At its Annual General Meeting held recently, Hugh Elliott (Taunton & Pickeridge) was elected President of the Somerset Golf Union for this year. Hugh has been a member of the Executive Committee of the SGU for almost 20 years, principally as Hon Treasurer.
Derek Hanson (Clevedon) becomes the Senior Vice President and Jim Scott (The Mendip) the Junior Vice President.
At the meeting, as is the custom, the year's events were reviewed by Captain Sandro Forte (Weston-Super-Mare). Of particular note was the outstanding achievement of David Dixon (Enmore Park) at the Open where he won the Amateur Medal. David has now turned professional and we all have high hopes for him and his future on the tour. David performed outstandingly well at the EGU qualifier in June where on the same day he set a new course record at Bristol & Clifton GC of 64, and then in the afternoon equalled the 'old' record of 65. Stunning golf indeed.
The County 1st. Team had rather mixed results generally in the Channel League, but were the runners up in the Inter Counties match play shield played at South West week.
The Juniors continue to prosper with many moving on to the men's ranks. County Junior Organiser John Martin has high hopes for the developing squad in the years to come. Phil White (Wells) is the new Junior Captain for the county.
The Seniors Captain, George Davies (Burnham & Berrow) outlined the development of the senior section and its ever-expanding playing opportunities. He will be recruiting new players this year-contact him if you wish to be considered.
In his closing summary outgoing President Mervyn Rowe (Oake Manor) thanked all the clubs for their magnificent support to golf in the County. For him it had been a real pleasure to represent Somerset.
Other notable playing achievements during the year were the 10th. County Championship Title won by Colin Edwards (Bath). Colin continues to be a member of the full England International squad where he has represented England on more than 75 occasions. John Morgan (Clevedon) and David Dixon also gained international recognition as part of the England squad during the year. Lee Corfield (Burnham & Berrow) won the West of England as well as The Saltford Salver and is now a member of the England 'A' squad. It shouldn't be long before he forces his way into top recognition. He is also the County Colts Champion. Ross Jones (Orchardleigh) in his last year as a junior snapped up that title whilst in the Senior Ranks Brian Colome (Burnham & Berrow) came out as Champion.
The golfing year will be moving into gear shortly with the County Trials at Minehead on the 17th.March. The Somerset Bowl (men and seniors) are beginning to get under way and it has been decided to introduce a Scratch Inter-Club Competition this year for The Pickeridge Cup. Details of this event will be sent to clubs shortly. Fixture cards are available at your club or from the SGU Secretary.
Details of this year's six counties, County Card was given by Hon Tres. Mike Tilke (Worlebury) and this passport to discounted green fees is now on sale at clubs for ?15. This represents truly superb value to members and provides the County with the extra income it needs to expand the coaching and playing programme for Somerset Players.
The following are the other members of the Somerset Golf Union Executive Committee for 2002: Duncan Whittaker (Bath) Vice Captain, Rick Metcalfe (Burnham & Berrow) Competitions Secretary, Nick Nicholas (Clevedon) President of Juniors, Charlie Carr (Enmore Park) EGU Executive Rep, Geoff Bacon (Bath) EGU Council Rep, Adrian Deakins (Worlebury) Immediate Past Captain, Committee Members, Bob Davis (Mendip), Dennis Longden (Weston-Super-Mare), Justin Lane (Burnham & Berrow), Brian Crosby (Wedmore), Brian Evans (Worlebury).
Graham Yates continues as Hon Secretary and can be contacted for any information on 01458 210179 or by email at gyates@greinton.freeserve.co.uk. |
