GEOFF Sable is looking forward to the coming year as captain of the Manchester and District Golf Captains with plenty of exciting events to look forward to.

He said: “My golfing career began in 1990 when I joined Whitefield Golf Club having completed the London Marathon two weeks previously.

“After initial difficulties I managed to achieve a handicap of 12 which I maintained for 10 years – but as I have got older the more I realise how good I used to be with my current handicap now being 20.

“In 2000 I became the Millennium captain of Whitefield, accompanied by my wife Lynda as lady captain and in 2008 I was given the honour of becoming president of the North West Manchester Golf Association (NWMGA).

“In 2003 we moved to south Manchester and joined Dunham Forest GC, a sister club to Whitefield where I hold fond memories and still maintain many friendships.

“I am looking forward to my year as captain of Manchester Captains especially my Captain’s Day at Dunham Forest, the Invitation Day at Whitefield and our two-day event in the North East against the Northumberland Captains.

“My role will also give me the opportunity of playing with and meeting new members and becoming a member of the Manchester Captains has certainly added to my enjoyment of golf where the camaraderie is second to none.”

Joining Sable in the top office is David Besant Roberts of Chorlton-cum-Hardy who has become the new president, taking over from Alan Preston of Cheadle.

Tony Gregory from Heaton Moor was appointed as the new vice captain.

Daniel Stone, from Manchester GC, was re-appointed as treasurer and John Campbell, from Bramall Park, was re-appointed as secretary.

Ian Hales, from Chorlton, was re-elected to the executive for a further three years

A warm welcome was extended to Dave Sweeney, from Dunscar, and Stephen Williams, from Bramall Park, who were elected to the executive for a period of three years.

A good field of 68 players took part in the traditional opening day of the Manchester Captains season at Reddish Vale Golf Club as they played for the Founders Trophy.

Vale were great hosts, providing a fine course with dry and sunny weather backed by a cool breeze.

Making the most of the conditions were winning pair Fred Finley (Didsbury) and Dave Southern (Withington) who, on a very testing course, scored a magnificent haul of 42 points to take the top prize in the Founders’ Day competition.

They kept up the momentum of the Mersey clubs after the introductory day at Knutsford was dominated by the new captains from Sale, Chorlton and Withington.

Using local knowledge were the runners-up Trevor Bate and Mike Oates, both from Reddish Vale, after a card play-off on 40 points with David Boyle and Geoff Sellors from Chorlton cum Hardy GC.

The day was also the traditional start of the reign of the new officials of the Association with Sable taking over from Brian Ashfield of Chapel en le Frith GC.