Rain, rain, rain and some good news...

It's been another grey and wet week, and with very few golfers around and Phil and our three pros away in (also soggy) Portugal, it's felt very quiet at the club. However! We do have a couple of things to celebrate, with the club making its mark on the national stage with recognition in the England Golf Awards 2026, and being only the third in Sussex to be awarded Junior Hub status. On top of that, our very own David Cannon added yet another prestigious trophy to his ever-growing collection.

Phil is back on Monday, while I'm off to Singapore to visit Piltdowner Julie on her home turf. I hope the rain stops and that you can all get back on the course while I'm away!

England Golf Awards

We're delighted to have been selected for the England Golf Awards 2026 as one of three finalists in the Women in Golf Charter category.

This is wonderful recognition for the collective effort across the whole club, from our pros and office team to the Ladies’ section and all the volunteers, who have worked so hard in recent years to grow and support women’s and girls’ golf at Piltdown. Well done everyone!

The winner will be announced at the England golf Awards on 3rd March.

Junior Hub status

Piltdown has been awarded Junior Hub status by England Golf, recognising the club as one of the leading venues in the County for junior development: we are only the third club in Sussex to acquire this honour.

This is a significant accolade and a real endorsement of the work that has been going on for several years. In particular, enormous credit must go to our Junior Organiser, Piers Heagerty, whose tireless energy and care for our youngsters have been outstanding.

Equal thanks are due to our professional team, who deliver high-quality coaching, inspiring our juniors, developing their skills and, just as importantly, instilling the right values and love of the game.

Well done to Piers, the pros, and everyone who supports our juniors: this is a proud moment for Piltdown.

Congratulations to David!

Another massive achievement to celebrate: member David Cannon won gold in the golf section of the World Sports Photography Awards with the fabulous photo below, taken at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. What a shot!

David and Tommy Fleetwood

Tuesday Boys

This week marked the Tuesday Boys' return after the New Year, courtesy of a break in the weather and some hard work by the Green staff.

32 players braved a chilly, brisk breeze and 16 contributed a 25p fine towards the costs on the 2026 Christmas Dinner! Congratulations go to Gary Morris and Jack Wheale, who won with a creditable score of 36 points.

Just nice to get out after snow, ice, heavy rain and 3 weeks off (for me at least!).

Peter Keith-Lucas

Course update

We have experienced a significant amount of rainfall recently, which has unfortunately prevented us from opening the course. We have recorded 160mm so far this month, well above the January average—and the month is not yet over.

Despite the challenging weather, the team has remained busy. The ditch along the left side of the 5th hole, which has been buried for several years, has now largely been exposed. This will allow access so that excavation and clearing work can begin.

The greens were cut and ironed this week on the days the course was open. Heather work is continuing on the 6th and 9th holes, and with a further delivery of sleepers arriving next week, we expect to complete the steps on the 15th hole.

We have also made some much-needed upgrades to the interior of the workshop and storage containers.

Fingers crossed we get a break from the rain soon.

Kind regards,
Matt

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