SKIPTON Golf Club’s Men’s and Ladies’ Captains, Bob Jarman and Lorraine Raeburn, have swung into action with the annual 'drive-in' to mark the traditional tee-off to the new 2023 season, staged as part of an extremely well-supported mixed competition day on Saturday. (April 1)

With the club in fine heart both on and off the course, both Captains say they are looking forward to a highly successful season.

Jarman commented: “I hope to bring the various sections of the Club together more often and promote the social side of golf as much as we can. I think the opening day’s turnout of over 140 golfers was fantastic and hopefully signifies the start of a superb year of golf for all at Skipton Golf Club.”

Raeburn said: “Wherever possible I am keen to encourage new children members to attend our junior coaching sessions - two of my own grandchildren are already involved. We also have beginners coaching and academy membership leading into full membership, while new lady members will be assigned an individual mentor from our ladies committee to integrate them into our section and assist them in obtaining their handicap.”

Both captains will be staging a series of fund-raising events throughout their year in office in aid of their joint charity, Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope. These include a standalone charity golf day on Saturday, April 22, further fund-raisers at Open Events and selling season tickets for the Captains’ Charity Bunker and Stream – two hazards for which a nominal fine is normally paid. Lorraine is also planning a coffee morning in May at a home venue to further boost the kitty, while Bob will continue to auction off his Captain’s car parking space when not on course.

In the competition, a four-person team event with a shotgun start, the winning team with a tally of 104 points comprised I Bell, D Ives, R Bradley and D Walton, while finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively, both with 102 points, the former with the best back 9, were A Nicholson, J Barker, L Guilfoyle and J Parker, and A Blakeley, C Hainsworth, I Sewell and C McGuinness.

The best ladies team was made up of J Robinson, H Gatenby, K Place and A Walker. The best gross score of 68, 3 under par, fell to West Craven’s Gavin Stocker, who also recorded the longest drive, with Dave Daggett winning the prize for the straightest drive and Darran Carlos finishing nearest the pin.

Full details of all on and off-course event and activities, including membership opportunities, are at www.skiptongolfclub.co.uk