Each month, our three Captains – Matt Tunstall, Jill Pottle and Kevin Price – share with us their news from the previous few weeks and take a quick look ahead to the upcoming month.
But, remember, general news, competitions and team updates will appear as they happen on the members website at www.sbngolfmembers.co.uk so bookmark the page and visit regularly – you can also book tee times from there and check your members card.

Men’s Captain, Matt Tunstall

I hope you’ve all had a pleasant March.
The month has certainly brought us some better weather, more daylight and a glimpse of what the course conditions have to offer this year. Steve and his team have produced undoubtedly the best looking greens that I can remember this early on in the year, so a massive well done and a thank you to all involved.
I’d also like to thank everyone for the fantastic turnout for the St Patrick’s day event. It was great to see a full field of players. Congratulations to the winners Brian Marigold, Ethan Driscoll, Toby Smith and Ross Stenton with a special mention to Brian for his hole in one.
Steve Hale and his Jubilee Cup team had an amazing start to their season grabbing a 6-3 away win against Thorpe Hall. The cold and windy conditions made a tight course even tighter, so well done to all for navigating your way round and securing the win. A brilliant start to the SbN season.
Thank you all again for your continued support. Have a great month.

Ladies Captain, Jill Pottle

Hi Everyone,
What a treat it has been to wake up to sunshine recently and see the ball rolling along the fairways after all that mud and sludge we endured in the winter months.
I hope you are all looking forward to taking advantage of our courses in their current fantastic condition to shoot some fine scores during the summer.
The charity I have chosen to support this year is Parkinson’s UK. On Friday April 11 it is World Parkinson’s Day. This was the birthday of James Parkinson who recognised Parkinson’s as a medical condition for the first time in 1817.
Every April 11, this day is held to shine a spotlight on Parkinson’s and the community of sufferers and carers. If anyone has any spare change they could donate to this worthy cause please put it in the collection pot in the Sports Bar or pass it to me if you see me around the club during the week commencing April 7.
The Ladies begin their campaign to win a County team trophy this month. All three of our teams will have matches during the early part of April. Good Luck to all involved!
Friday April 4 sees the first of our popular Friday Night Mixed events. There are still a few slots available if you wish to join us for nine holes of golf followed by a social get together in the Sports Bar. Sign up is now open on Club V1.
This month also gives you the opportunity to play in the St George’s Day team competition on Saturday April 26. There will be a ‘Chef’s Special’ of traditional English fare on offer after the golf for you to enjoy. Sign up opens on Saturday April 5 on Club V1. I look forward to seeing you all dressed in your Red and White – why should the Irish have all the fun?!
Happy Golfing!

Seniors Captain, Kevin Price

The first part of the senior captain’s term of office is an opportunity to settle into the position, familiarise yourself with the way things work and prepare for the busier spring and summer months.
We’ve now moved into the competitive part of the season and events are beginning with a flourish.
The close of entry for the club summer knockouts is upon us. Our senior county teams are busy preparing for their first-round matches in John Day and Essex Seniors Championship and the senior section have already started their InterClub matches.
We are hoping for a successful campaign in 2025 and I wish all our teams across the sections good luck!
It’s not only at Stoke where the golf season is upon us. April sees the beginning of the golf majors, starting with the Masters in a couple of weeks’ time. Wouldn’t it be great if Rory could finally add The Masters to his CV?
We have been blessed with a relatively mild and dry winter and the courses are looking in great condition. But while we members are hoping it stays dry, I’m sure the greenkeepers are already wishing for a bit of rain!
Wishing a happy Easter to all our members.