Captain’s Report – May 2026
The Edwards Shield – Pine Ridge Golf Club
At close to 30 degrees, Pine Ridge was feeling less like Surrey and more like a suspiciously affordable Mediterranean golf break. In fact, conditions were probably better than most actual golfing destinations abroad — minus the all-inclusive drinks package and someone reserving sunbeds at 6am.
Despite the glorious weather, only 8 brave Nomads made the trip to Pine Ridge Golf Club, a course we’ve played before and one that historically seems to favour the society’s higher scorers (bandits). Previous winning totals have reached a ridiculous 46 points, although perhaps the heat got to everyone this time around.
This year’s Edwards Shield champion was Derek, who ground out a winning score of 37 points. Solid scoring in the heat and fully deserved — well played Derek.
In second place was our newest official member, Marc, making quite the impression on debut with 35 points. An excellent first outing, although there were immediate concerns raised when he discovered how the handicap system actually works and realised this score might result in an early-season cut already. Safe to say the phrase “I didn’t know that would happen” was heard more than once in the clubhouse afterwards. Welcome to the Nomads, Marc — enjoy the shots while they last.
Interestingly, 50% of the field managed scores in the 30s, while the remaining half battled away somewhere in the late 20s and varying stages of dehydration.
Unfortunately, one man struggled more than most…
Simon finished bottom of the pile after what can only be described as a deeply spiritual round of golf. Large portions of the day appeared to be spent admiring Pine Ridge’s woodland scenery, with particular focus on the root systems and structural integrity of several pine trees. Rumours that he was considering a career in forestry remain unconfirmed.
A special mention must go to Graham’s trolley, which spent most of the afternoon attempting to escape downhill whenever he took his hands off it for more than three seconds — the grand finale being a full dive into a bunker. To be fair, the trolley probably handled the bunker better than Graham did all day.
That said, Graham did at least rediscover his driver swing, taking home Longest Drive honours.
Meanwhile, Nearest the Pin went to Phil, who quietly went about his business while the rest of the group melted in the heat. At one stage he looked less like a golfer and more like a man simply trying to survive until the halfway house opened again.
All in all, another cracking day in the sunshine with plenty of laughs, questionable golf, and mild heatstroke.
Thanks to everyone who made the effort to come along — hopefully we can get the Nomads numbers back up for the next event.
I’ll see some of you at The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club in June.
Until then, enjoy the rest of the bank holiday sunshine… and remember to keep your trolleys under supervision at all times.
2026 Spring Bowl - Captains Report
Well, what a day that was. April is usually known for showers, but clearly no one told the weather gods at Sweetwoods Park Golf Club — we were treated to wall-to-wall sunshine and near-perfect golfing conditions. Not a waterproof in sight, which for this time of year is borderline suspicious.
The course itself went down a treat with the members. Set against the stunning Kent countryside, Sweetwoods delivered some cracking holes, a few well-placed bits of water to keep things interesting, but nothing too terrifying (unless you’re Darrell, but more on that later).
A massive highlight — 20 golfers turned out, our biggest attendance in a long time. Let’s not make that a one-off lads… momentum is building, and long may it continue.
Special mention to Darrell, who turned up mob-handed with what can only be described as his “core social circle” — 5 mates plus himself, and 6 guests in total. Great to see, and hopefully we can convert a few of those into full-time Nomads over the season.
Now, onto the golf…
Judging by the scores, Sweetwoods proved a tricky customer for first-timers, with only three players breaking the 30-point barrier.
At the top of the leaderboard:
🥇 Deno stormed to victory with a very tidy 35 points, also casually picking up nearest the pin for good measure — greedy.
🥈 Luigi followed in second with 32 points, a strong showing on a course that clearly wasn’t giving much away.
💪 Longest Drive went to Phill Cobb, who clearly found a fairway (at least once).
We also had a couple of head-to-head grudge matches running alongside:
# Richard got the better of Phil
# Mike came out on top against Graham
Now, onto possibly the most important performance metric of the day — stamina.
Having both flown back from the US that very morning, Deno and Darrell decided to test the “jet lag performance theory.”
# For Deno, it clearly works — maybe we should all try long-haul flights pre-round.
# For Darrell… less so. Reports suggest he spent part of the round communing with local wildlife, including what looked like a meaningful exchange with a group of squirrels deep in the bushes.
And finally, the much-coveted (and hotly contested) Longest Walk Award goes to Derek, who managed to compile 20 points the hard way. Commitment to the step count, if nothing else.
All in all, a fantastic day — great course, great weather, and even better turnout.
👉 Let’s keep the numbers up and aim for another big showing next month.
Until then, keep swinging (and maybe avoid early morning transatlantic flights… unless you’re Deno)
2026 Potholers Cup - Captains Report
We were back to Hoebridge for the first Nomads event of 2026. A good turnout with Suresh bringing his son Brijesh as a possible future Nomads member and even Jack was back after being AWOL for a couple of years !! This course is always reliable in the spring as it drains well so the fairways were in good nick. However, the greens were being maintained so the sand made putting a nightmare. Lots of reports of 3-putts and even 4-putts and very bobbly greens which just killed the speed.
Nevertheless, we soldiered on and played in gusty winds, lovely sunshine, rain and even hail. A test for even the most hardened golfer. Unlike last year, we weren’t rained off after 9 holes.
Martin Wingrove was the eventual winner but due to a managerial oversight, there were no prizes and the Potholer’s Trophy was still on holiday with its previous owner in Spain. Grant came out of winter hibernation to come in 2nd and win the longest drive and Phil was a creditable 3rd as well as winning his singles match. Terry managed to get nearest to the pin despite having a dodgy elbow. Prizes will be awarded next month after a visit to shops.
A good start to the year and let’s hope we keep up the momentum.
Deno (vice captain)
rjkdesign©2018
Captain's Report – June 2026
The Canon Masters Richings Park Golf Club
Another month, another Nomads adventure, and thankfully this one started with some very encouraging news.
Just two weeks ago, we were staring down the barrel of a field of four golfers. Fast forward to tee-off day and we somehow managed to get 12 players out on the course. A huge thank you to our four guests who helped swell the ranks. The Nomads' "Rent-a-Mate" programme continues to go from strength to strength and, annoyingly, seems to keep producing golfers who can actually play.
The weather was absolutely fantastic. Hot, hot, hot. Sticky at times, but with sunshine from start to finish there were certainly no complaints. The only thing melting faster than the ice creams was the confidence of those who thought Richings Park would suit the big hitters.
The course played beautifully and proved to be a great test for the shorter, more accurate golfers. Those relying on brute force and optimism spent a considerable amount of time wandering through the brambles conducting unofficial search parties.
A special mention must go to Darrell, who formed an emotional attachment to a golf ball he affectionately named "Horsham". What started as a touching friendship soon developed into something resembling the relationship between Tom Hanks and Wilson in Cast Away. Sadly, Horsham eventually met the same fate as many of Darrell's drives, disappearing into the woods never to be seen again. It was either the woods or an attempt to bring down a passing aircraft.
At the sharp end of the leaderboard, your Captain managed to navigate the heat and the hazards to take 1st place, proving that leadership by example is still very much alive and well.
In 2nd place was our Vice Captain, Deno, who once again demonstrated that he is annoyingly consistent and seemingly incapable of having a truly bad round.
Longest Drive was claimed by guest Karl Wingrove, who showed that occasionally hitting the fairway is optional when you're sending the ball into the next postcode.
Nearest the Pin went to Shaun Russell, whose precision around the flag was a welcome contrast to some of the directional challenges being experienced elsewhere on the course.
It was also great to see the return of Ravi, making a rare guest appearance after a prolonged absence. Rumours that he had retired from golf, emigrated, or become a golfing myth passed down to newer members have thankfully been proven false. Hopefully we'll see him again at the next event... although history suggests it could equally be sometime around 2029.
Away from the golf itself, there are growing concerns regarding the society handicaps. Several members have raised questions, suggestions and what can only be described as thinly veiled bribery attempts directed towards Handicap Secretary Phil. Following the Warwickshire event, Phil appears to have vanished beneath a mountain of Heroes chocolates and Lindt golf balls. Should anyone locate him, please advise him there are scorecards awaiting review.
Overall, another brilliant day in the sunshine, plenty of laughs, some surprisingly good golf, and proof that the society is still heading in the right direction.
Let's hope to see even more of you at our next tournament in July at Surrey Downs. Unfortunately, I will be away enjoying some summer sunshine elsewhere, so I leave you all in the capable hands of Vice Captain Deno.
What could possibly go wrong?
Until then, keep the sun cream handy, keep recruiting friends, and try to keep your golf balls out of the woods.
See you all soon.
Kit
Captain, Whispering Nomads Golf Society
