Our History
The Edifice Golfing Society of Sussex was established in 1937 by professionals in the local property and construction industry who shared an interest in playing golf. Today, Edifice continues to flourish with over thirty active members regularly participating in events throughout Sussex and, occasionally, further afield. Our main priorities are to enjoy a sociable game of golf whilst developing business relationships and friendships amongst fellow professionals.
New members are always welcome.
Events
The Society holds seven meetings each year at various affordable but good quality courses around Sussex. Games are usually played on a Thursday afternoon with tee times starting around 1.00pm - which means you can get a morning’s work in first! Dinner and prize giving normally concludes by around 8.00pm. Members may play as many or as few events as they wish – there is no minimum attendance rule. Events usually include lunch, 18 holes of golf and a two-course evening meal for around £60-70 per person.
Golf Courses Played
Selected each year by the incoming President we play at courses in Sussex that represent excellent value for money and offer a decent challenge for mixed ability golfers.
As an example, our fixtures in 2022 included:
May – Ham Manor Golf Club
June – Lewes Golf Club
July – East Brighton Golf Club
August – Pycombe Golf Club
September - Bramley Golf Club
October – Copthorne Golf Club
December – Seaford Golf Club
Competition Format
Although we usually play as four-balls, all event competitions are based on an individual Stableford scoring format over 18 holes, applying full personal handicap allowance with a maximum permitted handicap of 24.
Trophies and Prizes
We compete for some magnificent trophies throughout the season, some of which date back to the earliest days in our history. We also award prizes at each event for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places with additional prizes for ‘Nearest the Pin’ and ‘Longest Drive’.
Golfer of the Year
This coveted trophy is awarded annually to the member accumulating the highest aggregate score over the season based upon their best four event scores.
Sponsorship
Prizes are funded jointly between the society itself and an event sponsor who can either be an individual member of the society or a member’s company wishing to promote their business.
Handicaps
Members who have an officially recognised handicap start each year playing off their normal club handicap. For those who do not have an officially recognised handicap we provide a temporary society handicap. All players’ handicaps are subject to adjustment by our Handicap Secretary according to results after each event. A win at an event guarantees a cut in handicap! Maximum handicap allowed at each event is 24 (even if a personal handicap is higher).
Guests
We are always pleased to welcome members’ guests at our events where they compete for separate prizes. This allows members to offer ‘corporate hospitality’ on a one to one basis with their guests without the hassle of having to organise an event. Or just bring a mate or two!
Dress Code
We respect the traditions of the game and the golf clubs where we play by requesting that members and guests wear appropriate golf attire when on the course. At dinner we maintain the tradition of ‘jacket and tie’ when members are expected to sport the distinctive Edifice tie (stocks available for new members at a bargain price!)
Matches
Currently we play one annual match against our neighbours in Hampshire representing the Construction Industry Golfing Society (CIGS). This match is for members only and provides an opportunity to raise some money for charity as we compete for The Richard Hollis Challenge Trophy.
Golf Breaks
In recent years some members and guests have participated in three-day golf breaks in northern France providing an opportunity to expand our golfing horizons and cement friendships amongst members.
Society Administration
Each year the members elect a President, two Committee Members, an Honorary Secretary and a Handicap Secretary to administer the activities of the Society. Two years’ service as a Committee Member entitles a member to be elected as President for one year duration. The principal role of the President is to select the courses we play during that year in office and to present prizes at the events. The Honorary Secretary arranges event bookings and manages the Society finances. A very brief AGM is held each December after we play our pre-Christmas event.
Contact us
For membership enquiries or other information about Edifice please contact us by email at edificegs@protonmail.com or fill in the form.