News

Calling all golfers – the SJA needs you

By Paul Trow
The SJA is staging two Golf Days in 2010 which are open to all members and their guests. First up — from 9.30am on Monday, April 12 — will be a visit to Surbiton Golf Club, courtesy of club member and former SJA chairman David Emery.

This gently rolling parkland course is to be found a mere “drive and wedge” off the A3 in Surrey, just outside the village of Claygate. Measuring a smidgeon over 6,000 yards from the back tees, it is an enjoyable track to play but must not be taken for granted as danger lurks on every hole for those who allow their concentration to wander.

Football writer Chester Stern will be defending the members’ title he won last year at Surrey Downs, but is sure to face fierce competition from many quarters. Peter Nunn will hopefully be in attendance again to defend the visitors’ crown he claimed with an impressive 40 Stableford points in 2009.

The SJA’s autumn Golf Day will be held for the fourth consecutive year at leafy Muswell Hill, one of suburban London’s finest and best tended courses, on Monday, September 13.

The main competition among the members will be for the Phil Sheldon Trophy, named in honour of the late golf photographer who was also a popular member of the north London club.

Last year’s winner, with a mind-boggling 43 Stableford points, was David Jacobs, a fellow snapper and the former proprietor of the Action Images picture agency.

It is hoped that Phil’s widow Gill will again be able to attend the Muswell Hill meeting in order to present the trophy to the winner.

As usual, apart from the individual competitions on both days there will also be team, nearest-the-pin and longest-drive prizes.

The cost per day per head will be a bargain £50 to include an 18-hole round of golf (playing in three-balls), a two-course late lunch, trophies and prizes.

The playing list for both days is now open and all entries should be made to the organiser – Paul Trow (07973 862747).

So, as Delia Smith once famously said, “Let’s be ‘aving yer”.

First posted March 1


SJA dates for your diaries
Thu Apr 15: SJA 2010 Annual Meeting, at offices of UK Sport

Mon Apr 19: SJA/LOCOG guided tour of Olympic Park (2pm – booking details to be announced)

Sun Apr 25: SJA Cricket Day. Enjoy corporate hospitality with friends and colleagues, and bring along your partner, as Lancashire take on Surrey. Tickets £65 each.

Mon Sep 13: SJA Autumn Golf Day, Muswell Hill GC. To book, contact Paul Trow (07973 862747).


Click here for more recent articles on journalism, sport and sports journalism


Join the SJA today – click here for details and membership application form