Saturday 25th March 2023 – Evesham Golf Club members gathered to watch Paul Sharpe drive in as the club’s new captain for 2023. Paul has been a member at Evesham for exactly 20 years, joining in 2003, and drove three balls off the first tee to mark the start of his reign as captain.

Members of Evesham GC with the new Club Captain

 

Paul Sharpe (centre), Club Captain for 2023 with Mark New (left), Vice-Captain for 2023 and John Jones (right), the outgoing Captain.

As is the club tradition, members gather on the first fairway to face new Captains  as they tee off. The member who is standing closest to each drive picks it up and presents it to the captain to win a prize.

Paul’s first shot ventured slightly left, into the trees, and was picked up by Geoff Wellens. The second went down the right hand side of the fairway, to be picked up by Jerry Cain. The third shot, down the left hand side of the fairway, rolled and stopped at his wife’s feet…surely not intentional? She graciously, donated that prize to a future event.

Paul said “It is a huge honour to be elected as Captain in my 20th year as a member of Evesham Golf Club. As Captain, I am committed to ensure each and every member’s golfing experience is the best we can possibly make it, with the right balance of fun and friendly competition. I know that all members will continue to support the efforts of each of the section Captain’s and make 2023 a year to remember. The level of commitment shown by the various event organisers is very much appreciated and with our new green-keeping team, I am looking forward to the course becoming even better as the year progresses. My nominated charity this year is Combat Stress and I know that all members will support our efforts to raise as much money as possible for such a worthy cause. I look forward to meeting and playing with as many members as possible during my year and, as I have said a number of times, I am really going to enjoy it!!!”

The stableford Drive In Competition that followed was won by none other than the outgoing Captain, John Jones, with a very good score of 38 points considering the cold temperatures and breezy conditions. Prizes were awarded to the top six players, as follows:

1st           John Jones (10)                 38

2nd          Andy Cottrill (7)                37

3rd           Pete Stanley (11)              37

4th           Chris Jewkes (12)             35

5th           Ian Tyrell (15)                     34

6th           Kevin Kennedy (10)         34

Paul presenting John with the winning prize.