The Society celebrates its 125th anniversary this year and by all measures is in good health . That it is so, is a tribute to the skill of my predecessors and our Secretary and President.  Our longest serving member joined 60 years ago, our immediate past captain 30 years ago. The Society inspires loyalty and the Captain is the steward of that inheritance. We play golf to enjoy it and the Captain’s role is to ensure that continues.

Our membership reflects the diversity of the ICAEW, in having a wide range of careers and interests unified by a common enthusiasm for golf. Playing ability varies from low single figure golfers of distinction to handicaps to those distinctly in the bottom quartile. All are welcomed. I remember well how as an undistinguished golfer of limited experience and  ability, how easily and rapidly I was made to feel part of things, when I joined 10 years ago. It is an honour to have the opportunity to repay that kindness.

Our programme includes 10 meetings and 13 matches, some at recurring venues and others are peripatetic. Our matches are played against a broad spread of City and professional golf societies, e.g, Chartered Surveyors, Medical, the Stock Exchange, the Metal Exchange and the Irish and French Accountants. Most are single day events, but the last two are spread over 3 days, alternately home and away. Play may be either singles, pairs, foursomes or greensomes. Partners and guests are welcome at a selection of events. There is usually a social tour, often to Turkey and a singles knock-out.

Our regular venues, reflecting our national membership range between Holinwell and the Wildernesse. Our AGM, traditionally played on a links, over two days, has recently been as far afield as Nefyn, St Enodoc and Seacroft. In 2024 we will be going to Ganton in Yorkshire. All  clubs have to pass the definitely worth the journey test and include many golf society favourites.

In terms of specific items on my to do list, beside keeping the engines humming smoothly and playing in as many events as I can, I would mention monitoring the impact of rapidly rising Society green fees on our programme, raising the number of Lady Members playing in society events and following up to insure that new members become regular participants at Society events. I look forward to seeing you on the golf course. 

Edward Sawbridge

Captain 2023/2024