Sussex Spotlight: Bali Bassan, Former SCLGA President

As many of you are aware, Bali recently completed her tenure as SCLGA President. We meet up with Bali to talk about her time on the SCLGA board and where her passion and commitment to golf has came from.

Following a successful Medical Ultrasound career, in the NHS, research and corporate environment, Bali turned her enthusiasm and efforts to giving back to ladies golf in Sussex. She served for 5 years between 2016-2021 on the Competitions Committee quickly establishing herself as a key player who could be relied upon to organise and run events successfully and without fuss, one of the ‘A’ team.  Bali’s appointment as President (2022-2025) came as no surprise, and she continued to be a hugely popular member of SCLGA to everyone, not just within the association but also to all ladies and juniors at county events.  More recently Bali has become a central figure in the Steering Group focussing on the path to Unification in Sussex where her trusted input is invaluable.

When did you first take an interest in golf, started playing? 
I had my first taste of golf on a driving range when my high school field hockey team were treated to an outing. Many years later, I had some private beginner lessons in South London before moving to Canada where the availability for skiing put the golf ambitions on the back burner and so I considered it could be more for of a retirement activity.

Upon my return to England, and listening to my uncle a keen and well established amateur tennis player, whinge and complain that he should not have waited till retirement to start golf, I quickly made the decision to get started. Upon moving to Brighton this became a reality and I was very privileged to join East Brighton GC as a beginner golfer, and of course became totally hooked.  I was very fortunate to be able to play in various countries, where my work took me. At that time, I moved to Dyke GC having played the course in Corporate Society Golf.

How did you become interested in a supporting role?
My sister was a keen golfer as was her daughter, my niece who was an excellent golfer and had been on the amateur circuit in South East Asia.  She started her training in sport journalism in London and I chauffeured and accompanied her to the major tournaments in the UK whenever I could and became an avid golf spectator with ambitions for volunteering at such events.

When I reduced my working commitments and hours, it allowed me to engage more free time on playing golf and also enabled me to take part in more of the Dyke club activities. I became Lady Captain in 2014.

How did you become involved with the SCLGA and in what role(s)?  

I first became aware of SCLGA when I joined the Ladies Committee at the Dyke. I was still working at that time and when I retired, one of the previous Dyke Lady Captains proposed me for nomination to the County Committee.

I joined the Competitions Committee in 2016 and worked on organising key events, mine were the Kathleen Rider and the Jerdein. I also organised a program 'Development for All' sessions with Lee Andrews at Mid Sussex GC, the sessions included subject focussed instruction followed by 9 holes practice and a session with a Sports Psychologist. I was Division 1 Secretary when we introduced the Scratch and Handicap Leagues but COVID prevented us learning from this set up by which time I had completed my 5 years.  After a year out, I was asked to return in the President role with Jane Covey finishing her presidency and taking up the County Captain role. The role as President was for 3 years and so I have been on the Committee and Board for a total of 8 out of the last 9 years,

Highs and Achievements
My roles within the SCLGA have not only given me a greater knowledge of the game but contact with players of all levels of the game. This has allowed me to appreciate that although our sport definitely rewards those who have talent and dedication to compete, there is room for players of all abilities to participate and enjoy the game.

I love the camaraderie, respect, compassion and support from the players and have thoroughly enjoyed my attendance and assisting at the County events including Championships and Inter County Championships. Organising the Senior Women’s Inter Counties Team Championship in my first year as President introduced me to 10 Counties worth of low handicap talent and our team winning was certainly one of the highs of the year. They went on to win the following year away in Berkshire only to be stopped in their tracks for a three peat pipped by Kent this year!!

Sussex winning at County Match Week (2023) was the start of the highs and whilst I missed going with the team to the National Finals, I achieved my goal for volunteering at the Solheim Cup in Spain.  With my County experience, it enabled me to perform my inside the ropes duties efficiently and effectively with the bonus of watching Europe win.
 

Whats Next?
I have been a member of the Dyke for 22 years this year and although my handicap since retirement has increased my enthusiasm and enjoyment still far exceeds my ability.

Soon after starting my role as president back in 2022, I approached SCG Finance Director and County Secretary to explore collaboration areas with a view to improve communication and cooperation for providing our services. These were the initial steps which have subsequently led to conversations and investigating interest for Unification - the formation of the Unification Steering Group was set-up in 2025.

Whilst I have completed my tenure as President, I have been elected to continue to work with the Unification Steering Group to deliver a shared aim in creating an organisation where women participate in the management on terms equal to men and build a future-proof structure that serves every golfer in the County.

I am also waiting to hear if I get another volunteering opportunity at the Solheim Cup in Netherlands September 2026.

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On behalf of the SCLGA, our affiliated clubs and players, we wish to thank Bali for her tremendous commitment to ladies golf and continued support with the Unification process. We hope Bali enjoys a little more spare time but have no doubt we will continue to see her at some of the competitions. 

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