KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS 2026
KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS 2026 New Rules For 2026 The rules have changed this year for the Mixed Knockout competition. Maximum handicap index on entry being 28.0 for Men and 28.0 for Ladies. Also, the semi-finals and final are to be played on the Old Course. The following rules apply before entering: Pass holders must have played in at least three qualifying Medal or Stableford competitions at the Club a year prior to the date of the competition. If a pass holder has transferred in from another club, they need to have a full complement of 20 scores on their WHS Handicap Index record within the last six months. All entries must be received by Sunday 18 January. The knockout draw for each knockout competition will take place by Wednesday 21 January. Tiger Cup Handicap Index up to 14.6. Men only. Matches are to be played from the Tiger tees on the Old Course or, if mutually agreed, the white plates on the Coronation Course. The semi-finals and final are to be played on the Old Course. The final will be played on one day over 36 holes. Angora Cup Handicap Index 14.7 and above. Men only. Matches are to be played from the yellow plates on either course. The semi-finals and final are to be played on the Old Course. Veterans’ Cup No Handicap Index restriction. Men only aged 60 and above on the closing date of entry. Matches are to be played from the yellow plates on either course. The semi-finals and final are to be played on the Old Course. Better Ball Knockout No Handicap Index restriction. Men only. Please enter as a pair. Single players are welcome to enter with the aim to be paired with another golf pass holder. If you would like to do this, please contact Golf Operations. To be played from the white plates on either course. The semi-finals and final are to be played on the Old Course. Mixed Knockout Handicap Index up to 28.0 on entry for both men and ladies. Please enter as a pair. Single players are welcome to enter with the aim to be paired with another golf pass holder. If you would like to do this, please contact Golf Operations. This competition is to be played on either course with men playing from the white plates and ladies from the red plates. The semi-finals and final are to be played on the Old Course. Should you wish, you can download all the above information.
LADIES’ CHRISTMAS COMPETITION AND LUNCH
LADIES’ CHRISTMAS COMPETITIONS AND LUNCHES Old Course, Sunday 14 and Tuesday 16 December The first Ladies’ Christmas Competition took place on Sunday 14 December. 32 ladies played best two Stableford scores to count 9-hole competition on the Old Course followed by lunch in the 19th Hole. This year’s winning team, pictured above left, was Julie Clark, Jessica Friend, Michelle White and Jane Fraser with 36 points. Yesterday 96 ladies played best two Stableford scores to count 9-hole 1-9 and 10-18 loop competition on the Old Course followed by lunch in the Cedar Room. This year’s front nine winners pictured above right with our Lady Captain, Sarah Kingsbury, were Roo Goswamy, Margot Waddup, Risha Goswamy and Tessa Spencer–Pickup with 38 points. This year’s back nine winners were Kelly Lindberg, Diane Earnshaw, Helen Atkinson and Jane Williams with 44 points. Kelly Lindberg also won this year’s Order of Merit.
MEN’S CHRISTMAS COMPETITION AND LUNCH
MEN’S CHRISTMAS COMPETITON AND LUNCH Old Course, Saturday 13 December The Men’s Christmas Competition took place last Saturday on the Old Course. Following golf, a well-attended lunch took place in the Cedar Room. This year’s winning team pictured above with our Vice Captain, Toby Cracknell, were Martin McLagan, Paul Earland, Brin Cox and Robert Earland with132 points. The following Honours Board winners were also presented with a trophy: Betterball Knockout Competition: Simon Crane Jimmie Muil: Allan Collins Autumn Meeting Stableford: Scott HealyHamsher Cup: Charlie LewisOrder of Merit: Martin Vertigen Congratulations to all of them.
MIXED CHRISTMAS COMPETITION
MIXED CHRISTMAS COMPETITION Sunday 7 December 2025 On Sunday, 72 golfers played in a 9-hole front and back nine shotgun start better ball Stableford competition on the Old Course followed by a one-course meal in the 19th Hole. Congratulations to Gary Waddup and Margot Waddup, pictured above, with our Lady Captain Sarah Kingsbury who scored 17 points on countback on the front nine and to Geoffrey and Cristina Sparks who scored 19 points on countback. Please see below some photos from the afternoon.
GOLF COURSE WINTER UPDATE
GOLF COURSE WINTER UPDATE December 2025 As we move into the winter months, we wanted to provide an update on recent work across the golf courses and share our plans for the remainder of the this year and early 2026. The recent spell of mild, wet weather has presented a few challenges. At this time of year we would typically expect to cut greens, tees and approaches once a week. However, the continued mild conditions mean the team has still been cutting tees and approaches twice a week and greens three times a week. Some of the more shaded greens have shown signs of disease pressure so we have applied additional fungicide treatments alongside our existing preventative programme to ensure turf health is maintained. Most of the trees around the courses have now dropped their leaves, although a few oak trees are still holding on. As ground conditions allow, the team has been working systematically to blow and collect leaves across both courses. Starting in January we will begin raising canopies along the tree lines of individual fairways. As tree limbs grow they naturally drop lower which can obstruct players and create health and safety risks for staff operating rough-cutting machinery. Canopy lifting helps maintain playability and ensures safer working conditions. In November we introduced our first robotic mower to the machinery fleet. It is currently programmed to cut specific fairways on the courses. These lightweight machines offer several advantages: They can operate when heavier, traditional mowers would risk causing surface damage. They deliver far superior results even when worm casts are present. They run extremely quietly making them ideal for working near course boundaries and residential areas. We expect to add more robotic mowers to the fleet in the near future. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all members who have adapted quickly to the new 90-degree trolley rule and who have been following all posts and ropes. It has been particularly pleasing to see so many members carrying their bags and walking the courses. These measures will help ensure the courses come through winter in the best possible condition. We will continue to keep you updated as winter maintenance progresses. Thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy your time out on the courses this festive season. Iain Dye Golf Course Manager
WINTER COURSE PROTECTION MEASURES – PRESERVING PLAYABILITY AND QUALITY
Winter Course Protection Measures Preserving Playability and Quality New Rules for Course Usage Winter 2025/26 Effective from Monday, 17 November As we approach the winter season, it becomes increasingly important to implement protective measures that help preserve the quality and playability of our golf courses. Wet and cold conditions decrease growth and accelerate wear and tear, particularly in high-traffic areas. Without proactive management, this can lead to long-term damage that affects both aesthetics and recovery as the season resumes in 2026. To ensure the course remains in the best possible condition throughout the winter months, we will be introducing the following control measures: Increased Use of Posts and Ropes: These will direct foot and trolley traffic away from vulnerable areas, especially around greens and tees. Fairways will also be roped off on a rotating basis to enable greater recovery. All posts and ropes to be treated as movable obstructions, which can be replaced after playing a stroke. Electric Trolley Restrictions: Electric trolleys will be subject to a 90-degree rule, requiring users to walk directly to their ball from the fairway edge, rather than following it along the fairway. Regular pull trolleys will be permitted on fairways, and whilst it is strongly requested that players carry if they can, the lightweight pull/push trolleys do not create the same wear and tear as the heavier electric versions. For players who usually use an electric trolley and who are unable to carry, we have a limited number of push trolleys that may be exchanged to support both our members and protect the course. Carry If You Can: It is understood that many golfers require the use of a trolley to make the game more enjoyable. Whilst access to trolleys via a 90-degree rule for electric and usual access for standard push/pull trolleys has been provided, it is strongly requested that golfers who can carry, follow the ‘carry if you can’ initiative. Quite often, through the winter, with the ball travelling a shorter distance, a half set of clubs is perfect for the time of year. Buggy Usage: Buggies will also be restricted to the 90-degree rule and will be guided by the zone control enabled in the buggies themselves. Fairway Mats: The use of mats has been discussed, and whilst these will not be implemented this year, there are 24 ‘Spurk Golf’ mats available for trial during general play. These can be signed out for trial daily and should be returned to golf reception. Please do wash these down using the trolley wash-down station prior to return. A short survey will be sent to those trialling the mats to help determine future initiatives. These measures are not only essential for protecting the turf but also for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all players. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to maintain the high standards of our course. Please view this video for guidance. Rhys Beecher Director of Golf
JASON’S TIPS: WINTER GOLF
JASON’S TIP Winter Golf Golf is tough enough in the best of conditions, but winter conditions can make golf even more challenging. If you are a dedicated golfer who keeps on playing, even with frost greens, snow and freezing conditions – here are some further tips to keep you on top of your game! More ClubStop remembering what you are used to doing through the season, your ball will not go as far in the cold. You might have to hit one or two clubs more (so, a 5 iron instead of a 7 iron) on most shots, but at least you will be sure to get to the hole. The ball does not go as far, and consequently you may consider playing one tee up from your normal position. So, play from the yellow blocks rather than the white. You will have more fun, promise! Two BallsCold golf balls do not fly as far as warm golf balls, so have two balls ready for play. Use each ball on alternate holes, keeping the other in your pocket to keep it as warm as possible. If you do not artificially heat the balls during the round, you are within the rules. Proper ClothingMy advice is to wear multiple layers. It is up to you what you like to wear but consider wearing a (long sleeve) thermal t-shirt, thermal underwear, or a skintight with a sweater and a light-weight windbreaker. Do not forget a good winter hat (we generally lose 55 per cent to 60 per cent of our body heat through our heads). The choice of what you wear is so important. Too much bulk will have a detrimental effect upon your flexibility. Softer Golf BallsSome golf balls are softer than others and in cold weather you will want a ball that is easier to compress to achieve more speed when leaving the club face. A hard ball like a Top Flite XL will feel like it is made of steel on a cold day, so go for a softer option. Warm HandsInvest in some proper winter gloves as keeping your hands warm and dry while keeping a good grip is crucial! Ask the team in the Club Shop for their advice. Stay HydratedMany people will substitute water and energy drinks with coffee and hot chocolate when it is cold and their game suffers. Your body needs nutrients and hydration especially when it is cold, and coffee just does not cut it. Have your hot chocolate, but do not forget to sip water or an energy drink every hole to stay hydrated. Yellow BallsNot so long ago, yellow balls were the preserve of driving ranges and rock-hard budget balls. However, now brands like Callaway, Titleist, Srixon or Bridgestone offer some of their premium balls in yellow as well. Yellow balls are easier to spot among leaves or frost because apparently it is the most visible colour in the spectrum. Smart SpottingThe sun is often quite low during the winter. Track your ball from the moment it takes off until just before it reaches the glare of the sun, instead of continuing to follow it and being blinded, turn your attention to the spot where you think it will land; you will soon see it come into view. Potentially investing in glasses that light the course up is a great idea, as it keeps the wind out of your eyes. There’s nothing worse than watering eyes this time of year. Winter RulesIt is good to know what to do during winter time and when local rules apply, like:• preferred lies: this is a local rule, you are able to lift clean and place the ball within six inches no nearer the hole• embedded ball: now a rule of golf relief is allowed in the general area• cleaning the ball: local rule, it allows you to lift your ball and clean it before playing your next shot• casual water: local rule, this entitles you to free relief if water is visible under your feet or the ball when you make your normal stance This time of year, the courses are much more difficult to play. No roll makes them longer; no growth gives some interesting lies. Please move your expectations and targets accordingly. Be good to yourself, enjoy the fresh air and camaraderie. Happy golfing!
CAPTAINS AND PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE 2025 FINALS
CAPTAINS AND PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE 2025 FINALS In aid of the Brain Tumour Charity The Men’s and Ladies’ Captains and Professional Challenge matches remain a highlight of the golfing calendar, and 2025 was no exception, with sixty matches played across the both sections. Finals Weekend took place last weekend on the Old Course, with Susan Minihan and Jason hosting the Ladies on Saturday, and Paul Miles and Jason hosting the Men on Sunday. Congratulations to Jane Fraser and Jo Atkins for their victories, and to Maggie Simkins and Giang Chatelan for their success in matches against non-winning teams. In a tightly contested match, Manhee Chough and Duncan Ross emerged victorious on Sunday by a single point. The Challenge is played throughout the year and to raise funds for our Captains’ Charity. Paul and Susan’s chosen charity has been the Brain Tumour Charity. Thank you to all for your support to this great cause over the last year from Paul and Susan.
GOLF BUGGY RESERVATIONS
GOLF BUGGY RESERVATIONS From Sunday 19 October Over the past month, we have been trailing online booking of golf buggies. Currently, whilst Members can book their tee times online, they are then required to call the Club to reserve a buggy. By moving the booking process online, the booking experience will be made more efficient for members, and they will be able to book 12 days in advance when bookings go live. The option is available on your tee time booking screen, under the title ‘Add Service’. Clicking the option will add a buggy to your booking, subject to availability. There is a total of 16 golf buggies available, which will reduce in availability upon each booking. This prevents overbooking and disappointment on the day of play. A ‘buggy’ icon will be visible next to your booking when a buggy has been successfully allocated to you. Buggy use in competitions is through medical exemption only, and therefore, to reserve a buggy for competitions, please email or call Golf Reception, who will be able to book this. Please note that the daily buggy status will still be applicable and in the event of an amber or red status, the booking will be cancelled where appropriate.
TWO TEE START
TWO TEE START ON THE CORONATION COURSE From Saturday 1 November to Tuesday 31 March The Coronation Course will be operating a two-tee start from Saturday 1 November until Tuesday 31 March. The purpose of the initiative is to provide greater playing opportunities during peak daylight hours, which is achieved through providing increased starting times from 8.00-10.00am each day. The nature of a two-tee start requires space for those crossing over from each nine to play the back nine of their respective round. Tee times will therefore be available on the Coronation Course as follows: 8.00-10.00am: two tee start on both 1st and 10th tee. 12.30pm onwards: Single Tee Start 1st Tee. Please remember to select the ’10th tee’ icon in the top right corner of your booking screen to view the 10th tee availability. The Old Course will remain a single tee start from the 1st Tee. Rhys BeecherDirector of Golf