SENIORS NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2026
This is an updated version of the newsletter I sent out on 4 Sept, as there a couple of items I should have included in the first one.
After a long dry spell, it finally looks as though we may finally get a bit of rain in September, although, as always, this depends on which weather app one chooses consult. However, the courses seem to be holding up well under the circumstances – I have seen others recently who have struggled more than us, so well done to the greenkeeping staff.
Seniors’ Guest Day
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, in previous years, John Williams is kindly organising this event, which is being held on 22nd September. Guest Day is an opportunity for you to invite a senior male member of another club who has an official handicap to play with you in a better-ball competition. Please contact John via whatsapp on 07759 786002.
Captains’ Dinner: 3rd October
Just a month to go before the social highlight of the year, the Captains’ Dinner. This year we will have a delicious two course dinner, with live entertainment from a magician followed by a DJ. Tickets are on sale now at £45 each – a £5 reduction from last year – and can be secured by emailing Jack Walker at the Pro Shop on jackwalker@stokebynayland.com . I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible therefor what should be a evening of fun, laughter and dancing. For more details, please click here .
Competition Wallet
You should have received a message recently from the club re the Competition Wallet (CW) on the HDID app. There have been many cases across the club of members making small, frequent top ups. While I can appreciate, given some of the problems concerning balances that have occurred, there may be reluctance to pay anything more than the minimum, I understand that most of the initial issues with Club V1 have now been resolved and, from my experience, the CW works well.
If you could make top ups of £30 a time, this would cover 6 competitions. Not only would this save you the inconvenience of having to make frequent transfers, it lessens the chance of your CW going into debitand it helps keep transaction costs down.
There have been cases of people having debit balances on the CW. Please note that persistent offendersrisk being excluded from competitions. Once automatic top ups are available, this should become less of aproblem, but until then, please ensure that your balance remains in credit.
If you having problems topping up, please contact Jack Walker in the Pro Shop.
Group Coaching
You may recall that a year or two ago, Max Toombs ran some group coaching sessions. Nick Arter is organising some sessions with the Ladies and has indicated that he would be happy to do the same for the Seniors. Cost would be £15 for a 1 ½ hour session. Further details to follow, but, as the season winds down, this is an ideal opportunity to iron out (pun intended!) the errors and hone those skills.
Competitions
We had two competitions in August, the monthly Stableford and the Medal Cup and Bell (so strictly speaking, three competitions). For most people, conditions proved to be very challenging, with the notable exception of John Smith, who warmed up with 39 points in the Stableford, four clear of Ian McKay with 35 in Division 1. Ian Bickers was also in good form in Division 2, also recording 39 points, pipping Peter Garnett by a point. Returning to the Constable course nine days later, John shot a gross 78(net 66), to win both the Medal Cup and Bell. His net score was five better than John Williams, the only other player to beat par on a net basis and four better than Mark Clark, who shot a very creditable 82.
Away from Stoke, the Committee Trophy, played this year at Thorpeness, was won by Kevin Price with39 points, three clear of Eric Fisher, with John Parkinson finishing 3rd on countback.
After a plethora of swindles in July, we had just four on August, and congratulations to the winners Neil Ashwell (38), Rob Davies (37), Pete Hele (38) and Colin Gorham (37).
Interclub Matches
A busy August (and very early September), with seven matches taking place. For four of these, the Seniors Captain was away, and we won all of them. In the remaining three (in which he played), the record was one win, one draw and one defeat. Make of that what you will! With just four matches to go, our record stands at Won 14, Drawn 1 and Lost 11.
I would like to thank all those who have answered the call recently to take part in the matches where we were short of available players. It is much appreciated. If you haven’t played in the Interclub matches until now, please consider signing up. These are always enjoyable and offer the opportunity to play a wide range of courses for basically the price of lunch (usually between £20-£25). Just get in touch if you are interested in joining the squad.
September Competitions
On Monday (7th), we have our monthly Stableford competition and Seniors Cup. The draw has been made but at the time of writing (10am on Sunday), there are some spaces available. Please contact the Pro Shopif you want to enter.
Later in the month we have some less usual formats. On the 14th we have Essex v Suffolk, a free to enter competition which gives the opportunity to play for your chosen county, as long as it is Essex or Suffolk.Still plenty of time to enter. Then, on the 30th, we have the St Andrews Greensomes. Entry is not open yet, but please put the date in your diary.
Enjoy your golf and I hope to see you in the clubhouse soon.
Graham Cork
Seniors Captain
Tel: 07773 395620
Email:grahamcork@outlook.com