The traditional lunch in the Middle House was preceded this year by a visit to an indoor golf simulator. With the weather living up to its normal miserable pattern, it was decided to try something different and 20 players duly signed up for ‘4 Golf Simulators’ in Eastbourne for a 10am start – a more relaxed approach than the usual 8am tee start!!

5 teams of 4 players played the front nine holes at Portrush and once everyone had finally got to grips with ‘how to play’, a keen contest ensued. Interestingly, the cries of anguish you hear during a regular round of golf were repeated here with a number of expletives being heard about the length of the rough and the state of the greens and in one bay, the state of the crowd!!. Scores were pretty varied but Richard Hannam managed an impressive gross 2 over par to win the morning.

A fun couple of hours and a welcome dry start to the day.

After a drive back and a quick change of clothes, 24 MGS members assembled in the Middle House for pre lunch drinks before sitting down to a most enjoyable Xmas lunch made more convivial by the presence of Micky Mann back from his country abode in Suffolk.

With crackers pulled and Xmas hats donned, it was clear everyone had entered into the spirit of the occasion, so by the time outgoing Captain ‘No Gimmies’ Kev began his end of year speech it was clear the see of red faces were not from a cold round of golf!

After summarising his year as Captain and receiving the appreciation of these present, Kev introduced Andrew Burnett who was elected as 2026 MGS Captain and with Rod Lunn stepping up to be his Vice Captain. A strong duo, so we look forward to see what innovations you bring to the Society Days. Gimmies?

MGS Handicap Secretary, Mr Graham Smith having summarised some of the year highlights then introduced a radical addition to the Society by resetting the handicaps for 2026. A tense few minutes as some finally paid the price for their wining ways!! Any objections and queries direct to the Handicap Secretary please!!

Grahams full report and revised handicaps can be found here

With most of the AGM reports being issued prior to the day, festivities wrapped up around 4.30 when the annual exodus to the Rose and Crown began with no less than a dozen or so ‘having one for the road’. Needless to say, the evening turned into night and then a storm that prevented a few familiar characters leaving at a sensible time!

Overall 2025 was another highly successful year for the society, a steady membership and with an interesting range of courses. We look forward to 2026 with eager anticipation, continued camaraderie, and friendly rivalry while enjoying some of the best courses Kent and Sussex offer.

Happy Xmas!