June Woodpecker 2026

General Manager’s Update

What a contrast we’ve experienced recently moving swiftly from an intense heatwave, with dryish fairways and sun-baked conditions, to sudden and torrential downpours that have transformed the course overnight.

Our greens staff have done a tremendous job managing these extremes, and it’s been great to see so many of you continuing to enjoy your golf regardless of the conditions.

Congratulations to Fredrik Lindgren

Congratulations to Fredrik Lindgren who retained the Surrey Seniors title played over 2 days (11th and 12th May) at Malden Golf Club. An opening first round of 69 (-2) including five birdies saw him hold a comfortable overnight lead over a chasing pack of 6 players all on +2. This proved significant as Fred shot 74 in the second round but with no one breaking par it was enough to win by 2 shots.

It was also a fine performance from the club with 8 players in the field of 60. The top 30 and ties make the second round, and 6 West Byfleet players made it through with Richard Varney in 5th place.

Full report and scores can be found here https://www.surreygolf.org/news.php?newsitem=445

Congratulations to The Ladies Pearson Squad

The Ladies Pearson Squad captained by Claire Rudland have reached the Pearson Trophy Surrey Cup Finals Day 2026.

After a very tight qualifying group over the winter months, they qualified for the last 16 as one of the best 2 runners up in the 14 groups.

In the last 16 they beat Camberley Heath by one point, having lost 4-1 away they won 4-1 at home.

The quarter-final match was even closer. Having lost to Roehampton 3-2 at home the team won 3-2 away. This time the points were the same! The number 1’s went out again and West Byfleet were victorious on the first hole.

The semi final and final are to be played morning and afternoon on June 16th at Camberley Heath. All spectators welcome.

Housekeeping and Code of Conduct

Looking After Our Course

A big thank you to all members for helping to keep our course in excellent condition, particularly when it comes to replacing divots. The fairways are in the best condition that many of us can remember, and this is very much down to the efforts and consideration of members.

We would also like to remind everyone of the importance of repairing pitch marks on the greens and raking bunkers properly after use. Small actions by every golfer make a huge difference to the quality of the course for all members and visitors.

It was disappointing to see the photograph below, taken during last Wednesday’s Midweek Medal, which highlighted an unrepaired pitch mark. Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident and is becoming far too frequent.

We ask all members to please take a moment during their round to repair pitch marks — not only their own, but any others they may come across — and help us maintain the course in the condition we all enjoy.

General Manager’s Update continued

Code of Conduct

It is disappointing to advise that we have recently received several reports regarding members approaching and raising matters directly with other members, both on and off the course.

We would like to remind all members that concerns or issues should not be dealt with by confronting fellow members directly. Such situations can quickly create unnecessary tension and detract from the friendly and respectful atmosphere we all value at the club.

If members have any concerns, these should be raised through the appropriate channels by speaking to a member of the office team or submitting the matter formally, with sufficient information to allow it to be reviewed properly.

This process ensures that matters are handled fairly, consistently, and with proper consideration of all circumstances.

We ask all members to continue treating one another with courtesy, patience, and respect at all times, both on and off the course.

Uganda UK Golf Project

You may recall that one of our members, Naran Shankla, established a programme to collect and send used golf clubs and equipment to Uganda. It only seems like yesterday that Naran first approached me to ask whether the club could help get the project off the ground.

Since then, the initiative has made a real difference, providing golfing opportunities and equipment to communities where access to the game is extremely limited. The support from members through donations and encouragement has been fantastic and greatly appreciated.

Naran writes about the current position of the project below.

“While golf is well established in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States, the sport is still developing in Uganda. One of the biggest barriers has been the lack of golf equipment, making it difficult for many talented young Ugandan golfers to progress in the game.

Rules Corner by Nigel Coase

A quick reminder on GUR Ground Under Repair – see definition below.

One of my playing partners recently asked if they could get free relief from some grass cuttings his ball was on in the middle of a bush. I said no as they are only GUR if they are piled for removal and being in the bush it was obvious that the greens staff were not going to come back and remove them. If you overshoot the13th and land in the cut logs they are going to be removed so would be GUR (or a loose impediment if you are feeling strong)!

It is also interesting to note the second bullet point. So even if not marked as GUR any hole made in Maintaining the course (such as a hole made in removing turf or a tree stump or laying pipelines, but not including aeration holes). Good to know where some of the tree stumps have been removed.

Ground under repair also includes the following things, even if the Committee does not define them as such:

• Any hole made by the Committee or the maintenance staff in:
• Setting up the course (such as a hole where a stake has been removed or the hole on a double green being used for the play of another hole), or
• Maintaining the course (such as a hole made in removing turf or a tree stump or laying pipelines, but not including aeration holes).
• Grass cuttings, leaves and any other material piled for later removal. But:
• Any natural materials that are piled for removal are also loose impediments, and
• Any materials left on the course that are not intended to be removed are not ground under repair unless the Committee has defined them as such.
• Any animal habitat (such as a bird’s nest) that is so near a player’s ball that the player’s stroke or stance might damage it, except when the habitat has been made by animal that are defined as loose impediments (such as worms or insects).