December News Letter

The 2020 Season seems a long way off and with the current winds and rain golf may not necessarily be on your minds. The coming golfing year will as always be upon you sooner than you expect so get set for what will be a very challenging 12 months.

With the Introduction of the WHS planned for November and Slope Rating being applied our understanding of the changes may leave some slightly confused. In reality the changes will come and once in place will become clear and obvious I expect! 

The needs of the club golfer will be as they always have been, play enjoy and return some scores throughout the year to assist the hard working handicap committee in making sure your handicap reflects you’re playing ability. England Golf state that the more scores returned the better which seems to encourage golfers to play more golf! Sounds a good idea. 

Safe Golf is the current buzzword within our sport and no one can argue that we all deserve to play within a safe  and friendly environment. Juniors and adults will benefit from the mandatory requirements that Clubs and Counties will support and provide. 

England Golf are currently considering ways of bringing more people in to golf. Your ideas as club members on how to achieve this are welcome especially with the rise in numbers of those titled “The Independent Golfer” 

Our Club Support Officer changed during 2019, we are in the competent and capable hand s of Natalie McColl. The SGU have built up a positive working relationship with Natalie so I encourage your club to utilise her assistance in delivering some of the many benefits on offer from England Golf and your Union.

 
The SGU enjoyed much success during 2019. Our County was so very proud of the achievements of two young men who have progressed through our Junior Coaching Development programme and can now list Walker Cup on their CV’s. Tom Sloman and Tom Plumb have great futures ahead, we wish them every success. 

 
The County 1st  team reached the National Finals but came away empty handed, so close once again!. Our Juniors won the U16 and U14 South Western  Counties  Team Championship and U16 Channel League. Individuals have won South West Championships, Tom Plumb, Dylan Xanh and Freddie Turnell all worthy winners. 

 
Lets not forget the wonderful achievement of the Saltford Junior Team who went to Woodhall Spar as County Team Junior representitives and came away as National County Junior Team Champions! 

Another great success is the work of Dave Owens who runs the First4golf programme where our mini golfers are enjoying the game under his watchful eye. 

The SGU continues to support “Special Projects” we have run numerous County Tournaments at all levels and turn out teams to represent our small but great County at U12’s, 14’s, 16’s, 18’s, Seniors  Development and 1st Teams. 

Our Chairman’s Charity Day saw 96 competitors  from almost every affiliated club turn up to enjoy a highly successful day. It would be fantastic if every club entered a team in 2020. 

The County Dinner was supported by 15 Clubs with numbers reaching 150. My thanks goes to Oake Manor who looked after the gathered so very well. Next year will require tickets paid in advance to assist administration. 

 
So all that’s left to say is thank you to everyone who has made my first year as your County Secretary so enjoyable. I personally wish you all a Happy Christmas and New Year.

Rob 
 

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