Following a four hour journey from Somerset, a bright and blustery day greeted Somerset Golf Captains when they arrived at West Hove Golf Club on Thursday, the 12th of May 2020 to renew their fixture with Sussex Golf Captains.
After a long journey Somerset Captains enjoyed a superb lunch before the teams were announced and the battle commenced on the first tee, with superb views over the Sussex Downs and the coast. West Hove is a stunning golf course in a superb location which would proof to be a real test of golf to anyone at any time – especially when the wind is blowing like it was when we played there.
In the first match, Captain Rob Ford played with Vice-President Roy Parmiter against the Sussex Captain Joe Angella and the West Hove Captain Lee Bonaldi. This was a very nice day out with Joe and Lee who out putted the Somerset pair. It was clearly a mistake for Somerset to birdie the first – but everybody enjoyed some good company before Sussex ran out the winners by 3&2.
In match two, David Andow was joined by a guest player from Somerset (ex-captain Peter Ward) and they played against Colin Prior and Norman Milburn. Colin and Norman were delightful company and our stand-in guest Peter played well. But the the local captains had lots of luck – hitting the pin at a rate of knots to win vital holes. Another win for Sussex by the margin of being one up
In match three, Paul Middleton and Phil Barrett played against Paul Warley and Chris Adamson. This was a super course with super company and a most enjoyable day at West Hove Golf Club. Thanks to all concerned but another win for Sussex by the margin of 4&3.
In match four, Colin Davis and Glyn Sewell secured the first win for Somerset again Steve Dillamore and Richard Bevan. This was a tough day due to the dry course and strong winds but great hosts and a hard fought game. Everybody stayed dry and the location was excellent on the course. A most enjoyable day ending in a win for Somerset by the margin of 5&3.
In match five, Chris Warcup and Mike How played against Mitch Clark and Ronni Schrevel. Everybody had an enjoyable day and the Somerset pair loved the course (many thanks to Ronnie and Mitch) before Somerset ran out winning by being one up after 18.
In match six, Geoff Rooke and Nick Prince played against Andy Plowright and Bill Milford. This is a great course with fantastic company but Somerset was given a lesson in golf. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it but Sussex were winners by being two up at the end.
In match seven, Stephen Butterfield and Murray Parsons played against Craig Millyard and Nigel Wates. The course was in good nick and the excellent company included a golf lesson from Craig who was playing off -2! Catering facilities and hospitality were first class – Sussex were the winners by the margin of 3&1.
In the final match, John Beer and Jeff Saunders were quickly three down against Pete Hawley and Mike Rahm and were never able to recover from a very slow start. Never good to be five down at the turn, but Somerset held on till the 14th where the game ended with a convincing win for Sussex.
The atmosphere in the clubhouse after the match was exceptionally friendly and West Hove Golf Club provided an excellent carvery followed by a truly impressive range of desserts which were appreciated by all concerned. The catering and the hospitality on the club house were second to none.
Both Captains thanked the golf course and the greenkeepers before Somerset Captains Rob Ford reluctantly presented the trophy to Joe Angella to confirm a victory for Sussex by the margin of 6-2.