The Veterans' Section of Copthorne Golf Club came into being on 21st. July 1976 with the full backing of the club. A meeting chaired by Les Mountjoy, the club's managing/secretary at the time, with 17 members present, passed a resolution that a Veterans' Section should be formed and be open to all members of Copthorne Golf Club who were over 55 years of age and who had been proposed and seconded in the proper manner.
The first Vererans' Section committee was formed with Dr. Ellis Stungo being elected as the first Captain and Sam King as his Vice Captain. Reg Brown was elected as Secretary and Bill Oliver was elected as the section Treasurer.
From these early beginnings the Vererans' Section has expanded, with a current membership of 109 whose handicaps range from 4 to 28. Home and away matches against other Clubs now total 32 annually; from Worthing, Ham Manor and East Brighton in the south, to The Nevill in the east and to Kingswood and Tandridge to the north of Copthorne. Matches are also played against the main Club, Ladies Section and the Junior Section. There are currently 14 named competitions, which Section members may enter - mostly with trophies, which commemorate past members. In addition to these events, Medal and Stableford competitions are held throughout the year.
As well as regular competitions or matches on Wednesday mornings the veterans also meet on Monday and Fridays for informal roll-ups. Whatever the format of golf, it is always played in a friendly but seriously competitive manner, and members of all standards enjoy the fun,
In addition to the golf, Social events are also important aspects of our programme, both in the clubhouse and external visits. Social evenings, generally dinner with dancing (to music that most of us can recognise), plus other entertainment, are enjoyed twice a year. In addition, visits to the Races, to Curling or Bowling are popular.
Last year the section introduced an Open Team Invitation Day to other clubs throughout the area. This proved to be very successful and will be an annual event in our calendar.
So! If you have reached your magic twilight years come along and join the section, you will not regret it.
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