Off and Running (photo above) — (Left to right) Club Captain Mark Ringland and Ladies Captain Helen Ringland get the new golf season off to an official start with the traditional Captains’ Drive-In.
The gloomy weather didn’t exactly align with the calendar. But that didn’t stop the 2023 golf season from getting off to a roaring start at Goswick Golf Club on the 1st of April.
Club Captain Mark Ringland and Ladies Captain Helen Ringland led off the festivities with the traditional Captains’ Drive-In off the first tee under the watchful eye of a full field of members. Mark, with a solid strike into a cold northeast wind, edged Helen on distance — 200 yards to 191.
But the real winners were Andy’s Man Club and Berwick Stroke Club, the Captains’ designated charities. They will be the beneficiaries of the sweeps pot (net of £20 to the winner), the start of the year’s fundraising through a Masters Sweepstakes this week, a raffle on the Wednesday of The Open Championship week in July and other opportunities.
After the opening ceremony, the members made their way to their respective tees for a shotgun start to a pairs better ball net Stableford competition. Cold temperatures, a biting breeze and an off-and-on drizzle made for tough going. But Gary Campbell and Adam Fawcus rose to the occasion, leading the way with a fabulous better ball score of 45 points. And the Captains’ team won the traditional Captains v Vice Captains match by one point.
After the golf, the participants were treated to a hearty meal of lasagne served in the packed clubhouse lounge.
It was a great day for the club and the start to what promises to be a memorable season at Goswick Links.
Well played all!
