THERE was a good turnout to witness the annual new captain’s drive-in at Theale Golf Club recently.

This year’s captain, Keith Dawson, has a long although broken history with the game.

He started to play in Hertfordshire at the age of eight and played in many junior tournaments, however, he later gave up the game for 10 years before being lured back.

Four years ago he joined Theale, becoming vice-captain last year in which he also won the club championship, playing off a handicap of five.

Dawson’s drive-in was somewhat short of what most expected in the traditional sweepstake to guess its length, but John Brookes’ pessimistic estimate was the nearest to Keith’s 215 yards.

More than 50 members took part in the stableford competition which followed.

There were some excellent scores, with a closely-contested result, the winner having to be decided on countback.

Both Paul Ellis (14hcp) and Kieran Lamb (13hcp) recorded a score of 40 points, but first place went to the former.

One behind with 39 points was an excellent result for 26 handicapper Nick Hallet, who took third spot.

  • TWELVE pars and two birdies in a round of nett 73 was enough for Dave Williams to clinch the top prize in Division One of the Weekend Medal and Lombard Trophy Qualifier at Caversham Heath on Saturday.

Williams (3hcp) held off the challenge of Mark Banham (9hcp) to win on count-back. Third was Phil Booth (10hcp) with nett 74.

Three of the top five in Division Two all received a one shot cut in handicap, with winner David Cuthbertson receiving a two-shot cut.

Cuthbertson (13hcp) scored nett 68 with eight pars and two birdies.

Nick Ford (12hcp) shot nett 71, including 10 pars – four of them to end his round. Adam Bradley (12hcp) held off the challenge of Barry Reynolds (13hcp) and Duncan MacDonald (18hcp), all of whom received a one-shot cut in handicap, to gain third spot, all with nett 72.

Division Three winner was Adam Baker (24hcp) with nett 71, despite finishing with an eight.

He also received a one-shot cut in handicap. Runner-up was Andy Ward (25hcp) with 76, including three scores worse than double bogey.

Andy Lambourne (20hcp) was third on count-back from Daniel Dover (22 hcp), both with nett 77.

Twos were recorded by Alex Easter and Duncan MacDonald, both on the 8th hole.

  • SONNING Veterans drew their match with Newbury & Crookham 3-3.

There were wins for the pairs of Steve Cook and Alan Tubb, Duncan Forbes and John Cornish, and John Allen and Danny Mclaughlin, while the duos of Derry Lewis and David Eversham, Chris Mills and Nick Pflaeger, and Mike Burlow and Milan Webb were beaten.

  • FOUR Berkshire golf clubs are backing the nationwide Girls Golf Rocks campaign to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport.

The Goring & Streatley, Mill Ride, Sand Martins and Reading clubs will be hosting free taster sessions this weekend.

They will be open to girls aged five to l8 years and no previous experience is necessary. All equipment is provided, but those attending are requested to wear comfy clothes and trainers.

Goring & Streatley and Mill Ride host their sessions on Saturday from 2pm to 4pm. To book a place or for further details send an email to Matthew Woods at proshop@goringgolf.co.uk (01491 87322) or to terrywild1@hotmail.com for Ascot’s Mill Ride (07824 703539).

Sand Martins in Wokingham also stage their event on Saturday, starting at 1pm and symon.okeeffe@sky.com (07779 891378) can give further details.

The two-hour taster session at the Reading course in Emmer Green is on Sunday, starting at 2pm. For more details send an email to Joe Templer at proshop@readinggolfclub.com (01189 476115).

Booking a place at any course can also be made via girlsgolfrocks.org