NORFOLK County Golf Union’s new president has identified growing the sport in primary schools as a key objective for his year in office.
Bob Carrick, who succeeds Steve Locke in the 12-month role, plans to work with the Golf Foundation whose ‘Unleash Your Drive’ initiative can be delivered via a six-week programme to children.
Carrick said: “I am very honoured to be elected as President of the Norfolk County Golf Union for the ensuing year and would like to thank Steve for a successful year in office.
“I have two principal aims, the first of which is to visit all 31 golf clubs in Norfolk to discuss any issues they may have regarding the sport in the county.
“My second ambition is for the NCGU to actively participate in the Golf Foundation’s initiative ‘Unleash Your Drive’, which is designed to introduce golf to both boys and girls in primary schools.
“Encouraging wider participation in the sport is one of the NCGU’s principal objectives and I believe this initiative is a very good way of achieving this aim.”
Locke, NCGU’s latest past-president, said: “Traveling between Holme Hall on the banks of the Humber, to Farleigh – south of the Thames – I have seen all aspects of Norfolk golf.
“Hard work needs to be applied in building, developing and growing our Junior numbers and skill sets into more competitive individuals and robust teams. We have the coaches, managers and enthusiasm in place to achieve. Now, positive, winning results must be next.
“Clearly, Norfolk is a great place to retire, as shown through our Seniors’ continued individual and team performances.”
Carrick’s appointment took place at Royal Norwich Golf Club as part of the county golf union’s annual general meeting.
Chris White and Andrew Gooch were elected onto the board of directors. White – the general manager of Hunstanton Golf Club – will also take over from Simon Clark as first-team county captain when the Anglian League gets underway at the start of May.
Gooch, a member at Bawburgh Golf Club, is a former secretary of the Norfolk Branch of the Golf Club Managers Association.
Norfolk County Golf Union secretary Peter Johns said: “We are very pleased to welcome Chris and Andrew onto the board. They bring experience and expertise that will be invaluable to the county.
“I would also like to thank outgoing directors Chris Taylor, Doug Gilchrist and Graham Turner for their dedication and input over recent years. All three served as president and have contributed significantly to the NCGU.”
Also at the AGM, Terry Norman’s extensive involvement in county golf over decades was recognised when he was presented with the Roger Trower Award.