We have just had a busy weekend at the Club, starting on Friday night with the yearly Men's Club Supper. A chance for the Club to celebrate the year of our Men's Captain, who had the pleasure of inviting other captains form the local clubs, to join him on the top table. The night was well attended and the speeches and stories that were told on the night were met with laughter as well as sympathy! With the supper over and done with and the head feeling fuzzy, it was time for Captain and Pro against the incoming Captain, Tony Filbin and President, David Barrows. This fixture always precedes the Club's AGM, and always tends to be a relaxed game, with this year being no different. Upon reaching the 9th hole, the President had arranged for champagne and pasties to be served and they were well received by all playing. The match result will read that the Captain and Pro ended their year together on a win, but the day was all about four gents that had spent a lot of time together over the last year, enjoying one last game together, thanks for the company chaps.

With the formalities of the AGM all put to bed the night before, the final event of the weekend was the Garrett Cup and Captain's drive in. We had a full field of almost 90 men play in the morning, in pretty good scoring conditions for this time of year. The field was boosted by three of our lower handicap juniors entering the competition for experience and handicap purposes, they were well looked after by the members they played with, and it will be good to see more of them as the year goes on.

The winner of Sunday's competition was Malcolm Field with an impressive 65, he won on count back from Martin Cooper, who shot a gross 70 for another nett 65. We also presented the Winners of the coveted Men's Winter League Trophy which was emphatically won by Andy Halsey and Martin Cooper. As you can see Martin kept the up the age old tradition of 'filling up' the trophy.

The attention of the day then turned to the incoming Captains performing their drive in and for those of you who aren't aware of the tradition, the out-going Captain putts out on the 18th green and then the incoming Captain drives his ball back up the 18th fairway to make it official.

So traditionally we start with the Junior Captain, so up stepped Luca Musacchio or 'Big Luca' as he now maybe known, a couple of practice swings and BOOM off it went! A huge drive that actually ran out of fairway. (Check out the video below of Luca). 

Our Ladies Captain, Diana Balsdon was up next, this being Diana's second term in office, meant that she had faced this pressure before, and it showed, as she delivered a huge drive that came up just short of the 150 marker!

So up stepped Tony with the eyes of the Club on him, a couple of practice swings and clattered one up the fairway well over 200yds. Three great drives and all in all a great weekend and a great start to the new Captains years.

One final mention was to Steve Parsons who won the Pro shop prize draw, his lucky number was pulled out by the new Lady Captain and Steve is booked in this Saturday for a brand new set of Yonex Z-Force irons.

Not that it has got anything to do with me turning forty and having to proove that there's still life in the old dog, but I've decided to run the Brighton Marathon again and would really appreciate your support. This year I'm running for both the Men's and Ladies Captain's combined charities, The Rainbow Trust Children's Charity. Please click here for more information on the wonderful work they do.

Training has been going well, a couple of little injuries but all looking good for Sunday 12th April so if you would like to support me and more importantly the Charity, please either click here to visit my Virgin Giving Page or simply email me with you pledge. I would like to thank you in advance for your support and generosity.

The 'Big Masters Weekend Sale' is coming

Look out in the upcoming weeks as there will be plenty of bargains to get your hands on as we approach this season's Masters.

And one for the ladies, I have just taken delivery of a range of Ladies Spring/Summer collection from a new company called Tulchan. There are some nice bright pieces, so please come in to the Shop and have a look. Also please watch this space for a Callaway Ladies Clothing Show, I have just got to confirm the date and we will let you know the full details.

The Golf Simulator

The latest update on the Nearest the Pin at Hazeltine is young Jamie Debrou, he got in there and stuck it to 8'7'', a lovely shot but plenty of room inside it! I was having a go at it myself in the week and got as close to a hole in one as you could possibly get, click here to check out the video!

Junior Captain - Luca Musacchio

Here is a video of Luca Musacchio our Junior Captain who drove in at the weekend. For interest sake the spec for his driver were as follows; Big Bertha 10.5º, Stiff flex (-1º Loft, Draw setting) with 2 layers of tape and an MCC grip.

If you'd like to be fitted for the latest Callaway drivers please click here and we can custom fit you in our swing studio and on course to ensure you get the best club for your game.