History

How the Society was Formed

During the summer of 2004 some of us were playing with other Societies but not enjoying our game of golf and decided to just play on our own every Wednesday for a small trophy as a bit of fun.

We decided to start playing for this little trophy in March 2005 and on trying to book a course for twelve players the secretary at Sutton Coldfield Golf Club said we would be classed as a Golf Society, so there and then the first name that came to mind was the friends golf society and as the name suggests we were all friends and relatives .

Stathi rang me and agreed on the name and we met a few days later to form a committee. Stathi as secretary Chris as H/Caps Secretary and me as Treasurer.

We started the season with 16 players and the following season we added another 8. from day one we had lots of support from locals who wanted to sponsor the society, very quickly we gained momentum and grew stronger not only in players but also with a healthier bank balance which enabled us to purchase our own trophies and give out good prizes.

It was suggested by some members one of the trophies should be named "The Founder Members Cup" as a tribute to the three founding members of the society myself Stathi and Chris.

We now have a solid society with a regular turnout of 30 and still growing. We have created a society that enjoys each others company as well as the golf, a society with good young players which will continue to develop and grow for many years to come. We have made giant steps since we first thought about playing for that little trophy and our thanks go to the secretary of Sutton Coldfield Golf Club.

The first event was arranged for Walsall G C on the 30th March 2005 but due to torrential rain on the Tuesday night the course was closed and was rearranged to be played at Sutton Coldfield G C on the 20th April and our first sponsor for this competition was Golden Delight. Even with the short notice we managed 16 players for the match.

We teed up on that first event at 10.30 I remember it was cold but dry and was a day for the Zivania, always in my bag for such occasions lol.

The winner was Costas Mairoudis with 39 points off 23 and he has regretted it ever since losing 3 shots so early in the season and made it hard to put a good round together from then on.

The first year was dominated by Gary Arnold with three victories in which he became the first order of merit winner.

The Masters was won by George Angelides at The Forest of Arden his favorite course it was the last time George played with us he became ill early the next year and whilst in hospital he passed away.

Our second event of 2006 was cancelled in his respect so members of the society could attend the funeral in his home town of Leicester the event was rearranged and played at The Forest of Arden.

In 2007 it was decided that each competition would have a name and a trophy to play for and since 2007 our second event in April we play for the George Angelides trophy to honor his memory and the first winner of this trophy was Jason Nicolaou, someone who enjoyed many a good round with dear old George.

He was 66 when he passed away and I remember one of his favorite sayings after a good drive" goodbye Charlie" - thanks for the memories George.

Written by Peter Christoforou

Original and founder members of the Society

Peter Christoforou, Chris Christoforou, Stathi Efstathiou, Socrati Efstathiou, Pedro Efstathiou, Alex Lambrou, Jason Nicolaou, Vic Holier, Gary Arnold, Costas Mairoudis, Ian Jones, George Angelides, Arif Haq, Meli Marcou, George Marcou, Leo Nicodimou, Richard Manser