Recent Events 

			A double for Brenda, Valerie and Trishia The SCLGA AGM was held on 3 November, with me and Patricia representing Piltdown. We were thrilled to witness Brenda Clift and Valerie Wills collecting their trophies for winning the Spring 9 Challenge held at The Lottbridge on 28 May and the Autumn 9 Challenge at Rustington on 22 September.  Well done ladies!
	Gruesomes – 30 October What an amazing effort with the costumes for the Gruesomes! It made my job of picking a winner very difficult. However, after much deliberation, I picked Julia and her wonderful ‘skeleton’ outfit and make-up to match. Highly commended were Sue A, Sue GD, Sheila G, and Patricia.

Bowmaker – 13 November

A fun competition won by Sally Fowles, Ruth Connellan and Bo Torkington. Did you know that the Bowmaker competition has a historical connection to early golf as it was the makers of bows that produced the early, wooden clubs used by golfers?

The feedback I have received suggests that it is a format that you really enjoy, although some including Jill and Moira, felt it was a little on the ‘slow’ side. This leads me to talk about how you can be a faster golfer. 

Improving your pace of play

Start smart - be prepared from the outset and arrive at the first tee FIVE minutes before your tee time. Discuss who is going first and be ready with glove, ball, tees, ball marker, pitch mark repairer etc. to hand.

Be realistic with your expectations as to how long a game should take. It’s true that some competitions take longer than others. And remember, putting down/picking up mats will add time to your round.

• GET READY to hit your shot while others are playing
• Plan your NEXT SHOT as you walk to the ball – decide on your club
• Limit your pre-shot routine – practice shots take time, so try to limit yourself to ONE
• If the competition allows for it, decide with your playing partner/s to play READY golf
• Hit a PROVISIONAL ball, if you feel you may not find your ball
• Look out for your partner’s ball to minimise BALL SEARCHING and help look for it
• THINK AHEAD and leave your bag in a good spot, perhaps close to the next tee
• KEEP UP with the group in front
• PICK UP if you cannot score
• Be efficient on the PUTTING GREEN – know who has the flag in or out
• Keep to THREE minutes when searching for a ball!

Which leads me perfectly to the WINNERS of the competition in October’s newsletter, which posed the question as to how long you can search for a ball and the name of my NEW award. The winners, pulled out of a hat, who correctly got both answers right including the UNSUNG HERO award were Jill Munro and Rosemary Burns.

Girls on Tour - Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club Trip

The trip is now FULL, and I have written to all of you who have signed up with the itinerary. If anyone has missed out, please let me know, and I can add you to the ‘reserve’ list.

G&T and Academy Events – 2 November

We have thriving Academy and Foundation sections, and recently we held an Academy Scramble, with 19 ladies signing up. With such a large number, I was delighted that Gilly, Moira, Patricia, Alison and Christine volunteered to give up their time and play and help. We need to encourage the ladies to take part in events. Can you spare some time to encourage the next lady members? 

Rule of the Month

Which of these do NOT incur a penalty?

A) Ball moved during a search including your own ball

B) Ball moved on the putting green, including your own ball

C) Your ball is accidentally deflected by you, your equipment, your partner, your caddie (I wish!) or a double hit

Please send your answer to me via email. A prize awaits!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas

and a Healthy and Happy 2026!