Welcome to United Friends Golf Society

The Friendly Golf Society

About Our Society

The history of United Friends Golf Society started in1992 in Battle and provides a great competitive golfing environment to all our members — past, present and future.

Society President - Bill Coney

Society Vice President - Kevin Borthwick

Society Chairman - Nick Stallman

Society Secretary - Iain Curry (Tel: 07407 024079)

Society Treasurer - Mick Fuller

2025 Captain - Mark Watson

Rogues Gallery

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Lingfield Hole 3

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Latest News

What's Happening In the Society?

2025

Dear Players,

Twenty-three of us rolled up to Sandford around mid-day last Sunday with high hopes of the 2 days golfing to come… how quickly those hopes were dashed for some of us! The sky was overcast, but it stayed warm & dry.

I got a big surprise when I parked my car – the first person I saw was someone I know well from Highwoods. It turned out 12 members from my home club were also on a golfing break at the same resort!

The first 2 courses we played (Lakes & Park) turned out to be much tougher than I remembered them from last time, and many of us struggled to make good scores… only 9 players got over 30.
Despite a birdie & 2 pars, I only scored 20! (6 blobs didn’t help)

Pete Kingshott ran out as the winner with 37 points, followed by Nick beating Phil on countback with 36.
No-one won the £200 3-foot challenge, but Chris Hearsum grabbed the other 2 neatest the pin prizes.

The mean in the evening was splendid!

Day 2

Monday… oh dear! The weather was against us – it was breezy and it drizzled pretty much the whole time we were playing. Luckily it wasn’t too heavy, and we soldiered on.

We were playing 3 events in one: Pink Ball, Team Prize & Individual.

As testament to how hard the Woods and Lakes courses are, the pink ball didn’t even get to hole 4 for three groups – including mine!
The winning team only made it to hole 12, but that was good enough for the victory for John Burgess, Hugh Lavers, Dave Burton & Chris Hearsum.

The team prize was won by my group thanks to a great back 9, after a ropey start. So that was me, Adie Booth & Dave Cawkill with a score of 114.
Second was team 3 with 109 points (Skid, Kev, Nigel & Steve V)
And third on 105 points was team 2 (Nick, Tony & Colin C)

The Captain’s Prize of a trophy and a bottle of bubbly went to Kev Borthwick for the best individual score of 36.

There were also 3 near the pin prizes:
Hole 13 (Par 4): Nearest the Pin in 2 shots – won by Steve Viney
Hole 20 (Par 5): Nearest the Pin in 3 shots – won by Tony Wates
Hole 25 (Par 3): Nearest the Pin in 1 shot – won by ME!

Anecdotes:
The team 1 pink ball did return to the clubhouse – after they had lost it early on, it was found by a following team!
Clive’s clubs got a good wash, when a gust of wind blew his trolley into a pond on the second hole!
Adie tried to hit my nob with a ball when coming out of the rough sideways – luckily it was a very small target and I managed jump backwards just enough as the ball flew between me & my trolley.
Apparently Andy Hales SNR really enjoyed the card game on the first evening, and is looking forward to a really nice holiday now…!

---------------

Next event is Tenterden on Friday, August 22nd – I hope you can make it!
Breakfast at 10:30, first tee 11:24am.

HIGHWOODS: There has been a slight improvement to our game on September 25th – it is now breakfast from 7:45, first tee at 8:44am.

Thanks for reading – see you soon,
Mark.

UFGS Captain 2025 - Mark Watson
&
2024 GOTY Mark Dean

2025 Events & Courses

2025 Society Handicaps

2025 POINTS TOTAL

NEWSLETTER 10: 22ND AUGUST 2025 – TENTERDEN

The results of the day were as follows:

1st Nigel Day 36 c/b (15pts towards golfer of the year)

2nd Nick Stallman 36pts (10pts towards golfer of the year)

3rd Ivan Darvill 32pts (8pts towards golfer of the year)

4th Richard Brown 31pts (6pts towards golfer of the year)

5th Dave Burton 30pts (5pts towards golfer of the year)

6th Brent Wiles 29pts c/b (4pts towards golfer of the year)

7th Neil Histed 29pts c/b (3pts towards golfer of the year)

8th Neil Brinklow 29pts (2pts towards golfer of the year)

Golfers scoring 30 points and more but not making the top 8. They all receive 1pt towards golfer of the year: None.

Nearest pin: 16th Hole – Clive Pardey

Nearest pin in 2 10th Hole – Ivan Darvill

3ft nearest the pin: 7th hole – Not won. £ 200.00 (capped) Rolls over to Cobtree Manor. New 3ft pot stands at £ 40.00

Cup Matches:

Nigel Day beat Nick Stallman

Ivan Darvill beat Peter Kingshott

Semi Final Game to be played at the earliest opportunity or by 25th September.

Ivan Darvill v Phil Rummery - The winner will play Nigel Day in the final (*after admin change)

Handicaps

Actual Handicap changes:

Mark Dean 15 to 16

Colin Young 16 to 17

Society Handicap changes:

Nigel Day 20 to 17

Nick Stallman 16 to 14

Ivan Darvill 26 to 25

Leaderboards:

Golfer of the Year:

1. Ricky Tate 33 points

2. Ian Goble 32

3. Tony Wates 31

3. Nick Stallman 31

3. Clive Pardey 31

6. Mark Watson 30

7. Nigel Day 28

8. Mark Dean 27

9. Peter Kingshott 26

9. Phil Rummery 26

Par 3:

1. Mark Watson 82

2. Mick Fuller 80

3. Phil Rummery 77

4. John Burgess 72

5. Clive Pardey 65

Birdies:

1. Mark Watson 34

2. Mick Fuller 32

3. Clive Pardey 30

3. Phil Rummery 30

5. Peter Kingshott 29

Eagles:

1. Kevin Borthwick 8

2. Adrian booth 7

2. Dave Burton 7

2. Mark Watson 7

Albatross:

1. Mark Watson 1

2. Ricky Tate 1

NEXT MATCH:

Saturday 13th September – Cobtree Manor, breakfast 9am,1st tee @ 10am.

Chartham Road

Sandling

Maidstone

ME14 3AZ

2024 Society Knockout Cup

Table in two halves so you can read it on your phones

Society Knockout 2025
1of 2

Society Knockout 2025
2 of 2

Hall Of Fame

All The Winners Since 1992

2025 SEASON OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE

President: Bill Coney

Vice President: Kevin Borthwick

Chairman: Nick Stallman

Treasurer: Mick Fuller

Secretary: Iain Curry

Captain: Mark Watson

Vice Captain: Dave Strachan

Past Captain: Jeff Wallis

Member: Colin Young

Member: Terry Crane

Member: John Burgess

Member: Peter Kingshott

Member: Steve Viney

Web Editor: Nick Stallman

The secretary has committee member’s telephone numbers and

E-mail addresses should members need them for any reason.

Booking Games

The latest time to book a game is normally 1 week prior to the meeting. You can book in at the previous event or by contacting the Treasurer Mick Fuller via the following :

Email mickydfuller@aol.com

Telephone:07976 382236

If for any reason the Treasurer is not available to take bookings you will be notified of alternative arrangements for the fixture concerned.

Please book as early as possible, late bookings will only be allowed should places be available and if the Society is allowed to increase numbers by the golf club. Most clubs limit the total number of places available to the Society. If we exceed the limit then priority will be given to members who booked earliest.

If you wish you can block book fixtures for the year at any time.

Guests will be provisionally booked but priority must be given to members. If you have booked a guest in and there are any reasons why they cannot play the Secretary will get in touch with the member concerned. Please note guests can only play for a maximum of two fixtures. If they wish to play further fixtures after this they will need to apply for membership to the Society.

The cost for members is £45.00* per meeting unless notified in advance and the cost on day is different and the cost for guests is £55.00 per meeting or actual cost of day if higher than £55.

Buggies can be booked and individual members will need to arrange hire directly with the golf club involved. You should note that there are a number of golf clubs where buggies are not available, (see golf club details at the end of this handbook), and that in extreme weather conditions buggies may not be available at courses that normally provide them.

Society Rules

The Society has no restrictions on member numbers although the society retains to right to cap the membership to allow all members to play the organised events.

The annual subscription shall be set at an AGM of the Society of £40.

Thirteen fixtures to be held during the year including the Absents Friends Charity day arranged by the President.

Venues and formats to be arranged by the Committee.

The Committee appoints the Vice-Captain at the end of each season for the following season.

The Committee consists of: President, Vice-President, Chairman, Captain, Vice-Captain, Immediate Past Captain, Secretary, Treasurer and other Members as required.

Members will not be eligible to win any trophies unless they have attended at least 5 of the meetings.

A general meeting will be held annually. Committee meetings will be held as and when necessary.

The Sunday prior to each meeting is the last day for cancellation otherwise match fees will still be payable.

The playing order will, as far as possible, allow all members to play with each other during the season. The exception is the last game of the season when the Society will arrange the playing order according to member’s positions in the golfer of the year competition. Any guests will play with the member introducing them.

Handicap adjustments will be at the discretion of the Committee.

Dress Code

Please be advised that most clubs have a dress code, as a minimum the following will apply:
Jeans, tracksuits, T-shirts and trainers/Flip flops are NOT PERMITTED. As you are probably aware there are now new style collarless golf shirts available. You will need to check with the individual golf clubs to see if they are permissible to wear.
Trousers should not be tucked into socks. Shirts must be tucked in. No headwear should be worn in the clubhouse. Recognised golf shoes must be worn.
If you are staying for a meal at the golf club, most clubs like you to change out of your golfing gear. The Secretary will advise you if anything more than smart casual attire is required.
Most clubs will not allow clothing soiled by inclement weather in the clubhouse after playing so taking a change of clothes is a good idea.
Shorts and Socks – Clubs have their own rules about this, the Secretary will have full details and most clubs now have their dress code on their web sites. If you are in any doubt please ask the individual clubs or the Secretary.

Slow Play Guidance

Guidance/rules re slow play.

Dear members,

Following comments received from clubs we’ve recently visited, and from our own members here are some key points for us all to remember to avoid slow play:

You DO NOT have to play/take your shots in strict order – if a player cannot reach a green or the players in front of them, they should take their shot regardless of playing order.
The 3 minute rule re looking for a ball does not apply to each player in a group. Please appreciate that in doing so, it could add up to 12 minutes per hole and is therefore not feasible.
AVOID looking for balls that have gone out of bounds (even ProV1’s with UFGS Winner on them) – if in doubt, a provisional ball must be played at the time. DO NOT go back to the tee or where your ball was played from to play a provisional ball.
ENSURE you have found your ball before looking for other members in your groups balls.
Use common sense where appropriate and, e.g. on long par 3’s or short par 4’s, call the group behind & invite them to play their tee shots.
Prepare to putt while waiting for other player to putt.

Slow play could lead to clubs no longer wanting our society which would affect the choice of courses we can play as we have had a couple of complaints from members recently.

Remember, please respect other members as slow play also impacts on their chance to enjoy their golf.

Thanks for your anticipated co-operation.

R&A Rules Applicable to Our Society

1: Identifying your ball: This is done by rotating your ball where it lies (not picking it up, identifying the ball and replacing it on the ground thereby possibly getting a better lie ).

2:Playing a provisional ball: If there is any doubt as to where your ball has gone following your drive or approach shot, play a provisional ball, if you do not do this, either from your tee shot or following shots and you subsequently cannot find your ball then enjoy the walk to the next tee box. (You cannot under any circumstances drop a new ball unless it is agreed that it is in a water hazard etc.)

3: Water in bunkers: If you find yourself in a bunker that has water in it if possible you must drop the ball in another part of the bunker so as not to affect the ball or your stance. If this is not possible you must drop the ball outside of the bunker but keeping the bunker itself between yourself and your target not to the side.

This also applies if a bunker has a GUR sign inside it i.e. usually in the water itself. If a bunker has a GUR sign outside i.e. in front of the bunker then the whole bunked is deemed GUR.

4: Winter rules: It is the responsibility of all golfers to ask in the pro shop as to the ruling of the day as there are many scenarios

Pick and place on fairways only (first cut)
Pick, clean and place on fairways only.
Pick, clean and place on fairways. Pick and place on mown areas.
Pick, clean and place on fairways .Pick and place up to tree line.

5: Gimmies: As the society name suggests it is a friendly society but this does not extend to gimmies you must putt out at all times even if the ball is hanging over the edge of the cup, failure to do so may cost some of those valuable points!!!

6. Water Hazards:

Lateral Water hazard {Red Stakes} if you are without doubt in the lateral water hazard you may take a penalty drop within two club lengths of where your original ball crossed into the hazard.

Water Hazard {Yellow Stakes} If you are without doubt in the water hazard you may take a penalty drop keeping the point of entry into the hazard between you and the hole with no restriction on how far back you go.

7. Scorecards:

When filling in your scorecards please try and remember as accurately as possible how many shots you have taken and the relative points you have scored.

Please note when players have a handicap of less than 18 and mark the holes where they will receive different point totals i.e. 4 shots for 2 points on a par 4 etc.

A bit more time and care filling in the scorecard will hopefully reduce the situation of someone on the day winning a trophy only to give it back later because of incorrect scoring

If and when you have a blip on a hole instead of just putting a line through the box please put the first score you could have taken without scoring

This is to help the club sectary when entering the cards onto the society’s computer software

8. Count back for Stableford competitions

When the format is Stableford and you’ve played 18 holes, you total up the points of everyone sharing the tie over the last 9 holes of the event. If one player is ahead with the best score, they win. If several players are still tied, count the scores over the final six holes. Still no winner? Repeat the process over the last three holes. That’s still not enough? Resort to the last hole.

Still no winner? Things get creative. The winner is the best score on the most difficult hole (stroke index 1). If that still doesn’t work, add up the best scores across the three most difficult holes, then six, then nine.

9. No GIMME's to be allowed at anytime as per R&A rules

These answers and recommendations are to hopefully make the days golfing more enjoyable and dare we say it a little bit quicker

Many Thanks

The Committee

Handicaps

Society Playing Handicaps

The Society operates a system of deducting points off handicaps known as playing handicaps.

For playing handicaps the winner of each day loses three points off their handicap, 2nd place loses two points, 3rd place loses one point.

At the end of each season the top 3 players of the year will lose 3 points, 2points, 1point respectively off their actual handicaps throughout the year which will be returned the following year providing they are not in the top 3 again.

Official Handicaps

This Society uses the same system as golf clubs for Society handicapping purposes.

The Society uses commercially provided software to calculate handicaps. This software conforms to EGU/CONGU rules regarding handicapping. Handicaps will be regularly updated using this facility.

All members will be allocated a Society handicap based on their performances within the Society irrespective of whether they hold a handicap certificate from their normal club/organisation.

For new members Society handicaps will be allocated after three cards for Society fixtures have been submitted. In the interim the committee will determine a playing handicap.

The Secretary will issue a written handicap certificate on request of a member.

*** N.B. When players are deducted strokes from their handicap after an event please remember that the deduction is based on your ACTUAL handicap which then directly affects your PLAYING handicap. For example: if you have an actual handicap of say 21 but a playing handicap of 18 (as a result of coming in the top 3 at a previous event) then any further reductions as a result of a good score at an event (e.g. typically over 34 pts) then the stroke reduction is based on your "actual" handicap of 21 and not the "playing" handicap of 18. The playing or Society handicap is then calculated accordingly.

Competitions

Golfer Of the Year

Played throughout the year and the winner is the player who accumulates the most points at the end of the year.

Knockout Competition

This competition is a paper competitions in that members only have to play their normal game and scores on the day will determine the winner.

Members are obliged to play their matches at Society fixtures. They may not be played at a different venue away from the society. However the final must be played on the last game of the season. Members must play their matches at the first available Society event and inform the Secretary when booking. The years winner will receive the Knockout Cup to hold for 1 year and the runner up will receive the Plate

Birdie Competition

Any Stableford score of 3 points is a birdie for this competition and only scores on Society days will count towards this competition. The members who score most birdies in the season will be the winner. This is purely a paperwork competition in that members only have to play their normal game and records will be updated after each game.

Eagle Competition

Any Stableford score of 4 points is an Eagle for this competition and only scores on Society days will count towards this competition. The member who scores most eagles in the season will be the winner. This is purely a paperwork competition in that members only have to play their normal game and records will be updated after each game.

Albatross Competition

Any Stableford score of 5 or more is an Albatross for this competition and only scores on Society days will count towards this competition. The member who scores most albatrosses in the season will be the winner. This is purely a paperwork competition in that members only have to play their normal

game and records will be updated after each game.

Condor Competition

Any Stableford score of 6 or more is an Condor for this competition and only scores on Society days will count towards this competition. The member who scores most albatrosses in the season will be the winner. This is purely a paperwork competition in that members only have to play their normal game and records will be updated after each game.

Hole in One

The Society will Award £100 towards clubhouse drinks to any member scoring a Hole in One on a Society match.

Par 3 Competition

All Stableford points scored on par 3 holes during the season will count towards this competition and only scores on Society days will count towards this competition. The members who score most Stableford points on the par 3 holes in the season will be the winner. This is purely a paperwork competition in that members only have to play their normal game and records will be updated after each game.

Competition Points & Prizes

All competitions will be played using the handicap of the day written on your score card.

This figure will reflect the Society and official rules outlined previously.

Golfer of the Year Competition

There are prizes for the winner and runner-up

The winner will be the member who scores most points overall from the 2019 meetings. The runner-up will be the member who scores the next highest points score. To qualify a member must play at least five fixtures. All matches will be on a Stable ford basis based on full handicaps.

Points are calculated as follows:

· First 15 points

· Second 10 points

· Third 8 points

· Fourth 6 points

· Fifth 5 points

· Sixth 4 points

· Seventh 3 points

· Eighth 2 points

· 1 point will be awarded to any golfer scoring 30 or over not in the first eight.

To be valid cards must be completed during the game by a playing partner and signed by both that partner and the competitor before entering the clubhouse after the game has finished.

Trophies

This Society plays for fun, but to give our games a purpose we also make each game a competition, therefore the first, second and third placed golfer for each fixture will receive prizes. We also have spot prizes for such things as nearest the pin and second nearest the pin.

Our playing handicap system is such that everyone has a chance of winning.

End of year trophies include Golfer of the Year and runners-up, the Captains Award, Players Player, Most Improved Golfer, the Knockout trophy and Plate, the Eagle trophy, the Birdie trophy, the Albatross trophy, the Condor trophy and the Par 3 trophy.

AGM 2024 TBC

- WELLSHURST GOLF CLUB on 9th February 2025

AGENDA

1. Meeting start time:

2. Members present/apologies for absence: (Total 2024 Membership 42)

· Expected Members (21): Bill Coney, Mick Fuller, Steve Viney, John Burgess, Nigel Day, Jeff Wallis, Dave Strachan, Mark Dean, Phil Rummery, Clive Pardey, Colin Carrie, Kevin Borthwick, , Alan Fleming, , Terry Crane, , Richard Brown,

· Apologies For Absence: Nick Stallman, Iain Curry, Colin Young, Dave Cawkill, Pete Kingshott, Mark Watson, Andy Benson, Teo V, Neil Brinklow, Alan Stephenson, Andy Hales Snr, Lee Heitzman, Paul Pollington, Damien Gale, Dave Burton, Chris Hearsum Ben Cawkill, Adrian Booth, Ivan Darvill. Lee Dickson, Steve Lambert, Richard Kingshott

2. Minutes of 2023 AGM at Wellshurst Annual General Meeting/ Matters Arising (These are on web site to view)

· Proposer – Bill/Seconder John Burgess

· The following key points are noted and agreed from last year’s meeting:

o From 2023/4 AGM - When a new member has an existing club handicap, this handicap is taken from the start and they can start scoring from match one (rather than entering 3 cards) and is therefore eligible for golfer of the year. Having to put 3 cards in can always give a false starting handicap. (Prop NS/Sec MF).

o Suggestion that where possible put out 3 balls in the first few group (where numbers make sense as this will speed up games i.e. create more groups of 3

3. Chairman’s Report (Nick Stallman)

· Many thanks to Iain and Mick for their tireless work behind the scenes and to the committee for their support through the year and thanks to John Burgess for card gathering and to the members for making this a fun society to be part of. Delighted to announce that Iain will be re-standing as Secretary this year and he is hoping to play some golf!

· Congrats to all the winners this year and especially John Burgess for winning the KX cup and Steve Lambert as runner up and to Pete Kingshott for coming second in a closely fought GOTY competition and finally to Nick Stallman for not being the bridesmaid and winning by a couple of points.

· Jeff Wallis as 2024 Captain

· Mark Watson as 2024 Vice-Captain (he will run the first game this year as Jeff is away)

· Bus Stops – Society to confirm Terry to continue and helped by Colin.

4. Captains Report (Colin Carrie)

5. Treasurers Report – (Mick Fuller to issue Income and Expenditure Report – Proposal J Burgess and Seconder Jeff Wallis

· Insurance Renewed with same provider (Gallagher Insurance Hiscox)

· Coach arrangements for Captains Day

· Proposed new variable pricing for specific courses OR blanket extra £5 for all games £45+£5=£50. (Guests will pay actual cost on the day)

ETCHINGHILL MEMBERS PAY EXTRA £5 = £50

SEAFORD “ “ “ £10 = £55

BOUGHTON “ “ “ £5 = £50

SINGINGHILLS “ “ “ £10 = £55 VOTED 10=5

LAMBERHURST “ “ “ £10 = £55

WEALD OF KENT “ “ “ £5 = £50

6. Secretary's Report (Iain Curry)

· Iain is delighted to stand again as Secretary for 2024 season and is looking into a more modern version of the handicap master software.

· Scorecards have been of a much better standard this year

· Note: members booking in for games is made to Mick in advance i.e. At the previous game or via email (Not WhatsApp Group)

7. Web editors Report (Nick Stallman) – All Suggestions Welcome from Members for new content.

· Update to format and new content in progress for 2024.

8. Election of Officers/Secretary/Treasurer and Committee Members for 2024 (Proposal for Election required)

President – Bill Coney

Vice President – Kevin Borthwick

Chairman – Nick Stallman (Election from Members)

Secretary – Iain Curry (Election from Members)

Treasurer – Mick Fuller (Election from Members)

Captain – Jeff Wallis

Vice Captain – Mark Watson

Committee – Colin Carrie (Past Captain)

Committee - Steve Viney

Committee – Colin Young

Committee – John Burgess

Committee – Peter Kingshott

Committee – Nigel Day

Committee – Terry Crane (Bus Stops)

Web Editor – Nick Stallman

9. Annual Subscription and match fees for 2024

· Sub: £40.00 (same as 2023)

· Match Fees to remain at £45 for members for default games. [Guests will pay £55]* except where costs are higher.

· As per Treasurer proposal fees will be increased for specified games by £5 or £10 (£50/£55) to cover costs and guests will pay total green fee + breakfast

10. AOB:

· All: Reconfirmation that NO GIMMES ARE ALLOWED under any circumstances in games.

· All: Please make sure that course etiquette is maintained at all times and avoid slow play where possible. (Play provisional balls, 2mins max looking for lost balls etc.)

11: Meeting close time: 10:20

AGM 2023

- WELLSHURST GOLF CLUB on 10th February 2024

AGENDA

1. Meeting start time: 9:40

2. Members present/apologies for absence: (Total 2024 Membership 42)

· Expected Members (21): Bill Coney, Mick Fuller, Steve Viney, John Burgess, Nigel Day, Jeff Wallis, Dave Strachan, Mark Dean, Phil Rummery, Clive Pardey, Colin Carrie, Kevin Borthwick, , Alan Fleming, , Terry Crane, , Richard Brown,

· Apologies For Absence: Nick Stallman, Iain Curry, Colin Young, Dave Cawkill, Pete Kingshott, Mark Watson, Andy Benson, Teo V, Neil Brinklow, Alan Stephenson, Andy Hales Snr, Lee Heitzman, Paul Pollington, Damien Gale, Dave Burton, Chris Hearsum Ben Cawkill, Adrian Booth, Ivan Darvill. Lee Dickson, Steve Lambert, Richard Kingshott

2. Minutes of 2023 AGM at Wellshurst Annual General Meeting/ Matters Arising (These are on web site to view)

· Proposer – Bill/Seconder John Burgess

· The following key points are noted and agreed from last year’s meeting:

o From 2023/4 AGM - When a new member has an existing club handicap, this handicap is taken from the start and they can start scoring from match one (rather than entering 3 cards) and is therefore eligible for golfer of the year. Having to put 3 cards in can always give a false starting handicap. (Prop NS/Sec MF).

o Suggestion that where possible put out 3 balls in the first few group (where numbers make sense as this will speed up games i.e. create more groups of 3

3. Chairman’s Report (Nick Stallman)

· Many thanks to Iain and Mick for their tireless work behind the scenes and to the committee for their support through the year and thanks to John Burgess for card gathering and to the members for making this a fun society to be part of. Delighted to announce that Iain will be re-standing as Secretary this year and he is hoping to play some golf!

· Congrats to all the winners this year and especially John Burgess for winning the KX cup and Steve Lambert as runner up and to Pete Kingshott for coming second in a closely fought GOTY competition and finally to Nick Stallman for not being the bridesmaid and winning by a couple of points.

· Jeff Wallis as 2024 Captain

· Mark Watson as 2024 Vice-Captain (he will run the first game this year as Jeff is away)

· Bus Stops – Society to confirm Terry to continue and helped by Colin.

4. Captains Report (Colin Carrie)

5. Treasurers Report – (Mick Fuller to issue Income and Expenditure Report – Proposal J Burgess and Seconder Jeff Wallis

· Insurance Renewed with same provider (Gallagher Insurance Hiscox)

· Coach arrangements for Captains Day

· Proposed new variable pricing for specific courses OR blanket extra £5 for all games £45+£5=£50. (Guests will pay actual cost on the day)

ETCHINGHILL MEMBERS PAY EXTRA £5 = £50

SEAFORD “ “ “ £10 = £55

BOUGHTON “ “ “ £5 = £50

SINGINGHILLS “ “ “ £10 = £55 VOTED 10=5

LAMBERHURST “ “ “ £10 = £55

WEALD OF KENT “ “ “ £5 = £50

6. Secretary's Report (Iain Curry)

· Iain is delighted to stand again as Secretary for 2024 season and is looking into a more modern version of the handicap master software.

· Scorecards have been of a much better standard this year

· Note: members booking in for games is made to Mick in advance i.e. At the previous game or via email (Not WhatsApp Group)

7. Web editors Report (Nick Stallman) – All Suggestions Welcome from Members for new content.

· Update to format and new content in progress for 2024.

8. Election of Officers/Secretary/Treasurer and Committee Members for 2024 (Proposal for Election required)

President – Bill Coney

Vice President – Kevin Borthwick

Chairman – Nick Stallman (Election from Members)

Secretary – Iain Curry (Election from Members)

Treasurer – Mick Fuller (Election from Members)

Captain – Jeff Wallis

Vice Captain – Mark Watson

Committee – Colin Carrie (Past Captain)

Committee - Steve Viney

Committee – Colin Young

Committee – John Burgess

Committee – Peter Kingshott

Committee – Nigel Day

Committee – Terry Crane (Bus Stops)

Web Editor – Nick Stallman

9. Annual Subscription and match fees for 2024

· Sub: £40.00 (same as 2023)

· Match Fees to remain at £45 for members for default games. [Guests will pay £55]* except where costs are higher.

· As per Treasurer proposal fees will be increased for specified games by £5 or £10 (£50/£55) to cover costs and guests will pay total green fee + breakfast

10. AOB:

· All: Reconfirmation that NO GIMMES ARE ALLOWED under any circumstances in games.

· All: Please make sure that course etiquette is maintained at all times and avoid slow play where possible. (Play provisional balls, 2mins max looking for lost balls etc.)

11: Meeting close time: 10:20

AGM 2022

UNITED FRIENDS GOLF SOCIETY

2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - WELLSHURST GOLF CLUB on 4th February 2023

MINUTES

Meeting started at 10:06 - Members present/apologies for absence:

Bill Coney, Nick Stallman, Mick Fuller, Steve Viney. John Burgess, Nigel Day, Pete Kingshott, Colin Young, Jeff Wallis, Dave Strachan, Dave Cawkhill, , Adrian Booth, Ivan Darvill, Mark Dean, Mark Watson, Phil Rummery, Richard Kingshott, Clive Pardey.
Apologies For Absence: Iain Curry, Colin Carrie, Andy Benson, Teo V, Kevin Borthwick, Neil Brinklow, Lee Dickson, Alan Fleming, Alan Stephenson, Andy Hales, Lee Heitzman, Steve Lambert, Terry Crane, Paul Pollington Ben Cawkhill.
No response from 6 members

2. Minutes of 2021 AGM at Wellshurst Annual General Meeting/ Matters Arising.

Minutes are available on the Web site since Feb 2022
The Chairman noted the following key point from last year’s meeting: From 2021 AGM [Agreed] When a new member has an existing club handicap, this handicap is taken from the start and they can start scoring from match one (rather than entering 3 cards) and is therefore eligible for golfer of the year. Having to put 3 cards in can always give a false starting handicap. (Prop NS/Sec MF).

Minutes were proposed and seconded by Steve Viney, Nigel Day and the majority of members present.

3. Chairman’s Report (Nick Stallman)

Nick thanked the members coming to the meeting today, the support from the committee and especially to Iain Curry and Mick Fuller for their tireless work behind the scenes and to John Burgess for gathering all the cards in advance. Nick also thanked Steve V for his successful year as captain and arranging the weather. Nick congratulated Mark Dean on winning GOTY.
The key point was raised that players must challenge rulings or players at the time on the course (and ask the group behind if unsure) and not after the event to members of the committee.
Confirmed that Iain Curry is delighted to stand as secretary again for 2023.
The vote for Players Player of the Year was conducted and the result passed to Bill for the cup to be engraved for presentation evening on the 24th Feb
Bus Stops – Terry confirmed via mail and helped by Colin to continue this year.

4. Captains Report (Steve Viney)

Colin Carrie – 2023 - Hi everyone, unfortunately I can't make it to the AGM as I will be travelling to Dorset. I'm looking forward to being Captain this year (I think), hopefully the weather will be as good as Steve arranged last year! Hope you'll all enjoy the courses I've selected particularly Farleigh which I know is new to most if not all of you. With the weekend at Sandford Springs as well and we've been able to make Singing Hills 27 holes there's lots to look forward to. See you at Romney those that can make it. All the best, Colin.

Steve thanked the society to make it such a memorable year that he really enjoyed and thanked the committee and all his playing partners during the year. He congratulated Mark Dean on winning GOTY.

5. Treasurers Report (Mick Fuller)

Insurance Renewed with same provider (Gallagher Insurance Hiscox)

Coach for Captains Day all confirmed
Mick presented the Income and Expenditure report for 2022 showing the club to be in good health. (Proposed by Richard Kingshott and Seconded by Steve Viney)

6. Secretary's Report (Ian Curry)

N.B. Members course Booking to revert to Mick in advance i.e. From previous game + email to Mick

7. Web editors Report (Nick Stallman) – All Suggestions Welcome

8. Election of Officers/Secretary/Treasurer and Committee Members for 2023

President – Bill Coney

Vice President – Kevin Borthwick

Chairman – Nick Stallman (E) (Prop: CY 2nd: RK)

Secretary – Iain Curry (E) (Prop NS, 2nd SV)

Treasurer – Mick Fuller (E) (Prop NS, 2nd CY)

Captain – Colin Carrie

Vice Captain – Jeff Wallis

Committee – Steve Viney (past Captain)

Committee – Colin Young

Committee – John Burgess

Committee – Peter Kingshott

Committee – Nigel Day

Committee – Terry Crane (Bus Stops)

Web Editor – Nick Stallman

9. Annual Subscription and match fees for 2023

Subs: £40.00, Match Fees to remain at £45 for members. [Guests will pay £55 to play with the exception of Captains Day and Singing Hill 27 holes]
It was proposed that the Treasurer and Chairman would have their subs waved as a show of appreciation for the work contributing to the society (in addition to the Secretary that was passed previously). This was proposed by Colin Young and Bill Coney and was passed unanimously by the members present.

10. AOB:

Bill: Suggestions welcome from members for a local small charity in addition to St Michaels Hospice to be raised for our annual absent friends charity day (c £600 p.a.)
To Captain: Suggestion that where possible put out 3 balls in the first few group (where numbers make sense as this will speed up games i.e. create more groups of 3
All: Reconfirmation that NO GIMMES ARE ALLOWED under any circumstances in games.
All: Please make sure that course etiquette is maintained at all times and avoid slow play where possible. (Play provisional balls, 2mins max looking for lost balls etc.)

Meeting Ended at 10:47

AGM 2021

UNITED FRIENDS GOLF SOCIETY 2021 SEASON ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

5th February 2022 at WELLSHURST GOLF CLUB

Minutes

1. Members present/apologies for absence

(18) Bill Coney, Nick Stallman, Richard Kingshott, Colin Young, Clive Pardey, Ivan Darvil, Mark Watson, Terry Crane,John Burgess, Colin Carrie, Kevin Borthwick, Steve Viney, Mick Fuller, Dave Cawkill, Peter Kingshott, Nigel Day, Ben Cawkhill.
Iain Curry, Andy Hales, Lee Heitzman, Teo Vogiatzis, Jeff Wallis, Dave Strachan, Paul Pollington

2. Minutes of 2020/21 AGM at Sedlescombe Annual General Meeting/ Matters Arising (Proposed SV, 2nd CY)

3. Chairman’s Report

Insurance Renewed with same provider (Gallagher Underwritten by Hiscox)
2022 Captain (Steve Viney) and Vice-Captain (Colin Carrie)

4. Captains Report

Nigel to report on 2020/2021

5. Treasurers Report

Mick to issue Income and Expenditure Report (Proposed CC, 2nd CY)

6. Secretary's Report - (Iain sends his apologies due to work commitments) - A very short Secretary's report as Iain is dealing with Covid issues

I am happy to stand as Secretary if elected by the members.
Dear All, another good season under the circumstances with some courses having restrictions still in place with Covid. Scoring of cards was extremely good this year. Clear and easy to understand. Yet again due to work commitments I did not attend as many games as I would like. Special thanks to John Burgess, Kevin Borthwick and Steve Lambert for dropping the cards off after the games to allow me to do the results. Fingers crossed I will get to see you all at a few more games. A very friendly and enjoyable bunch of golfers to be associated with. Good luck to Steve Viney on his Captains year.
Member Numbers – 34 currently so open for new members who are interested

7. Web editors Report- UFGOLF.CO.UK

New Web site feedback/How many of you are using it?
Old site to be taken down if possible – no response from Glynn on how this can be done.

8. Election of Officers/Secretary/Treasurer and Committee Members for 2022: (Confirm agreement to stand again)

.

President – Bill Coney

Vice President – Kevin Borthwick

Chairman – Nick Stallman (MF/BC)

Treasurer – Mick Fuller (ND/NS)

Secretary – Iain Curry (NS/BC)

Web Editor – Nick Stallman

Captain – Steve Viney

Vice-Captain – Colin Carrie

Committee – Nigel Day (Past Captain)

Committee – Colin Young

Committee – John Burgess

Committee – Peter Kingshott

Committee – Terry Crane

Committee – Adrian Booth

Committee – Jeff Wallis

9. Annual Subscription and match fees for 2022

No changes and retained as per 2020 >Subs: £40 / Match fees £45

10. AOB:

Knockout Trophy - Change the rule so that competition participants must play their matches at a society event and not outside as per the current rules (Especially applicable for the Final) - AGREED
(Iain C) – When a new member who has an existing club handicap, this handicap is taken from the start and they can start scoring from match one (rather than entering 3 cards) and is therefore eligible for golfer of the year. Having to put 3 cards in can always give a false starting handicap. AGREED
Need to ensure when members booking into games (if they have not already let Mick know at the previous game when he collects the money) that if they independently let Mick know, they must confirm with Iain via email or SMS as he has the master list.
3ft Comp – Clarification - If two players get inside the 3ft on the same day (highly unlikely!) the prize fund on the day (AGREED)
Presentation evening going forward – Do we have enough support to sustain this going forward? - Undecided

AGM 2020

As we have not been able to hold an AGM for 2020 (we decided that trying to hold a Zoom meeting for 30+ of us would have been too great a logistical challenge). Therefore we have taken the liberty of producing the 2020 AGM notes (together with the 2019 AGM Minutes) for your attention and if you have any comments/questions or issues please come back to us to give us enough time to answer before the 1st match.

1) Handicaps 2021 - The starting point for handicaps for the 2021 season will be as per the position at the end of the 2020 season (including the loss of 3,2,1 strokes for the top three in the reduced season – Mark D, Neil B and Andy H) even if you did not play an event. This does not mean, as a number of members have queried, reverting back to the end of the 2019 season. This provides a more accurate starting point for players abilities and changing this would be against the society rules plus reversing all the 2020 scores in the handicap master software (which generates legitimate handicap certificates for us) would be invalidated. A number of you did not play in 2020 (or only played once etc) and therefore your playing handicap will not be affected and those who had 3,2,1, strokes deducted for 2020 as a result of top 3 finish in the 2019 season are returned (and taken away again for 2021 Neil J).

2) Membership Fees Reduction for 2021 : Our treasurer has kindly agreed due to the lower spend in 2020 that we are reducing the membership fee for existing users for one year from £40 to £20 for 2021 only. 2022 will revert to £40.

3) Match fees to stay at £ 45.00* but some courses may have reduced fees again due to covid restrictions. This will be confirmed prior to each match played (e.g. facilities not being fully opened where breakfast can’t be offered) and the event saving will be passed onto playing members in a reduced match fee.

4) Playing Handicap/3 cards - Society rules do state, that if a golfer doesn’t play the entire season, then they have to put in 3 cards in the following season to get a new handicap and be eligible for the competitions. We are proposing an exception due to coronavirus for 2021 as a number of members did not play any matches last season and the society believes that under the circumstances they shouldn’t be penalised for not playing. New or rejoining members after an absence of 2 years or more will need to submit 3 cards as per society rules.