Welcome to the Golf Club
The Wine Trade Sports Club Golf has been around in various forms for many decades. It provides an opportunity for golfers of all abilities, both young and old, to play golf on some of the UK's most famous golf courses around the country from Royal St Georges in Sandwich, the host of the 149th Open Championship, to Prestwick on the west coast of Scotland where the first ever Open was held in 1860. In fact around 75% of our fixtures are held at courses ranked in the top 50 in England! There are three ways of getting involved:
Matches and Tour
With around 20 fixtures every year, including an extremely enjoyable two day Norfolk tour, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved in what is very much a social occasion taking part in the tranquil environment of the golf course. The format is normally morning and afternoon foursomes with a hearty wine trade lunch in between. Whether you are a scratch or 28 handicapper all you have to do to take part is email the appropriate match organiser and see if there is availability in the match you would like to play. For this season's fixture list and match captains, SCROLL DOWN.
WTSC Club Championship
As well as the matches there is also the Summer Championship Trophy which is open to all golfers. Played as an 18 hole individual stableford competition in the morning, followed by an afternoon foursomes competition, there is plenty of opportunity to win some of the most beautiful trophies in world golf (no exaggeration)! To participate in this meeting please contact the Golf Secretary.
The Springbok Trophy
The third and final piece of the jigsaw is the Springbok Trophy. This is the annual knock-out match play competition, which runs throughout the year with the draw being made at the AGM and the final being played before the following years AGM. This is a fantastic way to play numerous courses against fellow people from the trade and is well worth taking part. If you would like any further information on playing in any of the matches, the Club Championship or to take part in the annual Springbok Trophy, please contact the Golf Secretary.
April
23 rd - Rainbird Memorial at Rye Golf Club
Match Manager: Patrick Mallinson
Details: Rye Golf Club was founded in 1854 and was the first design of renowned golf course architect Harry Colt. Places are generally full for this match, however, to ask to be on the standby list please contact Paddy.
May
2nd – WTSC v The Seniors at Denham Golf Club
2022 result: Loss
Details: Famous for its “Farmhouse style” club house and an equality splendid lunch. A Harry Colt Classic parkland course. To be considered for selection please contact Nathan and we can try to overturn last year’s defeat.
13th – WTSC v The Bar at Woking
2022 result: Win
Details: As the oldest of the 3 “W’s” Woking re-wrote the rules of golf course design with its famous 4th hole. To be considered for selection please contact Dickie who is taking over our longest running fixture from Michael Hasslacher.
18th & 19th WTSC v The MW’s at Rye Golf Club
2022 Result: Win
A real treat to spend two days at golf course famous for the best links turf in England. This match is played over 2 days (Thurs pm & Fri am), with a night’s stay over in between, expect to be spoilt by great food and rare wines. For more details, please contact Chris Porter.
19th & 20th WTSC Norfolk Tour
2022 result: 1 win, 1 loss
Details: Once a cricket tour, this longstanding tour takes in two of England’s finest links courses over2 days. This event is made even more special by the players and partners dinner that takes place on the night between the two matches. For more details, please contact Stephen.
25th May – The Wine Trade v The Spirits Trade at West Sussex Golf Club
Match Managers: Murray Neilson & Nathan Last
2022 result: 3-1 Wine.
Details: After a tremendous debut match, we are back at West Sussex for the inter sports club, Wine Trade v the Spirts Trade. Complete with prizes for all. Please contact Nathan if you wish to play for the Spirits Team and Murray to sign up for the Wine Team.
June
15th – WTSC v The Boodles Club at New Zealand Golf Club
Match Manager: Murray Neilson
2022 result: Draw
Details: A rare chance to drink from New Zealand’s famous members only wine list, and to change by Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle’s locker. To be considered for selection please contact Murray
July
5th - WTSC v The Rifles at Woking Golf Club
Match Manager: David Thornhill
2022 Result: Loss
Details: David has taken over from Michael Campbell and this year sees us move to Woking. To be considered for selection please contact David.
8th – WTSC v Piltdown Golf Club
Match Manager – Chris Porter
2022 Result: Loss
Details: An opportunity for those who can’t play during the week to represent the Trade. One of the great bunker less downland courses, Piltdown offers a real treat with its strategic layout. To be considered for selection please Chris.
17th – WTSC v Royal St Georges at Royal St Georges Golf Club
Match Manager: Edward Demery
Details: A busy week for the trade starts with a trip to an Open rota course. One of two chances to walk the links in the footsteps of former winners: Sandy Lyle, Darren Clark and most recently Colin Morikawa. To be considered for selection please contact Edward
19th – WTSC Club Championships at Royal Ashdown Forest
Match Manager: Murray Neilson
2022 Champion Golfer of the year: Rob Dixon
Details: two trips in 2 days to RAF! Your chance to become Champion Golfer of the Wine Trade. There are numerous trophies to play for with the winner being the champion decided by being the best in singles and foursomes combined. To play please contact Murray
20th – Robert Lee Memorial – WTSC v Royal Ashdown Forest at RAF
Match Manager: Paul Champness
2022 Result: Win
Details: Played against the members of RAF in memory of Robert Lee who organised this match so successfully over the years. The match is played for the Robert Lee Quaich, which will be filled to toast his memory. To be considered for selection please contact Paul.
August
25th August WTSC v The In & Out Club & The HAC at New Zealand Golf Club
Match Manager: Chris Porter
Details: A unique match featuring a six-sones format. Great Fun. To be considered for selection please contact Chris.
September
4th – WTSC v St Georges Hill at St Georges Hill
Match Manager: Simon Legge
Details: Who wouldn’t want to spend time on St Georges Hill's famous terrace overlooking the 18th and 9th. For selection, please contact Simon.
18th – WTSC v The London Solicitors at Royal St Georges
Match Manager: Edward Demery
Details: A second chance to play the course widely regarding at the best in England and home to The Open on numerous occasions. Do not miss the chance to play this famous course against the members. Contact Edward for more details.
27th – WTSC v Lloyds of London at Royal Ashdown Forest
Match Manager: Christopher Elliot Lockhart
Details: Most famous for it’s bunker-less old course, but one of the great Heathland courses. To be considered for selection please contact Christo.
2023 Fixtures.
Golf Club 2022 Season.
After a successful return to normality in 2022, the golf section played in 18 matches in 2022 including 1 new “inter-Wine Trade” fixture.
The Springbok Cup match play knock out has returned, with the addition of a plate competition for those unfortunate enough to be knocked out early. Matches are still ongoing, but we hope to be able to announce the results in time for the AGM. We are currently at the quarter-final stage, and matches are progressing well.
Here are the confirmed fixtures for 2023. As always, if you would like to play, please contact the match managers. We have a couple still to confirm, but these will be sent out shortly. All details will also be posted on the website.
Please note our Club Championships has moved forward from early September to mid-July, just before most go on their summer holidays.