DG Club President
Andy Storer
I am at that age where, my mind still thinks I am 29, my humour suggests I am 12, while my body mostly keeps asking if I am sure I am not dead yet. In days past when I had a waist, you could find me running around a pitch chasing an odd shaped ball, please talk slowly to me I was a prop forward, we weren’t known for our intelligence back then. I was told “Sport is good for you when you’re young” in the past few years I have discovered it’s not very good for you in later years, two new hips and some scaffolding in my back goes to prove that.
I became a member of our great club 13 years ago, with believe it or not a playing handicap of 3 and a waist. This great golf course has taken its toll and I now knock it round off 12, now and again I play a few holes like I used to but not very often. I join the club committee as members rep a few years later. It was an eye-opening experience realising what goes on behind the scenes. I was asked to be vice-captain in 2013 which I accepted and went on to be Club Captain in 2014. I was asked to take on the role of Handicap and Competitions secretary in 2017, which I did for two years, and now, here I am as your club President.
You can find me in many places at Donnington Grove, trees, bushes, bunkers, pro-shop, but most of all you will always find me post round in the bar, after a bad round give me chance to get the first Guinness down, and then it’s safe to come and have a chat about anything you want. I will probably forget your name, too many whacks on the head in the front row, but I will always listen.
Playing golf is what it’s all about, feel free to, join me for a game, give me a call, drop me a text or e-mail if I can I will be there, if there is a space in the group in competitions put your name in. The golf may not be of the highest standard, but we will have a laugh, and that’s what we are here for after all.
Have a fantastic golfing year, but most of all “Have some Fun”
Andy
I became a member of our great club 13 years ago, with believe it or not a playing handicap of 3 and a waist. This great golf course has taken its toll and I now knock it round off 12, now and again I play a few holes like I used to but not very often. I join the club committee as members rep a few years later. It was an eye-opening experience realising what goes on behind the scenes. I was asked to be vice-captain in 2013 which I accepted and went on to be Club Captain in 2014. I was asked to take on the role of Handicap and Competitions secretary in 2017, which I did for two years, and now, here I am as your club President.
You can find me in many places at Donnington Grove, trees, bushes, bunkers, pro-shop, but most of all you will always find me post round in the bar, after a bad round give me chance to get the first Guinness down, and then it’s safe to come and have a chat about anything you want. I will probably forget your name, too many whacks on the head in the front row, but I will always listen.
Playing golf is what it’s all about, feel free to, join me for a game, give me a call, drop me a text or e-mail if I can I will be there, if there is a space in the group in competitions put your name in. The golf may not be of the highest standard, but we will have a laugh, and that’s what we are here for after all.
Have a fantastic golfing year, but most of all “Have some Fun”
Andy
Club Captain
Rob Hinson
I have always been doing some outdoor activity or sport. Whilst at school I played hockey, cricket as well as cross country running. Mountain walking, kayaking and cyclo-cross took up the rest of my time. Progressing to Crown green bowls, as it was a reasonable excuse to combine a sport with visiting pubs. I was an archer for 10 years, until time commitments became excessive. I still run occasionally and have completed 4 marathons (3 London).
I started playing golf accidentally due to a twist of circumstances; I used to play squash regularly until the venue closed, my squash partner suggested 9 holes of golf instead, with little opportunity to refuse as he had some spare clubs. After 3 rounds I had been bitten, paid for some lessons and I then continued to play once a week. I was a member at Hadden Hill for 18 months and got to play Donnington Grove on a society day. What an eye opener, I joined in 2012 and haven’t looked back since.
I am always happy to play golf, predominately at the weekend if you would like to join me or discuss anything just let me know.
I started playing golf accidentally due to a twist of circumstances; I used to play squash regularly until the venue closed, my squash partner suggested 9 holes of golf instead, with little opportunity to refuse as he had some spare clubs. After 3 rounds I had been bitten, paid for some lessons and I then continued to play once a week. I was a member at Hadden Hill for 18 months and got to play Donnington Grove on a society day. What an eye opener, I joined in 2012 and haven’t looked back since.
I am always happy to play golf, predominately at the weekend if you would like to join me or discuss anything just let me know.
Ladies Captain
Toni Prince
It is a privilege to be asked to stand as Lady Vice Captain for 2022 at Donnington Grove Golf Club. When Sarah asked me I was somewhat apprehensive, I did ask for the Job Description and it didn’t take too long to respond with a “Yes”....The apprehension had derived by myself still working full time as a Civil Servant and was wary that I could not be at the club to play with you all during the week, however, it worked for me and The Hampshire Golf Club Ladies Section in 2011 where I was privileged to become Lady Captain, a year I thoroughly enjoyed.
I’ve been playing Golf since 2009; 2009 – 2013 The Hampshire; 2014 – 2020 Donnington Valley then joined Donnington Grove in April 2020. The first ever time I picked up a golf club was when I was around 17, it was a wonderful sunny day, walking the dogs around a field and my uncle handed me a club...Well of course I had no clue what to do with it, so I decided just to twist and turn and well....the club smacked into the ground so hard I felt as though I was clinging on to a pneumatic drill, it was just awful and I swore back then I would never play golf, it just wasn’t for me. However, when my 2 boys (I have 2 Girls & 2 Boys, 2 Granddaughters and a Grandson) became interested in golf, I figured, hmmm maybe I’ll give it ago as I was always at the club (Tidworth) at their lessons....and I got HOOKED big time and never looked back.
I look forward to supporting our Lady Captain – Sarah over this next 12 months and likewise the Ladies Section and the Club as a whole. I will endeavour to attend as many weekday comps / roll-ups as I can, and if anyone would like a round with me please do not hesitate in asking or just joining a tee-time.
I would like to end by saying I wish you all good golfing for the year ahead whether that is competition or socially and I look forward to meeting with you all in due course.
Take Care, keep Safe & Stay Well.....Toni x
I’ve been playing Golf since 2009; 2009 – 2013 The Hampshire; 2014 – 2020 Donnington Valley then joined Donnington Grove in April 2020. The first ever time I picked up a golf club was when I was around 17, it was a wonderful sunny day, walking the dogs around a field and my uncle handed me a club...Well of course I had no clue what to do with it, so I decided just to twist and turn and well....the club smacked into the ground so hard I felt as though I was clinging on to a pneumatic drill, it was just awful and I swore back then I would never play golf, it just wasn’t for me. However, when my 2 boys (I have 2 Girls & 2 Boys, 2 Granddaughters and a Grandson) became interested in golf, I figured, hmmm maybe I’ll give it ago as I was always at the club (Tidworth) at their lessons....and I got HOOKED big time and never looked back.
I look forward to supporting our Lady Captain – Sarah over this next 12 months and likewise the Ladies Section and the Club as a whole. I will endeavour to attend as many weekday comps / roll-ups as I can, and if anyone would like a round with me please do not hesitate in asking or just joining a tee-time.
I would like to end by saying I wish you all good golfing for the year ahead whether that is competition or socially and I look forward to meeting with you all in due course.
Take Care, keep Safe & Stay Well.....Toni x
Seniors Captain
Clive Richards
I have played golf locally for some 20
years, having moved from my native South Wales 28 years ago. I have always
enjoyed sport and especially team games. As work commitments have diminished I
have been able to increase the games per week and play in some of the Seniors
matches for Donnington Grove Seniors against neighbouring clubs.
I have really
enjoyed my time at Donnington Grove making many new friends and I am lucky and
honoured to represent the senior section for the 2022 to 2023 season.
Donnington Grove Golf Club is a very friendly environment with many members who
contribute to enhance our golfing and social experiences. It is important to
all sections in the club to maintain this reputation.
I encourage all new
senior members to also join our section and participate in the seniors
events which are all thoroughly enjoyable and very well managed by the Seniors
Management Team.
I look forward to helping all at DGGC to continue to maximise
the many benefits the game of golf brings to our lives and having a lot of fun
along the way.
Club Vice Captain
Andy Meredith
I have always been a sporty type and participated in many team and individual sports.
My first experiences of Golf were as a teenager, however football soon took over as my main passion which I continued to play at county level into my thirties.
Skiing then took over and I qualified as a Canadian level 1 instructor in my forties.
I continued to play mostly corporate golf and happened to attend one at Donnington Grove in 2011, I was immediately impressed with the course and decided to join to play more of our great game.
I got an initial handicap of 24, found regular playing partners, and have managed to get my handicap index down to 9.
I enjoy the challenge of our wonderful course and look forward to trying to improve that handicap further.
I am proud to represent the club as Vice-Captain after my time as Competitions Secretary and appreciate the support and trust from the committee.
Anybody with questions or observations can contact me directly and I will do my best to respond effectively.
I am happy to play golf with all members so please add your name if you see a gap on the booking system.
Happy Golfing.
My first experiences of Golf were as a teenager, however football soon took over as my main passion which I continued to play at county level into my thirties.
Skiing then took over and I qualified as a Canadian level 1 instructor in my forties.
I continued to play mostly corporate golf and happened to attend one at Donnington Grove in 2011, I was immediately impressed with the course and decided to join to play more of our great game.
I got an initial handicap of 24, found regular playing partners, and have managed to get my handicap index down to 9.
I enjoy the challenge of our wonderful course and look forward to trying to improve that handicap further.
I am proud to represent the club as Vice-Captain after my time as Competitions Secretary and appreciate the support and trust from the committee.
Anybody with questions or observations can contact me directly and I will do my best to respond effectively.
I am happy to play golf with all members so please add your name if you see a gap on the booking system.
Happy Golfing.
Ladies Vice Captain
Helen Lake
I have generally been pretty active over the years, having played netball to County and South Wales team level in my teens.
I then moved to Bristol to complete my nurse training and was unfortunately unable to find a local netball team, however, social Badminton, squash and exercise classes took over.
My first introduction to golf at the age of seven or eight years of age, was a pitch and putt course in Cornwall but not understanding the rules I insisted my ‘hole in one’ was a three; although I conceded a two to my playing partner!!
Many years later my husband suggested I learn to play golf when our sons (we have four sons, and six grandchildren- three of each gender) were all school age. Not taking him too seriously I agreed.
Unfortunately he kept me to the promise and after two lessons with him we played a round at a local course. The first two holes did not go well but I managed a par on the first par 3 - the rest as they say is history!!
We were initially members at Parasampia and had to switched to Donnington Valley when our sons took up the game. We moved from Donnington Valley GC in 2020 having fulfilled two stints of three years on the competitions committee.
I retired last December and had always felt I would like to become more involved with the running of the golf club. Toni invited me to be her vice-captain and I was pleased and honoured to agree.
I will try to play as many weekdays as I can and hope to get to know all our lady members over the next two years. Should anyone like to join me for nine or eighteen holes at any time please either add your name to a tee time or message me.
I then moved to Bristol to complete my nurse training and was unfortunately unable to find a local netball team, however, social Badminton, squash and exercise classes took over.
My first introduction to golf at the age of seven or eight years of age, was a pitch and putt course in Cornwall but not understanding the rules I insisted my ‘hole in one’ was a three; although I conceded a two to my playing partner!!
Many years later my husband suggested I learn to play golf when our sons (we have four sons, and six grandchildren- three of each gender) were all school age. Not taking him too seriously I agreed.
Unfortunately he kept me to the promise and after two lessons with him we played a round at a local course. The first two holes did not go well but I managed a par on the first par 3 - the rest as they say is history!!
We were initially members at Parasampia and had to switched to Donnington Valley when our sons took up the game. We moved from Donnington Valley GC in 2020 having fulfilled two stints of three years on the competitions committee.
I retired last December and had always felt I would like to become more involved with the running of the golf club. Toni invited me to be her vice-captain and I was pleased and honoured to agree.
I will try to play as many weekdays as I can and hope to get to know all our lady members over the next two years. Should anyone like to join me for nine or eighteen holes at any time please either add your name to a tee time or message me.
Seniors Vice Captain
Iain Cottingham
Club Committee 2023
Club President Andy Storer
Club Captain Rob Hinson
Ladies Captain Toni Prince
Seniors’ Captain Clive Richards
Other committee members:
Club Vice Captain Andy Meredith
Ladies Vice Captain Helen Lake
Seniors Vice Captain Iain Cottingham
Competition Secretary Berni Martin
Handicaps Jazz Kang
Club Treasurer Gill Lane
Members rep TBC
Members rep TBC
Also attending meetings, representing owners Sandtrend, General Manager Nigel Green, Dave Knight Head Greenkeeper and Head Professional and Golf Manager Tom Fleming as well as a member of the restaurant staff.The committee oversees all aspects of member’s golf at Donnington Grove and is there to represent member’s best interests in the on-going relationship with the course owners.
Monthly meetings are chaired by the Club Captain with each committee member having a vote. The exceptions are the management reps and the non-voting President, who is there to ensure continuity and provide strategic guidance to the committee. The minutes of the monthly meetings are available online to view under Committee Minutes.
The agenda of the Club A.G.M. (held once a year)
is also available, along with the minutes of the previous A.G.M., on the club website below. Members will naturally be interested in what’s happening out on the course and any changes that are being planned by the owners. News items provide useful updates, but the regular email Newsletters updates provided by Tom Fleming, and the management report and course report contained in the Committee minutes, provides a wider and more detailed perspective. Please have a look.
The committee is fully accountable to you, the members, but it is also responsible for maintaining the discipline, plus the standards and etiquette of the club, therefore we ask members to have a look at the information found here on the website, especially on, the Donnington Grove Code of Conduct and club constitution, and to abide by these at all time.
If you have any ideas or issues that you would like to put forward to the committee then please contact any committee member direct as listed above or email via the Club Captain and the Club President on committee@donnington-grove.com
If you would like to become involved in the running of the Committee, please contact Andy by e-mail committee@donnington-grove.com or speak to him around the club.
As members of this club we are very fortunate as we have a superb club committee. As your club captains and club president we are dedicated to serving the best interests of all members and united in our passion and determination to make this year the best ever at Donnington Grove. With a little help from you, our members, we’ll make it happen!
Competitions Secretary
Berni Martin
Handicap Secretary
Jazz Kang
Club Treasurer
Gill Lane
Donnington Grove Constitution
Playing in the DG Committee Saturday Slot
You may have noticed that their is a Committee tee slot booked on Saturdays about 11:30.
You probably thought them cheeky !!!! booking their own slot.
The idea is for any members to come and join one or two of the committee for a game on a Saturday morning, we have started with some of the new members joining us and it is good fun.
So if you would like to play ask in the popshop or E-mail Andy at committee@donnington-grove.com