From Tony 'Lester' Pigott, Society Chairman
I made my debut for the Society back in 1998 at Royal Worlington, a year after finishing my professional playing career. I wasn’t really sure what to expect but looking back now, it was the start of more than 25 years of fun, friendship and many, many great memories.
What struck me immediately was how our Society is truly representative of the cricket family that has been such a huge part of my life since I was a youngster starting out at Sussex in the late 70’s. Celebrated Test players – not me I hasten to add – teaming up with guys whose careers were not so successful.
What struck me immediately was how our Society is truly representative of the cricket family that has been such a huge part of my life since I was a youngster starting out at Sussex in the late 70’s. Celebrated Test players – not me I hasten to add – teaming up with guys whose careers were not so successful. Former players, in the later years of life, competing alongside youngsters still involved in, or recently out of, the game. Some have gone on to enjoy careers in the media or commerce, others have stayed in the game as umpires, coaches or administrators. The Society in the 21st Century is a melting pot of experiences achievements and great memories and a superb way for us, as cricketers, to come together and revel in each other’s company.
We are blessed by the most amazing fixture list and will always be enormously grateful to the clubs who host us year after year. Not only do these clubs give us the chance to play some of the finest courses in the country, their members are always incredibly welcoming and extremely generous. We enjoy competitive but friendly golf always and, over the last 20 years, I have forged many enduring friendships.
As Chairman, I am determined to help the Society to grow, by recruiting new members of all ages - in particular those who have recently retired or are still playing professionally. The Society is generally in a great place at the moment but we cannot rest on our laurels. We retain the ambition of having at least one match in every first-class county – we are missing Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire currently.
But I am equally determined that, as we expand, we do not lose sight of our fundamental ethos as cricket’s golf society. We are not now, nor will ever be, driven by celebrity. As members, we each pay our way through a modest annual subscription and the match fees collected at every fixture to cover the great golf and the amazing hospitality that we receive. If you are already a member but haven’t played much in recent years, why not get the clubs out and join us for a match or two. And if you are still playing, or have recently retired, dip your toe in the CCGS water. I guarantee that you won’t regret it.