Blazing heat and fantastic golf at Piltdown

Jonathan Winchester reports:

With the sun high in the sky and temperatures soaring, Piltdown Golf Club delivered a truly memorable day of summer golf on Monday 16 June. The conditions were testing, with firm fairways and fast greens, but the course – in superb shape despite the heat – provided a spectacular stage for some excellent play.

Taking top honours with an exceptional team score of 93 points were Claire Patterson-Snell, Sarah Crawley, and Patricia Seath. Their consistency, communication, and clever shot selection paid off handsomely across 18 tough holes. The trio worked in seamless harmony, and it was clear from early on that they were the team to beat.

To cap off a sensational day, Claire Patterson-Snell also claimed the Best Individual prize, racking up an outstanding 39 points – a remarkable achievement given the testing conditions.

Not far behind in second place were the strong combination of Nigel Wheeler, Jonathan Winchester, and Peter Matthews, whose team total of 89.7 points was a testament to their steady play and teamwork.

Third place went to Carolyn Oldham, Iryna Photiou, and Andreas Photiou, who posted a solid score in the heat but the team stuck together well to complete their round with determination and good humour.

The day also featured some notable individual achievements:

• Nearest the Pin on the 7th was won by William Hawes, thanks to a beautifully judged tee shot.
• Longest Drive went to Andreas Photiou, whose effort was described as “ridiculous” – in the best possible way – as he sent the ball soaring deep into the distance, drawing cheers from nearby groups.

Players enjoyed a lovely light lunch in the relaxed atmosphere of the clubhouse – a chance to cool down, swap stories, and relive the best (and worst!) moments of the day.

A big thank you to the Eastbournian Society for their help in organising the event and for their generous donation of prizes, which added an extra layer of excitement and appreciation for all involved.

Despite the scorching conditions, the day was a resounding success – full of great golf, camaraderie, and some standout performances. Next year we may find a slightly less challenging venue!