THE first black captain of a golf club in the borough hopes to use the appointment to help all underrepresented groups into the game.

Danny Miller, from Withington, became the captain of Altrincham Golf Club at the end of last month.

A member at the club on Stockport Road for more than 25 years, Danny started the sport to fill the summers between football seasons.

He told The Messenger it has been a difficult road to the top.

Messenger Newspapers: Danny Miller (Image: Amanda J Window).Danny Miller (Image: Amanda J Window).

Danny said: "It's not been a bed of roses. It's been a bit difficult. I took up the sport between football seasons as I wanted something to do during the summer and now it's taken over my life.

"I'm religious, me. I practise a lot, I work on my game a lot."

Now he is the captain, Danny hopes to use the appointment to help other black players into the sport.

The semi-retired cook has seen the club come a long way since he started, but he believes there is still a lot to be done.

Messenger Newspapers: Danny Miller (Image: Amanda J Window).Danny Miller (Image: Amanda J Window).

He said: "It's very important. It's like I'm laying down a milestone. We've got a few black lads playing, but at the start it was just me and James West."

The James West to whom Danny refers is the son of Roland West, or Roly, a Trinidadian who was one of the first black professional players in Britain.

Roly was the professional for Altrincham Golf Club for around 20 years up to the 1990s, and taught the pair all he knew.

Inspired by his teacher, Danny hopes to help not only other black players, but also women and youngsters with the game.

He said: "It's a selfish game, but I try to give tips and things to work on.

"I'm hoping to expand the club with some more members."

"We could do with more lady members and young members. The majority of our club are older ones."

For information on Altrincham Golf Club, go to altrinchamgolfclub.co.uk.