Captain's Report 2020 & 2021

Hello everyone, 

Although I was Director & Chair of House, and Director of Health & Safety for a number of years, being Captain has given me the opportunity to learn more about the captains’ responsibilities and our association with the six other clubs within the Preston area. At the 2020 AGM, little did we know what disruption to normal life we would experience throughout the year. However, through determination by the Board, and members we managed to play golf when legally permitted. The Men’s Saturday competition programme was completed, and the Dignitary golf weekends, with most of the presentations being held outside.

We looked forward to the 2021 golfing season. However, we had Lockdown once again, commencing 5th January. Where we were in a ridiculous position of being permitted by law to walk the course, but not use a club. This continued until the 29th March when we were once again allowed to strike a ball on the course. Now with 13 holes open, arrangements were kindly made for the Vice Captain, Lady President, Lady Vice Captain nominee and me to be the first to tee off at 7-30am. Thankfully from that day, we have had no further golfing restrictions, only changes with hospitality, which was managed by the Directors meeting on a regular basis to discuss what was legally permitted by law.

I played and socialized with more players at PGC than before and made friendships with the other clubs and their respective Captains, which I hope will last for many years. Although we played a great deal of golf, completing most of the golfing calendar over the two years, the social aspect has not always been possible due to COVID restrictions and the availability of the caterer to meet the needs of the members.

 It has certainly been very rewarding as Captain to see the various group leaders organise the golf at the club. Many are here tonight. The Penny Lads, Tuesday & Thursday lads, Monday lads, Wednesday night group, BAe group, Wrinklies, Mr Penwortam, Bogeymen, Teacakers, League of Gentlemen, Sunday Winter League, the summer and winter groups, Bacon Butty Brigade, the ladies, Tuesday, and Thursday groups etc and the mixed doubles. We then have the P&D and S&D leagues, the RVSL & RRVL, no doubt I have missed a few. I have noticed groups like these keep the club active, which is great. We then have the social members, the snooker, table tennis, and dart players, Rotary, and the Catenian’s. So that’s why Penwortham is so special, well certainly to me.

I held the Captains weekend both in 2020 and 2021 and John Shuttleworth a young worthy winner, won in 2020 and we held the presentation outside on a sunny afternoon. I was then pleased to see Richard Taylor, a more senior figure at the club, win the 2021 Captains weekend prize. I also held the Mr Captains prize for the Ladies both years as well as the Juniors competitions.

Now the club has been very successful, certainly over the past year.  I wish to thank Past Captain Henry Hesketh & Adrian Collins, for organising the Preston and District League Golf and Howard Stopforth for the Southport and District league Golf. Penwortham’s gents P&D team won their league by a substantial margin, winning 40 of the 60 matches which was brilliant, so well-done team. PGC were also hosts to the SDGA Handicap team tournament in October 2021 and Penwortham achieved the double, not only had they won the Summer League title they won the team tournament on the day. So, it was certainly a great day, both on the course and in the clubhouse, so congratulation once again.

The Seniors also swept up the trophies. Captain Richard Kay’s team, not only won the RVSL Shield, in 2021, they won the Tournament Shield, which was played at Fleetwood. To top that Past President, Bill Hawkins, won the Past President's Shield on the same day. Now Captain Dave, narrowly missed winning the Red Rose league, and came second, so well done to all seniors. I am also proud to announce that Bob Adams has been appointed, Vice President of the RVSL Association for 2022 and Tom Stirrup Club Captain of the RVSL & Chris Vose Club Captain of the Red Rose League.

The ladies have also been very successful, winning the Guild Trophy for the Third consecutive year and I believe they won the VET competition.

I had success with the Stirrup Cup held at Preston in 2020. Past Captain Henry, Vice-Captain Ray, Will and I, won the annual event between the District Clubs. We achieved this again, playing at Shaw Hill in 2021 with the same team. We also won the Council Match played at PGC and I took great delight in handing the Horn to the Preston Captain at the presentation on the 18th.

Now, I must take this opportunity in thanking Alan and Jean for their sterling work organising the Winter mixed golf which is certainly very popular.  

I would also like to congratulate all our trophy winners in 2020 & 2021 and point out a few particular outstanding achievements. Phil Stanley was Club Champion and Past Presidents Putter winner in 2020 and scratch sliver salver winner in 2021. Chris Parkinson was winner of the Scratch Silver Salver in 2020 and Club Champion in 2021, he also came third in the Rose Bowl and set a new course record on Saturday 28th August in The Tassie. It was also good to see two Seniors, Paul Purvis and Richard Mullineaux win the KO/4ball match play. Also, Tom Lancaster picked up two trophies and Mark Yates three over the two years.

So, its thanks to Peter Todhunter and his comps committee, for organising the competitions throughout the two years.

Now a little about Greens. I believe the course is continuing to be maintained to a very high standard, due to a sensible programme of capital investment in new machinery, drainage, and having an excellent Head Green Keeper, Steve, together with a professional team of greens staff. So, thanks to all involved.   

I now have a number of thanks to individuals and groups for their support which has been fantastic during my term in office. Thanks to President Alan Orritt, it seems some time ago when we went together to be measured for our jackets, we certainly had a laugh on the day. Thanks to Lady President, Pauline who has been very supportive and again the ladies chose well. Thanks to the lady’s section, for supporting the many events, in particular your help with my Captains weekends.

Thanks to the social committee, who have certainly had a difficult time considering all the covid-related upheaval, Lady Captain and Howard Moorby. Thanks to Rob and Ruth for their support & congratulations on their new and well-deserved appointments. Alex also gets a mention, congratulations with your hybrid role. We then have the volunteer members on various committees, House, Greens, H&S, Comps, and the working group, who all contribute to making the club a success. We also have Tony, Ged, Jim, and Paul, who have carried out  various maintenance & handyman work which is really appreciated. Paul Clarkson should also be praised for creating a very impressive flower/shrub bed near the 7th tee. We have Rick Woods and his team who organise the Lancashire Classic, which is a prestigious event, which brings in much appreciated revenue.

The Lady Captain and I would like to thank the Lady Vice Captain and Vice-Captain and those helping on the Captains’ Charity Day. Raising money has not been easy, however due to all the support we have received from members and local businesses we have managed to raise £8500, so thank you. Lady Captain and I will share £7500 for our chosen charities and as we are both very impressed with the Bert Pryce Academy Course initiative opened by Paul Eales, we have decided to donate the £1000 to support the Juniors and Academy. I particularly wish to congratulate Donna and Liz, for all their hard work creating the Academy and the Board for supporting the idea and obtaining a substantial grant. Lastly a big thanks to Mike Clarke and Lady Captain Donna for developing the junior’s section. With hard work and dedication, I believe we now have over 30 junior members.

Now I would like to thank the past captains for their support and advice they have provided over the past three years in particular, Henry Hesketh & Alan Bolton. Also, thanks to the Chairman for his understanding when matters were difficult, due mainly to the COVID restrictions. Thanks to Darren the Professional and his team for their support. Thanks to Lady Captain Liz, her support has been fantastic, and I believe the ladies section and the whole club are certainly very proud of her two years as Lady Captain, and as a small token of my appreciation I have a little gift for Liz. Now I have not forgotten Vice-Captain Ray, who has really given me a great deal of support, thank you Ray.

On a very sad note, I wish to refer to the deaths of three extremely well-known members which occurred, just before my term in office, who are greatly missed, Past President Graham Cooper, Past Captain Hugh Paterson & Past President Jim Murphy.

Finally, I would like to thank my Wife Carol, who has been very understanding and supportive, whilst enjoying the whole experience, making lifelong friends at the club.

So, it has been an honour to have been your Captain and I thank you for attending tonight, supporting the club and thanks for making my time as Captain such an enjoyable experience for both Carol and me. Thanks for reading, I wish you all the best for 2022 and congratulations to all our officers in their year in office representing PGC.