 2012 LET Pre-Qualifying first round over La Manga's par 73 South Course. She played the front-nine in a respectable 2-over par 39 but unfortunately fell away on the back-nine dropping six shots in the last six holes. This leaves her tied in 84^th position from a field of 102 so tomorrow, when she tees off at 9.35am over the par 71 North Course, she will need to pull out all the stops. Watch this space.

back to the top

Stacey Rodger
photo courtesy of Daisy Kane

please click here for more photos of Stacey

back to the top

2012 beckons for Stacey Rodger
By all accounts, 23 year-old Stacey Rodger has had a good 2011. As the year ends we review her early golfing years, and her past year�s achievements, before looking forward to the future.

Stacey joined West Hove GC at the tender age of 12 having taken part in a taster session at the Club. She showed a natural talent for the game and with encouragement from her family � father Stuart, uncles Pete & Richard and brother Carl all being West Hove members � she made quick progress. Her handicap tumbled from 45 to scratch and in her teens she became the Sussex Girls Under-18 and Sussex Ladies champion.

She also now holds several course records in Sussex and has won the Ladies� Championships at West Hove (7 times), East Sussex National GC (4 times) and once at West Sussex GC. She has also won the Brighton & District Golfing Society�s (BDGS) Ladies� Championship in the last six years she has competed!

This pedigree enabled her to take up a 4-year golf based scholarship at the Missouri State University in America where she graduated in 2010 with a degree in Exercise and Movement Science. She is also now a fully certified health and fitness specialist.

Competing under the West Hove banner at a national level, 2011 proved to be a particularly successful year for Stacey. She finished in a very creditable sixteenth place in the EWGA 2011 Order of Merit thanks to an eighteenth place in the Welsh Ladies Open Amateur Stroke-Play Championship, a twentieth place in the Ladies' British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship and by reaching the last sixteen of the English Women's Amateur Championship.

For good measure, and amongst other notable achievements in 2011, Stacey also won the BDGS Ladies' Championship, the West Hove Ladies� Championship and became the Sussex County Ladies' Champion for a second time, the first coming some five years ago before her golf scholarship in the USA.

However, all of the above pales into insignificance compared to the challenge now awaiting her in 2012. In just a few days� time Stacey will be flying to Spain to compete in the Ladies� European Tour Qualifying (LET Q) School at La Manga GC to seek a European Tour Card. The LET Q School potentially comprises nine rounds of golf between 8 and 19 January.

The opposition will be exceedingly tough with a mix of both professional and the best amateur lady golfers from around the world. Indeed, it is reported that five of China�s national team are planning to attend as part of their development programme to prepare for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This will be only the third time golf has featured in the Olympics and the first time since 1904!

Stacey is well aware of just how difficult, and costly, it will be at the LET Q School but she goes with great determination and a very strong work ethic. The next few weeks could have a significant effect on Stacey�s future and her family, and everybody at the Club, wishes her every success. Her father, Stuart, will be going out to Spain to support her and we will monitor her progress here.

Good luck messages can be emailed to Stacey at [email protected]