It takes more than a fuel crisis and a night of thunder and lightning to put off the RGS Professionals golfers! We were delighted to welcome both familiar faces and a few new players to our eighth annual RGS Professionals Golf Day at the Royal Ashdown Old Course on Monday 27 September. 

After a damp start and bolstered by bacon butties, our teams of four set out to their various holes for a 10am shotgun start. 

The wind, on top of the heather, humps, hollows and streams added a bit of extra challenge – especially for those new to this magnificent course in the heart of the Sussex countryside. 

The Thunderball Challenge returned for 2021, running alongside the main game to add an extra bit of excitement! Only one team returned their ball back to the clubhouse, the remainder donated their yellow ball to the countryside, forfeiting their chances of success! The winning team were Ed Forsyth, Jonathan Gale and James Feneley. 

The Nearest the Pin competition on the 6th hole went to Toby Chandler, whilst the Longest Drive competition on the 12th was won by Duncan Letchworth. Congratulations to them both for showing exceptional skill (and perhaps a smattering of luck!). 

Players were met at the 14th hole by the Foundation team’s Clare who offered an additional Par 3 challenge: Can you get your ball on the green in one shot? Just under a third of all players achieved this feat, winning a goody bag of wine and beer. 

Food and much-needed refreshments were delivered by buggy throughout the round, after which players headed back to the clubhouse to freshen up and compare scores.  

We completed this wonderful day with a sumptuous three-course dinner, raffle, auction, and, of course, the awarding of winner’s prizes! 

Congratulations to our team competition winner’s, who were all new to the RGS Professionals Golf Day this year – Ashly Bone, Thomas Cullum Cina, Paul Baker and Chris Stamp, from Ralph James Estate Agents. No doubt we will be seeing them next year as they will have to attempt to retain their trophies after such a great start! 

The day raised an incredible £6,500 for the Nightingale Fund, so a huge thank you to all our players and prize donors for making the event such a brilliant success. 

The RGS Professionals Golf Day 2022 will be held on in late September 2022 (date TBC). Please email foundation@www.rgs.foundation to register your interest.