CHAIRMAN'S UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2026

Dear Members,

Welcome to the first of our new-style club newsletters, where you will be able to read, see and click through to news and items of interest from across our wonderful golf club.

We aim to bring together the many different aspects of club life in one place, and to do so on a regular basis throughout the year. Naturally, we won’t necessarily get everything absolutely right at the first attempt, so we would very much welcome your constructive feedback as we develop the format and seek to make it as useful and engaging as possible for all our members.

It has been a long and hot summer, and while many of the courses I have visited this year have shown signs of considerable stress, ours has continued to deliver for both members and visitors alike. You will note, however, that there are areas which still need to recover; however, with the help of Mother Nature, together with our own efforts,  it shouldn’t take too long. Our management of water throughout the year, combined with the ongoing focused work of our green staff, means that we are better placed than many.

Our Courses team continues to develop the quality of our facilities, and I know that the new practice ground being developed behind the first tee on the Channel Course will be a welcome enhancement for members. It is also in line with the wishes expressed through the CCL survey a few years ago, which continues to help inform our strategic direction. I am excited to see it come to fruition over the next six months.

Like many of you, over recent weeks, I have been captivated by the terrific Walker Cup victory of the GB&I team at Lahinch earlier this month, followed by the wonderful Solheim Cup victory at Bernardus in Holland. It was especially exciting to see our own Mimi Rhodes make such a terrific contribution as part of that team. It must have been a great experience for her and, hopefully, another springboard for her burgeoning professional career.

On a more local note, I must add my congratulations to Jack Palmer, the latest winner of our Club Championship. Commiserations to Justin Lane on this occasion, but well done to both players for reaching the final and competing so strongly. In addition, a brief word of thanks to Gordon Phillips who referred the final.

Finally, to all of you who have reached the finals of our club competitions, I hope you have enjoyed the journey, and I congratulate you on getting to that stage.

If we have put this newsletter together appropriately, you should now be able to find information about the parts of our club that interest you most, with plenty to read, look at and explore.

Good luck, enjoy the newsletter, and continue to swing and putt well!

Neil Folland – Chairman