Tee off with County Secretary Steve McNeill

ON THE TEE

with County Secretary STEVE MCNEILL

As I write this article the majority of the COVID restrictions have been relaxed, I hope and pray it remains that way, for everyone’s sake, as it would mean this terrible COVID is under control.

Looking back at 2021 the one standout positive for golf was the continued growth in club membership not only across Surrey, but the entire UK, not only is it fantastic to see so many people coming back to the game, but also the number of new players. Long may it last! With this in mind, we in the Surrey office have worked hard to plan a full itinerary for the 2022 season, this includes the return of the fantastic U14 RookieTour, which thanks to COVID has not been played for the past two years, both myself and Bob Lacey, our volunteer, who does a brilliant job of running the tour, have no doubt that the tour will carry on where it left off, a total success in getting boys and girls into golf, plus giving a platform for those developing their game.

In addition, we have the County Championships for age groups, U12s to U18s. For the older players there is the Colts, Mid-Age, Seniors, Club Foursomes, and of course the County Championship itself, The Amateur.

The county competitions are not only for the elite golfer, there are also many that the average golfer (like me) can compete in, such as the ever-popular County Card series of events which are, to all intents and purposes a County Society, for 2022 we have ten booked – see right. All these are events are stableford format played off the yellows and are open to all male adult affiliated members of Surrey County Golf.

Then of course we have the 14 county knockout competitions, these give a competitive opportunity to players from a range of handicaps and ages, from the scratch player upwards and junior to senior, the formats used are scratch and handicapped, played in either singles, pairs and club teams.

If you would like any further information on any of the above events we run for golfers of all ages and standards throughout the year please visit the Surrey website www.surreygolf. org or call us at the office on 01483 755788 and either Caroline, Sam, Sue or myself will be more than happy to assist you. We are here to help all our affiliated members and future members. I really hope to see at one or more of our events.

May your drives be straight, your approaches be close, and your putts holed.

Cheers, Steve

COUNTY CARD MEETINGS

Thursday 10th March Burhill

Tuesday 5th April: West Hill

Thursday 19th May: Hindhead

Tuesday 21st June: West Byfleet Thursday 28th July: West Surrey Wednesday 31st August: Tandridge Tuesday 4th October: Hankley Common (First) Wednesday 19th October: Hankley Common (Second) * Thursday 3rd November: Effingham Wednesday 30th November: Walton Heath*

*Hankley Common (second) and Walton Heath will be four ball better ball meetings and as such the WHS allowance will be 85% NOT 95% as indicated above.

If you would like any further information on any of the above, please visit the Surrey County Golf website www.surreygolf.org, or give the office a ring 01483 755788

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Is poor sight affecting your golf game?

Cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are the most likely conditions to affect vision. The Nuffield Health Guildford and Woking Hospitals shed some light on these conditions and how they can help get you back on the golf course.

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We offer rapid access to treatment with no waiting lists so you can be back playing golf sooner than you think. Our specialist eye clinics are run by highly experienced ophthalmologists, well known both locally and nationally for their excellent patient outcomes. Our extensive knowledge and access to the latest medical technology means we can offer advice, diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions.

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