News

July 2008

Since purchasing Sweetwoods Park at the end of April 2008, a number of improvements have been made and a number of changes are still to come. 
Most notably new signage around the whole course is currently expected to be in place by the end of summer. 

New score cards and course guides are on order will be available shortly.   

2008/09  bag tags for members are now available for collection in the proshop. 

Martin Long

 

A tribute to Peter Strand founder and previous owner of Sweetwoods Park who passed away 24^th June 2008

 

Peter had bought Sweetwoods in 1983 as a working farm it was kept  as a farm until 1988 when he then transformed the farm into a corporate events location, with off road driving tracks, clay pigeon shooting and a cross country course which served his  interest in horses.

 

He had the vision to create a golf course on the land at Sweetwoods and this became a reality when he commenced work in partnership with JS Dakin, a farming family from Nottinghamshire, in 1992.

Peter was always happiest behind the wheel of a tractor or digger and he was a hands on man getting involved in all aspect of the work including the physical labour in the early development of the golf course.

 

In December 1993 Peter married Loreto in Santiago Chile, they returned to live in the farmhouse at Sweetwoods where they remained until February this year bringing up their four delightful children Sebastian, Isabella, Amalia and Olivia.

 

In 1994 Peter opened the course to golfers and it soon became a popular venue for members and visitors alike. The Golf Club evolved under Peter’s direction and appeared on Sky T.V. hosting a European Pro event.

He also founded the Sussex College of Golf which remained at Sweetwoods until July 2007.  Under his direction, many young golfers got a good grounding in both golf and general education and were given the opportunity to develop their talents.  This same College is still in operation and runs out of Lindfield Golf Club.

 

Due to his failing health, Peter reluctantly gave up his involvement with Sweetwoods Golf Club at the end of 2007 and moved into a house in Cowden Village.

 

Peter passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and close friends on Tuesday the 24^th June. A Memorial Service was held at Cowden Parish Church attended by numerous friends.

Sweetwoods Park were pleased to play host on the 16th June to a charity golf day on behalf of NCH (the children’s charity)

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the NCH golf day at Sweetwoods – the weather held out until everyone had finished playing, the BBQ food was outstanding, and the club were extremely welcoming and generous in their donation of raffle prizes in support of our charity. We very much hope to return next year”.

“NCH is one of the UK’s largest children’s charities supporting over 180,000 vulnerable children, young people and their families across the UK. At our 500 projects we support those affected by issues such as poverty, abuse, neglect, family break-up, disability, homelessness, poverty and more.”

Community Fundraiser for the charity, Jessica Maybanks