Eighty five turn out for Royal Sussex Cup

The medal format, played from the yellow and red tees, drew out a wide variety of golfers with handicaps ranging from three to 36.

The competition was a rolling start from 7.30am and though the early morning sun was glorious, the prevailing wind was cold. However, by 10am it was clear that those in shorts had made the right choice! As the groups came and went, most were discussing last year's winning score, which was a brilliant net 65, posted by Warren Hansford. Would this year's winner need to match his score or even better it?'

The lowest gross score was shot by Chris Dyson, whose fantastic 74 – playing off a handicap of 5 – was aided by three birdies during his round. Also making three birdies each were Elliot Ebert, Alfie Simpson and Aidan Walls. The highest placing lady of the day was Lattana Hextall, with a very respectable net 77, while the leading junior was Ethan Stride. Ethan’s consistency saw him return a net score of 69, with which he narrowly missed out on sixth place via countback.

Within the field were 38 golfers who entered the ‘Twos Credit Sweep’ (all those who score two on a hole share the prize). Only Chris Dyson and John McGregor recorded scores of two among these 38 hopefuls; therefore leaving with huge winnings of 19 credits each. Congratulations to both Chris and John.

Scoring, on the whole, was strong. Throughout the day 20 competitors posted net scores below par and seven of the top 10 places had to be settled on countback, with only four shots separating 1st from 10th. In the end, the title of ‘Royal Sussex Cup Champion 2017’ was awarded to Jamie Brunton, who matched the 2016 winners net score of 65. Jamie, playing off a handicap of 17, managed to complete the front nine with a gross score that was just three over par. He continued the incredible run of form, holding himself to just four over par through 14 holes; an effort so brilliant that trouble at the 16th and 18th holes was not enough to knock him from the top of the leader board. Congratulations Jamie!