2024 AGM

A great time was had by all who attended the AGM on 5th February 2024, held at the Civil Service Club, Westminster, London.

The officers, Captain, Treasurer and Secretary all reported a very successful year and that EPiC was thriving and growing steadily despite the difficult economic climate.

A very warm welcome was extended to new members Bernadette Barker, Mark Barnard, Jon Bray, Matthew Caldecourt, Noel Greig, Dan Harrison, Ro Harper, Will Higgins, Richard Piggott, Gavin Travica & Chris Yates who all joined in 2023 together with 4 additional members who have have joined already in 2024, namely Will Evans, James Varley, Clark Lee and Garry Fairbairn. Ro Harper.

Will Evans, Bernadette Barker & Jon Bray were welcomed in person, and all gave a short introductory speech.

Please see the “Events” tag on the website https://epicgolfingsociety.co.uk/ for the events this year. More extensive details of which are available in the members area of the website.

The traditional 3 course Dinner was enjoyed by 25 EPiC members.

After the AGM and Dinner presentations of replica awards were made to all winners present.

Finally the Bush Trophy was presented by Captain Rob Seeley in the absence of President Darrell Lewis.

Letchworth 2023

The morning of the 27th December 2023 opened with high winds and torrential rain, and we all feared a drenching was the order of the day! However although the wind strengthened, whilst we were enjoying a bacon roll and coffee, the rain relented and we all got off to a dry if windswept start!!

The course was in remarkable condition considering the amount of rain recorded in December. The first few groups managed to get round in the dry but unfortunately those with later tee times did get a bit wet on the last few holes!!

An excellent 2 course meal was enjoyed by all followed by prize-giving as follows.

Firstly Bill Merry received a replica trophy as last year’s winner of the Recessionary Bowl from last year’s Captain Jason Wood.

Then this year’s Captain Rob Seeley presented the Letchworth 2023 prizes as follows

Two of the Team Winners – James Rideout and Simon Fyfield (Dave & Will Stranders not present)

The Guest winner on a magnificent 41 points was Will Stranders

EPiC Winner – Receiving the Recessionary Bowl – Jason Wood with a splendid 37 points

Well done to all the Letchworth winners, thanks to Ben Hurworth for assisting in organising the event and to Rob Seeley for being the best Captain this year!!

That concludes the events for 2023!

All it remains for me to do on behalf of all of us at EPiC is to with you all a very Happy New Year!!

EPiC – Social at Urban Golf

Hi All

We had a fantastic night at Urban Golf near London’s Smithfield Market on Thursday 30th November 2023.

If you are thinking of a corporate event for next year, Urban Golf ticks a lot of boxes.

We had 11 golfers playing, eating and drinking, the combination was perfect. Oliver’s team took top prize, which was nothing! Longest Drive was won by Oliver, the prize was nothing! Nearest the pin was won by Rob White , you have guessed it “no prize”!

Picture of the losing team – They don’t look too despondent!!

Thanks Nick for supporting me on the finances.

We will go for something like the above next year, if you want it. We had 20 confirmed for Urban the week before unfortunately the drop off was considerable. We need to review at the AGM, if this type of event works for the society. Personally I think we should make it an annual event, it really was great fun we just need more members to attend.

Happy Christmas and lets hope 2024 is kind to us all!

Report by Ken Adams

Bishops Stortford – In the Eye of the Storm

The EPIC Golfing Society had a magnificent day at Bishops Stortford Golf Club on Thursday 19th October 2023.

Whilst the rest of the country suffered for the early affects of Storm Babet we held our breath and nerve and were rewarded with a nearly completely dry round of golf and indeed some bright sunshine.

Many Thanks to Bishops Stortford GC for their attention to us and to the course which was in an excellent condition.

We had 32 players – 24 members and 8 guests take on the course and enjoy a great meal afterwards.

There was a return to EPIC by Will Evans who belatedly received his replica trophy from 2017 Captain Malcolm Marshall for winning the Captains Cup in that year, 2017. A long time coming but worth it!!!

Winners on the day, all presented by 2023 Captain Rob Seeley were:-

Nearest the Pin in 2 – “Local Boy” – Jason Wood

Guest Winner – Daniel Myers with a magnificent 40 points

Autumn Cup Winner Iain Stevenson (Cut2) 36 points from James Barrett (Cut1) on countback

The next event is at Urban Golf, Smithfield on Thursday 30th November. Thank you for the people that have already confirmed, the turnout is looking good already! Please respond to Ken Adams or Neil Blundy on this one!! The Christmas package includes a 2 course sharing meal, 3 drinks and 90 mins of golf at £70 PP.

Our annual visit to Letchworth takes place on 27th December. Members will receive an invitation in the usual way.

Cascais – EPiC Tour 2023

9th – 11th September

The EPiC Tourists have returned to the UK in various states of disrepair!!!

A huge “Thank You” to Captain Rob Seeley who despite the extreme and extensive efforts of Your Golf Travel to **** as much up as possible, produced a magnificent tour enjoyed by all 21 EPiC members.

An intrepid few braved the rain at Estoril on Friday in advance of the main tour.

It has to be said that all the courses were not in tip-top condition as in all cases the lack of green staff was clearly evident, however there was some magnificent scenery at all venues but the scores were mixed with only one person, Gavin Travica, playing to his handicap on the last day!!

Were the courses that difficult or did the Pre/Après Golf take its toll??!

Anyway enclosed here and here are for the anoraks all the details of “Green Jacket” scores, daily and overall prizes (please remember that as far as possible you cannot win more than one prize on any one day) and of course the match play totals.

Cash Prizes were awarded as we went along to the daily and overall winners as shown and the Captain’s team as winners were presented with a towel and a hat clip ball maker whilst the Vice’s team received a consolation ball marker.

Nick Archer – Winning a prize!! A very special occasion indeed!!

Overall “Most Challenging Score” – Winner John Biscoe

Tour Winner – Oliver Tobin. The “Green Jacket” was presented by last years winner Jason Wood

Thanks to all the tourists for making the 2023 trip to Cascais truly memorable!!

Captain’s Day at Knebworth Golf Club

Thursday 27th July opened with torrential rain, 20mm allegedly fell on the Knebworth course.

Thankfully by the time 25 EPIC members and their guests had consumed the bacon roll and coffee the weather looked if not set fair at least set dry!! In fact by the time the late finishers reached the sanctuary of the 19th the sun was shining and many enjoyed a “sundowner” on the terrace.

The course was in magnificent condition and all enjoyed the excellent meal after golf.

The ball sweep raised over £300 for the Presidents Charity, the British Heart Foundation with a further contribution coming from the ad hoc auction of an Augusta Masters shirt.

After a lively dinner Captain, Robert Seeley, presented the prizes as follows

James Barrett – Nearest the Pin on the 8th Hole

Alan Perking – Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 16th Hole

Team Winners – Ben Hurworth and Raja Flora – 45 pts better Ball

Guest Winner – Graham Scott – Guest of Jon Bray

EPIC Captain’s Cup Winner – Darrell Lewis 38pts (Cut 2) on countback from Ben Hurworth (Cut 1)

Thanks to everyone who supported the event and look forward to seeing members and their guests at Bishops Stortford on 19th October

Moor Park lives up to the billing!!

25 Members and 14 Guests took to the High Course at Moor Park on 20th June 2023.

The day started with a torrential downpour, but we were extremely fortunate that the storm cleared the area in time for our 1pm tee off.

The course was in excellent condition with a mild breeze and sunny intervals being the prevailing conditions.

All enjoyed an excellent meal after golf, many thanks to Moor Park for their usual immaculate attention to our needs.

The assembled raised £390 for the Presidents Charity, the British Heart Foundation, and the Secretary thanked the company on behalf of Darrell Lewis who couldn’t be with us on the day!!

Captain Rob Seeley, thanked all for their attendance and informed everyone the next event was Captains Day at Knebworth on 27th July 2023, before presenting the prizes as follows.

Chris Sunderland – Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 7th

Jons Coles and Bray – Winners of the Team Prize with a magnificent 48 points

Guest Winner with a great 39 points was Paudie Delaney

Winner of the President’s Cup with 38 points was Geoff Green (Cut 2) from Ro Harper 37 points (Cut 1)

Ashridge

26 members with their 14 guests gathered for a buffet lunch at Ashridge on Wednesday 17th May 2023.

The weather was kind and the Rhododendrons and Azalais were in full bloom – Very Augusta like!!!

The course was in magnificent condition with the greens treacherously fast! Scoring was always going to be a challenge.

Everyone enjoyed the sunshine and a drink or two on the veranda overlooking the 9th and 18th Greens before sitting for an excellent 3-course meal provided by the superb Ashridge kitchens.

Following dinner the ball draw raised over £340 for the Presidents Charity, The British Heart Foundation and prizes were presented by Captain Rob Seeley as follows.

Nearest the Pin – Neil Meixner. Also here is new member Matt Stylianides who actually got his 2 whilst NM missed his!!

Nearest the Pin in Two – Richard Piggott

Team Runners-Up – Iain Stevenson and Neil Blundy

Team Winners – Raja Flora and Chris Yates

EPIC Runner-Up – Steve Hurworth – 37pts – Cut 1

EPIC and Finlinson Cup Winner – Matthew Jones – 40 pts – Cut 2

The next event is at Moor Park on the 20th June 2023.

EPIC Triumph over BAGS

The EPIC Team vanquished the visitors at the magnificent Knebworth Golf Club this week, winning by a margin of 4 to 2 in the traditional 4-Ball better ball competition.

The visitors, BAGS (Building Alliance Golf Society), were valiant competitors and most matches were keenly fought out to the end.

We all enjoyed a great two course meal and lots of banter after the golf

Congratulation to the Team, Captain Rob Seeley and Neil Blundy who fought back from 2 down at the turn to earn a half. Steve Davies and Neil Meixner were always up securing a 4 & 3 win despite stiff resistance. David Wannerton and Darrell Lewis played out to a half despite being behind for a lot of the day. Steven Barker and Matthew Jones had a difficult day losing by a “Dog Licence”. Jason Wood and Ian Stevenson ensured that EPIC couldn’t lose bringing home a 2 & 1 win, whilst Raja Flora and Chris Sunderland were taken to the 16 before delivering a 4 & 2 victory and thus securing the trophy for the second year in a row!!

Rob Seeley receives congratulations and the handshake (if not the trophy) from Nick Finlay the BAGS Captain!!

Rob Seeley said a few words thanking all for attending and playing in the right spirit and thanking the Knebworth Staff for their attention. Nick Finlay then thanked Rob and congratulated EPIC on their Win.

Fantastic performances for the EPIC Team and many congratulations.

The next Event is at Ashridge on 17th May. If you haven’t signed up and are a member you’ll be getting a reminder very soon!!

Magnificent Woburn -Dukes Course

22 Members and their 15 guests gathered, early on 14th March 2023 as the snow fell, for Bacon Rolls and tea/coffee. The 2023 Captain, Rob Seeley, welcomed everyone and as he spoke the snow stopped and the skies lightened!

First Tee was 08.50 by which time the rain had stopped and the skies cleared until we were bathed in magnificent sunshine as you can see below

Nearest the Pin on the Magnificent Dukes hole No 3

Everyone enjoyed this great golf course although achieving a reasonable score was a challenge to most. This was the first event where being signed up for a WHS handicap was a qualifying requirement to winning the silverware, in this case the Spring Cup.

We all gathered in the bar, “suited and booted” for drinks and banter prior to enjoying a magnificent two course carvery from 3.30pm

Following sweets and coffee the ball sweep raised £340 for President Darrell Lewis’s charity, the British Heart Foundation. Thanks to all for that

Rob Seely said a few words, thanking all for coming and commenting on the course and the food. He then presented the prizes as follows.

Nearest the Pin on 3 – Guest, David Moseby

The Team Winners (almost captured) – Guests – Tony Groves and Daniel Fryer

The Guest Prize was won by Drew Norman with a magnificent 41 points from Tony Groves on 39!! Unfortunately Drew had to leave before the Photos!!

EPIC Spring Cup Winner – Oliver Tobin with 38 points (Cut 2) from Rob Seeley 34 points (Cut 1)

Rob Seeley reminded everyone that the next event was at Ashridge on 17th May 2023 and wished everyone a safe and pleasant journey home.

9th – 11th September

Please spread the word :)