We are delighted to welcome Gary Stubbington to the Club as our new professional.
A total of 32 applications were received for the position from as far afield
as America and Spain. These were gradually whittled down to a final short
list of three, made up of Gary, Martin Platts, an assistant from Walton-onThames,
and Kevin Guy from Barnsley. Many will remember Kevin as senior assistant
to John Harris in the late 70's and early 80's, who is now a full club professional
with responsiblity for coaching Yorkshire's younger county sides. The final
decision was very close, with Gary emerging to claim what he has himself described
as "the best job in the business".
Joining us from Dunwood Manor, where he has been club professional for
five years, 29 year old Gary is current Hampshire PGA vice-captain to John
Hay of Waterlooville. An accomplished playing career saw him top the HPGA
order of merit in 1989 after narrowly being beaten into second place the previous
two years. Stroke-play championship victories in 1984 and 1988, a spell on
the European Tour and six course records at home and abroad (not to mention
innumerable Pro-Am victories) set Gary apart from the average club professional.
There is more to the resident pro's life than tournament play, however,
and Gary's proven desire to teach and serve the club completes the profile.
"Team Stubbington", formally joining us on 1st June, comprises Gary, wife
Tracey and 2 year old son, Ben. Kevin Jackson, familiar to us all, will complete
the team as he is to be retained in the pro's shop while he chases his handicap
down to PGA registration levels.
The Captain sends grateful thanks to the selection committee of Brian James and Peter Taylor for their considerable time and effort. Thanks also to the volunteers who have run the shop in the interim period between Pros. We should all join Bob in wishing Gary Stubbington the very best as he begins a, hopefully, long and successful association with our club.
Whilst we all welcome Gary Stubbington as our Club professional, it is
important to remember that his success depends on our support.
Gary is available for lessons (with a video facility), and the new-look
shop will stock everything you need at the best prices. Specific items will
be available to order on short delivery and club repairs of the highest standard
carried out quickly and efficiently.
So, before you waste time and money visiting the emporiums of "American Joe" or "Countrywide Golf Stores", have a chat with Gary and do yourself, your Club and your Pro a favour.
The selection and appointment of a head greenkeeper, required following
the resolution passed at the last AGM, is continuing apace. The selection
committee of The Captain, Bob Goble, Richard Shillitoe and Peter Taylor report
that finding applicants with the right credentials has been difficult, but
a final shortlist of three has been reached. These "finalists" have been asked
to produce an in-depth written appraisal of all their job at Corhampton would
involve, including the condition and treatment of the course, machinery, staffing
and budget requirements.
Final interviews have begun and the successful applicant will be announced in due course. Watch the notice board! The Captain again wishes to express his thanks to the selection committee and is looking forward to greeting another new face during a momentous year for Corhampton Golf Club.
With the course in the best condition it has been for a long time 46 teams
set off to "tear it apart" on Sunday 19th May.
A total of 8 teams from outside the Club, a host of new and five-day members,
and many members' guests, gave the day the air of a new membership celebration.
Our new professional, Gary Stubbington, put in a guest appearance before his
official start date and was clearly pleased by the welcome he received on
the day.
An excellent meal and a loud evening in the clubhouse rounded out the day
with honours going to the team of Harry Irons, Colin Riley, Alan Downton and
Andy Riddle. Some say that to score 125 stableford points (best 3 from 4)
they must have played the new holes as well!
1st. H. Irons, C. Riley, A. Downton, A. Riddle. 125.
2nd. T. Nicholas, P. Reeves, R. Buley, G. Pratt. 123.
3rd. W. Pinhorn, M. Pinhorn, J. Groombridge, G. Wood. 118.