Four new captains have officially driven into office at Hawkstone Park Golf Club at a special celebration held at the club to launch the 2016 season.
A large crowd of members gathered on the first tee of the Hawkstone Course to cheer on Club Captain, Andy Hughes; Lady Captain, Julie Wales; Junior Captain, Molly Moore and Seniors’ Captain, Percy Mellor.
Following the drive-in, a champagne reception and afternoon tea was hosted for members in the clubhouse.
Club Captain, Andy Hughes, welcomed guests and said that one of his aims for the year was to increase the level of junior participation at the club.
He highlighted the club’s excellent track-record of producing great young players notably a double Major winner in Sandy Lyle, Michael Welch – one of the country’s greatest ever young amateur golfers; and most recently, Ashley Chesters, who over the last two years has put Hawkstone Park firmly on the map again with back-to-back European Amateur titles and appearances in The Open – finishing in a remarkable 12th position last summer at St Andrew’s.
The new Captain also put out a rallying call to members to participate in the club’s full diary of competitions and social events throughout the coming year.
On a lighter note, Andy said he was looking forward to enjoying the privilege of having a designated car parking space for the year.
Lady Captain, Julie Wales, entertained guests with her ‘captain’s survival kit’ for the year which included hair straighteners and lipstick for those all-important photoshoots, a hip flask of sloe gin and a never-ending supply of jelly babies to keep the members and staff sweet. She also unveiled the Captains’ charity for 2016:
“This year we will be supporting the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity which is celebrating its 25th anniversary year. So many people have reason to be extremely grateful to this worthy cause and, on a personal note, my eldest son was airlifted to hospital some years ago after a motorbike accident and I am forever in the charity’s debt.
“When time is of the essence in a road traffic accident, this emergency service undoubtedly saves lives.”
Julie also welcomed Junior Captain Molly Moore by saying:
“Molly is not only Hawkstone Junior Captain this year, but she also has the honour of being County Junior Girls’ Captain. It’s going to be a very exciting and busy year for her.
“Molly is hoping to have a future career in the golfing world and is passionate about the game and promoting golf for girls.”
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