A letter from the Outgoing Captain Lee Sargeson
Dear Members and Friends,
Well, here we are, the end of my Captain’s year. I can confirm it has gone faster than a fourball through the turn when there’s bacon involved.
It has been an absolute honour and a genuine privilege to serve as Captain of Burstwick Country Golf in 2025. When I first put the badge on, I was told the year would go quickly but I didn’t realise it would sprint.
First and foremost, thank you. Thank you to every member who supported the events, bought raffle tickets, donated prizes, turned up (sometimes despite the weather), and helped make this year such a success. The generosity and spirit of this club never fails to impress me.
I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in support of Dementia UK. The fundraising, the awareness, and the kindness shown throughout the year have been nothing short of outstanding. Knowing that our efforts will make a real difference to families affected by this terrible condition is something I will always be proud of.
To the committee, staff, and volunteers — you are the engine room of the club. Your hard work behind the scenes keeps everything running smoothly, even when it looks effortless from the outside. Trust me, I know it isn’t.
A very special thank you must go to Tracy from the bar staff. Tracy, you have been absolutely outstanding all year — quite simply head and shoulders above everyone else - and I really do mean head and shoulders above everyone! Your hard work, good humour, and constant smile have not gone unnoticed and have been hugely appreciated by members and guests alike. Annie also has been fantastic to me, nothing has ever been too much, I also now know why John is so scared of you, joking of course!! You both are lovely people, thank you to Bekky and the rest of the bar staff have also been fantastic, you’re all a credit to the club.
I must also give a heartfelt thank you to my Vice-Captain, Steve Beaumont. Steve, thank you for your support, friendship, and guidance throughout the year. Your help behind the scenes, willingness to get involved, and steady support have meant a great deal to me. I’ve genuinely enjoyed sharing this year with you and I know the club will be in excellent hands as you take on the Captaincy.
I would also like to say a huge thank you to our Greenkeeping team. We’ve shared a few laughs this year — not to mention that unforgettable 5am start together for Captain’s Carnage event to get the course set up. I always thought there was only one five o’clock in the day! That early morning really showed the dedication you all have to this club. On behalf of myself and every member, thank you for the incredible work you do week in, week out to keep Burstwick in such fantastic condition.
Thank you as well to the catering team, headed by the unstoppable force of nature that is Tracey. You are all absolute legends, and the food this year has been second to none. A special thank you to John — I’ve loved your sense of humour and really enjoyed getting to know you all better throughout the year. Your warmth, banter, and hard work have played a huge part in making club events so enjoyable, thank you to all the catering team.
I would also like to say a heartfelt thank you to the Key family for all your help and support throughout the year. Quite simply, without you, the year would not have been the success it was — including raising over £7,500 for charity. Your support has been invaluable and truly appreciated, not sure about Dave though, he’s been a thorn in my side all year - can you do this Lee, can you do that Lee! Only joking big guy, love yeah really! 😊 Laura and Alan thank you for everything.
The feedback I’ve received from the other Captains this year has been a real credit to everyone involved. Praise for the Greenkeepers and the superb course condition, the bar staff for keeping everyone well-watered, the catering team for keeping bellies full, and the Key family for their constant support. Everyone I brought to the club absolutely loved the place — and that is entirely down to the hard work, pride, and effort of you all. Thank you.
Finally, a massive thank you to our club professionals, who are an absolute credit to both the club and their profession — Matt, Luke, Emma (who has now moved on), and our newbie Gill, who I wish every success here. Gill, you’ll fit in perfectly. Thank you all for your help and support throughout the year — you’ve been amazing. I’ll be seeing you very soon to help me choose some new clubs… I need to improve my game now the year is over — I’ve slipped a little, but I’m sure you’ll get me back on track!
This year, my mantra was simple — to bring the members with me, to share the journey, and to give back as much as possible while raising money for a charity very close to my heart. Dementia has affected my family personally, which made supporting Dementia UK even more important to me.
I truly believe we achieved that together. I tried to include as many members as possible through prizes, extra competitions, and giveaways — not just for my own charity, but in support of the other Captains’ charities too. In total, over £9,000 was given back to you, the members, through prize tables, bus stops, fourballs, and more.
I hope those prizes brought enjoyment to many of you, because that was always my aim — to give something back as a genuine thank you for helping me achieve such success for charity. I could not have done this without your support, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
As I hand over the Captaincy, I do so with immense pride and gratitude. This club is more than just a golf course — it’s a community, and I am very proud to be part of it.
I’ll see you on the first tee — no badge, no speeches maybe a little quieter 😊😊😊 (I don’t think so!!) just less pressure and, hopefully, better golf.
With sincere thanks,
Lee Sargeson
Captain 2025
Burstwick Country Golf