CAPTAIN’S REPORT 2010-2011

 Firstly it doesn’t seem like a year since I was sat here accepting the position of Mens Captain for 2010 and can only wonder where the year has gone?

It has been a privilege to serve as Mens Captain of The Forest of Galtres golf club during 2010 a position that when I started playing golf  and joined the club 12 or so years ago I would never have anticipated holding and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me this year.

Overview

Unlike 2009 when the weather throughout the year disrupted several competitions and resulted in Captains Day being postponed twice, in 2010 we were lucky and all Major competitions were played in good weather and up to the bad weather that started in November I think generally speaking the weather has been kind to us throughout the year.

The year started with the traditional Captain’s drive-in followed by a well supported Texas scramble and this set the scene for the season with weekend and mid week medals, together with other qualifying competitions, being well supported throughout the year with a good spread of winners.

In addition the summer knockout competitions again proved popular.

For this coming year, between April and October we have added a further 20 mid week qualifying competitions enabling members to play qualifiers three Wednesdays each month.

Mid summer saw a well supported Texas scramble and summer barbeque and this is again in the fixtures for 2011.

This year it was good to see several new faces at the club many of which have become very active members and some competition winners.   

As mentioned the Major competitions were well supported and keenly fought and I again congratulate all the winners especially Mark Newton who successfully defended his position as Club Champion.

The Order of Merit was also keenly fought with several members being in contention right up to the final qualifying competition culminating in Simon Witham managing to hold off all challengers and I congratulate him on his success.

The Order of merit finals day was played at Bingley St Ives where Kevin Beaumont was a deserved winner. 

This year saw the introduction in the fixture list of a Captains Away Day and on the 25^th September 26 of us enjoyed a good day at Styrrup Hall Golf Club South Yorkshire with the inaugural trophy going to Mark Owers.

This is now a permanent addition to the fixture list and I would ask that you support Dave this coming year and all future Captains in what, I believe, is a very good way of showing support to the Captain and also an enjoyable day out .

Perhaps the only disappointment with regards to the competitions was the reduced interest in the two Invitation Days with support for both now being considerably less than in the past, although I understand we are not alone in this respect with several other clubs also seeing a fall off in support

If this trend continues this year it may be the last that time we have two Invitation Days which would be unfortunate but perhaps in the current economic climate one that cannot be avoided.

 This year we hosted the York Union Yorkshire Herald mixed competition and it was nice that several of those taking part mentioned to me personally how, in their opinion, the course had improved over recent years.

There was for me, and hopefully the club, a further bonus in that Val and I won the competition with Becky and Dave Gouldstone coming third.  

As usual the work involved in running all the events on the fixture card is time consuming and my thanks go to the whole of the committee but particularly to Jim McIntosh who, as competition secretary, has seen us through the season without too many problems.

Jim has now decided to retire from committee duties and I would like to thank him for all the sterling work he has done for the club over many years.

In addition to Jim, as you are aware, there are three other members of the committee standing down Ian Strickson, Peter Renton and Mick Collins and I would like to thank them all for their support this year in particular to Mick for setting up the members web site which I am sure you will agree has been a great addition for us all.

Although Mick is leaving the committee he has offered to continue as administrator of the web site.

 This was the second year for Alastair and I am sure everyone will agree that both he and  Nick together with the remainder of their staff have provided an excellent service  and benefited us all and I would personally like to thank them all for the help and assistance they have given me.

 Some of the major events, especially invitation days, put a lot of pressure on the Clubhouse staff and I would also like to record my thanks to Paul, Anne and staff for their hard work throughout the season.

And finally I would like to thank Marion and her team of green keepers for all their hard work during the year.

Inter Club Matches

Scratch team - Under the captaincy of Peter Renton this year was one of the most successful years we have had with the team finishing joint second and only missing out on promotion by ‘goal difference’ and I hope this coming year we can build on this and possibly go one step further?

Friendly matches -The programme of friendly inter club matches I believe continues to be an important part of the season, providing an opportunity to promote friendships with other clubs and this year saw an increase in the number of fixtures to eleven which has been maintained again for this coming year.

These matches are always very enjoyable and keenly fought and are open to any members of the club and if there is anyone interested in playing who hasn’t done so previously please contact Brian Lockett who as team captain this year will, I am sure be pleased to hear from you.

Juniors

Although our junior section is thin on the ground Alastair and Nick are actively promoting golf to the younger element with coaching days and , I understand, visiting several schools in the area to promote both the game of golf and the Forest of Galtres Golf Club.

In addition Graeme Elstob is now assisting as junior coordinator so if any of you know any youngsters who might be interested please pass their names on to Graeme, Alastair or Nick.

Ladies

As I am sure most of you know the Ladies section has, over recent years, seen a considerable reduction in membership with the responsibility of running the section falling on fewer and fewer Lady members.

Unfortunately it does appear that there is going to be a further reduction this year with several ladies having already indicated their intention to leave.

I am sure you will agree this is not a good situation as a strong ladies section is a benefit to us all and to the club as a whole and I would ask that we offer support to Lorraine Ellis, Lady Captain for 2011 wherever possible.

Whilst I understand the proprietors are actively seeking to promote the club to new members both male and female I would ask that if you know of any ladies that may be interested in taking up the game and ultimately joining the club  please contact a committee member or Alastair.  

In summary

As I have said previously I have thoroughly enjoyed my year and consider it a privilege to have been Mens Captain of Forest of Galtres Golf Club.

It has been a pleasure to work with a dedicated team of committee members and would thank them all again for their support as well as the support I have received from many club members.

Finally I would like to wish Dave Mather all the very best for this coming year as Mens Captain and also Brian Lockett in his year as vice captain and I am sure the club will  flourish under their leadership.

    Thank you.

     Brian Eccles  

          Mens Captain 2010/11

               26th February 2011