SCC History
History
The Southern Counties Cup was founded back in 2001, when Simon Hodges & Roy White [pictured] decided to run a year long competition against each other. The person that won the most head-to-head rounds was The Southern Counties Cup Champion. The loser having to forfeit dinner to the winner.
After two years of playing this tournament, with Simon winning the first year & Roy winning in 2002, the pair decided to expand the tournament to allow others to compete. So in the winter of 2002, The Southern Counties Cup Golf Society was founded.
2003
On 26th January 2003 the inaugural tournament for The SCC Golf Society was held. There was a total of 15 events for the 2003 season. The best 5 scores throughout the season would determine The Southern Counties Cup Champion.
2004
The 2004 season saw the birth of The SCC Tour. A slight change to the scoring system, now meant that players would have their best 6 scores from the 14 played, entered onto the Order of Merit to find the best player throughout the year.
2005
We tweaked the scoring again for the 2005 season. We reverted back to the best 5 scores, but this time players were awarded bonus points for their finishing positions. 5pts for 1st, down to 1pt for 5th. This was implemented to try and create a bit of build up at the finale, so the winner may improve their points, through the bonus system. Those turning up at more tournaments could help increase their Order of Merit points with bonus points.
The tragic untimely death of Martin Bullard was a great loss for the society. Martin was currently leading the 2005 Order of Merit. As a mark of respect, the season was cut short and Martin was posthumously awarded the title of The Southern Counties Cup Champion. The shortened season had a total of 12 tournaments plus 3 majors.
2006
After a short period of mourning, we started the 2006 season towards the end of 2005. The 2006 Order of Merit would be fought over 14 months with a total of 23 tournaments. With the blessing of Martin's family, we renamed The SCC Ryder Cup to The MB Ryder Cup in honour of our friend.
2007
A complete revamp of the scoring system. Players no longer had their stableford scores or bonus points as part of their Order of Merit. Players were now awarded points based on the size of the field competing. The Swing system was introduced. Players would compete at 4 tournaments on each swing. The winner of each swing, plus the most consistant player NOT to win a swing would compete in The Swing Finale. A stableford showdown where those who handle the pressure would shine through. This was introduced so players out of form for some tournaments could still be in with a chance to win. Also, this would encourage new members to join throughout the year, and still have a chance to be crowned The Southern Counties Cup Champion.
2008
The SCC Players Championship was introduced. The winners of the 3 majors plus the MCP would battle it out for this new trophy. Leaving the Swing winners to compete to become The Southern Counties Cup Champion.
This year also saw The SCC Golf Society take on Teeoff Golf Society in The MB Ryder Cup. SCC Golf Society won by 14.5pts to 9.5pts
2009
A great suggestion by member Adrian Davies was to have the Season Finale finish in the summer months, rather than at the end of November. This would mean that we were not restricted by the fading light. Also, we could have a meal after the round to celebrate the end of season. The 2009 schedule would run for 6 Swings finishing towards the end of May 2010.
2010
With the extended 2009 season, 2010 would run as follows: The Summer Swing, The Autumn Swing, The Winter Swing & The Spring Swing. The SCC Tour year would run from June 2010 to May 2011.
Past Southern Counties Cup Champions
2008 - Jim Johnstone
2007 - Chun Sung
2006 - Mat Frost
2005 - Martin Bullard
2004 - John Griffin
2003 - Kenny Du